Fine hair is the most vulnerable type of hair which always needs the extra dose of care and protection. Using heating tools on fine hair can cause damage, breakage, slip ends, and sometimes hair fall.
Still, we can’t do without a blow-dry. Can’t say ‘no’ to gorgeous beachy curls and that perfect sleek straight silky hair which we all want to flaunt. Believe it or not, life can become pretty hard without a hairdryer for both men and women.
So, when it comes to safe heat-styling on fine or thin hair, you need the best among the best heat protectants.
Today in this article we are going to review the 10 best heat protectants for fine hair. If you have fine hair, make sure to note the following factors:
- Not all hair sprays are heat-protectant sprays: Not all hair sprays provide heat protection. Not all hair sprays are able to handle the extreme heat produced by the styling tools. Choose your product from a reputable brand and make sure it can protect from at least 200 degrees C or around 390 degrees F of heat.
- The hold it provides: Heat protectant sprays can be used as regular hair sprays. Look for the type of hold you are looking for. Our list includes a range of heat protectant hair sprays and creams that offer soft hold to strong hold.
There are some other factors to consider while buying fine hair heat protectants which are mentioned below in the “Buying Guide” ( after the product reviews). We are also including FAQs regarding heat protectants. So continue reading till the last,
Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair
| Heat Protectant for Fine Hair | Quantity | Hold | Brief Description | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray | 8 Fl Oz | Medium Hold | Paraben-free, gluten-free | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Hair Food Heat Protectant Spray | 6.4 Fluid Ounces | Medium Hold | Coconut & Argan Oil | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray | 10.1 FL Oz | Firm hold | Alcohol-free | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Moroccanoil Perfect Defense | 6.02 Gl Oz | Light hold | Contains Moroccanoil | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer | 27 Fl Oz | Light hold | Free of paraben, sulphate, sodium chloride, vegan, gluten-free. UV ray protection | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Alterna Caviar heat Protectant Spray | 4.2 Fl Oz | Soft hold | Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Creme | 5 Fl Oz | Soft hold | Hairstyling cream | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Ghd Heat Protect Spray | 4 Fl Oz | Medium hold | Free of paraben and alcohol | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protection Spray | 5.3 Fl Oz | Light hold | Makes your hair shine with special sparkles | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| HSI PROFESSIONAL Heat Hair Protector | 8 Fl Oz | Light hold | Sulphate, paraben, phosphate free | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair Reviews
1. CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
CHI 44 Iron guard is one of the safest heat protectants for a fine and brittle hair type at an affordable price. The hair spray boasts an easy-glide formula that helps in smooth gliding of the flat iron-reducing the chances of breakage and damage.
Like most heat-protectant sprays you need to apply it on dry hair, before blow-drying, if you prefer. It is a fast-drying, weightless formula that protects hair from potential thermal damage, seals the cuticles and allows free-styling. Even the curliest hair types (4C, 4B) turn out as smooth, silky and shiny. It doesn’t lead to hair build-up and thereby it’s safe for most types of hair.
At first application, it might feel stiff but after styling, it doesn’t feel tacky. It’s safe to use on color-treated hair. It will suit both men and women with fine, curly hair. It’s free of parabens and gluten. It needs to be applied in very little quantity, so little goes a long way. However, it smells like men’s cologne.
Product Features:
- Weight: 8 Fl Oz
- Paraben-free, gluten-free
- Easy-glide formula
Pros:
- The easy-glide formula helps in smooth hair styling
- Doesn’t feel tacky
- Affordable and value for money
Cons:
- Overwhelming smell
2. Hair Food Heat Protectant Spray
Hair Food is a popular hair care brand that is known for its clean and natural ingredients. Their products are formulated with simple, kitchen-crafted recipes using organic ingredients that are safe and gentle on your hair. They are a completely cruelty-free brand and all their products are free of sulfate, paraben, and mineral oils.
Hair Food Coconut and Argan Oil heat protectant spray can prevent your hair from thermal damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The argan and coconut oil work together to add shine, moisture as well as make the hair stronger and healthier.
It is suitable for all hair types. The lightweight formula can smoothen flyaways and baby hairs to give a long lasting style without making your hair greasy. It is effective on both damp as well as dry hair. The fine mist application makes hair soft without leaving any sticky residue.
