Best Heat Protectant Sprays 2026: Wet & Dry Hair
Honorable Mentions
Photograph: Kat Merck
Sutra Heat Guard Blowout Cream for $24: I love Sutra’s IR2 ha“`html
I’ve been testing a lot of hair products lately, and hear are a few that have really stood out. First up is the Ouai. This pink spray instantly cheers up any bathroom counter with its handwritten-style cartoon letters, happy clouds, and lychee/rose/vanilla scent. Though I loved how it worked on my 3a hair, I can see how it may be too drying for some.
R+co On A Cloud Bond Building Repair Styling Oil: This is a great product for smoothing and adding shine,but it’s a bit pricey.
Verb hydrate Oil for $36: This 450-degree-Fahrenheit protective, serum-like product left my hair a little oilier than similar products. Online reviews complain about malfunctioning pump bottles, but mine had no issues.
Matrix Biolage styling Thermal Active Setting Spray Heat Styling treatment 8.5 oz
Emi Jay Heavenly Hair Milk for $40: This is not exactly a spray, but it is indeed lightweight enough that it might very well be, and it comes in a cool bottle with a pump that twists down to become a flush cap. It’s a combination heat protectant and detangler that happens to be an excellent anti-frizz product on its own (it supposedly cuts down on drying time, too, but this feature wasn’t notable in my testing
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Looking for a solution to combat frizz and humidity? Look no further than the Milk_Shake Lifestyling Amazing Anti-Humidity Spray for $28 and type 3 and 4 curls if you’re trying to achieve a blowout.
reverie Milk anti-Frizz Leave-in Nourishing Treatment for $44: I loved this cream’s spicy botanical scent, stylish glass bottle, and the fact that it protects up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (according to Reverie; it does not say so on the bottle). It worked fine! There are just too many better options for half the price. (Ed. note: this is reviews editor Adrienne So’s current favorite heat protectant for thick,wavy 2a hair. She mainly likes the ease of application and frizz prevention, but admits that it’s stupid expensive.)
Others We Tried
I recently tested out the Hairstory New Wash Method ($86), which involves a detergent-free “cleansing cream.” I tried it and it reminded me of the whole “no ‘poo” movement of the early aughts, where practitioners eschewed modern shampoo for more natural options like baking soda. This method is not for everyone, but if you do try it, I don’t think the mist adds enough to justify the cost.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Co-Chainmail Protection Flexible Cruelty-Free