What We Love: The formula leaves out sulfates, silicones, and other potentially harmful ingredients that could strip color and lead to dullness. Although this is an effective heat protectant cream for all hair types, we especially love it for people with curly hair. Because curly hair tends to be dry, it craves products that provide it with sufficient moisture—while not weighing down or disrupting the curl pattern. Formulated with a pro-keratine complex full of protein and amino acids, as well as ceramides, and plant sap, it works to strengthen and support the hair structure, provide moisture, and smooth signs of damage. The texture is extremely lightweight and almost milky, making it easy to work through the hair, and it doesn’t create a greasy feeling or look heavy on strands.

Iudina also suggests looking for formulas with protein, like spirulina protein, which “works great for frizz control and smoothness,” she says. We’re fans of the Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer in this regard because its formula has proteins and amino acids galore that strengthened our hair and boosted elasticity.But that’s not all: When we dug a little deeper into the formula we uncovered shiitake mushroom, rosemary, and sage, all of which work to strengthen and maintain the health of the hair, and all its conditioning, shine-enhancing effects. We updated this article in January 2023 to add two new products, eva NYC and Curlsmith, in place of discontinued and sold out products.

While not as rich or hydrating as a cream by nature of the spray formula, we did find that it provided a bit of moisture. Dry ends felt smoother and more hydrated after using this spray, but not in a way that altered the texture or finish of the hair—we appreciate that it doesn’t wilt or flatten coils. And lastly, we really like that it has a light, fruity-floral scent that’s pleasant but not overpowering. However, what sets it apart from others is its ability to transform dull hair into a luminous, nearly reflective sheen—a result we can attribute to an impressive lineup of hydrating vegan ingredients, including shea butter, citric acid, and peach, and rosehip oils. Squalane, a naturally-occurring lipid in the skin, is another front-running ingredient here, too, since it acts as an emollient and antioxidant to strengthen and nourish our hair and scalps. Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554. Published 2009 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540 Though these are all applaudable factors, we were most concerned with how well it would save hair from the harmful effects of our hot tools, especially on natural hair, but we were so pleased with the results. What We Don’t Love: Though the scent is heavenly, it is strong and can cause competition with the fragrances from other lotions and perfumes.Yes, just take it from the pros: “Hair should never be exposed to heat without this barrier,” says Johnson. She adds that heat protectants function like a barrier between your hair and the high temperatures from hot tools. To form this barrier, formulas usually feature ingredients like coconut oil, amino acids, and proteins that shield the hair cuticle from damage. Additionally, many formulas include hydrating emollients like squalane and glycerin to combat any dryness caused by heat.