For those of us who spend some time on styling our locks, you know how hair has a part to play in adding a little oomph, boosting our confidence and adding a little flair.
So your usual routine is to wash, dry and style. But did you forget something? You might think not but… yes you did, and it could be costing you in the long run.
Let’s dive right in: Exposure to heat-styling – curlers, straighteners or hair dryers – depletes your hair’s natural oils, breaks down and destroys its vital proteins like keratin (what your hair is made up of). Daily usage means that hair is in need of extra care and that is when heat protectants come into the picture.
Heat protectant products allow you to achieve picture-perfect hair without having to worry about split ends or breakage. Plus, what’s great about heat protectants is that they actually smooth out your hair texture, add shine and defrizz; all on top of keeping hair from getting fried by the heat. It’s crucial to follow the directions and amount of product to use as recommended on the packaging. Otherwise, you may not end up with the desired effect.
Read on for the best products to get your hands (or locks) on.
For: All hair types
Unlike its Leave In Conditioner, Ouai’s Memory Mist is popular for its ability to maintain your hairstyle without leaving a sticky or crunchy residue (bye bye hairspray!).
The priming mist’s memory polymer technology means less retouching, which means less restyling and less heat damage. Up till your next shampoo, your hair will look as curly or straight and sleek as it did on day 1.
It is also formulated with prickly pear extract – full of vitamin E to give your hair shine, repair damaged locks and protect it from the sun and heat (up to 230 degrees celsius).
Available at Sephora and here.
For: All hair types
Giving you dreamy hair, this mist protects your hair from the damage and breakage that is caused by heat styling tools. At the same time, the formula also conditions for a softer and smoother finish.
Available at Watsons and here.
For: All hair types
It banishes frizz and static for up to 72 hours, while leaving you with sleek and smooth locks.
This lightweight, non-greasy spray is formulated with deepsea antioxidants and the polymer blend, AquaLastiq, which is activated by heat and light to shield your hair from heat (up to 230 degrees celsius). The innovative Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex imparts strength and a luminous shine that leaves your hair Insta-ready.
Available here.
For: Thick or coarse hair
Star quality: Ability to dry your hair ASAP.
Most known for its ability to cut down your blow drying time, this product provides you with a smooth, easy-breeze blowout that’s as good as a salon finish.
It contains a heat-activated formula that smooths the cuticles, helps to dry your hair faster and protects it from future styling damage. While shielding your hair from heats up to 230 degrees celsius, it cuts your blowout time – which means there’s lesser exposure to heat and mechanical damage.
As if that isn’t enough, this Living Proof product contains the patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) to give you softer, shinier and more manageable hair.
Available at Sephora stores and here.
For: All hair types
Originally named the Smooth Spray, the Leave In Conditioner comes with a new and improved formula with ingredients like an amino acid blend, tamarind seed extract, vitamin E and hydrolyzed proteins.
What that means for us is that it’s even more moisturising and hydrating, on top of its enhanced thermal protection. If you have slightly dry or curly ends like I do, you’ll especially love this product because of how much it helps to detangle your hair.
After priming your hair with this, frizzy bits and flyaways will make way for silky, lustrous, and healthy-looking hair that will make even Rapunzel envious.
Available at Sephora stores and here.
For: Damaged, colour treated hair
Star quality: Repairs and revitalises coloured hair.
While the product protects your locks from heat, it gives it a breath of new life by boosting elasticity and deeply moisturising strands.
It’s loaded with vitamins A, C and E, which deliver antioxidant protection and protection against free radicals (which damage cells and speed up aging), as well as help to nourish and repair damaged hair. Of course, this comes alongside UV and heat protection (up to 230 degrees celsius), and prevents breakage.
Available here.
For: All hair types
Like its name suggests, the spray accelerates your hair drying process and it also helps to detangle your hair (gals with curly hair know the drama!).
Hask has infused this lightweight spray with hydrolyzed keratin, which reduces frizz and shields your hair from humidity. All in all, you’re getting the most out of your dollars, since it saves you time in the morning, protects from heat stress and leaves you with static-free smooth hair.
Available at Guardian and here.
For: All hair types
You know how some heat styling products can leave your locks looking dry and lifeless? Well it’s the complete opposite case with this spray. It restores your hair’s natural shine and prevents future damage thanks to ghd’s protective formula.
After a few light spritzes, every strand is left with a silky smooth finish that’ll last as long as your blowout. Thanks to the formulation, you can also use this product alongside other styling products.
Available here.