In Their Kit: The Best Hair Protectants, According To Hairstylists

Heat protectant is the dental floss of the haircare world. It might seem dull, but it’s necessary if you use heat-styling products. It does exactly what it says on the tin – heat protectants help shield your strands from heat damage and prep hair for long-lasting styles. Before you go in with a straightener or hairdryer, give your hair a spritz of a heat protectant spray or let a leave-in treatment slowly do its work. 

Brooke Weiss, director of Weiss Hair, duly shares that heat protectants won’t magically fix damaged hair. “It’s worth noting that healthy hair always starts with good foundations. Use salon-quality shampoo and conditioner, layer a leave-in treatment before styling, keep heat tools at a lower temperature, and avoid repeated passes over the same section of hair.”

Here, six Australian hairstylists share their favourite heat protectants to use in the salon and at home. 

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

“This is the ultimate repair, protect and shine combo wrapped up in a bottle. It has a high temperature protection of up to 230 degrees and adds the perfect amount of slip to the hair for a glossy and frizz-free blow wave.”

How should you use it?

“You will get the most out of the Smooth and Seal Blow-Dry mist when you apply it to towel-dried hair, working in sections and combing through each time to ensure an even coverage of the product. Then, blow dry and style the hair as desired – you will have gorgeous, shiny strands for days to come. Only use this spray on damp hair before blow drying and styling. If you apply to dry hair, you will likely feel residue left on the hair.”

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

“Chainmail is the perfect ‘hot tool’ hair heat protection, with protection of up to 232 degrees. It is my go-to for styling with curling wands and hair straighteners. Its lightweight hold is helpful for more stubborn hair types, but you still can brush out and re-mould your style without any hassle.”

How should you use it?

“Spray onto dry hair prior to styling with hot tools, working in sections and ensuring the hair is evenly coated. If you apply too much to a section, simply brush through to eliminate some of the product and restyle."

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

“I love this for clients who use heat regularly — it gives that bounce and movement back into the hair while helping protect it from heat damage. It feels lightweight but still makes the hair look polished and expensive.”

How should you use it?

“Use before heat styling on damp hair, then blow-dry and style. Perfect when you want a smoother finish without sacrificing volume. Best results come from using the right amount — too much can weigh down finer textures.”

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

“This is honestly a holiday in a bottle — the scent is incredible and it truly delivers on the ‘11 benefits’ promise. It leaves the hair soft, shiny and protected without feeling heavy or sticky.”

How should you use it?

“Apply to towel-dried hair (mid-lengths to ends), comb through, then blow-dry or heat-style as normal. Also, it’s great as a leave-in to smooth flyaways. If you have very fine hair, start with a small amount — a little goes a long way.”

Brooke Weiss, director of Weiss Hair

Why do you love it?

“I love this entire range. This leave-in offers heat protection up to 232 degrees, feels lightweight, and is incredibly easy to apply. You only need a small amount, so it’s great value and it makes blow-drying noticeably more manageable.”

How should you use it?

“Apply a 10-cent coin–sized amount to damp hair straight out of the shower, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Brush through evenly. It works beautifully before blow-drying but is also great for air-drying as it doesn’t require heat activation. I also love using it as a curl cream – it’s very multifunctional and layers well with other products.”

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

“It smells amazing, has an easy spray application that distributes product evenly, and is excellent for smoothing frizz.”

How should you use it?

“Spritz through hair after washing, either in the shower or just after, to help detangle. It really comes to life when heat-activated, giving a sleeker, more polished finish. It also offers heat protection up to 232 degrees and UV protection.”

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

“I love how it adds lightweight volume to the hair without weighing it down.”

How should you use it?

“It’s best used on freshly washed wet hair. Apply three to five pumps. It’s super luxurious.”

Why do you love this more affordable pick?

“Eleven has a great professional range. It’s also a great size for the price.”

How should you use it?

“Spray directly on dry hair, section by section, before using heat tools.”

Nina Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

“I love it because it is very lightweight and neutral smelling.”

How should you use it?

“It’s best used on wet hair before drying or even second-day hair for restyling. It’s not the product to use on dry hair before using hot tools.”

Joey Scandizzo, founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon and co-creative director of Eleven Australia

Why do you love it?

“This spray provides reliable heat protection for both wet and dry hair, helping reduce damage from hair dryers, straighteners or curling tools – all while boosting shine and smoothing frizz. It also conditions and makes styling feel easier and smoother.”

How should you use it?

“Shake well and mist evenly over damp hair before drying. This speeds blow-dry time and adds shine. Spray on dry hair before straightening or curling for extra protection and longevity of style. It works well for everyday styling – even on non-wash days.”

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