Your heat protectant FAQs, answered:

How do you use heat protection spray?

In order for your heat protection spray to form a proper barrier between your hair and hot styling tools, you’ll need to do more than just a quick spritz over the top of your head. “A good technique is to hold the spray bottle in one hand, and grab your hair with the other, and basically lift and drop each section while continuously spraying,” Lewis explains.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re styling freshly-washed hair from scratch, or just doing a quick touch-up on day two or three, the spray has to be applied whenever you use even the smallest amount of heat. And remember to spritz it before you go in with any products like styling cream or mousse. “Everybody needs to be using some kind of heat protection spray — regardless of their hair type,” Lewis adds.

But remember — although coating every single hair is definitely the aim, you’ll need to wait for the formula to fully dry before getting out the straightener or curling tong if you want to avoid damage. In a hurry? A gentle blow dry will speed up the process.

What ingredients should you look for in an effective heat protection spray?

“First and foremost, you want to specifically look for protecting polymers,” explains ghd Global Ambassador, Patrick Wilson. “These are the heroes that form that smooth, protective barrier, stopping those cuticles from lifting and giving you that sleek finish we all adore.”

Next up; conditioning agents. Designed to attract and retain moisture, natural humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are often present in heat defence sprays thanks to their hydrating properties. “Conditioning agents are essentially the nurturing side of the equation,” Patrick adds. “Keeping your hair hydrated and supple, they work together with those all-important polymers to give you a smooth, healthy, and heat-protected mane.”

Strengthening ingredients like amino acids and keratin are also worth looking out for if you’re dealing with damaged hair, as they can really help prevent breakage, and are also rich in nourishing antioxidants. Had your hair coloured or bleached? “Don’t forget to look for protection from UV rays in your heat protectant formula, as this will help protect your tresses from fading and discolouration,” Patrick adds.

Is it better to use heat protectant spray on wet or dry hair?

Many heat protectant sprays are suitable for use on both dry and wet hair — but if you’re buying one specifically for styling and touch-ups with a hair straightener, curling tong, or mermaid waver, you might want to pick a thermal protection spray that’s been designed specifically with dry styling in mind.

As well as providing heat protection for high temperatures (up to around 230˚C), the best heat protectants for hot styling tools are lightweight, fast-drying, and leave behind no build-up — generally formulated more like a fine mist or aerosol than an overly ‘wet’ spray. They’ll also often include conditioning agents like panthenol and Argan oil to add shine and smoothness, and reduce friction.