The most powerful serums to protect your hair from heat and split ends

I have to admit that I am not the type of person who styles their hair with curling irons. In fact, my blow-drying skills have never quite reached Farrah Fawcett levels, so heat-protection serums and creams were long absent from my routine. My hairstyle formula was simple: I would lightly dry my fine hair, which dries very easily and quickly, then tie it into a low bun and… done. End of story.

Last year, however, a small revolution happened in my routine and style. Dyson entered my life and with it, my hair gained a new dimension. I decided to let it grow, which, I admit, is a potential recipe for disaster when it comes to fine and delicate hair, full of split ends. Especially when Dyson allows me to blow-dry it in just a few minutes to the level of an 80s film diva. Around that time, a heat-protection serum became my best friend. Seriously, I consider it an almost heroic step in my routine.

Today, when I blow-dry my hair almost every day, that serum takes center stage. And it is not just about heat protection. There are formulas that detox the hair from metals, those that slow the aging of the hair fiber, and everything you can imagine in between. The difference a heat-protection serum can make, from roots to ends, is simply invaluable.

Great-looking hair is not only a matter of genetics, but also of the right serum at the right moment. If you are looking for the perfect heat-protection serum, but also want that premium touch that goes a step further, discover a guide to formulas suited to every hair type, from curly to mature.

Heat-Protection Hair Serums

1/ Best for extremely dry and curly hair: Hair Rituel by Sisley Curl Care Cream

Curly hair is exceptionally sensitive. Because of its natural dryness, damage, especially from heat, occurs easily. A luxurious formula rich in natural oils, created as part of a special ritual designed by Sisley, nourishes, protects, and defines curls. All of this without a heavy feel. In a single step, you get the softness of plant oils, the precise shaping of natural waxes, and heat protection, so your hairstyle looks polished all day. Even after 24 hours, regardless of humidity, your curls remain lively, smooth, and under control.

• Protects up to: 230 °C
• Key ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter, and moringa oil
• Packaging: 150 ml

2/ Best for fragile, breakage-prone and color-treated hair: L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Serie Expert Metal Detox Concentrated Oil

If your hair seems particularly prone to breakage, it may need a metal detox. With this professional concentrated oil, you will feel the difference immediately. Its rich, fast-absorbing formula protects from heat up to 230 °C and neutralizes harmful metal particles from water that can weaken hair or alter color tone. The result is hair that looks fuller, more nourished, and stronger, without weight and with a healthy shine.

• Protects up to: 230 °C
• Key ingredients: glicoamine
• Packaging: 50 ml

3/ Best for mature hair: Kérastase Paris Chronologiste Thermique Régénérant

This luxurious cream from the Kérastase Paris Chronologiste line preserves the structure and youthful appearance of hair. Its highly nourishing formula with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E provides heat protection up to 230 °C and effortlessly reduces frizz, which disappears after the first application. The Chronologiste fragrance, with delicate notes of rose, light woods, and musk, turns every blow-drying session into a true sensory pleasure. Hair is smoothed, volume remains natural, and styling becomes effortless.

• Protects up to: 230 °C
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, Abyssine™
• Packaging: 150 ml

4/ Best for fine hair: Leonor Greyl Condition Naturelle Special Heat Protecting Spray

Specially created for fine hair, Leonor Greyl Condition Naturelle Special Heat Protecting Spray protects and cares for hair without weighing it down. The difference is noticeable from the very first use, especially in shine and softness. It is easy to apply to towel-dried hair, requires no rinsing, and perfectly prepares hair for blow-drying or heat styling. Volume and hold, combined with natural extracts of quinoa, acacia, and moringa, make it an unbeatable final step for a healthy, vibrant look.

• Protects up to: the brand does not specify a temperature limit
• Key ingredients: acacia amino acids, quinoa and moringa proteins
• Packaging: 150 ml

5/ Best drugstore heat-protection serum: Garnier Fructis SOS Damage Eraser Spray for damaged hair

For extremely damaged hair, a leave-in conditioner can bring relief. When such a product also offers heat protection, you have found the perfect formula. This excellent drugstore option with 2 percent of a repairing keratin complex and marula oil provides up to 99 percent less hair damage, with care that does not weigh the hair down. This serum repairs split ends, strengthens hair, and protects against breakage and heat up to 230 °C. It is easily applied to wet or dry hair before styling, for a visibly smoother, stronger, and shinier hairstyle.

• Protects up to: 230 °C
• Key ingredients: keratin complex, marula oil
• Packaging: 150 ml