Heat Protection: The One Step Every Style Needs

From investing in a new jumper to committing to a new haircut, every decision made about your look is a step towards defining an overall style. And when it comes to your hairstyle—the most defining trends this season are all about styling your hair again. This means now is the perfect time to brush up on the tools and products needed to get the look with heat protection.

Whether you’re creating a smooth blow-dry, adding curls to your air-dry or touching up your fringe with a flat iron—heat is involved in all of these actions. It doesn’t matter if it’s just for a minute or only on a small portion of your hair–anytime heat is applied to your strands, you need protection.

Over time, heat from blow-dryers, curling tongs and flat irons can strip the hair of essential moisture, damaging your cuticle and causing colour fade or split ends. While limiting heat styling is the best thing you can do for the health of your hair, the next best thing is applying products to protect it. And while this is true for all hair types, those with colour-treated or fine, thin hair need it even more.

As we progress into 2025, we’re seeing a shift toward shorter hairstyles, with an emphasis on a range of bob trends like the shaggy bob and the blunt bob paired with fringe. Whether you’re heading into bob territory or waning into a bixie or even a mid-length cut, the universal truth is that short hairstyles require more maintenance—meaning more heat styling.

The amount of heat styling will be determined by your style + your lifestyle, coupled with your natural texture. Some are lucky to have hair that dries perfectly, while others always need a little more help. From touch-ups to an in-depth styling session—these are the must-have heat protectants for your hair.

After detoxing, you should always follow with a shampoo and conditioner that delivers the care you need for your hair type and the style you’re after. From enhancing curls with KILLER.CURLS WASH to smoothing frizz with SMOOTH.AGAIN.RINSE, you can mix and match your favourite WASH and RINSE to create a wash day routine that is tailored to your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, take the Product Matchmaker Quiz for the answers.

An all-around multi-tasker, HEATED.DEFENSE features an innovative foam texture that allows you to easily layer this product on any hair type for any hairstyle. Moreso, this styler doubles as a treatment to reduce damage and enhance condition to promote moisture and a healthy protective barrier. Guarding strands with an invisible shield against both heated and mechanical tools up to 232˚C / 450˚F, it’s a go-to for everyone.

In addition to being a detangler designed to nourish and strengthen the hair, this leave-in conditioner helps restore hair and retain moisture while protecting hair up to 200°F / 93°C. Ideal for a variety of hair types and styles, this is a great addition for wavy, curly and coily hair looking to add a layer of protection when diffuse drying. One that also adds necessary condition while helping you comb through any tangles. Pair this with a wavy bob to get a finished look that’s healthy and defined.

If you have short hair, or are thinking of getting a shorter style, you’ll most likely be blow drying your hair more often. To include heat protection from shampoo to style, add BLOW.DRY WASH + RINSE to your routine. As a simple first step to include in your wash day essentials, this duo features a blend of Hydrolysed Pea Protein and Wood Bark Complex that work to help strengthen and protect hair against breakage with added protection against heat damage*. *When used as a part of the BLOW.DRY REGIMEN. Pair this with HEATED.DEFENSE, UN.TANGLED or one of the EVERs for a flawless finish that promotes healthy hair.

The great thing about a really amazing oil is that you can use it in a variety of ways. And while it’s a must-have for all lengths, when it comes to shorter styles, it will transform the way you style. With the ability to apply it to both damp and dry hair, YOUNG.AGAIN Treatment Oil works to turn back the hands of time with strong, healthy, rejuvenated and shiny finish. Plus, with heat protection up to 450F / 230°C, you can rest assured that your strands are thoroughly looked after from shampoo to style.