Best Heat Protectant NZ: Kérastase and Sebastian Matched to Your Hair

The best heat protectant is the one that suits your hair, because you'll actually use it. For fine hair, Sebastian Trilliant is a weightless spray that adds shine. For damaged hair, Kérastase Ciment Thermique strengthens as it protects. For dry hair, use Kérastase Nectar Thermique (thicker hair) or Lotion Thermique (finer hair). Put it on damp hair before every blow-dry and before straightening.

Updated October 2026. Prices are our live online prices.

We see the results of skipping heat protection in the chair every week: ends that look fine wet and frazzled dry, colour that fades in a month, and that snapped section at the front where the straightener goes every morning. A straightener runs at 180–230°C. A heat protectant won't make that harmless, but it slows the damage down a lot. This guide matches the protectants we stock to the hair they suit.

Which heat protectant for your hair type?

Sebastian Trilliant: for fine hair and shine

Trilliant is the one we hand to people who say heat protectants make their hair sticky or flat. It's a fine mist that disappears into the hair and leaves a bit of sparkle. Mist it over towel-dried hair from about 15–20cm, comb it through, and style. It's the best value on this list, and it works on every hair type as long as you don't need repair as well. More detail in our Trilliant guide.

Kérastase Ciment Thermique: for damaged hair

Ciment Thermique from the Résistance range is a blow-dry milk that protects up to 180°C and strengthens weakened lengths while you dry. Choose it if your hair is bleached, over-straightened or breaks when you brush it. It's also a good blow-dry primer: hair dries faster and smoother. Set your straightener to 180°C or lower when you use it.

The Kérastase range-matched options

If you already use a Kérastase range, the matching thermique carries the same job into the blow-dry:

• Genesis Défense Thermique: a light spray for hair that sheds or breaks. See our Genesis guide.
• Nutritive Nectar Thermique and Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice: for dry hair, cream for thicker hair and spray for finer hair. See our Nutritive guide.
• Chroma Absolu Sérum Chroma Thermique: for coloured hair. Heat is one of the main reasons colour fades, so it's worth it after a colour appointment.
• Chronologiste Thermique Régénérant: for mature hair that has lost its bounce and shine.

How to use a heat protectant properly

1. Apply to towel-dried, not dripping, hair. Too much water dilutes it.
2. Cover the whole length. Spray or rub it in section by section, then comb through so every strand is coated, not just the top layer.
3. Dry it fully before straightening or curling. Never put a hot iron on damp hair; that's how hair bubbles.
4. Turn the heat down. Most hair styles well at 180°C. Only very thick or coarse hair needs more. One slow pass beats three quick ones.
5. Finish, don't protect, with oil. An oil like Sebastian Dark Oil goes on after styling for shine. It isn't a heat protectant, and oil under a hot iron can fry.

Your tools matter too. A good straightener holds an even temperature instead of spiking. Our heat damage guide and which ghd straightener guide cover that side.

Heat protectant questions we get asked

Do heat protectants actually work?

Yes. They slow down heat damage by coating the hair and reducing how fast water boils out of it. They don't make 230°C harmless, so pair them with a lower temperature and fewer passes.

Should I put heat protectant on wet or dry hair?

Towel-dried hair before blow-drying is best, because you protect for both the dryer and the straightener. If you style dry hair on day two, mist a light spray like Sebastian Trilliant on before you use the straightener.

What is the best heat protectant for fine hair in NZ?

Sebastian Trilliant or Kérastase Nutritive Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice. Both are light sprays that protect without flattening fine hair.

What is the best heat protectant for damaged or bleached hair?

Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique. It protects up to 180°C and strengthens weakened lengths while you blow-dry.

Is hair oil a heat protectant?

Not on its own. Use a heat protectant before styling and an oil after styling to finish.

Genuine salon stock, bought direct from L'Oréal New Zealand and Wella, and shipped from our salon on Helwick Street in Wānaka. Free NZ shipping over $75.