Before You Buy: We Rank the Best Hair Primers and Protectors
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The Best
Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, $17.99
Forget the fade-out that strikes every highlight, lowlight and bright, blonde root. This innovation from Nexxus repels water, the primary culprit behind color fade and dull locks. Before even hopping into the shower, applying this pre-wash primer, with uber-hydrating ingredients like white orchid, almond oil and coconut oil, will repel water from the cuticle and leave locks with renewed vibrancy. Testers loved how super shiny their dried 'dos were, and how they thought their hair color was brighter and perkier.
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The Worst
Wella Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray, $11.20
Before believing product claims of this protector, which supposedly offers solid heat protection with healthy and hydrated hair as a result, it might be wise to rethink purchasing this beauty bargain. Testers were not impressed with how crunchy, sticky and dry their locks felt after using this spray; one tester claimed her locks turned into "straw" akin to doll hair, while another said the "odor" was not appealing, or as the reviewer noted, her hair smelled like "cheap hairspray."
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The Best
Living Proof Prime Style Extender, $20
Whether or not Jennifer Aniston, the spokesperson for this brand, actually has Living Proof to thank for her California-girl straight, effortless locks is anyone's guess, but this hair cream does wonders for any hair type or texture. With a built-in "miracle molecule" that extends the life of a style for twice as long as is typical, this potent potion is the perfect antidote to bad hair days. It detangles, corrects cuticle texture, increases smoothness and dries weightlessly. Our reviewers raved over their lack of frizzies and their ability to skip shampoo for three full days!
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The Worst
Not Your Mother's Beat the Heat Thermal Shield Spray, $8.44
Though this formula is affordable and easily accessible at mass drugstores, the product fails to deliver despite its convenience. Reviewers were disappointed with this stiff and heavy formula, which left their hair more prone to dryness and breakage. Some testers cried foul at the alcohol smell and others felt it didn't work as promised and had no protective hair benefits.
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The Best
Nuance Salma Hayek Soy Protein Primer Spray, $9.99
This shimmery strengthening yellow formula looks like a hair perfume or glitter spray but it's actually a superior smoothing and prepping hair product. With acai oil and color-lock technology, as well as honey, wheat proteins and flower extracts, this affordable hair styler is the perfect addition to any beauty regimen. Spray onto towel-dried hair for a long-lasting style or layer with other products for super glossy hair. Reviewers loved the fact that their hair dried quickly and was protected from UV rays and humidity.
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The Worst
Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Heat Protection and Shine Spray, $6.45
Reviewers were left with a compendium of hair woes following usage of this protector. Claiming to enhance shine, and shield strands from heat, reviewers' manes were left extra "gunky" and "heavy". Testers balked at the shine claims and felt their hair was dull, dirty and dry. One reviewer was so disenchanted that they claimed dumping alcohol all over hair would've offered similar benefits.
