15 Best Products For Heat Damaged Hair, As Per A Hairstylist
Try these products on your heat-damaged hair to seal in moisture and smoothen the cuticles.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Maintaining heat-damaged hair is challenging as they are prone to split ends, frizz, and hair fall. To prevent your locks from getting damaged and keep them healthy, you should consider investing in the best products for heat-damaged hair. Too much use of hair straighteners, curling irons, and other heat-styling tools makes your hair dry and brittle. If you love to experiment with different hairstyles, you must already be facing these problems. But, products exclusively meant for heat-damaged hair care help repair your tresses, seal moisture, and smoothen your cuticles. Keep reading this article to check out our top picks of the best products for heat-damaged hair. We have selected the products after analyzing formulations and reviews. Scroll down!
In This Article
How To Identify Heat Damaged Hair
Split ends are the most common sign of heat-damaged hair or fragile hair, but here are some signs you should look out for:
- Dullness and dryness
- Rough texture
- It knots and tangles easily
- Hair breakage
- Frizziness
To prevent these issues and restore your hair, check our expert recommendations for heat protectants.
15 Best Products For Heat Damaged Hair (2024) + A Buying Guide
1. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
The Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is formulated to repair dry and damaged hair for a salon-like look at home. It restores your hair from its roots and makes it stronger than ever. This at-home treatment contains patented, bond-building technology that rebuilds the broken disulfide bonds caused by heat styling and color and chemical treatments, giving shiny, strong, and healthy-looking hair. This product imparts restorative care as is rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E). These ingredients deeply nourish the hair and inhibit excessive hair fall, helping with hair damage recovery. The product is also free of animal testing.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E
How To Use:
- Apply it on damp hair, from roots to tips.
- Comb your hair for even coverage.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with shampoo.
Pros
- pH balanced
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
- Ideal for dehydrated hair
Cons
- Expensive
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 81,392 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Cruelty-Free:ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield
The ArtNaturals Hair Protector Spray is a lightweight mist that prevents your hair from heat damage. This hair damage repair oil is formulated with argan oil and aloe vera, which hydrates and nourishes the hair follicles, leaving lustrous hair. It also contains Irish moss that fortifies the hair strands, soothes scalp irritation, and ginkgo biloba extracts to stimulate hair growth and prevent further breakage. This product repairs dry, brittle, and damaged hair and protects your hair from UV damage. Moreover, it is an ethical option for your hair care routine as it is free of animal testing.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Aloe vera, Irish moss, and Ginkgo biloba extracts
How To Use:
- Apply it to damp hair.
- Comb your hair for even coverage.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Style your hair as desired.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Mild fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May weigh the hair down.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 6,452 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best For Frizz Control:Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner
The Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner is formulated with natural hair damage repair ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which hydrate and restore natural moisture while preventing split ends and breakage. This damage repair conditioner for curly hair also contains biotin, a protein that stimulates hair growth. The leave-in conditioner smoothens and softens hair, leaving it tangle-free, bouncy, and moisturized.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Biotin
How To Use
- Apply to your damp hair
- Comb through and style your hair.
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Anti-frizz
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Sticky texture
Pro TipOlaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Best pH-Balanced Formula | ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield Best Cruelty-Free | Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner Best For Frizz Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 100 Grams | - | - |
| Hair Type | Damaged | All | Curly |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 3.5 inches | 2 x 1 x 1 inches | 3 x 2 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 Ounces | 8 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 81,392 | 6,452 | 7,333 |
| Price | $30 | $14.95 | $8.99 |
4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment
The Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment instantly transforms your hair health and makes the tresses silky, manageable, and lustrous. It contains argan oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which have proven efficacy in repairing damaged and frizzy hair and making it shiny, soft, and manageable. This oil is exceptionally lightweight and non-greasy. It quickly gets absorbed in the hair and eliminates frizz. It also seals in moisture and gives long-lasting hydration to your itchy scalp, and repairs breakage. It is ideal for chemically treated and colored hair.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil
How To Use
- Rub a few drops of the oil between your palms.
