Good hair days are often just a styling tool away, but if your locks lean on the finer side, they can be extra vulnerable to heat damage caused by hair dryers, curling wands and straightening irons. Enter your new secret weapon: heat protectant.
Often available in the form of sprays, serums and creams, these products act as a shield for your delicate strands, allowing you to achieve the style you want without split ends and breakage.
But with so many heat protectants out there, how do you find the right one for fine hair? Don’t sweat it — we’ve tapped hair care pros to spill their secrets on the best protectants for fine hair, as well as tips on how to use them like a pro. Let’s turn up the heat (safely, of course)!
What is a heat protectant?
Because fine hair can easily break when exposed to heat from styling tools, using a heat protectant is crucial.
According to Kimberly Gueldner, “this lightweight styling product creates a barrier between your hair and the hot tools." She continues, "To avoid any risk of breakage or damage, it’s crucial to coat your hair with this product before using heat."
Gueldner also highlights that heat protectants come in different formats — like sprays, serums and creams — that create a protective film on the hair to shield it from direct heat. Furthermore, they can help keep moisture locked in and reduce frizz.
Best heat protectants for fine hair, according to experts
Made with moringa oil: Verb Ghost Heat Protectant
- Lightweight texture
- Protection up to 425 degrees
- Provitamin B5 ingredients
- Use small amount of product
Size: 4 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Moringa oil and provitamin B5 | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: up to 425°F | UV Protection: No | Type: Cream
Kate Johnson, an award-winning hair stylist and makeup artist who founded Glossed Finishing Studio, loves this lightweight cream from Verb for its outstanding protective features. She notes, “Fine hair benefits more from silicone-based protectants. This product is ideal for fragile strands, providing a light yet powerful shield.”
The standout feature of this product is its unique ingredient blend. Moringa oil helps smooth out frizz while provitamin B5 adds much-needed moisture to dry and brittle hair. Plus, it provides heat protection up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for both fine and medium hair types.
However, it’s worth noting that because of its creamy consistency, you should use it in moderation. While it may be tempting to apply more than necessary, some users have reported that exceeding a dime-sized amount can leave the hair looking greasy and oily.
An "airy" formula: Milk_shake Lifestyling Thermo Protector
- Shield against heat damage
- Lightweight texture
- Spray application
- Easy to waste extra product
Size: 6.8 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Quinoa proteins, silk proteins, milk proteins | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: Yes | UV Protection: N/A| Type: Spray
This budget-friendly heat protectant spray features a strong trio of proteins that not only hydrates and smooths frizz but also serves as a barrier against heat damage.
Hanna Oh, owner of 821 West Salon in Chicago, is a fan of this product, especially appreciating its light feel and easy-to-use spray format. She remarks, “Unlike heavier heat protectants, this aerosol creates a soft, even mist. The combination of this spraying technique and its airy formula makes it particularly suitable for fine hair types.”
Keep in mind, however, that while it’s very lightweight, some reviewers have noted that it’s easy to apply too much if you’re not careful.
Infused with beetroot extract: Living Proof Restore Perfecting Leave In Conditioner Spray
- Protection up to 450 degrees
- Suitable for all hair types
- Marine-derived UV protection
- Caution using lots of product
Size: 1.7 oz. (mini) 8 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Glycerin, beetroot extract, artichoke extract, and-time release conditioners | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: up to 450°F | UV Protection: Yes | Type: Spray
With its easy-to-use spray format and a blend of protective ingredients, this Living Proof spray is perfect for fine hair needing heat protection.
According to Jae Manuel Cardenas, senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad, “The spray offers a light mist and contains glycerin, beetroot extract, and artichoke extract to smooth the hair without adding weight. It protects against thermal damage up to 400 degrees [Fahrenheit] and includes UV protection from marine sources.”
However, it’s important to apply it lightly; some reviews suggest that overusing the product can result in heavy, greasy locks.
"Lightweight and moisturizing": Milbon Weightless Replenishing Mist
- Lightweight and conditioning
- Contains 11 amino acids
- Suitable for use on fine hair
- Limited availability
Size: 4.1 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Blend of 11 amino acids, SSVR-Silk™, squalene | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: Yes | UV Protection: N/A | Type: Spray
Gueldner is a big fan of this weightless replenishing mist from Milbon. It not only provides excellent heat protection but also conditions and detangles hair, leaving it feeling silky smooth.
“It acts as both a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant. Its lightweight and moisturizing formula (packed with 11 amino acids) makes it an ideal choice for those with fine hair.”
Splurge-worthy serum: The Rootist BioBrew™ Fermented Leave-in Hair Serum for Damage Repair
- Controls frizz
- Protection up to 450 degrees
- Suitable for all hair types
- More expensive
Size: 1 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Proprietary Rootbiomic Ferment™, Bio-Peptides, vitamin C | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: up to 450°F | UV Protection: Yes | Type: Serum
Santiago mentions that this serum is an excellent choice for protecting fine hair from heat damage because it serves two purposes. “It protects your hair from heat (up to 450 degrees [Fahrenheit]) while also strengthening it,” she says. “You’re really getting the best of both worlds.”
What’s more, this protectant serum controls frizz for as long as 72 hours and imparts a stunning shine to the hair. Just be aware that it is the most expensive option we have available.