Product Features:
- 6.4 Fl Oz pack
- Free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and mineral oil
- Thermal protection for up to 450℉
Pros:
- Comes in a spray packaging which is easy to use
- Has a fine mist and dispenses product evenly
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free and mineral-oil free
- Has a pleasant coconutty fragrance that lasts all day
Cons:
- No major cons
3. Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray
To those who are looking for a firmer hold, this can be your next purchase. This is another variant of the Kenra Professional Thermal Hair Styling sprays which is also another great product for people with fine and brittle hair.
The spray gives protection of up to 428 degrees F of heat. It provides protection of heat styling tools and the subsequent damage it causes to fine and thin hair. The formula is lightweight and meant to provide a firmer hold compared to Kenra Platinum which makes it ideal for styling with curling irons, and rollers. It
It doesn’t weigh the hair down and lets you freestyle your hair. It’s free of alcohol and is suitable for both men and women.
The formula can feel a little sticky when used too much. For best results, shake the bottle well, take the desired amount in your hands and then evenly apply it to wet hair.
Product Features:
- 1 Fl Oz pack
- Firm hold
- Thermal protection up to 428 degrees F
Pros:
- Good firm hold
- Great for holds for curling irons and rollers
- Alcohol-free
Cons:
- Might feel sticky
4. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
Moroccanoil is one of the most wanted brands among people with dry, dehydrated and damaged hair. Their Perfect Defense hair spray also contains the goodness of Moroccan oil, which is known as ‘liquid gold’ for its amazing hydrating, nourishing and damage repairing qualities.
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense provides a soft and light hold. The spray comes out as a fine aerosol that can be easily and evenly distributed. It can protect hair from the damaging effects of using heat-styling tools heated up to 450 degree F. Which is why it is one of the best heat protectant sprays for fine and chemically processed hair.
You can use it on both dry and damp hair. It’s on the expensive side but it works. It adds a nice sheen and lets you style your hair the way you like. It has a musky smell that lingers all day. The consistency might be thick for too thin hair, so take it in your palms and then apply it on hair.
Product Features:
- 02 Fl Oz
- Heat protection of up to 450 degrees F
- Contains Moroccanoil
- Light hold
Pros:
- Light hold
- Adds shine and lustre
- Everlasting smell
- Distributes evenly and easily
Cons:
- The smell can be overwhelming to some
- The consistency might be thick for too thin hair
5. Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
If you are willing to spend a hefty amount on a great hair styling spray then this should be the one. Oribe hair spray is a hair primer that is a detangler. It’s like a magic potion for fine hair that is long, hard to comb through and more prone to breakage.
It provides thermal protection as well as easy-combing through the hair to prevent tangling, breakage and split ends. It’s a hair spray that has more botanical extracts and essential oils. So as to hydrate your hair, nourish it, and leave it soft and shiny.
The detangling oil blend includes- Coconut oil, Apricot, pomegranate, Granatum seed oil. It also has vitamin C, watermelon extract, amino acid peptides, amla extract and anti-static complex to reduce frizz and flyaways.
The formula is formed without parabens, sulphates, and sodium chloride. It’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free. Safe to use on color and keratin-treated hair. It also protects fine and vulnerable hair from the harmful effects of UV rays. It smells amazing and suits all types of hair.
Product Features:
- A pack of 27 Fl Oz
- Hair printer and detangler offers light hold
- Free of paraben, sulphates, sodium chloride
- Contains essential oils and botanical extracts
Pros:
- Makes combing really easy, prevents the chances of damage and breakage
- Soft hold leaves hair soft, smooth and touchable
- Safe to use on colored hair and keratin-treated hair
- Smells amazing
- UV ray protection
Cons:
- Crazy expensive
6. Alterna Caviar heat Protectant Spray
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-in Heat Protection Spray that can protect your hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 230 degrees Celsius of heat. It works by adding an extra layer of protection on the hair cuticles. This protects the hair cuticles from heat damage and also adds shine to the hair.
The premium quality leave-in spray is suitable for all hair types but is especially beneficial for dry and frizzy hair. It’s Caviar restructuring bond repair formula is clinically proven to reduce hair breakage and split ends. It has also proven to be strengthening and effectively minimising thermal hair damage.