- Gently apply it to your hair from root to tip.
- Keep it overnight or for 30 minutes to 1 hour before washing off.
- Use it daily on wet hair or dry hair.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Strong smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,255 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
5. Best Long-Lasting:Kérastase Paris Resistance Serum Therapiste
Serum Therapiste from Kerastase Paris is specially formulated for processed and over-damaged hair. Its innovative formula provides restorative care as it repairs hair fiber instantly and conditions it to withstand heat up to 230°C. It consists of SP94, 6 amino acids, and wheat protein hydrolat with regenerating power, which seals in split ends and protects hair from future damage. It restores your hair’s strength and keeps it soft, smoother, and manageable.
Key Ingredients: SP 94, 6 amino acids, and Wheat protein hydrolat
How To Use
- Apply to damp hair from root to tip.
- Comb and blow-dry your hair.
Pros
- Little goes a long way
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,269 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best Lightweight Formula:Vitamins Keratin Serum
The salon-quality Vitamins Keratin Serum strengthens your healthier hair while making it softer and lustrous than ever. It is rich in Moroccan argan oil, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E that nourishes and protects your hair from further damage. It has keratin that improves hair texture and prevents hair breakage. The product is non-greasy and does not irritate the scalp. In addition, this water-based leave-in serum makes your hair bouncy and frizz-free.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Moroccan argan oil, Wheat germ il, and Vitamin E
How To Use
- Apply on damp hair.
- Style your hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best Gluten-Free Formula:Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask
The Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask is ideal for achieving healthy hair. It is formulated to repair lifeless and hair damage caused by excessive chemical treatment. This scientifically proven conditioning mask restores the lost nutrients and adds natural vibrancy to dry, brittle, and over-processed hair. It contains a vitamin-B complex that deeply nourishes, rosehip oil that hydrates and controls frizz, and algae extract to protect the scalp from free radical damage. The mask is crafted with a clinically proven repair technology that improves the overall health of hair and prevents future damage.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin –B, Algae extract, and Rosehip oil
How to use:
- Shampoo your hair and apply the mask evenly.
- Leave it on for 10-15 mins and rinse off.
- To get the best results, use it once every week.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Leaves a sticky residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 3,141 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
8. Best In Budget:Redken Soft Heavy Cream Treatment
The Redken Soft Heavy Cream Treatment is suitable for dry and brittle hair. It is a perfect solution for frizz-free hair. This deep conditioner is enriched with argan oil which gives intense hydration, making your hair look super thick and shiny. In addition, it repairs dryness and brittleness with its powerful nourishing ingredients.
Key Ingredient: Argan oil
How to use:
- Shampoo and condition your hair
- Towel dry it.
- Then apply the mask.
- Leave it on for 15 mins.
- Rinse properly.
Pros
- Smells great
- Value for money
Cons
- May weigh the hair down
9. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask
The Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask repairs the damage caused by heating, chemical treatments, and external factors. It is a once-a-week treatment that restores the moisture and smoothness of your hair. The mask is clinically proven to make the hair stronger and more hydrated. It also is proven to reduce breakage by 69%. It contains shea butter that hydrates your hair deeply. It also features sea buckthorn berry, rich in nutrients, that increases hair elasticity and improves blood circulation, while borage oil adds shine and revitalizes damaged tresses. This mask is safe for color and chemically-treated hair.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Sea buckthorn berry, and Borage Oil
How to use:
- Apply the hair mask on shampooed hair.
- Leave it on for 10-15 mins, then rinse it properly.
- To get the best results, use one every week.
