Heat styling of hair is pretty standard these days. Most of us are game for styling trends like blow-drying, straightening, curling, perming, crimping, and other similar practices that use high temperatures. But do you know that heat styling can damage your beautiful locks to a considerable extent? Are you taking enough care of your hair while applying heat to it? A thermal protectant, especially a heat protection hair spray, is indispensable if you love heat styling. Otherwise, the damage to your hair can turn out to be permanent. We have compiled a list of India’s ten best heat protection hair sprays to make your heat styling practices smooth and worry-free. Keep reading.
How Does Heat Styling Damage Your Hair?
It may be more accessible than ever to use hair styling tools at home, but the convenience comes with its share of risks. When it comes to blow-drying, flat-iron straightening, or hot curling the hair, we expose the strands directly to very high temperatures without preparing them with proper protective layers. This imposes extreme thermal stress upon them, which often leads to severe damage in the cuticle layer (cracked, chipped, or rugged), cortex (bubbles or voids), frayed ends, split ends, faded hair color, diminished curl, dryness, frizz, and even breakage. As the temperature of the styling tools crosses 100°C and reaches 200°C or more, the hair starts getting damaged by the following mechanisms: (1)
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1. Evaporation Of Water
Two types of water molecules are in our hair cortex: one that binds to keratin proteins and the other that remains free. Both provide critical support to the hair structure and contribute to its properties. However, heat application causes these water molecules to evaporate and dehydrate the hair. This alters the internal protein structure and the mechanical properties of hair, leading to changed curl patterns, less tactile feels, and straw-like texture. As a result, the hair becomes frizzy and brittle.
2. Rapid Water Loss
Suppose styling tools create intense conditions by inducing highly high temperatures. In that case, the water molecules within the interiors of individual hair shafts start to ‘boil’ rapidly and ‘flash’ off from their actual positions, creating bubble-like voids in the hair structure. This causes ruptures in the cuticles, allowing further moisture loss, and forms gaping spots in the hair strands, which result in breakage and split ends over time.
3. Destruction Of Protein
The cuticle and cortex of hair are made of keratin protein, which experiences thermal degradation from heat styling tools. High temperatures induced by these tools can soften the keratin and disrupt its three-dimensional structure, which brings conformational changes to hair protein. Consequently, the hair’s elasticity, strength, texture, and curl are affected.
4. Oxidation Of Pigments
It has also been found that extremely high temperatures of styling tools cause oxidation of the pigment particles in hair strands. Both natural (melanin) and artificial pigments (incorporated in hair structure via hair coloring) can turn lighter and fade away gradually. This is usually very prominent in red, auburn, and brunette hair.
Why Use A Heat Protection Hair Spray?
If heat styling is the only option, you can rely on a heat protectant in the market. They are primarily available in hair sprays, which can be applied to the hair easily in just a couple of seconds. Repeated applications of thermal protectant hair sprays can reduce heat damage (tryptophan damage, structural damage, and chemical damage) induced by styling tools. They come with humectants like panthenol, propylene glycol, and phytantriol, which retain water in hair strands, while polymers, silicones, and botanical oils seal it inside the cortex. These sprays also contain compounds with low thermal conductivity, such as silicones and copolymers of acrylates that reduce the heat flow to the hair strands by working as insulators. Thus, the hair can also be protected from cuticle damage, crack formation, void formation, etc. However, dry hair sprays are more effective in preventing and repairing the detrimental effects of heat on hair, while wet ones still need improvement to offer optimal results.
Heat protection sprays are also available in the forms of oils, creams, or serums. Oils and serums are suitable for fine hair while cream formulae work great for thick hair.
10 Best Heat Protection Hair Sprays In India
1. TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave-In-Spray
The best thing about this Heat Tamer Leave-In-Spray from the ‘Thermal Creations’ range by TRESemme is its specifically designed professional formula that provides heat protection up to 450 degrees F. It is designed with an advanced Thermal Recovery System that is perfect for minimizing the adverse effects of heat styling and preventing further damage caused by it. The lightweight mist is rich in moisture-locking vitamin complex that hydrates and conditions hair fibers to give you soft, shiny, salon-like, vibrant tresses at home. It can also guard your hair against friction to tame frizz with gentle care while enhancing the overall flexibility of your hair to a great extent. You will also fall in love with the refreshing aroma of the hair spray.
Price: Rs. 2494 for 236 ml.
2. Schwarzkopf Gliss Total Repair Heat-Protection-Spray
If you want to take the utmost care of your hair during heat styling and protect it from severe damage, this Schwarzkopf Gliss Total Repair Heat-Protection-Spray is the right choice. Its unique heat protection formula protects from up to 220 degrees C while providing adequate moisture to the hair strands without making them limp. Free from hazardous materials, the product ‘cares and protects’ all hair types with ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrolyzed silk, and hydrolyzed keratin. Regular spray application will repair your existing hair damage, prevent future damage, and give you long-lasting, beautiful hair. It also offers smoothness, natural shine, and anti-frizz effect for up to 3 days.
Price: Rs. 595 for 200 ml.
3. L’Oréal Paris Studio Pro Heat It Hot & Big Heat Spray
The Heat It Hot & Big Heat Protect Spray from the Studio/Pro range by L’Oreal Paris is another excellent addition. Its exclusive heat protection technology protects all hair types from heat up to 230 degrees C. However, it suits fine hair or hair prone to flyaways the best. Being a ‘root boosting amplifying spray’ with a ground-breaking ‘thermo-straightening’ formula, it can create smooth, polished, and bouncy hair that is satiny, soft to the touch, and long-lasting enough. It also helps give the hair a frizz-free and voluminous look that can be maintained for as long as three days.
