Looking for the best heat protectant spray? You've come to the right place. At Laifen, we know all about looking after your hair while drying it, which is why our ionic dryers are super popular with stylists and influencers alike.

But what about a heat protectant? Why use one? And which are the best hair heat protection sprays you can buy? Here, we run through the best heat protectant sprays you can buy and reveal the benefits of using this product to protect your hair.

What is a heat protectant?

A heat protectant is a hair styling product that you can use before drying your hair. When applied correctly, the protectant provides a barrier between the dryer and your hair, which protects you from overheating, breakage, and frizz.

Is it necessary? Well, the best heat protectant can be an asset, as it can prevent your hair from drying out when you use the hair dryer's hottest setting. However, when you dry your hair with a Laifen dryer, such as the Laifen Swift, you can adjust the heat setting and dry your hair on low and medium heat.

Ultimately, this means you don't need to use a heat protectant as the air that you're using to dry your hair isn't overly hot in the first place.

But given that heat protectants have other benefits - like smoothing the cuticle and adding moisture - they can be an effective option for your haircare routine. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of using this product, before revealing the best hair heat protection spray you can buy.

The pros and cons of heat protectants

As with every haircare product, there are pros and cons attached to even the best heat protectants that you need to be aware of before using one:

Pros

✅ When used correctly, a heat protectant can offer additional protection, particularly if you dry your hair on the hottest possible setting.

✅ The best heat protectant sprays can reduce frizz, which is one of the main benefits of using them.

✅ The natural barrier that heat protectants create helps to lock some of the moisture in your hair, preventing it from drying out.

Cons

❌ A heat protectant is not 100% certain to prevent your hair from overheating. You should also avoid using the hottest setting on your dryer for additional protection.

❌ Buying a heat protectant can be an expensive addition to your weekly haircare routine.

❌ It can be difficult to decide which heat protectant to use as there are so many products available on the market.

Now that you're aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this hair product, let's take a closer look at three of the best heat protectant sprays you can buy.

Top 3 best drugstore heat protectant sprays of 2024

Choosing the best heat protectant requires a bit of research, as there are lots of products available on the market. We've done the hard work for you, and we introduce three of the best hair heat protectants you can buy online or in a drugstore today:

1. CHI Total Protect

The best affordable heat protectant

For less than $20, this best cheap heat protectant is a great option for anyone looking to protect their hair on a budget. You can apply it directly to wet hair so you don't need to pre-dry your hair before using it. It is extremely absorbable and offers excellent protection. The only downside is that it is more of a cream than a spray, and can be a little difficult to apply evenly across your hair.

2. Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant

The best heat protectant for fine hair

The Moroccan Oil brand needs little introduction, and its excellent heat protectant is a great option for anyone with thin hair. Though a little on the pricey side at $30 a bottle, it works its magic with argan oil and renourishes your hair strands upon application. In addition to offering heat protection, this product also combats frizz, so it's a good heat protection option for anyone with wavy or curly hair.

3. dpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

Best heat protectant for colored hair

Available for the same price as the Moroccan Oil protectant ($30), this is the best heat protectant for colored hair. This is because it has a lightweight formula and a handy spray nozzle that makes it easy to apply all over. Applying this heat protectant from dpHUE helps to prevent the fading of your color and is a great way to preserve your hair in the long run.

The verdict: Is a heat protectant necessary?

Yes and no. While some people swear by the best heat protectants, other people have never used one. The best thing you can do to protect your hair from overheating is to buy a hair dryer with an adjustable heat setting, such as the Laifen Swift Special. Then, you can easily toggle between the low and medium heat to dry your hair.

However, if you persist with drying your hair on the hottest possible setting, a heat protectant is a savvy investment. It creates a barrier between the hot air and your hair and prevents your hair from drying out. It can also help reduce breakage and frizz. Each of the hair protectants introduced above can get the job done and are a worthwhile addition to your weekly haircare routine.