Reliant on hair tools? Here are my favourite heat protection sprays for all hair types

I enjoyed trying the Osmo Thermal Defense Heat Protector Spray - it's lightweight, multi-purpose and cruelty-free. It boasts a defence against damage from heat styling tools, adequate frizz control and locking in moisture for healthier, softer-feeling hair. It's also compatible with several hair types.

I tested the Osmo Spray using the Cloud Nine Airshot Pro Hair Dryer with damp, curly hair. I don't particularly remember the scent - the Osmo Spray was very neutral, but it definitely added a little shine and softness to my curls. I like the fact that I can use it on wet or dry hair (some heat sprays will want one or the other). Although I'm not sold on its frizz/flyaway control, I will try the spray again.

By far the nicest smelling pick of the bunch, the Bristows Heat Protection Sol Fiesta Spray reminds me of the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream - a lovely tropical and sweet scent that reminds me of summer. I enjoyed using this multi-functional styling spray alongside their budget-friendly and nourishing dry shampoo. It's infused with Vitamin B5, keratin-like proteins and plant-based goodies to help keep your hair in good shape, whilst you're using heat tools to style. I loved using this spray.

Not only is the scent immense, but it kept my hair in good shape (soft and frizz-free) when styling with the Diva Ceramic Hot Brush. I've noticed no breakage or split ends, and my hair had a little shine when I finished, thanks to the conditioning formula. You can see in the picture (below) that I'm happy with how fabulous my hair looks. It's a remarkably lightweight formula, and can be used on either wet or dry hair for convenience. However, although it's affordable, it only protects up to 200°C.

This is by far my favourite pick of the bunch because I have very curly hair, and I appreciate the seed oils and keratin amino acids for hydration and resilience. I don't just use it when applying heat to my hair, either. If I'm in a rush out the door, and my hair needs a little boost, this multi-purpose spray comes in clutch to smooth, strengthen and protect my curls. My unruly mop often needs a little shine. It provides thermal protection up to 205°C, which isn't the highest on the list, but is still manageable. I won't be using too high a heat on my curly hair, anyway, so this spray works perfectly for me.

The HASK Keratin 5-in-1 Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner Spray helps detangle, reduce frizz (a little) and boost manageability of my curls for easier styling. I love the smell (it's so sweet) and appreciate that it's sulfate, paraben, silicone, and gluten-free; cruelty-free and safe for colour-treated hair. All a bonus, if you ask me. I notice such a difference when I use this, which will likely be attributed to the keratin, making my hair feel soft, conditioned and healthy. I apply it to both wet and dry hair for convenience. I would love it if there were a little 'hold' in it, though.

Need to use a higher heat? You're set up to 230°C, thanks to the Jerome Russell BStyled Heat Protect Sleek Primer. It's been designed for sleek, straight styles, but the natural oils found their way into my curls and helped them out when using the Belissima Italia Diffon Hairdryer. I found it super lightweight and smooth, and it did a good job of keeping frizz and flyaways under control. Although it's not perfect for my hair type, my partner has fine hair and found it perfect prep before styling. Enriched with turmeric, pomegranate and bond-building tech, it's strengthening, as well as a heat shield.

Not only is it vegan and cruelty-free, but this lightweight pick is non-greasy and comes in sustainable packaging (the bottle is 100% recyclable, which is a plus from me). I love that it's free from sulphates, parabens, and gluten - gentle on sensitive scalps and compatible with colour-treated hair. Layering this with other styling products is what makes this another stand-out for me. I can pair it with my HASK Argan Conditioner Spray and have way better heat defence and bond-building as an extra. However, it does contain silicones (which don't suit everyone's hair routines) and is better suited for straight styles, and needs an extra product (or two) to help curls and waves reach their full potential.

Gloss-boosting technology meets heat protection; this Provoke Hair Gloss Wonder Spray really is a wonder. I followed up with the Diva Ceramic Hot Brush and came up trumps with a very subtle blow-out without compromising on shine. It managed some frizz and provided exceptional heat protection. It definitely protected my style and helped prevent any dullness or colour fading. This Provoke Spray is versatile and suitable for straight, wavy and curly hair types. You're all set.

Not only did it noticeably increase shine, but this spray contains a form of hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture, hydrates and smooths. I've found that it works fabulously as a finishing spray, too. When my hair is lacking shine, I've sprayed this on my curls for a boost. As such, you can use it on both wet and dry hair, whether styling or finishing everything off. However, the spray doesn’t provide hold or structural support - it's a decent primer and a fabulous finishing touch. You will require heat (like that of a blow-dry) to fully activate the gloss benefits, which may be a small downside for some.