Price: Rs. 950 for 200 ml.
4. WELLA Professionals EIMI Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray
WELLA Professionals turns out to be a fantastic choice when it comes to heat-protecting hair in an affordable way. This EIMI Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray is a two-phase formula designed to protect the hair from heat damage while leaving it smooth with excellent natural hold. In Phase 1, it nourishes tresses and shields them from heat up to 220 degrees C; in Phase 2, it conditions and smoothens them for a healthy and glossy effect. You can’t help but love this hair spray if you are into heat styling very much.
Price: Rs. 670 for 150 ml.
5. Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist
Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist is the ultimate protection for the hair against the damage caused by heat applied to it. This super-fine and lightweight mist can shield the hair from heat up to 446 degrees F, ensuring a damage-free heat styling session every time. Being rich in castor oil and glycerin, it has incredible effects on dry and damaged hair. It can condition hair intensively to make it softer, smoother, and healthier. It also prevents breakage, which is very common in the case of heat styling. Apply it before styling and between appliances to get a soft, smooth, and shiny finish.
Price: Rs. 599 for 150 ml.
6. Osmo Thermal Defense Heat Protector
If you cannot do heat styling, this Thermal Defense Heat Protector by the leading UK collection of professional hair care and styling products ‘Osmo,’ is a must-have for you. Formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein, this spray not only defends your hair against heat styling abuse but also protects it against the harsh effects of the environment. It deeply nourishes every strand of hair and seals moisture to create a smooth and shiny finish. The product is suitable for all types of hair.
Price: Rs. 880 for 250 ml.
7. Berina Hair Heat Protector
Berina Hair Heat Protector can give your heat-treated hair a new life by repairing its damage and shielding it from future distress. It is a weightless product that provides protection and nourishment to the hair without leaving a sticky, oily, or greasy residue behind. Infused with pro-vitamin B5, this thermal protectant features two systems of milky spray. It conditions the hair thoroughly for a beautiful look, which easily suits all types of hair.
Price: Rs. 650 for 100 ml.
8. Sebastian Professional Trilliant Protection & Shine Hair Spray
Sebastian Professional Trilliant Protection & Shine Hair Spray is an ingenious product designed to protect the hair from the negative impacts of heat styling tools. Besides thermal protection, it nourishes and smoothens the hair, while the rock crystal extract adds a brilliant shine. The spray features a multifaceted ‘Trilliant’ complex, activated upon shaking to create ‘shimmer, shine, and stun.’ It conditions the hair and makes it look stunning with a lightweight body, sparkling shine, and silky finish.
Price: Rs. 2050 for 150 ml.
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9. L’Occitane Heat-Protective Control Mist
L’Occitane Heat-Protective Control Mist is ideal for protecting and controlling dry and hard-to-manage hair ruined by repetitive heat styling. It has a heat-shield active ingredient for keeping the hair nice and healthy even after applying heat up to 230 degrees C. The lightweight and silicone-free formula is also made with five essential oils and moisturizing jojoba oil, which offer the highest benefits in moisturizing, nourishing, and smoothening the hair. It also neutralizes frizz and controls your hair without weighing it down.
Price: Rs. 2100 for 125 ml.
10. Ktein Natural Hair Heat Protection Spray
Ktein Natural Hair Heat Protection Spray is a natural heat thermal protectant that works best for daily use for pre-styling protection and post-styling setting. The lightweight serum formula is packed with all-natural ingredients like rice water, flaxseed, grapeseed, aloe vera, and green tea that help protect the hair from the damage caused by heat-styling tools. Being rich in hair-friendly vitamins and minerals, it thoroughly nourishes and moisturizes each hair strand. Frequent product use will give you healthy, strong, glossy hair with improved elasticity, enhanced growth, and reduced frizz. Bonus? It is a 100% vegan and cruelty-free product with no alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals.
Price: Rs. 350 for 100 ml.
How To Apply Heat Protection Hair Sprays?
Now, here are our experts’ tips that will help you get the most out of your thermal protectant application:
- Always apply a heat protection hair spray before using any heat styling appliances on your hair; applying it after the process does not work.
- Shake the bottle of hair spray very well before applying it.
- Hold the spray bottle at the length of your arm and spritz it all over your locks generously and evenly.
- Make sure that you cover the lower layers equally by flipping your tresses.
- Do not forget to wash the spray build-up off your hair in a couple of days.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Heat Protection Spray Good For Hair?
Yes, heat protection sprays are handy for hair, especially if it is exposed to high heat induced by heat styling tools. Choosing thermal protectants with natural ingredients is even better, ensuring your hair stays healthy and improves with each use.
Is Coconut Oil A Good Heat Protectant For Hair?
Coconut oil is one of the best natural heat protectants for hair. It shields the hair from the damage caused by heat styling appliances and nourishes it deeply for its overall improvement.
Do You Put Heat Protectant On Wet Or Dry Hair?
It depends on the heat protectant you select for your hair. Some products can be used on wet or dry hair, and others can be used on both. Please review the product’s label before purchasing it for the best results.
Does Leave-In Conditioner Protect Hair From Heat?
When applied before heat styling, a leave-in conditioner can also function as a heat protectant for the hair. It provides an extra layer of protection against damage and locks most of your hair’s moisture to keep it healthy and beautiful.
