Quick answer: for dry hair, use Nutritive Nectar Thermique ($54) if it is medium to thick, or Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice ($54) if it is finer. For coloured hair, use Serum Chroma Thermique ($57.75). All three state protection up to 230°C. For weakened hair, Genesis Thermique ($57.75) states 220°C, and Résistance Blow-Dry Primer ($57.75) states 180°C.
Updated 30 October 2026 by the stylists at Next International, a Kérastase salon in Oxenford and Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast since 1992.
Kérastase heat protectants compared
| Product | Best for | Stated heat protection | Texture | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Thermique | Dry, medium to thick hair | Up to 230°C | Blow-dry cream | $54 |
| Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice | Dry, fine to medium hair | Up to 230°C | Light, milky mist | $54 |
| Serum Chroma Thermique | Coloured hair | Up to 230°C | Pump serum | $57.75 |
| Gloss Absolu Spray | Long, frizz-prone hair | Up to 230°C | Milky spray | $63.75 |
| Première Filler Fondamental | Damaged, frizz-prone hair | Up to 230°C | Balmy serum | $79.50 |
| Curl Manifesto Crème de Jour | Curls and coils | Up to 450°F (about 230°C) | Leave-in cream | $57.75 |
| Genesis Thermique | Weakened hair prone to breakage | Up to 220°C | Blow-dry fluid | $57.75 |
| Résistance Blow-Dry Primer | Weakened or damaged hair | Up to 180°C | Leave-in cream | $57.75 |
| Blonde Guard | Lightened hair | Protects from heat, no temperature stated | Light milk | $63 |
| Elixir Ultime | All hair types | Thermal protection, no temperature stated | Oil | $88.50 |
Temperatures are the figures in our product information. Prices are ours, checked on 30 October 2026. RRP means the price Kérastase lists for Australia, and our online price is 25% below it.
How hot can I style with a heat protectant?
Check the setting on your straightener or curling iron, then stay within the figure above. A higher number is not a reason to turn your tools up. Lower heat for a little longer is kinder to weakened hair than a fast, hot blast. If you have damaged hair and use tools above 180°C, the stated figure for the Résistance Primer does not cover that, so choose one rated higher.
Which heat protectant suits dry hair?
Kérastase suggests the mist for finer hair and Nectar Thermique for thicker hair, and that matches what we see in the chair. Nectar also reduces frizz and helps reduce breakage from blow-drying. Lotion Thermique detangles and smooths flyaways, and can be used to air-dry. Our dry hair guide has the full routine.
Shop Nectar Thermique, $54 (RRP $72) Shop Lotion Thermique, $54 (RRP $72)
Which heat protectant suits coloured hair?
Serum Chroma Thermique helps shield hair and colour from heat, UV damage and humidity. Queensland sun fades colour fast, so it is worth using even on days you let your hair dry naturally. Use two to four pumps on damp hair, depending on length and thickness.
Which heat protectant suits blonde hair?
Blonde Guard covers heat, UV, chlorine, salt water and dehydration, and it is our pick for blondes who swim. It does not state a temperature, so if you straighten or curl often, keep your tools on a lower setting. See the blonde hair guide.
Which heat protectant suits weak or damaged hair?
Genesis Thermique suits hair that snaps when brushed. It detangles, which helps limit breakage from brushing. Résistance Blow-Dry Primer reinforces the fibre, adds shine and helps cut drying time. Première Filler Fondamental has the highest stated figure of the three. Read Première vs Résistance to choose a range.
Shop Genesis Thermique, $57.75 (RRP $77) Shop Blow-Dry Primer, $57.75 (RRP $77)
How do I apply a heat protectant?
- Wash and condition, then towel-dry. Genesis Thermique and Gloss Absolu Spray go on wet lengths.
- Apply the amount on the directions: a chestnut of Nectar Thermique, or a walnut of Blow-Dry Primer.
- Spray or smooth it on section by section, so the underneath gets protected too.
- Comb through before the brush or dryer comes out.
- Keep the dryer moving, with the nozzle pointing down the hair. Thick hair can be rough-dried to about 80% before you pick up a brush.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kérastase heat protectant has the highest temperature?
The highest stated figure in our range is 230°C. That covers Nectar Thermique, Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice, Serum Chroma Thermique, Gloss Absolu Spray, Première Filler Fondamental and Curl Manifesto Crème de Jour.
Can I use a hair oil as a heat protectant?
Elixir Ultime lists thermal protection but gives no temperature. Première Huile Gloss does not, so use a protectant under it. Our hair oil guide has the detail.
Do I need heat protectant just to blow-dry?
We would use one. A blow-dryer is exactly what Nectar Thermique, Genesis Thermique and Blow-Dry Primer are designed for.
Can I use heat protectant if I air-dry?
Lotion Thermique and Serum Chroma Thermique can both be used to air-dry. Blonde Guard can too, and it also helps before a swim.
Does Genesis Thermique stop hair loss?
No. It is an anti-breakage blow-dry fluid. Hair that falls suddenly or in patches needs a GP. See our Genesis hair fall guide.
Want a recommendation for your hair and tools?
Next International is an authorised Kérastase stockist with salons in Oxenford and Upper Coomera, and we sell the current range online at 25% below RRP.
Bring your questions to the salon: book online in Oxenford or book online in Upper Coomera, or shop Kérastase heat protection. Standard shipping is free Australia-wide on orders over $200. Otherwise it is $14 standard (2 to 8 business days) or $18 express (1 to 5 business days), and click and collect from our Oxenford salon is free.
