How To Identify Heat Damaged Hair
Split ends are the most common sign of heat-damaged 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.
Best Products For Heat Damaged Hair
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 roots and makes them 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 a shiny, strong, and healthy-looking hair. This product is rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) that deeply nourish and stops excessive hair fall. 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
Cons
Expensive
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. It 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. 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.
3. Best For Frizz Control:Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner
The Marc Anthony Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which hydrates and restores natural moisture while preventing split ends and breakage. It 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
4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment
The Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment instantly transforms your hair and makes it silky, manageable, and lustrous. It contains argan oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which repairs damaged and frizzy hair and makes 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 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 or dry hair.
Pros
Non-greasy Gets absorbed quickly Lightweight
Cons
Strong smell
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 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
6. Best Lightweight Formula:Vitamins Keratin Serum
The salon-quality Vitamins Keratin Serum strengthens your 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 formulated to repair lifeless and hair damage caused by excessive chemical treatment. This 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 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
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. 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. It repairs damaged cuticles and gives healthy, strong, and lustrous hair. Its unique formula is enriched with keratin and argan oil to nourish, detangle, condition the hair 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. 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 that promotes hair growth, prevents graying, and repairs split ends. 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. 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. It 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 and prevents further damage. 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 restoration, volumizing, and heat resistance. Check the label and choose accordingly.
Check Ingredients: To control fizziness and add shine, look for a product rich in hydrating properties like argan oil, shea butter, rosehip oil, etc. 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, phthalate, 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 tends to break easily. Use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling your hair. Avoid using heat styling tools. Instead, always apply styling products such as gel or mousse and before heating, use a heat shield or serum on your hair.
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. Does heat-damaged hair grow? Hair grows from the roots; heat 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.
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