When hair is wet, it is in its weakest state.
According to Dr Tim Moore, PhD in Microelectronics from Cambridge University and Chief Technology Officer at ghd, our locks can bear up to 30 per cent of their own weight in water. He explains, “It all starts the moment you wet your hair. It changes the molecular structure of the strand straight away. When water is applied to hair, it is absorbed through the hard outer layer of the cuticle into the cortex, which then swells up. This means it’s instantly weakened.” And the longer it’s wet, the more damaging this can be.
For this reason, there has been a recent switch in opinion on whether air drying hair is in fact better for hair’s overall health - and experts are divided.
The impact of heated tools is well known. The likes of hair dryers, straighteners and curling tongs can change the shape of keratin strands, which leads to weaker hair, breakages and split ends, especially when used repeatedly - so what can you do? First, forget the literal irons we favoured in the 90s and switch your tools to the latest advances with the ability to change the temperature and use strand-safe ceramic.
Secondly, reduce thermal degradation by treating your locks with a heat protection spray, serum or cream. By applying these protective formulas, you can still use hot devices to transform your limp locks into a fresh-from-the-salon style without making your strands dull, dry and damaged.
What are the benefits of using heat protectant spray?
Legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE explains, “Heat-protecting mists protect the hair from drying out and becoming dull during the blow-dry process, whilst creating a soft, smooth natural finish and boosting shine”.
How to use heat-protectant hair spray?
“Before blow-drying or using heated styling tools such as straighteners or curling tongs, mist a heat protector such as Save the Do all over to create a protective shield”, the expert reveals. “Save The Do helps to smooth the cuticle and adds light styling hold to make your blow dry last longer”
Can you use heat protectant spray on dry hair?
McKnight says, “Yes, I love to use Modern Hairspray on the hair before styling, it gives hold, shine and protects hair up to 230°C”
These products are not 100 per cent effective and cannot entirely prevent all breakage but they do contain ingredients that slow down heat conduction, seal the cuticles and hydrate hair. This also has the effect of reducing frizz, smoothing out the cuticles and should leave your locks feeling smooth and soft.
Pay attention to the formula and ingredient line-up. Silicones (known as dimethicone and cyclomethicone) are often found in this style of products and this works to give hair that silky feel and lock in moisture. This can be beneficial for dry, curly and frizzy hair, but it can create a film over the hair that is heavy for thin or fine strands. Similarly, if you have fine hair, you may be better served with a spray rather than a serum as this could equally weigh down your hair. In all cases, apply onto damp hair before you use your tools and comb in to ensure even coverage.
So whether you’re looking for sleek straight style, to add volume to flat, fine hair, shape enviable beach waves or create coil curls, you can be content in the knowledge that you’re doing everything you can to protect your tresses.
Shop now
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Format: Serum
Size: 90ml
If you’re not yet familiar with Olaplex, prepare to transform your haircare regime. For the uninitiated and initiated alike, No.9 is the latest in the line-up that spans from a pre-wash bond builder and mask (in the form of No0 and No3), to shampoo and conditioner (No4 and No5) and post-wash serums and oils.
This heat protection serum is designed to shield your tresses up to temperatures of 232°C. It can be used on all hair types but will work best for dry and damaged locks to restore shine and add moisture. The antioxidant-rich formula brings nourishment and shields against damage - both thermal and pollution. The lightweight product should be applied to towel-dry hair and leaves your lengths feeling soft and smooth after.
Buy now £28.00, lookfantastic
Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protector
Format: Spray
Size: 150ml
The Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protector from haircare specialist Kérastase is considered a cult product by those in the know. Spray onto a wet lock to give your strands strength to face potential heat damage. The formula is made up of Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root and Aquaxyl that bring hydration and counteract frizz but, best of all, it offers anti-breakage protection that should minimise hair fall. It has a lovely aroma, feels beautiful when applied and shields against temperatures up to 230°C.
Buy now £30.40, Sephora
Davines MELU Thermal Hair Shield
Format: Spray
Size: 250ml
You may not immediately recognise Italian haircare label Davines but it’s a professional hairstylist’s best kept secret. With scientific backing, the brand uses only high-performing and natural ingredients. The MELU range in particular was created to fortify hair’s structure and be able to withstand stress from brushing and heat.
This heat protector spray is ideal for those with long, fragile or damaged hair with its antioxidant-rich rosemary extract that adds nourishment without weighing it down. Apply onto damp hair before drying and, once you do, you’ll run your fingers through smooth and shiny lengths.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
Format: Spray
Size: 225ml
When it comes to loading up on nourishing ingredients for your hair, Moroccanoil should be one of your first ports of call. While coating your locks in vitamin-rich argan oil and leaving behind the brand’s signature addictive aroma, it also protects against thermal damage of up to 230⁰C.
