Heat protection sprays help prevent a number of issues that come from using heat-styling tools, and some of them can even double as styling and treatment products that can extend the life of your blowout or nourish your hair. Amazing, right? To find out more, I consulted some experts—hairstylists Castillo Bataille, Garren, Leo Izquierdo, and Nunzio Saviano—to get the top tips around. Ahead, the 17 best heat protectants available right now—plus, the most important things to know about using a heat protectant, according to the experts. But first, lemme give you a peek at my faves:

Most heat protectants come in a spray, cream, or serum form, so you’ll want to choose a formula that best suits your hair type and texture. For curly hair types, Bataille recommends applying a cream-based heat protectant right out of the shower and then diffusing with a blow dryer for full and bouncy curls. Blow-drying, straightening, curling... If any of these words are in your hair styling vocabulary, then you definitely need to make heat protection sprays part of that routine. According to Graciano, the best heat protectants usually include “better-for-you ingredients that may also nourish the hair.” Here’s what to look for in these haircare products that go above and beyond. Ingredients Bid farewell to the days of anxious styling, as the Matrix Heat Buffer Spray ensures your hair remains impeccably protected. Whether you're a styling enthusiast or simply looking to maintain your hair's natural radiance, our Thermal Styling Spray is your trusted companion. Read on to discover the benefits the Matrix Heat Buffer has to offer.I’ll be honest: There is a lot of debate among hair professionals about heat protectants. Some stylists swear by their protection powers, while others can take them or leave them. The truth about heat protectants falls somewhere in the middle. “Heat protecting sprays minimize damage from heat—they don’t eliminate damage,” explains Brook. Having a dedicated heat protecting product is a set in stone way to ensure your hair is being protected, but more often than not, other styling products in your regimen will have a built-in heat shield. When Do I Use Heat Protectant? Formula typically depends on the desired end result. The sleeker you want your look, the more concentrated the product should be. “Look at the foundation of the product itself. Let’s say you have extremely fine hair and need to work on volume. It’s likely you wouldn’t reach for a cream, so opt for a mist instead,” says Graciano. “This is a general rule that can be broken if there is a mist that is actually heavier than your hair can handle.” Philippo says those with curly hair or dry textures will benefit from something more moisturizing like oil or cream. Ingredients in heat protectants can come in many forms and have to do with personal lifestyle preference, says Graciano. “However, there is a rule to follow: [Look for] fatty ingredients that are able to shield the hair, like natural oils such as coconut or more of a polymeric compound like dimethicone,” she says. Formula

When it comes to key ingredients, Philippo is a fan of argan oil. “It protects the outside of the hair but also strengthens and moisturizes it as well,” he says. For maximum protection and even distribution, apply the heat protectant spray to damp hair. Damp hair allows the product to spread evenly and penetrate your hair cuticles, creating a reliable shield against heat damage. The Best Heat Protectant Overall: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective PrimerMatrix is your partner in the battle against heat damage. Shielding your hair from the external stressors, the Matrix Heat Buffer acts as a saviour, allowing you to try your favourite styling tools without the fear of harm. Your hair remains healthy and resiliently beautiful. Elevate your styling game to new heights with the Matrix Heat Buffer Spray. It not only shields your hair but also bestows a silky-smooth, gleaming finish. Bid adieu to dull, lifeless hair and welcome shiny and radiate hair that is super healthy. Heat tools for hair — like straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers — are one of the biggest culprits of hair damage. Although there is no way to totally reverse the damage, you can minimize some negative effects by applying a thermal protecting leave-in styling product. In fact, two studies published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science ( 1998 and 2011) have shown that several ingredients (which include copolymers, hydrolyzed protein and cationic surfactants) can minimize hair breakage when applied before thermal exposure.