10 Japanese Heat Protectants For Stronger, Shinier, Healthier Hair

When applying heat to your hair, such as when blow-drying or styling it, using a heat protectant is crucial. While you might already be aware of this, you might be on the lookout for a new heat protectant product or be interested in exploring the world of J-beauty. We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to our 10 favorite Japanese heat protectant products.

Does Hair Heat Protectant Work?

Before we dive into our top picks, you may be wondering: does hair heat protectant actually work? The short answer is yes, but they do not completely safeguard against all heat damage.

Heat protectants coat the hair strands to create a barrier that protects them from high temperatures. Depending on the product you choose, some heat protectants also help control frizz, reduce friction, or improve your hair’s tolerance to higher heat.

Regular use of heat protectants can help your hair maintain a healthier appearance and condition. However, they are not a complete solution. Maintaining your hair with regular trims and a good hair care routine is also important.

Orbis Essence In Hair Milk for Silky Smooth Hair 140g

At the time of writing this article, the Orbis Essence In Hair Milk is the top best-selling hair milk/heat protectant in Japan. It’s inexpensive, effective, and does not interfere with the scents of other hair products, such as treatments or hair oils. It does a great job of protecting the hair from heat damage while moisturizing it at the same time. It’s also light and works well on different hair textures.

Milbon Jemile Fran Melty Butter No Rinse Hair Treatment 100g

This luxurious no-rinse hair treatment from Milbon is designed to keep your hair manageable from nighttime to morning. It contains moist moringa butter, which melts and becomes smooth when exposed to heat. As it cools, it solidifies, helping your hair stay in place by morning. This makes it an excellent heat protectant for those who don’t have time to style their hair in the morning.

Dariya Momori Peach Smooth Hair Milk For Dry & Tangled Hair 100ml

The Momori Peach Smooth Hair Milk is specifically formulated to tackle dry, tangled hair. If you have soft, fine hair and are prone to tangling, pick this Japanese hair milk! It also doubles as a hand cream and smells like peaches. 

Milbon Plarmia Hair Serum Oil M For Dry & Stiff Hair 120ml

This salon-quality hair oil from Milbon doubles as a heat protectant and styling agent. In fact, the Plarmia series is intended for users with aging or thinning hair, who find management and styling difficult. This hair serum oil provides the hair with the moisture and protection that it needs when heat styling while making it easier to maintain. 

FANCL Silky Hair Essence 60ml

The FANCL Silky Hair Essence is a non-greasy hair essence heat protectant made up of a fusion of hair oil and essence. It repairs damage caused by heat and leaves your hair looking sleek and glossy. It can also be used on both wet and dry hair. It’s a great option for someone who’s looking for a heat protectant that’s ‘no frills’ but still effective.

Milbon Elujuda Graceon Hair Serum 120ml

Another salon-quality hair item from Milbon is the Elujuda Graceon Hair Serum. This popular heat protectant has an oil-like texture and is especially nourishing and effective for those with dry, damaged hair. The Elujuda series emphasizes improving hair condition, so the more you use this hair serum, the faster your hair’s condition will improve. Those who prefer a hair milk option may also want to check out the Milbon Elujuda Graceon Hair Emulsion. 

Kracie Ichikami Junno Herbal Essence Treatment for Damaged Hair 100g

For consumers who prefer a heat protectant spray option, you should definitely check out the Ichikami Junno Herbal Essence Treatment. This drug store heat protectant spray aims to protect your hair from heat and UV damage. It also has the scent of cherry blossoms which will instantly remind you of Japanese spring.

Milbon Inphenom Hair Mist 150ml

This is another great heat protectant option from Milbon but in a spray form. It’s designed to give salon-quality results and can be used on wet or dry hair. Many Japanese Taste customers have also pointed out that they feel this is the best option when it comes to Japanese heat protectants and hair products. 

Oshima Tsubaki Pure Natural Japanese Camellia Oil 40ml

The Oshima Tsubaki Oil is a classic when it comes to Japanese beauty. It has so many benefits for the hair, skin, and body. While we’ve outlined its amazing beauty benefits in another article, we just want to note that this unscented oil also works beautifully as a heat protectant. It’s a Japanese Taste fan favorite and is also available in a larger 60ml size. 

Milbon Deesee’s Aprou Milk Moisture Hair Treatment 100g

Last but certainly not least is the Deesee’s Aprou Milk from Milbon. This is another great heat protectant option for those who experience dry, and particularly aging hair. It contains nano-sized aqua collagen that provides intensive hydration benefits to your hair, keeping it moisturized. It can be applied to both wet and dry hair, but it is said to be the most effective when applied to damp hair.

Looking for more Japanese hair care recommendations? Be sure to check out our articles on The Best Shampoos For Dry & Damaged Hair and Our Favorite Hair Oils. Which heat protectant would you like to try first? Let us know in the comments below!