Your styling tools might be hot, but your hair game doesn't have to suffer, and hair styling shouldn't come with a side of damage. Discover how the right heat protectant can transform your styling routine and keep your hair damage-free while you turn up the temperature.
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17 May 2025
By The Redken Team
Styling with heat can be a game-changer for achieving salon-worthy looks, but it can also take a toll on your hair. That’s where heat protectants come in. Redken’s heat protectants are designed to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools, ensuring your hair stays healthy, strong, and vibrant. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of heat protectants, how to use them effectively, and the best products for your specific hair needs.
THE HOT TRUTH ABOUT HEAT STYLING
Let's be real—most of us reach for hot tools regularly. Whether you're blow-drying after every wash, flat ironing for that sleek finish, or creating waves with your curling iron, you're exposing your hair to temperatures that can reach up to 450°F. Without protection, that's a direct ticket to heat-damaged hair. That is why heat protectants are non-negotiable in your hair routine.
BUT WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS WHEN HEAT MEETS UNPROTECTED HAIR?
•The cuticle (your hair's protective outer layer) lifts and breaks
•Moisture evaporates rapidly, leaving strands parched
•Protein bonds weaken, leading to breakage and split ends
•Color molecules escape, causing premature fading
•Natural oils that keep hair healthy and shiny diminish
The science is clear: using a heat protectant spray isn't just a suggestion—it's essential for maintaining your hair's integrity.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HEAT PROTECTANTS
Heat protectants are more than just a quick fix for your styling routine. They offer a range of benefits that can transform the look and feel of your hair. Here are some key reasons why you should incorporate a heat protectant into your hair care regimen:
•Reduce Heat Damage: Heat protectants create a barrier that prevents heat from penetrating the hair shaft, reducing the risk of split ends, dryness, and breakage.
•Minimize Frizz: By smoothing the cuticle, heat protectants help reduce frizz and flyaways, leaving your hair looking sleek and polished.
•Enhance Shine: Heat protectants can add a beautiful shine to your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
•Provide Conditioning: Many heat protectants also offer conditioning benefits, helping to nourish and hydrate your hair.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND HEAT PROTECTION: HOW DOES A HEAT PROTECTANT WORK?
Unlike what some might think, heat protectants aren't just marketing hype. These formulas create an actual molecular barrier between your strands and styling tools. Here's what happens at the microscopic level:
•Specialized polymers form a protective film around each strand
•This barrier helps distribute heat more evenly, preventing "hot spots" that cause severe damage
•Heat-activated ingredients seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and essential nutrients
•Thermal shields minimize water evaporation from inside the hair shaft
•Conditioning agents simultaneously repair while protecting
The result?
Hair that can withstand styling temperatures while maintaining its strength, shine, and health over time.
THE MULTI-TASKING MAGIC OF MODERN HEAT PROTECTANTS
Today's heat protectants do far more than just shield from heat. Redken’s heat protectants are more than just a shield against heat. They are multi-taskers that simplify your routine and reduce the need for multiple products. Our formulas not only protect but also detangle, condition, and enhance shine, making them a valuable addition to your hair care regimen. Whether you style with heat daily or occasionally, regular use of a heat protectant can improve hair texture, reduce split ends, and maintain color vibrancy, ensuring your hair stays healthy and beautiful.
Redken's advanced formulations offer multiple benefits in a single product
•Color Preservation: Specialized polymers lock in color molecules for longer-lasting vibrancy
•Humidity Resistance: Creates a barrier against moisture that causes frizz and poofiness
•Detangling: Smooths the cuticle for easier combing and reduced breakage
•Split End Reduction: Temporarily seals frayed ends for a polished appearance
•Shine Enhancement: Reflects light for a healthy, glossy finish
•Cuticle Sealing: Smooths the hair's outer layer for reduced frizz and increased manageability
SCIENCE-BACKED HEAT PROTECTION: HOW REDKEN HEAT PROTECTANTS SHIELD ALL HAIR TYPES
At Redken, we don't just create products—we engineer solutions for all hair types backed by salon-tested science. Our heat protectants create a protective barrier between your hair and styling tools, dispersing heat evenly while locking in moisture and shine. Not all hair is the same, and neither are heat protectants. Redken offers a variety of formulas tailored to meet the unique needs of different hair types and concerns. So what are the types and formats of heat protectants? Redken’s heat protectants come in various formats to suit your styling needs. Whether you prefer a spray, cream, serum, or leave-in conditioner, we have a product that will work for your hair type and hair concern:
For All Hair Types
• One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray : A leave-in conditioner with 25 benefits, perfect for all hair types. This multi-tasking miracle worker doesn't just protect against heat—it delivers 25 benefits including detangling, frizz control, and color protection. The lightweight formula won't weigh hair down while shielding against temperatures up to 450°F.
