Top Heat Protection Products for Safe Styling
Heat styling has become an integral part of many hair care routines, including tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. While these tools can help achieve sleek, voluminous, or bouncy hair, they can also cause significant damage if used without proper precautions.
One of the most effective ways to shield your hair from heat damage is by incorporating heat protection products into your styling regimen. However, not all heat protectants shield your hair as effectively as they claim…
We have conducted two separate tests, each testing 6 popular heat protectants from our Compar App, across different price ranges. These tests were designed to reveal which products actually protect your hair and which fall short of their promises.
Why Heat Protection Matters
Heat styling tools operate at high temperatures, often exceeding 200°C (400°F). Exposure to such intense heat can strip the hair of its natural moisture, weaken the hair shaft, and lead to a range of problems including dryness, split ends, breakage, and dullness. Heat protection products form a barrier between your hair and the heat source, reducing the risk of damage and helping to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.
How To Use Heat Protection Effectively
1 Choose the Right Product
Select a heat protectant suited to your unique hair features and styling needs. Sprays are lightweight and ideal for fine and low density hair, while creams and serums are better suited for coarser and higher density hair.
2 Apply to Damp Hair
For best results, apply the heat protectant to damp, towel-dried hair. This ensures even distribution and better absorption of the product. If you are styling on dry hair, apply the heat protection beforehand.
3 Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections to ensure that the heat protectant is applied thoroughly to every strand. This is especially important for high density hair, which requires more product for full coverage.
Heat Styling Tips
Use the Lowest Effective Temperature
Choose the lowest temperature setting on your styling tool that will still achieve your desired results. This reduces the risk of over-drying and damaging your hair.
Limit Heat Exposure
Try to limit the frequency of heat styling to give your hair a break. Incorporate heat-free styling techniques, such as air drying or heatless hair curlers, to maintain your hair’s health.
Regular Deep Conditioning
Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments to replenish lost moisture and repair any damage that does occur.
The Heat Protection Tests
We conducted two rounds of tests to identify the best heat protectants available in various price ranges. Here's how each test was structured:
The Test Setup
We applied the heat protections to thermal paper, a specialized type of paper coated with a chemical that reacts to heat. Each of the papers was placed between a straightener. If the heat protection successfully shields the paper, it will stay white; otherwise, the paper will turn black.
Ogx Argan Oil Of Morocco Heat Protect Spray
Price: 100DKK / 13.4€
9/10 The winner of the test! Good price and excellent protection.
Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Crème
Price: 269DKK / 36€
8/10 Very good protection but the most expensive one in the test.
Color Wow Speed Dry Blow Dry Spray
Price: 227DKK / 30.4€
8/10 Very good protection but the second most expensive one in the test.
Nilens Jord Heat Protection Spray
Price: 149DKK / 20€
6/10 Fairly good protection at a mid-range price.
Matas Heat Protection Spray Parfum Free
Price: 74.95DKK / 10€
5/10 Some protection at a good price without perfume.
By Veira Heat Protection Spray
Price: 36DKK / 4.8€
2/10 Almost no protection and the cheapest in the test.
Bond Protector No. 9 by Olaplex
Price: 229DKK / 30€
10/10 The best in this test! Excellent heat protection, although it's one of the more expensive options.
Coco Loco Heat Protection Mist by Lee Stafford
Price: 90DKK / 12€
8/10 Great value for the price and very effective.
Beat the Heat by Bangerhead
Price: 99DKK / 13€
7/10 A good mid-range option with solid protection.
Heat Protection Spray by Ellwo Professional
Price: 119DKK / 16€
5/10 Average performance, better alternatives at this price point.
Thermal Shield by Hairlust
Price: 190DKK / 25€
3/10 Higher price but disappointing performance in our test.
Protection 2 by Purely Professional
Price: 189DKK / 25€
2/10 One of the priciest but performed poorly in the test.
What heat protection is best for my hair?
Finding the right heat protection for your hair requires knowing your unique hair features. The Compar App for the rescue! Your personal AI hair care advisor who helps you identify your hair features and recommends suitable hair products incl. heat protections from a range of brands at all price points.
REMEMBER to test if the heat protection really shields your hair from heat damage! Message us if you want us to test more heat protections.