Unlike other oil-based products on the market, this spray is somehow weightless in its feel and so can be used on all hair types. Uniquely, you can use it on damp or dry hair so feel free to lather it on for any second-day styling touch-ups.
Buy now £27.85, lookfantastic
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's invisible oil heat/UV protective primer
Format: Spray
Size: 125ml
While improving the overall health and condition of your locks, this mist from Bumble and bumble helps shield locks from heat damage. It’s packed with six nourishing and protective oils that work hair magic but don’t feel greasy or heavy on application. It smooths hair, preps for styles, prevents further UV damage, tames flyaways and even defrizzes, while also detangling. It has little in the way of fragrance so acts as an invisible miracle worker (the clue is in the name) that you can slot into your routine with ease.
For a simple heat-protecting spray, the brand also has a Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist (£30).
Buy now £30.00, Boots
KMS Thermashape Quick Blow Dry
Format: Spray
Size: 200ml
To protect hair, this product from KMS works to reduce the time needed to style - by up to 50 per cent according to the brand. Through its formulation of Polyquaternium-11 and Methylal, it encourages better evaporation of water. At the same time, it supports healthy hair through the inclusion of AHA acids that fight against breakage and reduce friction.
Buy now £20.85, Sephora
ARKIVE The Prologue Hair Primer
Format: Spray
Size: 200ml
One of the newer labels on the haircare block, ARKIVE was founded by legendary hair stylist Adam Reed to offer nourishing and preventative treatments that won’t break the bank.
One of the high-performing products, The Prologue Hair Primer, works through heat activation that shields strands - and does so with a lovely smell and texture. Transporting you to a fresh meadow, it also makes hair feel silky smooth and more manageable to style.
Buy now £8.67, Boots
Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist
Format: Spray
Size: 100ml
Aveda is beloved for its use of natural ingredients without sacrificing efficacy - and the same is true for this mist. The 97 per cent naturally-derived formula offers thermal protection while also conditioning, taming, softening and defrizzing. The cocktail of plant oils like certified organic sunflower and jojoba adds shine and silkiness. It also feels very lightweight and doesn’t have a tacky feel.
Buy now £26.00, Sephora
Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray
Format: Spray
Size: 175ml
Transform the everyday occurrence of blow drying or styling your hair into a luxurious experience with the help of Oribe. The brand just feels so pampering and nourishing - and so it should with a price tag of this ilk.
The lightweight mist tames tresses, softens and strengthens with its winning combination of argan oil and ceramides. These ingredients work in tandem with a unique silicone complex that attracts to the keratin in your strands and forms a protective layer that repairs at the same time.
The super chic all-black bottle will also look attractive on your Instagram-worthy shelfie.
Buy now £65.00, Cult Beauty
Maria Nila - Cream Heat Spray
Format: Spray
Size: 150ml
Maria Nila may not be regularly available at your local drugstore but it’s certainly a brand to have on your radar. The Stockholm-born label is beloved by stylists the world over for its combination of high-powered and high-quality ingredients and sustainability credentials - it’s vegan and the packaging is climate-neutral.
This spray can be used by all hair types and textures. It has a creamy consistency that works to repair damage and split ends and prevent further thermal harm. It is beautifully scented with peach, apple and rose and is free from sulphates and parabens.
Buy now £22.00, Amazon
Shu Uemura The Art Of Styling Tsuki Shape - Heat Activated Blow Dry Spray
Format: Spray
Size: 190ml
You will have likely spotted Shu Uemura at your local salon as the brand is a top pick with the best hairdressers around. This formula has the unique ability to prime and tame locks through a heat-activated formula. Whether you are going for sleek straight locks or bouncy, wavy blowdry, it has a lightweight texture that encourages definition and volume.
Buy now £29.89, FeelUnique
Andrew Fitzsimons Purple Leave-In Spray & Heat Protectant
Format: Spray
Size: 150ml
Designed specifically for blonde locks, this leave-in spray from the Kardashians’ hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons will enhance the hue of dyed, natural or highlighted hair with violet pigments to remove that dreaded yellow or brassy look. It contains the brand’s signature Bonding Technology - a protein complex that strengthens hair at the hydrogen and ionic bond level to leave it looking and feeling healthier and softer.
Buy now £13.50, Boots