Product Features:
- 4.2 Fl Oz volume
- Thermal protection for up to 450℉
- Enriched with vitamins
- Clinically approved hair care product
Pros:
- Clinically proven to reduce split ends and hair breakage up to 99%
- Has a nice citrusy fragrance
- Doesn’t make hair greasy
Cons:
- Bit on the expensive side
- Doesn’t have a pleasant smell
7. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Creme
For those of you who have fine hair with extremely dry ends, a styling hair cream with thermal protection will suit you better than a hair spray. If you agree, here is the best deal for you from Keratase.
Kerastase products are a little on the expensive side. But they are one of the best brands who understands the need for different types of hairs. The Thermique Cream is a leave-in conditioner cum heat protectant that you need to apply on towel-dry hair before using a heat tool.
The cream contains royal jelly extract, a nature-derived conditioner that has protein, carbohydrates and lipids. All of which work on conditioning the hair, providing nutrition, and protecting from heat-styling effects like breakage, split ends, damage etc. While applying you should concentrate more on the ends and dryer parts.
Apart from thermal and UV ray protection, the cream adds shine, reduces frizz, makes hair soft and smooth. It’s best for fine hair and dry hair. It requires a little amount to be applied to the hair. So little goes a long way.
Product Features:
- Net Weight: 5 Fl Oz
- Heat styling cream
- Contains royal jelly
- Soft hold
Pros:
- Leave-in cream come heat-protectant
- Conditions hair makes hair silky and soft
- UV ray protection
- Little goes a long way
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily scalps
- A little on the costly side
8. Ghd Heat Protect Spray
ghd heat protectant spray is one of the popular choices among hair stylists. It creates an invisible layer around the hair stands but doesn’t weigh the hair down. It’s a light old formula that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.
It contains castor oil, and wheat protein both of which provides strength protects and nourishes hair. Castor oil is amazing for hair that is thin, fine and more prone to breakage. The hair spray can be applied with or without other styling products.
The product is free of parabens but it contains perfume as one of the primary ingredients. So, the smell might feel too strong for some users. However, ghd heat protectant hair spray doesn’t contain alcohol. So, unlike many, it leaves hair soft and shiny and makes you touch your hair more.
Product Details:
- Net weight: 4 Fl Oz
- Soft hold
- Contains no paraben and no alcohol
Pros:
- Has castor oil and wheat proteins
- Doesn’t weigh hair down
- Doesn’t make it sticky
- Salon grade product
Cons:
- Strong smell
9. Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protection Spray
If you have much-damaged hair and plan to have any sort of styling, then this Sebastian Trilliant shimmer-complex spray works much better. As it is mainly designed to protect the damaged hair type, you need not worry about its usage anytime.
It not only allows the best heat protection and light conditioning but also gives body and sparkling shine.
Being made of rock crystal extract, it protects your hair from heat damage. And also conditions and protects the hair well.
The product has a flexible hold and control with a shaper. It is ideally useful for touchable and versatile hair. You can use it on dry or damp hair. If you wish to have a brushable hold and more volume, you can reapply the spray.
Product Features:
- 5.3 Fl Oz volume
- Ideal for damaged hair types
- Makes your hair shine with special sparkles
Pros:
- Paraben-free and sulfate-free
- Suitable for damaged hair
- Better protection against heat
- Lightweight
- Adds sparkling shine to the hair
- No sticky feeling
- Nice smell
Cons:
- Some felt the hair got dried up.
- Doesn’t increase the volume of the hair
- Thermal protection range is not mentioned.
10. HSI PROFESSIONAL Top 5 Heat Hair Protector
HSI heat protectant spray is made to protect fine and damaged hair from further heat exposure, breakage, split ends etc. It’s formula is a blend of many essential oils such as Moroccan oil, Argan oil, Olive oil, Macadamia oil, Coconut oil and Aloe vera. It’s safe to use on colored hair.
Not only it protects from damage caused by heat-styling but also restores moisture, repairs damage, adds strength and shine. The replenishing formula acts as a natural sunscreen for the hair which protects your hair from the harmful damaging effects of UV rays.
It’s cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phosphate free. It’s a weightless formula, and it doesn’t feel oily or sticky at all. It’s more like a hair conditioner that comes with heat protection. It leaves hair soft, frizz-free and manageable.
