Heat protection spray is used to prevent damage to the hair when blowdrying, straightening or using other heat tools. I used to straighten my hair regularly, so heat protection spray was essential for me. Over the years I have tried many different brands of heat protection spray including TRESemmé, Hairburst and John Frieda. I never really stopped to think about what was in them and how they worked.
One day, I ran out of heat protection spray. I needed to straighten my hair but I didn’t have time to go shopping for some new spray. I thought to myself, I wonder if it’s possible to make my own DIY heat protection spray?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through my link, I will earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay for the item.
Is homemade heat protection spray effective?
With a bit of research, I discovered that yes it is possible to make an effective DIY heat protection spray at home! I had always assumed that there was some complex and magical combination of ingredients in the spray that provided heat protection. But I was amazed to discover that the main way heat protection spray works is simply to coat the hair with moisture before straightening it so that it doesn’t dry out so much.
This can easily be achieved with a homemade, DIY recipe. Of course, there are other ingredients added to commercial sprays that have advanced heat protectant properties. But basically, water and some kind of moisturising oil would still do a good job!
Why make your own heat protection spray?
Here are some of the advantages of making your own heat protection spray:
- You’ll save money.
- It’s quick and easy to make.
- You probably already have the ingredients at home.
- You’ll reuse a spray bottle rather than buying a new one, so it’s better for the environment.
- Many heat protection sprays contain potentially harmful chemicals, so by making your own, you will avoid these.
What you will need
When researching the topic I came across various different recipes for homemade heat protection sprays. For mine, I kept it very simple by only using these 3 ingredients that recurred in a lot of the recipes I found:
- Water
- Conditioner
- Coconut oil
I already had these ingredients at hand which meant I could make my heat protection spray and start using it immediately. If you don’t have coconut oil, you could use a different oil such as almond or argan oil, or just leave it out.
You will also need an empty spray bottle. I used the bottle from my TRESemmé heat protection spray that had just run out.
How to make your own heat protection spray
- Fill an empty spray bottle about 3/4 full with water.
- Add a generous squeeze of conditioner.
- Add a spoonful of coconut oil.
- Close the bottle and give it a good shake.
- Ready to use!
I’ve found that sometimes the coconut oil forms clumps in the bottle, especially when the room temperature is cool. This is because coconut oil melts at about 24ºC (76ºF). I usually give the bottle a good shake every time before I use it. Sometimes when my spray runs out and I don’t have any coconut oil, I just use water and conditioner and this obviously solves the problem of clumps!
Nowadays, I tend to leave my hair curly because I have been trying the Curly Girl Method. However, I do still straighten my fringe, so I still use my homemade heat protection spray for that.
Do you use heat protection spray?
What brand do you usually use? Does it effectively protect your hair from damage? Have you ever tried making your own heat protection spray? Let me know in the comments!
OMG this post is pure genius! I rely a lot on a good heat defense spray but I also pay a premium for it. Now I know that I can make it myself, I’m going to! Thank you!
Rosie
You’re so welcome, I hope you have success with it!
I had never even considered making my own heat protection spray before. That’s a great option both to control what you’re putting on your hair as well as to save a little money! I’m definitely going to have to give this a try.
It’s so true! I hope it works out for you if you give it a try xx
I am not always the best at using heat protection but I used to use a tresemme one! I didn’t think about making my own heat spray. I try to let my hair air dry for 99% of the time. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I used to use a Tresemme one too! I also let my hair air dry most of the time, but I do use my homemade spray for straightening xx
Oh wow I had no idea it was that easy to make it! I’m gunna give it a go xx
It’s so simple! I hope it works for you xx
I am so trying this out! I use heat protection spray daily. I love diy and crafts so I would really enjoy making my very own. Such a good idea!
Thank you! I hope it works for you xx
I always forget to use heat protection spray and had no idea you could make it yourself. I’ll have to give this a go!
Tash // A Girl with a View
It’s really easy to make! I hope it works for you if you do try it x
This is fantastic! It sounds so easy to make. I might just give this a try!
It’s really easy! I hope you have success with it!
What a brilliant idea! I don’t use many hair tools (minus a hair dryer) anymore I just go natural but this is a great cost effective way to have heat protection spray! I definitely want to give it a go 😊 x
I also don’t use as many hair tools as I used to, but I do straighten my fringe so I use it for that! It’s definitely more cost-effective than buying a spray x
I am a big fan of making beauty items like creams and body butters at home; it is a great way to have a deeper connection and more control over the ingredients we use, so I love this easy recipe for making protection spray!
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
That’s so cool that you make your own beauty items! I’ve never made creams or body butters before, I imagine they are more complicated but the heat protection spray is nice and easy so I can manage haha!
What a great idea! Pinned this so I can try it.
Thank you, and thanks for pinning! I hope it works well for you x
Such a good idea! I’m definitely going to try this out 🙂 x
Thank you, I hope it works for you! 🙂 x
This is such a helpful DIY! I’m definitely going to be trying this! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
melissakacar.blogspot.com
You’re welcome! I hope you have success with it 😊
I had no idea that heat protection cream can be made at home and with just three ingredients. Great post!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
It’s really easy! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! xx