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Say goodbye to heat damage and hello to strong, healthy hair.

A person spraying the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray on their hair

Credit:Southern Living

We evaluated the products on ease of app, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent.

The oil-free product absorbed fully in under two minutes, and it left our hair feeling stronger and firmer.

This product also passed both of our efficacy tests with flying colors.

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

Credit: Amazon

In addition to heat styling protection, we also love that this spray provides UV protection.

When testing the software, we noticed the spray has nice pressure and applies directly to your targeted area.

We applied the spray directly on the hair, and it didnt leave a sticky residue.

A person sprays Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray onto their hair

Credit: Southern Living / Jessica Juliao

Overall, this spray is a fantastic choice for all hair types.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Plant extracts |Size:8 oz.

The spray bottle allows for even system, and the product easily distributes through the hair.

A person blow dries their hair after applying Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

We also love that our hair didnt feel sticky or tacky after styling.

For people with fine hair, we recommend spraying this product from mid-lengths to ends to avoid greasy roots.

Hair Types:Fine to thick |Key Ingredients:Peach oil, rosehip oil, squalane |Size:6.5 oz.

A person flat irons their hair after applying Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

During testing, we noticed our hair felt significantly smoother and shinier after heat styling.

This product is easy to distribute thanks to the pump bottle and lightweight formula.

In fact, its so lightweight that it hardly felt like we had any product in our hair.

A person holds up a bottle of Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

It quickly absorbed in about a minute and did not leave a sticky residue.

One key ingredient includes beeswax, which Hatcher says creates memory and helps hold styling all day.

This feature is particularly beneficial forthose with frizzy hair.

A person after using Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

We were seriously impressed by its effectiveness during our efficacy tests.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Beeswax |Size:5 oz.

|Heat Protection:Up to 450F

Best for Dry Hair

Olaplex No.

A person sprays Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray onto their hair

The Olaplex N.9 Bond Protector is meant to repair extremely dry and damaged hair.

During our testing, we noticed significantly less breakage after styling than we usually do with non-protected hair.

The thin liquid consistency is easy to distribute and allows the product to absorb quickly into the hair.

A person blow dries their hair after applying Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

However, our hands and hair felt slightly sticky after the serum was applied.

After heat styling with a flat iron, our hair felt smooth and our dry ends felt revived.

Just like other Olaplex products, this serum has the brands signature scent.

A person flat irons their hair after applying Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

This gives us peace of mind in knowing that our hair will be fully protected while styling.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Red algae extract |Size:3 oz.

Though curly hair needs extra moisture, it can be easily weighed down by heavy products.

A person holds up a bottle of Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

On the other hand, though, it didnt absorb very quickly.

Before we blow-dried our hair, it felt slightly oily, but this went away after styling.

Hair Types:Textured hair types 48 |Key Ingredients:Rose water |Size:8.5 oz.

A person after using Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

This rich cream isn’t sticky and absorbs well without leaving product buildup.

Just note that we didnt notice any bounce or added softness to our hair after use.

Simply spray at the top and distribute the product by brushing to the ends.

Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

Credit: Verb

Our hair felt softer after tool, but we didnt notice any added bounce after styling.

Overall, we found it to be more hydrating than sticky, and there was minimal transfer.

Keep in mind that Olapex recommends blow drying your hair 75% of the way before using this product.

A person uncapping the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection bottle

Credit: Southern Living / Jessica Juliao

But on the plus side, this product did pass both of our efficacy tests.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Jackfruit polysaccharides, bamboo extract lipopeptides, pea peptides |Size:5 oz.

The product comes out of the pump nicely and can be easily distributed with your hands.

A person spraying Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection onto their hair

It did, however, dry nicely once it was in our hair and left little to no residue.

Leave-in conditioners can make hair feel heavy, but our thick hair felt soft and light after use.

The end results felt similar to how your hair feels after leaving the salon.

A person using a round brush and a blowdryer after spraying the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Silk, vitamin E |Size:6 oz.

We were impressed by the dpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Sprays lightweight formula and easy app.

The bottle is comfortable to hold and sprays evenly, and the product is easily distributed through hair.

A close-up of a person styling their hair after using the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

It has one of the quickest dry-times on our list, as it is absorbed almost immediately.

There is no film or residue left behind, and there is no product transfer.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:UV absorber, velvet feel emollient |Size:5 oz.

A person facing to the side after styling their hair with the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

Similarly, we noticed very little steam while styling with hot tools, and no sizzling or hissing.

It took about two minutes to fully absorb, but there was no noticeable film or residue left behind.

There was some product transfer, but not more than youd expect from a cream product.

A person uncapping the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection bottle

It didnt leave any residue, but we recommend sectioning off your hair to ensure an even tool.

We also love this pick because it did not cause heaviness or greasiness.

Hair Types:All |Key Ingredients:Pro-Keratine Complex, ceramides, resurrection plant sap |Size:5.1 oz.

A person spraying Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection onto their hair

During lab testing, we started with clean, dry hair with no product.

We dampened our hair using a spray bottle or left it dry depending on the products intended use.

We used the provided hair dryer, diffuser, and/or round brushes and fully dried our entire head.

A person using a round brush and a blowdryer after spraying the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

We compared the heat protectant side to the side without heat protectant throughout the drying and styling process.

