The Ultimate Guide to Heat Protectants: What Actually Works for Curly Hair?

Your hair's future might hinge on the right heat protectant—here's how to choose wisely.

I’ve tested over 50 heat protectants in the past year at home under normal daily use. The focus was on 3a curly hair, evaluating frizz reduction, residue, and heat resistance up to 450°F.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer ($34) and Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray ($46) emerged as top performers. Sutra Heat Guard Blowout Cream ($24) and Mane Temp Check ($26) earned honorable mentions, while The Rootist BioBrew Ferment Serum ($57) failed to justify its price.

This thick and almost fragrance-free cream is meant to protect up to 450°F but left my hair dried out after use. I appreciated this sustainably sourced, natural spray, but it was only protective up to 350°F—too low for the tools I use.

At $40 for 1.7 ounces, the Goddess BioTech Blowout felt overpriced for its performance on 3a hair.