• Quick Blowout for limp, fine and all hair types and textures seeking a lightweight, flash drying spray formula.
• Thermal Spray Low Hold The styling pro's secret weapon. This lightweight thermal spray provides medium control while protecting against temperatures up to 450°F, leaving hair touchably soft with a natural finish. The precision nozzle ensures targeted application right where you need it.
For Color-Treated Hair
• Acidic Color Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil For color-treated hair that needs extra hydration and shine, Naked Oil provides heat protection and frizz reduction for up to 72 hours along with more shine and more hydration.
• Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment This specialized formula creates a protective shield that preserves color vibrancy while defending against heat damage while keeping your salon color fresh and vibrant longer.
For Fine Hair
• Big Blowout Volumizing Heat Protecting Blowout Jelly Who says protection has to come with heaviness? This innovative jelly formula provides full thermal defense while adding body and movement, perfect for fine hair that needs both protection and lift.
• Thermal Spray High Hold A high-hold thermal heat protection hairspray that keeps your style in place while protecting against heat.
For Damaged Hair
• Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In For damaged, color-treated hair that needs extra TLC, ABC leave-in delivers sulfate-free heat protection, reduces split ends by 88%, and strengthens hair with every use. Its heat-activated formula means protection activates precisely when you need it most.
• Extreme Play Safe Fortifying Leave-in Treatment This powerhouse formula doesn't just protect—it actively repairs. With heat protection up to 450°F and strengthening proteins, it reduces breakage by up to 90% while defending against future damage.
For Curly Hair
• Hydrating Curl Cream Specifically formulated for curly textures, this cream defines and hydrates while providing essential heat protection—preserving your natural curl pattern even when heat styling.
For Frizzy Hair
• Spray Smooth : An instant smoothing and de-frizzing spray for a silky finish for frizzy hair types.
•Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-in Cream Combat humidity and heat damage simultaneously with this dual-action formula. The cream texture provides lasting frizz control while creating a protective barrier against styling tools for frizz prone hair.
• Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum : A frizz controlling leave-in that provides medium to maximum volume control.
THE REDKEN HEAT PROTECTION ARSENAL
STYLING BEST SELLER
ONE UNITED
Leave-in Conditioner with 25 Benefits
Old Price New Price $30.00
EXTREME PLAY SAFE
Fortifying leave-in treatment with heat protection
One size only for EXTREME PLAY SAFE
200 ml / 6.8 fl oz
Old Price New Price $32.00
NEW
Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil
Lightweight hair oil for shine, moisture & color vibrancy
One size only for Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil
100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
Old Price New Price $45.00
TOP-RATED
Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment
Leave-in treatment spray that provides hydration, detangling and heat protection up to 450°F.
Old Price New Price $34.00
STYLING BEST SELLER
QUICK BLOWOUT
Lightweight, Smoothing Blow Dry Primer
Old Price New Price $28.00
THERMAL SPRAY HIGH HOLD
High Hold Thermal Heat Protection Hairspray
One size only for THERMAL SPRAY HIGH HOLD
125 ml / 4.2 fl oz
Old Price New Price $28.00
THERMAL SPRAY LOW HOLD
Lightweight Thermal Heat Protection Hairspray
One size only for THERMAL SPRAY LOW HOLD
250 ml / 8.5 fl oz
Old Price New Price $28.00
STYLING BEST SELLER
SPRAY SMOOTH
Instant Smoothing and De-Frizzing Spray for a Silky Finish
Old Price New Price $30.00
TOP-RATED
BIG BLOWOUT
Volumizing Heat Protecting Blowout Jelly
Old Price New Price $28.00
SABRINA CARPENTER'S FAVE
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE LEAVE-IN TREATMENT
Best-selling, sulfate-free leave-in treatment for strength repair in 1 use.
Old Price New Price $34.00
FRIZZ DISMISS REBEL TAME LEAVE-IN CREAM
Leave-in cream that hydrates hair, controls frizz, and protects against heat
One size only for FRIZZ DISMISS REBEL TAME LEAVE-IN CREAM
250 ml / 8.5 fl oz
Old Price New Price $32.00
FRIZZ DISMISS INSTANT DEFLATE OIL-IN-SERUM
Frizz controlling leave-in for medium to maximum volume control
One size only for FRIZZ DISMISS INSTANT DEFLATE OIL-IN-SERUM
125 ml / 4.2 fl oz
Old Price New Price $36.00
NEW!
