If there’s one step you should never skip before reaching for your blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, it’s heat protection. The truth is, heat styling without protection is like tanning without SPF—eventually, your hair will always show the damage. The good news? Redken has a wardrobe of heat-protective heroes designed for different hair types, textures, and styling goals. The trick is finding the one that fits you.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best heat protection options—and how to know which one belongs in your routine.
Heat Protection 101:
For Color Lovers: Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment
Think of this as the finishing step in Redken’s salon-inspired Acidic Color Gloss system. It’s lightweight, pH-balanced, and designed to keep your color looking freshly done while protecting against heat up to 450°F. Thanks to Invisible Shield Technology, it smooths, detangles, and locks in a glass-like shine that feels like a professional glossing treatment at home.
Best if: your hair is professionally colored, dull, or just in need of that reflective, light-catching finish.
For the Time-Crunched: Quick Blowout
If your mornings are more “get-out-the-door-now” than “leisurely styling session,” Quick Blowout is your shortcut. This bi-phase spray speeds up drying time, smooths, and adds shine—all while safeguarding against high heat. It’s also fragranced with a cozy-citrus blend of vanilla, sandalwood, and citrus that makes blow-drying feel a little more like self-care.
Best if: you want a smooth, glossy blowout—fast.
For a Frizz-Free Finish: Spray Smooth
Humidity has a way of undoing even the best styling efforts. Spray Smooth is Redken’s answer: an ultra-fine mist that instantly de-frizzes and protects against heat while resisting humidity all day. It leaves hair silky and luminous, without heaviness or residue—and it’s silicone-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.
Best if: you struggle with flyaways or frizz, and want your style to stay polished through the day.
For Curl Care: Hydrating Curl Cream
Curls need hydration first, styling second. Hydrating Curl Cream does both, offering 72 hours of curl definition and moisture while shielding against up to 450°F. It’s lightweight but hardworking, giving curls definition, bounce, and protection without crunch.
Best if: you have waves, curls, or coils that crave hydration, definition, and frizz control.
For Strength + Repair: Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
Damaged hair meets its match here. The Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In is Redken’s best-seller for a reason: it repairs, strengthens, and defends against further damage, all while protecting from high heat. Think fewer split ends, smoother strands, and less breakage—plus lasting color vibrancy.
Best if: your hair feels weak, over-processed, or in need of visible repair and resilience.
For Frizz Fighters: Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Cream
When frizz is your number one enemy, this rich leave-in cream comes to the rescue. Rebel Tame smooths, hydrates, and detangles unruly strands while delivering up to 450°F heat protection. Babassu Oil adds moisture without greasiness, making it a go-to for taming big, puffy, or hard-to-manage hair.
Best if: you want silky smoothness, frizz control, and hydration in one step.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
- Color-treated & glossy finish—Acidic Color Gloss Leave-In.
- Always rushing—Quick Blowout.
- Humidity-prone—Spray Smooth.
- Curls & coils—Hydrating Curl Cream.
- Repair needed—Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In.
- Frizz control—Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Cream.
Pro Tip: Always apply your heat protector to damp, towel-dried hair and comb it through for even coverage. This ensures every strand is shielded before styling.
