Sharifi N, Hamedeyazdan S, Shokri J, Monajjemzadeh F. Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage: Attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(10):5010-5017. doi:10.1111/jocd.14885. 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. Shatalebi MA, Safaeian L, Baradaran A, Alamdarian M. Preparation and evaluation of a hair wax containing propolis and Eruca sativa seed oil for hair growth. Adv Biomed Res. 2016;5:182. Published 2016 Nov 28. doi:10.4103/2277-9175.190985 In a few words, (and for even fewer dollars) Verb created an affordable product that gave us everything we wanted in a great heat protectant: Just a single spritz made our strands feel softer, look fuller and bouncier, and prevented our ends from looking dried out and frazzled.

Chi is no stranger to making affordable products that actually work, and this gem of a primer gives the gift of a shiny halo all around our heads. This formula relies on the conditioning properties of hydrolyzed silk to bestow this angelic glow. It also makes the cream’s texture feel velvety and nourishing, likely the reason it’s been shown to help heal and restore protein to our strands from all the time we spend under foils coloring our hair. What We Don’t Love: It leaves behind a light residue that lasts until you blow dry or brush out your hair 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. To further combat that crunchy feeling some curl-enhancing products supply, the mist flowed in a wide, even steam—and never once jammed or clogged, a true feat—to help curb our inclination to keep on spraying, and instead of overdoing it, we swathed our hair in protection, root to tip.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 After spending hours—and a pretty penny—in the salon chair poring over hair inspo snaps with our stylists, the last thing we want is a hot tool to shorten the lifespan of our highlights. Enter: The dpHue protection spray. Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicol Res. 2014;30(4):297-304. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297

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. 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. Though it only offers protection up to 425 degrees (a relatively lower threshold than others on the market), it provides a serious amount of value for the price. Additionally, you should think of heat protectants as a way to mitigate damage, not fully prevent it. There are other steps you can take to maintain the health of your hair like not setting hot tools above 300 degrees if possible, wearing a hat if you’re in the sun for a long time, and incorporating conditioning hair masks into your weekly hair care routine.

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What We Love: Our strands soaked up the nutrient-rich formula of proteins and ceramides to become shinier and stronger.