Curling irons, straighteners and blow driers may provide a glamorous salon-style look but they can dry, split and damage hair. Now, there are specially formulated products to protect, strengthen and fortify locks against excessive heat.
When used prior to styling – or for everyday UV protection – the best heat protection for hair in South Africa can add shine, body and bounce.
Key factors to look out for in a quality heat protectant product include:
- heat protection properties of around 230 degrees Celsius
- issue-specific formulations
- nutrient-rich ingredients
- lightweight and easy to use
How can you find the most effective solution for your mane? Our selection of best heat protection for hair in South Africa is a great place to start.
Here’s our pick for the top heat protectant product overall, plus the #1 spray, cream or oil formulated for specific heat-related issues.
See the Q&A section below for general information about heat protection for hair.
Best all-round heat protection for hair
With a highly concentrated formula enriched with nourishing oils, vitamins and anti-oxidants, this intense cream-based treatment is a heat protector, moisturiser and tonic.
A proprietary Heat Shock Protein system provides cuticle-deep protection that locks-in moisture, leaving the hair soft, shiny and full of bounce.
Hydrolysed wheat protein hydrates and strengthens the hair. Avocado and Argan oils add shine and elasticity to individual strands.
It’s a creamy conditioner suitable for all hair types, and more than befitting of its status as the best heat protection for hair in South Africa.
What we like:
Best heat protection for frizzy hair
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Brasil Cacau Primer, 110mlR177.09
As a leave-in primer with a pump formulation, this heat protection hair product is easy to apply. It is an active heat shield, with added UV protection, that is particularly effective at taming frizzy unmanageable hair.
An advanced formulation works by closing the hair cuticles to form a protective barrier against heat styling tools. Key ingredients include panthenol, cacao and keratin to hydrate, revitalise and strengthen hair.
What we like:
Best heat protection for dry hair
This award-winning protein-rich mist is packed with organic, plant-based ingredients.
Sunflower seed oil hydrates and revitalises dry, dull and damaged hair. Bergamot oil shields tresses from environmental damage. Rice extract is a detangler that enhances strength, shine and elasticity.
High levels of glycerine moisturise and hydrate hair, repair split ends and provide a soft, smooth and supple finish.
A complete heat protectant and styling solution, the every-day mister contains a colour protection complex to revitalise colour-treated hair.
What we like:
Best volumising heat protection for dull and lifeless hair
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OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In TreatmentR93.05 – R362.63
Dull, lifeless hair can be refreshed and revitalised with this keratin-based salon cult classic. The leave-in treatment features innovative Fibre Bond technology to restore and repair split ends and over-processed locks.
The spray function enables quick and easy application and all-day protection. Regular use of the ‘Wonder’ product adds volume and shine to the hair.
Long-lasting, both in efficacy and day-to-day use, this multifaceted heat protectant is a must-have treatment. It is the go-to product for style conscious South Africans with fine, flat or tired hair.
What we like:
Best heat protection for flyaway hair
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K18 Molecular Repair Hair OilR433.00 – R1,299.00
The standout feature of this hair protectant oil is the inclusion of K18’s revolutionary peptide in the formula.
This innovative component reverses hair damage at the molecular level. It does this by reconnecting polypeptide chains destroyed by frequent colour-, chemical- and heat-treatments.
The oil protects the hair at a molecular level. As such, it is a long-term solution for frizzy, wispy or flyaway locks.
Active ingredients include nutrient-dense avocado, sunflower and squalene oils, all of which coat, nourish and fortify individual hair shafts.
What we like:
Best heat protection for a smooth, shiny finish
This advanced heat protection spray coats and nourishes each strand to provide a smooth, lustrous and healthy finish.
It’s versatile, easy to apply and can be used before and after styling on both wet and dry tresses.
The hero ingredient is hydrolysed wheat protein. It locks-in moisture to restore curly, frizzy, colour-treated or heat-abused hair.
If you’re striving to achieve manageable locks with a silky, radiant finish, this heat defence spray is the best product in its category. It is equally effective on all types of hair.
What we like:
Heat protection for hair FAQ
Below we offer answers to some common questions about the best heat protection for hair in South Africa.