Product Details:
- Net Quantity: 8 Fl Oz
- Light hold
- A blend of many essential oils and aloe vera extract
Pros:
- Provides sun protection
- Healing, nourishing benefits of oils
- Safe to use on color-treated hair
- Smells great
Cons:
- Takes time to dry
- Contains silicone
Things to Consider When Buying a Heat Protectant Spray
Different types of heat protectants come in the form of creams and sprays. A large number of heat protectants in the market get named as heat protectants, but are really fake. And so, we are unaware of what’s real and what’s right! So, it’s mandatory to know what makes the heat protectant appropriate and best. Here are some important factors to look for when planning to purchase a heat protectant for your fine hair.
Ingredients
The ingredients of heat protectants show a major impact on your thin and fine hair strands. Heat protectants are generally infused with both natural ingredients and chemical compounds.
Ingredients to look for –
- Argan oil, olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil – These are some of the best natural ingredients which are used in heat protectants. They nourish and hydrate the hair strands so well. And it is always good to prefer only those with natural ingredients.
- Compounds like amino acids, wheat protein, and keratin are very good strengthening ingredients in heat protectants. So, ensure that the ingredients of heat protectants have such compounds.
Also, your heat protectants can have certain chemicals like silicones, PVP, Quaternary 70.
- Silicone – Most of the heat protectants and hair conditioners contain two silicone compounds – Cyclomethicone and dimethicone. While the former moisturizes the hair, the latter coats it and prevents the loss of moisture. And the dimethicone also makes the cuticles lie flat and avoid the hair from becoming frizzy. But, make sure that the heat protectants have minimum silicone if your hair is oily as it may make your hair greasy.
- PVP – Chemicals like PVP and DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer protect the hair and make it detangled. So, it is better to use heat protectants containing them before hair styling.
- Quaternary 70 – It helps to retain the hairstyling well for a long time. Besides, it keeps your hair smooth, frizz-free, and good-looking until the next wash.
Ingredients to avoid
- It is very much necessary to avoid heat protectants having some chemical ingredients like sulfates and parabens. Especially, when you have fine color-treated hair, you should not use hair protectants, shampoos, or conditioners having these chemicals. This is because the sulfates and parabens drain off the hair color, and all your investment in color-treatment goes wasted.
- Moreover, some serum-based heat protectants are more useful for thick hair. So, as you have fine hair, better don’t pick those with serum.
- Also, certain cream-type heat protectants come with extra nourishment. But, they may be greasy and may let your hair downwards. So, you may not feel comfortable applying. And, therefore, it is better to avoid such heat protectants.
- Besides, if you have undergone a keratin treatment for your hair, stay away from heat protectants having sulfates and sodium chloride.
- Some people will feel allergic to gluten-based substances, and so check if the heat protectant has gluten.
- More often, heat protectant sprays with higher alcohol content are available. But, too much alcohol will damage your hair. So, leave aside all the hair-care products with excessive alcohol if you have extremely dry hair.
We suggest you choose a heat protectant that is liquid and mist-like to save your fine and thin hair.
Humectants
The moisture or hydration level in the hair strands is super beneficial for hair care. Also, as we said, you should choose those natural ingredients which maintain hydration. Especially, you have to look for humectants (hydrating ingredients which attract moisture) like glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which are the best moisturizers. Even castor oil containing vitamins B3 and B5 serves as the best humectant.
Heat protection
As the main intention of heat protection is to avoid hair damage from extreme heat during styling, it is very important to check for heat protection or temperature handling capability. While some can protect your hair from very high temperatures, others do not. But, the ideal heat protectant should be able to protect the hair from over 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Degree of Hold
The holding strength of a heat protectant creates an impact on the level of protection. If you do not have a better hold, there won’t be a sufficient protective layer to the hair strands. And, therefore, we suggest you choose those with soft, medium, and strongholds.
Lightweight formula
A lightweight heat protectant makes you feel good for your fine hair. If it is heavier and contains too many oils, then it weighs the hair down, and you feel discomfort. Though many oils are good detanglers, they may not effectively work in fine and thin hair.
Why is it Important to Use a Heat Protectant?