Best heat protectants for fine hair, according to editors
Budget-friendly pick: TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray
- Spray bottle works nicely
- Strong scent
Size: 8 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Keratin | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: up to 450°F | UV Protection: N/A | Type: Spray
Kate McCarthy, a senior social media editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this heat-protectant spray by TRESemmé. She says, "Love this heat protectant. I’m a fine-, frizzy-haired girl and I’ve been using this for a couple years now and loving it. It’s my first foray into heat protectant, so I don’t have other ones to compare it to — but I love the scent and it gives me peace of mind that I’m protecting my hair."
The "all-in-one" product: Dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner
- Multitasker
- Seemingly weightless
- On the expensive side
Size: 5 oz. (full size) | Key ingredients: Moringa leaf extract, squalane, orange peel oil, prickly pair seed oil, cactus flower extract | Scent: Yes | Heat Protection: up to 450°F | UV Protection: N/A | Type: Spray
Lauren Witonsky, an associate partnerships editor at Shop TODAY, says, "I prefer to use as few products as possible so that my oily hair doesn't feel even more weighed down. Excited to have found this new all-in-one that acts as a heat protectant, prevents breakage, adds shine and more — while still feeling weightless. Plus, it smells so good that I've even gotten compliments on it."
The difference between fine hair and thin hair
When searching for the best heat protectants for fine hair, Oh highlights the need to first understand the specific traits of fine hair.
She explains, “Fine hair refers to strands that are thinner in width or diameter. This type of hair is often described as flat and soft, making it challenging to style. Additionally, fine hair struggles to hold curls or maintain a blow-dry and is more susceptible to breakage.”
The texture of fine hair is usually inherited genetically, so if your family members have fine hair, you’re likely to have it too. However, Oh notes that as we age, our hair can become finer. “Additionally, the heat and styling damage we inflict on our hair can affect each strand and make it appear finer over time,” she adds.
At the same time, it’s important to understand that fine hair and thin hair are not the same. According to Oh,
“Fine hair describes the texture of each individual strand, while thin hair refers to how much hair is present overall. You can have thin hair with any texture, but fine hair specifically relates to the width of the strands. Some people may have both fine and thin hair, which can make hair loss more noticeable because fine strands don’t do a great job of hiding thinning areas.
Is it safe to use heat on fine hair?
You can definitely use heat styling tools on fine hair, but celebrity stylist Mia Santiago advises that you should be careful.
She explains that “thin strands don’t have enough strength and have less protective layering.” Her recommendation is to start with a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and only increase it if your hair isn’t curling as desired. It’s always wise to begin with a lower setting and take your time.
What to look for
When selecting a heat protectant for fine hair, it’s crucial to keep several important factors in mind. Cardenas emphasizes a few, such as scent, UV protection and the type of heat protectant you're working with.
“These elements are particularly important because fine hair is more susceptible to being weighed down, breakage, and brittleness,” he explains.
Scent:
As you weigh your options for heat protectants, don’t underestimate scent. According to Cardenas, it can sway your choices more than you think.
“People with fine hair tend to wash it more often,” he notes, which means they’re blow-drying and using that heat protectant regularly. “So, if you’re someone who’s sensitive to fragrances,” he warns, “get ready for a daily dose of whatever scent you choose!”
Heat protection:
Fine hair is more prone to breakage, so Cadenas says that it is important to choose a heat protectant with high thermal protection.
“Many products can offer protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit,” he says. “This high level of thermal protection is important because it covers the temperature range of most common heat styling tools, including flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers.”
UV protection:
To protect your hair from sun damage, it’s also a good idea to look for products that also offer UV protection. “UV rays can weaken hair and cause color fading, so choosing a heat protectant with UV protection,” says Cadenas. “This protection is essential to help maintain fine hair’s health and vibrancy,” he says.
Type of heat protectant:
Heat protectants come in all sorts of forms — creams, serums, sprays and mists — which can complicate your decision-making process. But according to Cadenas, sticking with sprays and mists is a smart move because they’re user-friendly and won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or too greasy.
Frequently asked questions
To know if your heat protectant is truly working, Johnson says you’ll instantly notice smooth, soft shine after you heat style your hair. She continues, “There also won’t be excessive frizz or residue on the hair.”
While avocado and coconut oils serve as natural heat protectants, Johnson cautions that these oils may be rather heavy for those with fine hair.
Nevertheless, if you’re inclined to use them, Johnson suggests, “Consider applying a small amount to the ends of your hair, and any excess can be used on your skin without causing undue concern.”
Santiago explains that heat protectant will stay in your hair until your next wash. However, she suggests that you should reapply it before using any hot styling tools. “If you’re using a thermal protectant and keeping the temperature low, it’s perfectly safe to style your hair every day,” she adds.
How we chose
Before choosing the best heat protectants for fine hair, we interviewed five professional hair stylists. They informed us about what heat a protectant is, what to look for in a heat protectant, as well as the difference between fine and thin hair. We also included a few editor-favorite products starting at just $6.
Meet the experts
- Hanna Oh is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of the Chicago-based 821 West Salon.
- Kimberly Gueldner is a celebrity stylist and founder of Voel Hair.
- Mia Santiago is a celebrity hair stylist.
- Kate Johnson is an award-winning hair stylist, makeup artist, and founder of Glossed Finishing Studio.
- Jae Manuel Cardenas is the senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad.