Pros
- Great smell
- Sulfate-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Paraben-free
- Artificial color-free
Cons
- Expensive
10. Best For Damaged Cuticles:Roux Rejuvenating Keratin 233 Repair & Shine
If you are looking for smooth and beautiful hair, try this one out. Roux Rejuvenating Keratin 233 Repair & Shine works effectively on porous hair. This hair restorative product repairs damaged cuticles and results in healthy, strong, and lustrous hair. Its unique formula is enriched with keratin and argan oil to nourish, detangle, condition the hair, provide the required hair rejuvenation, and keep it frizz-free.
Key Ingredients: Keratin and Argan oil
How to use:
- Spray it on damp hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for 10-20 mins before styling.
- Do not rinse.
Pros
- Smells great
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
11. Best For Dull Hair:Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair
The fragrance-free Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair therapy protects your hair against breakage and helps it withstand heat up to 450° during styling. It is formulated with natural ingredients like quinoa seed, rich in protein, to repair dull and damaged hair strands. As a result, it leaves you with smoother and softer hair. In addition, soy and macadamia oil in the product improves hair texture and strengthens it. The product restores up to 90% of the hair damage within one week. Additionally, it is not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Quinoa seed, Soy, and Macadamia oil
How to use:
- Apply a few drops of the product to your damp hair.
- Do not rinse.
- Style your hair.
Pros
- 98% organic
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Vegan
- Synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive
12. Best For Moisturizing:Pure Body Naturals Coconut Oil Deep Repair Hair Mask
The Pure Body Naturals Coconut Oil Deep Repair Hair Mask is a professional quality hair care product. It promotes hair growth, prevents graying, and repairs split ends while eliminating the damaging effects of heat styling tools. It is enriched with coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, nourishing your hair, locking in moisture, and restoring lost nutrients. This all-in-one hair-repairing mask contains vitamins B5, E, and rosehip oil. It nourishes the scalp and keeps the hair manageable and smooth. This sulfate-free mask is perfect for frizzy and color-treated hair. It is not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Argon oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E
How to use:
- Apply the mask to damp hair.
- Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off.
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Chemical-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- None
13. Best Non-Drying Formula:Pantene Deep Conditioning Treatment
The Pantene Deep Conditioning Treatment is curated for dry, color-treated, and chemically-treated hair. It contains pro-vitamin B5, lipids, and antioxidants, which nourish and hydrate each hair strand. This lightweight conditioner prevents frizz, giving your hair a long-lasting and smooth texture. Its refreshing fruity fragrance of wild berries and vanilla will rejuvenate your senses.
Key Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, Lipids, and Antioxidants
How to use
- Apply it to damp hair.
- Leave it on for 1-3 mins.
- Rinse well.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Mild fragrance
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
14. Best UV Protection:Peter Coppola a-Keratin Smoothing & Refinishing Treatment
The Peter Coppola a-Keratin Smoothing & Refinishing Treatment gives a salon-quality hair treatment. It is enriched with shea butter, which rejuvenates your hair and brings back its lost shine. It is a semi-permanent hair treatment that makes the hair softer, lustrous, and bouncy. This professional-grade treatment is formulated to restore hair damage and the effects can last for up to 3 months. It is ideal for dry, damaged, color-treated, over-processed, or frizzy hair.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter and Keratin
How to use:
- Shampoo your hair and pat it dry.
- Section your hair.
- Apply the Peter Coppola Treatment in each section.
- Comb your hair to spread it evenly.
- Leave the solution for 20-40 mins depending on your hair type.
- Rinse it properly with lukewarm water.
Pros
- Formaldehyde-free
- Aldehyde-free
- UV ray protection
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
15. Best Glossy Shine:Grow Gorgeous Fibre-Sealing Split End Treatment
The professional-quality Grow Gorgeous Fibre-Sealing Split End Treatment is a serum that repairs the hair cuticles by nourishing them. It contains oat lipids that increase hair elasticity and hydrate deeply. It also forms a protective barrier for hair damage prevention. The serum contains black oat that forms a layer while giving a glossy shine. It has marine brown algae and pelvetia canaliculate extracts to nourish each hair strand and prevent future damage.