Hydrating Curl Cream
A curl-defining, moisturizing light hold cream that provides easy detangling and heat protection.
One size only for Hydrating Curl Cream
200 ml / 6.8 fl oz
Old Price New Price $32.00
HEAT PROTECTION ROUTINE: PRO TIPS ON HOW TO USE HEAT PROTECTANTS
Using a heat protectant is simple and can be easily integrated into your daily hair care routine. Follow these steps to get the most out of your heat protectant:
1.Start with clean, towel-dried hair - Heat protectants work best on damp hair before blow-drying
2.Section for success - Apply product in sections to ensure complete coverage
3.Less is more - Start with a small amount to avoid product buildup
4.Wait for it - Allow product to absorb before applying heat
5.Layer your protection - For high-heat styling, consider using both a leave-in treatment and a dedicated heat spray
6.Apply to Damp Hair: Start with damp hair to ensure the product penetrates the hair shaft and forms a strong barrier.
7.Even Distribution: Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.
8.Regular Use: Consistent use of heat protectants, even on days when you’re using lower heat settings, can significantly reduce cumulative damage and lead to healthier hair over time.
For Hot Tools (Flat Irons, Curling Irons):
1.Ensure hair is completely dry before applying additional heat protection
2.Work in small sections for thorough coverage
3.Hold spray 8-10 inches away for even distribution
4.Wait for product to dry completely before applying hot tools
5.Use tools at the lowest effective temperature for your hair type
Redken Pro Tip:
Layer your protection for maximum benefits. Start with a leave-in treatment on damp hair, then add a specialized heat spray before using hot tools for double the defense.
SIGNS YOU’RE DEALING WITH HEAT-STYLING DAMAGED HAIR
Not sure if your hair is suffering? What does heat-damaged hair look like? Look for these telltale signs:
•Excessive dryness and brittleness
•Increased breakage and split ends
•Dull appearance with lack of natural shine
•Difficulty holding style or curl pattern
•Rough, uneven texture
•Color that fades faster than usual
•Increased frizz and flyaways
For those with heat damaged curly hair, the signs can be even more pronounced:
•Loss of natural curl pattern
•Inconsistent curls (some areas curly, others straight)
•Increased porosity leading to frizz
•Curls that won't clump or form properly
•Difficulty retaining moisture
HOW TO FIX HEAT-DAMAGED HAIR: THE REDKEN RECOVERY PLAN
If you're already seeing signs of damage, don't panic. Redken's approach to rehabilitation combines immediate relief with long-term strengthening:
1.Immediate Relief: Start with Acidic Bonding Concentrate system to begin repairing broken bonds
2.Consistent Protection: Incorporate heat protectants before every styling session
3.Regular Treatment: Use leave-in treatments to strengthen the hair while protecting from external factors
4.Moisture Balance: Alternate with hydrating formulas like hair oils to restore optimal moisture levels
5.Lower Heat Settings: Gradually reduce styling temperatures as hair health improves
Remember: recovery is a journey, not an overnight fix. Consistent use of the right products will show progressive improvement over time.
THE BOTTOM LINE: HEAT PROTECTION IS DAMAGED HAIR PREVENTION
While we've discussed how to fix heat damaged hair, the truth is that prevention is always more effective than repair. Making heat protectants a non-negotiable step in your styling routine isn't just about avoiding damage, it's about maintaining your hair's health, strength, and beauty for the long term.With Redken's comprehensive range of heat protection formulas, you can customize your defense system to your specific hair type and styling needs. The result? Freedom to create any style you desire without compromising your hair's fundamental health.Your styling tools might be hot, but with Redken's heat protection arsenal, your hair will always be hotter.
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The Redken blog is your ultimate resource for all things hair, offering expert advice, inspiration, and product recommendations to help you achieve your best hair yet. From the latest trends and techniques to personalized hair care routines and styling tips, discover everything you need to know to create and maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Explore articles covering a wide range of topics, including color care, styling tutorials, product spotlights, and expert interviews, all designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to achieve your hair goals. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or a hair enthusiast, the Redken blog is your go-to destination for staying ahead of the curve and unlocking your hair's full potential.
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