For creams/oils/serums, we took a piece of bread and spread a layer of the product across one side.

For sprays, we took a piece of receipt paper and applied the product.

A close-up of a person styling their hair after using the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

Selecting the right product for your hair throw in will ensure youre protecting your hair without weighing it down.

For long and strong hair, she recommends amino acids like taurine and creatine.

software Method

Common software types include spray, cream, oil, and mousse.

A person facing to the side after styling their hair with the Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

A spray is a quick way to apply [heat protectant] before detangling the hair, Hatcher says.

For curly hair, Hatcher loves mousse because it can be scrunched in and leaves a weightless finish.

She recommends oil products for day two hair to add shine and leave hair looking healthy and fresh.

Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

Credit: Sephora

It absorbed quickly, and we noticed the side with the product appeared smoother and shinier.

However, this product did not pass the receipt efficacy test.

The paper turned dark after a quick pass with the flat iron, giving it almost a burnt look.

A person’s hair before and after using Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

Credit: Southern Living

Questions and Answers

Is heat protectant spray or cream better?

Both heat protectant spray and cream are great options.

Is heat protectant spray worth buying?

A person squeezes Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream into their palm

Hatcher says anyone who blow-dries or heat styles their hair will benefit from heat protectant spray.

Should you use heat protectant spray every day?

If heat is involved, heat protectant should be involved, too!

A person applies Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream to their hair

So always double-check to reapply.

We evaluated them on ease of tool, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent.

Morton spent several hours sifting through the results of our testing and researching products that made the cut.

A person blow dies their hair after applying Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person heat irons hair after using Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person holds up a bottle of Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person’s hair before and after using Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person squeezes Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream into their palm

A person applies Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream to their hair

A person blow dies their hair after applying Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person heat irons hair after using Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

A person holds up a bottle of Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Credit: Olaplex

The back of a person’s head before and after using the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Credit: Southern Living

A person adding Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to their palm

A person applying Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to their hair

A person wetting their hair to test the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

A person styling their hair after using the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

The back of a person’s head before and after using the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

A person adding Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to their palm

A person applying Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to their hair

A person wetting their hair to test the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

A person styling their hair after using the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

Credit: Sephora

A person’s hair before and after using Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

Credit: Southern Living

A person sprays Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray onto their hair

A person holds up a bottle of Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person blow dries their hair after applying Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person flat irons their hair after applying Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person’s hair before and after using Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person sprays Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray onto their hair

A person holds up a bottle of Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person blow dries their hair after applying Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

A person flat irons their hair after applying Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Heat Protectant Crème

Credit: Amazon

A person before and after applying Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

Credit: Southern Living

A person holds up a bottle of Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

A person blow dries their hair after applying Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

A person applies Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème to their hair

A person places Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème onto their fingers

A person before and after applying Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

A person holds up a bottle of Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

A person blow dries their hair after applying Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

A person applies Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème to their hair

A person places Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème onto their fingers

Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Credit: Olaplex

A person’s hair before and after using Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Credit: Southern Living

A person holds up a bottle of Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person blow dries their hair after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person uses a round brush after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist to their hair

A person flat irons their hair after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person’s hair before and after using Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person holds up a bottle of Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person blow dries their hair after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

A person uses a round brush after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist to their hair

A person flat irons their hair after applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

CHI Total Protect

Credit: Ulta

A person before and after using the Chi Total Protect on their hair

Credit: Southern Living

A person dispensing Chi Total Protect into their hand

A person applying Chi Total Protect into their hair

A person blowdrying their hair after applying the Chi Total Protect

A person using a flat iron after applying the Chi Total Protect

A person before and after using the Chi Total Protect on their hair

A person dispensing Chi Total Protect into their hand

A person applying Chi Total Protect into their hair

A person blowdrying their hair after applying the Chi Total Protect

A person using a flat iron after applying the Chi Total Protect

dpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

Credit: Ulta

A person sprays dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray on their hair

Credit: Southern Living / Jessica Juliao

A person flat irons their hair after using the dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

A person uses a flat iron on their hair after using dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

A person rubs dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray into their hair

A person’s hair after applying dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

A person sprays dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray on their hair

A person flat irons their hair after using the dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

A person uses a flat iron on their hair after using dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

A person rubs dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray into their hair

A person’s hair after applying dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

Credit: Amazon

A person before and after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

Credit: Southern Living

A person removes the cap on a bottle of Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person pumps Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield into their hand

A person applies Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield to their hair

A person brushes their hair after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person flat irons their hair after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person before and after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person removes the cap on a bottle of Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person pumps Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield into their hand

A person applies Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield to their hair

A person brushes their hair after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

A person flat irons their hair after applying Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield

Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer

Credit: Kerastase

The back of a person’s head before and after using the Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

Credit: Southern Living

A person dispensing Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream into their hand

A person placing Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream onto their hair

A person styling their hair after applying Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

A close-up of a person blowdrying their hair with a brush after applying Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

The back of a person’s head before and after using the Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

A person dispensing Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream into their hand

A person placing Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream onto their hair

A person styling their hair after applying Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

A close-up of a person blowdrying their hair with a brush after applying Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

A person styling their hair with a blowdryer after Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protecting Cream application

Credit:Southern Living

A person sprays Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant onto their hair

Credit:Southern Living