Key Ingredients: Oat lipid, Black oat, Marine brown algae, and Pelvetia canaliculate extracts
How to use:
- Apply a few drops from the mid-length to the ends.
- Do not wash off.
Pros
- Smells great
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalates-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Greasy
Choosing the right product for your hair can be confusing, so before you buy a product for heat-damaged hair, you must consider these points.
How To Choose The Best Product For Heat-Damaged Hair
- Hair Concern: You will find a product for different hair concerns. You can buy products for breakage, dullness, shine, or restorative hair products that are volumizing and provide heat resistance. Check the label and choose accordingly to repair damage effectively.
- Check Ingredients: Look for a product rich in nourishing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and rosehip oil to control frizziness and add shine. If you want a product to strengthen your hair, go for one that is rich in keratin protein.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: It is mandatory to look at the label and check the ingredients. Avoid chemicals like parabens, alcohol, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, and sulfates as they can further dry out your hair and scalp and aggravate the damage.
Excess heating and treatments involving chemicals can lead to a series of bad hair days. However, there are plenty of things you can do to protect your hair from further damage. Let’s check how.
Simple Tips To Protect Hair From Heat Damage
- Choose an SLS-free shampoo suitable for your hair type. They can dry out your hair and strip the natural oil.
- Always follow up with conditioner to lock in moisture.
Comb gently. Dry, damaged hair type tends to break easily. Use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling your hair. - Avoid using hot tools. Instead, always apply styling products such as gel or mousse and before heating, use a heat shield or serum on your hair, especially hair shaft.
Infographic: The Dos And Don’ts Of Treating Heat Damaged Hair
Hair damaged by overheating appears brittle and lifeless and is prone to breakage. This is where heat damaged hair products come in. They help your hair retain moisture and prevent dryness. Check out the below infographic to understand how to use these products and ensure your hair stays protected from further damage.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
If you frequently use heat styling tools, you need to get your hands on the best products for heat-damaged hair. Though heat styling can be a game-changer and allow you to experiment with different hairstyles, it can dry out your hair cuticles. Alicia Igess Jones, a hairstylist, states, “My favorite products listed in this article for heat damage are Kerastase and Olaplex. I am in love with the results I have achieved as a result of using them both. If your hair is heat damaged, consider a deep conditioning treatment each time you shampoo your hair.” These listed products are exclusively meant for heat styling damage repair for your tresses, smoothing your cuticles, and sealing moisture. They are formulated with natural, nourishing ingredients that help address hair concerns like frizziness, dullness, hair breakage, and rough texture. If you want to stop excessive hair fall, then the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is a great choice, and the ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield is perfect to soothe scalp irritation. You can use the Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner to control frizzy hair. Determine your hair concern, check the ingredients list, and avoid harsh chemicals while choosing the best products for heat-damaged hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does heat-damaged hair grow?
Hair grows from the roots, so thermal damage will not harm the growth but will make it slow. So for visible results of hair growth, wait for a few weeks after trimming damaged ends and regularly using a nourishing hair treatment.
How can I reverse the effects of heat-damaged hair?
Heat damage is irreversible. The inner cortex is prone to all forms of harm once the protein bonds and the hair cuticles get damaged and cracked. In addition, your hair gets thinner and less flexible when the cortex is exposed.
Do I have to cut heat-damaged hair?
Unfortunately, yes. Trimming out the damaged section is the best way to deal with severe heat damage in hair.
Can my hair still grow if it’s damaged?
Yes, hair can still grow even if damaged if the intact follicle remains.
How long does heat-damaged hair take to repair?
It typically takes six to twelve months to notice a significant improvement in hair quality. However, using hair and scalp nourishing products might speed up the process.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast. Her keen interest in hair and styling products helps her recommend the best products for heat-damaged hair. She has well-researched reviews and user feedback on trusted online platforms and brand websites to help you pick the best. The products mentioned in our article help repair damaged hair, seal moisture, and smoothen your cuticles.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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