Top 7 Heat Protectants You Need Right Now
BY JENNY JUNG
The best heat protectants for every hair type and weather — rain, hail or shine.
28 APR - 2025
No protection, no peace. These heat heroes are your first line of defense when things start to heat up.
Before you reach for your flat iron, curling wand or that hair dryer you swear you only use on special occasions — wait. Your strands are screaming for backup! Enter heat protectant: the unsung hero of all healthy hair routines.
Think of it as SPF, but for your blowout. Whether you're team sleek and straight or live for a beachy wave, heat styling without protection is basically begging for split ends, breakage and a whole lot of "why does my hair feel like straw?" moments. A good heat protectant forms a barrier between your hair and your hot tools, locking in moisture, smoothing frizz and minimising damage so you can fake effortless glam without the long-term consequences.
In a sea of sprays, creams and serums, we’ve rounded up the seven standout formulas that actually deliver. From salon-grade faves to multitaskers that make your hair smell like a dream, these are the heat protectants your hair will thank you for time and time again.
Arkive, Prologue Hair Primer, $32 NZD.
Chloe Zara, Glossifying Hair Mist, $35 NZD.
ghd Bodyguard Colour Heat Protectant Spray
If you’ve invested in balayage, babylights, or getting your done in any other way, you need this in your lineup. The ghd Bodyguard Colour Heat Protectant Spray is specifically formulated to shield colour-treated hair from thermal damage — think of it as insurance for your fresh dye job. It uses dual-heat protection polymers and conditioning agents to keep strands looking salon-fresh, not scorched. Lightweight and non-greasy, it works best for fine to medium hair types who want serious protection without the weight. Bonus: it smells like a luxury hair appointment.
ghd, Bodyguard Colour Heat Protectant Spray, $49 NZD.
ghd Curly Ever After
If you find that no amount of hairspray ever seems to keep your curls from falling flat by noon, it might be time to rethink your prep game. Pre-style products are the unsung heroes of long-lasting hair, and this one’s a standout for its dual purpose functionality: heat protecting and style extending. ghd’s Curly Ever After is powered by memory hold technology that helps lock in your curl pattern the moment heat hits your strands. While it’s designed with curly hair in mind, it’s brilliant for anyone who heat styles and wants their curls to actually stay. A few spritzes before styling gives hold without the crunch.
ghd, Curly Ever After, $44 NZD.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Hair Styling Spray
If your hair poofs up at the mere mention of humidity, meet your holy grail. Color Wow Dream Coat has gone viral for a reason: it’s basically weatherproofing for your hair with a built in heat protectant. This ultra-light, silicone-free spray coats each hair with a humidity-resistant barrier that activates with heat, leaving hair impossibly smooth, glossy and frizz-resistant for days. It works wonders on fine, frizzy or porous hair that just won’t stay sleek. Pro tip: don’t use conditioner before applying, and use it every 3-4 washes for best results.
Color Wow, Dream Coat Supernatural Hair Styling Spray, $65 NZD.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer
This cult-favourite primer is like the jack of all trades of hair care. It detangles, softens, UV protects and shields from heat all at once. Enriched with six featherlight oils (think coconut, argan and macadamia), it’s ideal for dry, thick or coarse hair types craving moisture and manageability before heat styling. The fine mist won’t weigh you down, but will make your strands feel like silk. It's also colour-safe and smells faintly like a high-end tropical vacation — so, yes, you’ll want to spray generously.
Bumble and Bumble, Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer, $64 NZD.
Arkive Prologue Hair Primer
From hairstylist Adam Reed’s brainchild brand Arkive, this UK-born primer is all about building a strong foundation for great hair days. The Prologue Hair Primer preps your strands for styling while offering lightweight heat protection and anti-static benefits. Best for normal to fine hair that tends to get a bit flyaway or flat, this formula smooths the canvas without heavy residue. Plus, it’s scented with the brand’s signature “Future Bloom” fragrance, which smells like a rose garden without the headache.
Arkive, Prologue Hair Primer, $32 NZD.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream
Naturally textured and frizz-prone hair, step right up. Briogeo’s cream-based heat protectant is a moisture-rich dream for thicker hair types that crave smoothness. Packed with rosehip, argan and coconut oils, it nourishes deeply while creating a protective shield against heat up to 232°C. It’s silicone-free, cruelty-free and clean — but don’t let the clean beauty status fool you, it performs. Consider this your blow-dry’s best friend.
Briogeo, Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream, $49 NZD.
Chloe Zara Glossifying Hair Mist
A gem straight out of Aotearoa, Chloe Zara’s Glossifying Hair Mist is equal parts protectant and glow-up in a bottle. Designed to add shine, softness and environmental protection, this mist is ideal for all hair types — especially those seeking a clean, conscious option that feels luxe. It's infused with organic botanicals and 100% naturally derived ingredients, which means you’re not only safeguarding your strands, you’re also supporting a sustainable Kiwi brand with serious chic appeal. It’s like the finishing touch to any good hair ritual. Any time I have a special occasion, I find myself reaching for this mist for insane shine that lasts until my next wash.
Chloe Zara, Glossifying Hair Mist, $35 NZD.
Now that you've made it to the end, there really is no excuse for not using a heat protectant. With so many options available, it's easier than ever to shield your hair from heat damage. So, no matter your styling routine, make sure your hair gets the protection it deserves — your strands will thank you!
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