Or, consider the Wunderbar Quick Dry Heat Protect Spray for coloured hair. It's 100% vegan, fast-drying and UV-protective - primed to help your look (and feel) its best after heat styling tools. It contains water-repellent technology to help hair dry faster, saving time and minimising heat exposure. So, with this in mind, I was very curious to try this spray, which comes complete with memory resins for flexible hold and easy restyling over two days.

I love how fast-drying the formula is, which saves so much time in the mornings. The flexible hold makes it last just a little longer, which saves me a lot of bother restyling between washes. It’s a salon-quality heat protectant that offers smoothness, shine, and efficiency in one bottle. I love that it contains Argan Oil, for the moisture that hair often requires when dealing with heat. However, it does contain fragrance allergens, and alcohol is high on the ingredients list, which may not suit those with sensitive skin and can dry out those with damaged (and/or porous) hair, respectively.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Spray is a heat protectant spray primed to lock out frizz, hydrate, and protect hair from heat damage up to 220°C (which is music to my ears, as a curly girl). The formula is moisture-rich (with seed oils, glycerin and vitamin B5), which reduces dryness and improves softness. You're in safe hands with the strengthening and protective ThermaGuard Complex. It's affordable, lightweight and non-greasy.

I tried the John Frieda Spray, having used Redken's Frizz Dimiss Conditioner, and dried my curls with the Diva Pro Styling Atmos Dry+Style's Diffuser Head. It's ideal for those who regularly use heat tools, and it's a versatile solution for frizz-prone and/or dry hair.

My hair turned out a little frizzier than usual, which was a relief, and my curls felt moisturised/nourished. However, I do have a few concerns. It does contain silicones, which may cause buildup with regular use on fine or low-porosity hair unless you get a decent clarifying shampoo. Not only is the John Frieda Spray formula not vegan or cruelty-free, but it also contains some fragrance allergens, making it potentially not ideal for sensitive scalps.

Looking for volume, hair growth and protection? The Hairburst Volume and Growth Elixir is a multitasking superstar, boasting plenty of benefits for your hair. Think: shine-boosting and fortifying ingredients that help your hair over time. I think it's the perfect choice for those seeking fuller, stronger, and healthier hair, without greasiness or build-up. It reduces damage with the heat and UV protection (up to 220°C) by strengthening the hair structure - no breakage, guaranteed. I like the non-greasy finish, making it suitable for everyday use - even on thin, fine, and porous hair types.

I've been using this occasionally for a few weeks now, and thanks to the AnaGain™ (a clinically proven plant extract that stimulates hair growth), my hair has begun to feel a little fuller and thicker. It does smell quite light, which is good for me. Although I've been spraying it all over for heat protection and volume, I have been concentrating on a few areas that could do with a little filling out - and I have been seeing a little improvement. My partner, who has fine hair, has also been benefiting from this pick. Plus, when I need a little structure and support, the Hairbust Growth Elixir adds a natural, touchable hold, with no stiffness. Just be consistent and patient for hair growth to appear.

Having been impressed with other hair products from Philip Kingsley, I was super excited to try this Perfecting Primer Spray, which has been designed to protect against heat, smooth frizz, boost volume, and nourish both hair and scalp. A lot to boast. But, how good is it, really? Well, I love the cherry blossom scent and appreciate the star ingredients (elastin and polyamides) for a boost. And, let's not forget the quaternised lipids for smooth, soft and conditioned hair - free from all that frizz.

This triple-action spray is worth every penny, with its non-sticky, lightweight formula and Invisi-Shield Technology helping you achieve the sleekest and strongest hair ever. The Fudge Professional Tri Blo Heat Protection Spray may offer a light hold, but it can also protect hair from temperatures up to 230°C and enhance your shine. It'll improve cuticle health and provide salon-grade performance at a steal. I tested this with the Cloud Nine Hot Brush, which helped me style my unruly curly hair well.

I spritzed it on my lengths several times and used the hot brush to ensure my locks were evenly covered. I felt a little stinging on the scalp, and I couldn't see any indications of it being vegan, cruelty-free and fragrance-free, which may be a deal-breaker for some of you, but it was so effective in the long run. To ensure I didn't get any damage, I sprayed a little extra on the sections I was styling (when I turned the temperature up higher). And, I'm pleased to report, there was no damage and a little hold, too. However, my hair is so curly, so it didn't stay straight for long and reverted to frizz and curls. But, it held the style all evening, and I looked gorgeous (!) Even the day after, my hair felt hydrated and nourished, free from frizz and unsightly volume. So, 10/10 for heat protection.

Designed for use on dry hair, the Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Spray is perfect for providing heat protection, flexible hold and frizz control. It's a stand-out pick on our list, boasting outstanding thermal protection. Rice Hull Extract meets Wheat Protein for a lightweight barrier that not only strengthens strands but also reduces the risk of breakage. This Paul Mitchell product smells pleasant and is ideal for quick touch-ups and long-lasting styles, and is great for fine to medium hair.