The 11 Best Heat Protectants of 2024, Tested By Southern Living

Table Of Content

• The best hair growth serums, at a glance
• What to look for in a hair growth serum
• Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Is a Heat-Styling Essential
• Oribe Magnificent Volume Shampoo
• Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer
• Best for Damaged Hair: Evolh Better Roots RootBoost Serum
• Living Proof Full Shampoo
• Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

The paper was left unevenly burnt in areas where the product was applied, which left us wondering just how protected our hair was during heat styling. Still, we loved how smooth it left our hair, and we do think it’s a good option if your primary concern is styling. Hatcher recommends heat protectant sprays for fine hair and creams for medium to coarse hair. Selecting the right product for your hair type will ensure you’re protecting your hair without weighing it down. “I’ve had guests that have come in using a well-known heat protector that just wasn’t quite right for their hair type,” Hatcher says. Most of the products on our list are designed for all hair types, but contain ingredients for specialized purposes, like frizz or damage.

The best hair growth serums, at a glance

Heat Shampoo ($11), which helps retain moisture and provides a protective barrier. We made our hair damp with a spray bottle or left dry depending on the product’s intended use. We only applied the product to the right side of the hair, and individuals with thick/coarse textures used more product as needed. Leave-in conditioners can make hair feel heavy, but our thick hair felt soft and light after use.

What to look for in a hair growth serum

15 Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair, Tested & Reviewed 2024 - Glamour

15 Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair, Tested & Reviewed 2024.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Proper technique, measurement and timing can make the difference between fail and holy grail. Here, indulge in tips from our experts that guarantee a perfect result, every time. This colour-focused option uses pH-balancing formulas to strengthen and fortify hair, with a bold claim of leaving strands three times stronger. The shampoo does indeed deliver a thorough yet gentle clean and, once dried, hair is bestowed with impressive volume.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Is a Heat-Styling Essential

Also, consider avoiding formulations that contain additives that might irritating to the scalp and inadvertently cause dryness or itchiness, such as harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. Instead, seek out those that have been dermatologist-tested, says Dr. Shaver. While the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil may be considered a splurge (over $50 USD) compared to drugstore alternatives, I believe it’s worth every penny.

We loved that it absorbs almost immediately into the hair, and it made our hair feel softer, more moisturized, and less frizzy even before we used hot tools. The product has a lightweight feel that leaves minimal tackiness on the hands; we noticed that it felt a little sticky as it absorbed, but it also left our hair feeling hydrated. It didn’t leave any residue, but we recommend sectioning off your hair to ensure an even application. When we compared the side of our hair with heat protectant to the side without, we noticed the protected side was noticeably smoother, shinier, and silkier. When we used hot tools, we didn’t notice any burning, sizzling, hissing, or smell of heat. We sprayed a paper receipt with the product, and there were no signs of burning after a quick pass with a flat iron.

Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer

The trick is to start small, applying and working with one pump at a time. This elixir has a luxurious lightweight formula that effortlessly glides through my strands without leaving behind any greasy residue (great for oily hair). Fans of Moroccanoil's famed original formula should flock to this gentle lather when struggling with fine, flat strands.

Best for Damaged Hair: Evolh Better Roots RootBoost Serum

Two to three weeks after color, shine and luminosity can begin to fade from the hair. Applying a pump of oil to color-treated hair, wet or dry, brings nourishing shine back to the hair, making it as glossy and gorgeous as it was the day you visited the salon. Similar to my twist outs, second day hair is always better than first day hair. The residue I mentioned having on my hands above disappeared when I ran my fingers through it, but the shine remained.

Living Proof Full Shampoo

In fact, it’s so lightweight that it hardly felt like we had any product in our hair. One key ingredient includes beeswax, which Hatcher says creates memory and helps hold styling all day. The long-lasting floral scent was an added bonus, and it reminded us of salon-quality products and made us feel like we had just gotten our hair professionally done. Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum is a hair oil that checks every box for all hair types—including the curliest, coiliest strands.

We applied the spray directly on the hair, and it didn’t leave a sticky residue. Though the overall application was easy, we noticed that the product needs to be shaken well, and the pump can be tough to spray during the first few uses. Kerastase hair oil can be applied to either wet or dry hair, depending on your preference and desired results.

Available in both a liquid and solid formula, this volumising hair wash is a hero for limp and lacklustre hair. It's effective at removing oil and dirt, without compromising on the soft, glossy finish we expect from a high-end shampoo. Did we mention the classic shampoo is obtained with 100% clean energy, while its solid counterpart is completely carbon offset? A fantastic investment for anyone looking to go greener with their haircare.

Ahead, a dermatologist and a hairstylist share eight ways to strengthen your hair at home. We evaluated all products based on ease of application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent. We tested products in both our testing lab and over a two-week period at home to get a variety of insights. Living Proof's charcoal-based Triple Detox formula is the beauty team's unequivocal favourite. Most of us expose our hair to heat styling in some way, from diffusers to curling irons.

With that in mind, consider these the serums worth trying to achieve your unique hair goals. "High heat causes damage to the hair and the hair cuticle; however, realistically, it is not always practical to completely cut out heat styling," Ahram explains. "Since heat protectors do not block heat completely, try to keep hair styling tools at the lowest possible setting and try to avoid holding the heat in one spot for too long to minimize damage." She recommends Kérastase's Genesis Strengthening Shampoo ($42) for anyone experiencing breakage, thinning, or damage to their hair.