Heat protectants are the best hair care essentials to use before styling for the best look and next-level safety. Most of the styling tools we use are based on heat that may weaken and damage the hair. So, you may lose its natural texture and shine. Also, its frequent use affects the health of your hair. Therefore, to avoid such damage to your fine hair, a heat protectant is a prerequisite.
The heat protectants contain specific elements like nutrients and vitamins which nourish the fine hair. So, they assure required moisture levels, maintain hydration, and avoid hair drying. Thereby, the fine and thin hair will have the best protection shield. And so, the heat protectants remove any further problems like split ends, frizzy hair, and flyaways.
Besides, heat protectants also save your hair and skin from environmental factors like UV radiation. So, you need not worry even if you are more exposed to sunlight and if you work outdoors all through the day.
How to Use a Heat Protectant?
Heat protectants are available in different forms – creams or sprays. The best way to use a heat protectant is to apply it to your towel-dried hair before you begin combing or styling.
But make sure that you apply it evenly throughout the hair strand right from the root to the tip in a downward direction. If you are applying a cream, take a certain amount of cream as directed by the brand and put it over the hair.
If you are using a hair spray, ensure that all the hair is covered and spray it from a distance of about 6 inches. Upon applying the heat protectant, the hair remains strong, moisturized, and damage-free.
So, you have to choose a lightweight heat protectant if you just need a light brushing. But, if you want to use straighteners and curling irons, you have to use a heat protectant that needs more hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
The heat protectants, either cream or spray models, reduce the hair damage that may be caused by the heated styling tools. Most of them form a protective layer around the hair shaft that locks the moisture inside. Yet, they may not give complete protection and may only prevent up to 70% of hair damage.
No, heat protectants do not cause hair loss as you use them over the hair length and not the scalp. But, if you do not wash the hair properly, a waxy residue builds up in the hair gradually. And this may cause hair loss. So, ensure better cleaning when using heat protectants. Moreover, heat protectants from reputed brands do not contain any substances which cause hair loss. So, purchase those from famous companies for safer and better hair health.
If you do not wish to use heat protectant sprays, you can use many essential oils that contain damage repairing qualities. So, you can use –
*Argan oil
*Coconut oil
*Almond oil
*Avocado oil
*Grapeseed oil
*Shea butter
Generally, heat protectant sprays have to be used on dry hair. If you have a shower, then dry it immediately with a towel, and then use the heat protectant. Just spray it on the hair and then comb it to spread evenly. Ensure that all your long hair is covered with the spray.
If you are using a heat protectant cream, then you have to apply it to the damp hair. Be cautious to use it as per the directions given on the product.
It is always better to use a heat protectant for fine hair because it is more prone to dryness and damage. Heat protectants come with many natural ingredients that have sufficient vitamins and nutrients that not only give hair strength but also prevent hair damage. So, if you do not use it, the hair loses its natural shine and look.
If your conditioner has all the ingredients which are required for a heat protectant, you can leave it better before using heat styling tools. But, do not use it when you are having a flat iron.
Yes, it is mandatory to use a heat protectant before applying the flat iron that works at high temperatures. The heat protectants can save your hair from temperatures up to 450℉. So, you can use them even before a flat iron session. Besides, it is also helpful to use before styling the hair with straighteners, curling irons, and crimpers.
For your fine hair, you have to use no more than four sprays of heat protectant for each layer. But, if you have thick hair, spray it five to six times for each segmented layer.
Only certain heat protectant creams, which are applied on damp hair, will be greasy. A heat protectant spray will not grease the fine hair. But, if you spray too much, it may become wet and greasy.
In general, heat protectants sprays are applied on dry or towel dry hair. Spray on the hair avoiding the scalp then comb through to evenly spread it across the hair length. If it comes in the form of a cream, it’s applied to damp hair. The application process is always mentioned on the bottle.
Conclusion:
Heat protectants are basic hair care products that seem to have less importance. But, using suitable heat protectors in the right way will give you awesome hair care results, especially during styling. Safety is of utmost importance even for your hair. So, spare a few minutes to choose the best heat protectant.
We guarantee that the 10 best products on our list will satisfy you 100% and you can choose them upon customized needs. Of all, we recommend using the CHI 44 Iron Guard Protection. which can protect your fine hair from high temperatures. With a medium hold, it is hassle-free and easy to apply. Also, as it avoids parabens and sulfates, it prevents chemical-based hair damage.
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