How to Protect Your Hair for Filming: Stylist Spray Tips

From studio lights to long call sheets, hair can take a real battering when you’re on set—or simply trying to keep your style looking fresh through a packed diary. A recent piece from the Mirror highlighted how Millie Bobby Brown looked ultra-polished while promoting Stranger Things season five, and pointed to an affordable “protective” spray recommended by her stylist as part of the prep.

While the celebrity angle makes headlines, the practical takeaway is universal: if you’re regularly heat-styling, sitting under bright lights, or brushing and reworking your hair throughout the day, a protection-first routine matters more than the finishing touches. Below, Hairporium breaks down what “protective sprays” can realistically do, how to use them properly, and the best practice approach many UK stylists follow for camera-ready hair—without slipping into hype.

What a “protective spray” can (and can’t) do

The term “protective spray” is often used as shorthand for products that help reduce damage from heat tools, friction, styling, and sometimes humidity. In salon settings, stylists typically think in layers: a product that supports the hair fibre before heat, followed by a product that helps hold or finish the final look.

In practical terms, a well-formulated pre-style spray may:

• Reduce heat stress by forming a lightweight film that helps limit moisture loss during blow-drying or smoothing.
• Improve slip, which can lessen friction during brushing and sectioning—important when hair is restyled repeatedly.
• Help with manageability so the hair sits smoother and is easier to shape, potentially reducing the number of passes needed with hot tools.

What it usually won’t do is “repair” damage already present in the cortex, or make hair invincible to high heat. Many stylists recommend thinking of these products as a seatbelt rather than an airbag: helpful, not magical. If you’re regularly using high temperatures, technique and conditioning remain the biggest levers you can pull.

Behind the scenes: why TV appearances demand extra hair protection

On a press day—TV, radio, photocalls—hair is often styled early and then continually adjusted: brushed, clipped, re-curled, smoothed, re-sprayed. Combine that with warm studio lighting and frequent touching (hands, wardrobe changes, accessories), and you’ve got the perfect storm for frizz, dullness and mid-length breakage.

In UK salons, it’s common to tailor prep based on hair type and porosity:

• Fine hair often needs a lightweight spray to avoid collapse at the root and heaviness at the ends.
• Coarser or textured hair may benefit from layering: a leave-in conditioner for hydration, plus a heat protectant before blow-drying or pressing.
• Coloured hair typically needs extra care to maintain softness and shine; many colourists advise gentler heat and fewer hot-tool passes where possible.

The most camera-friendly finishes tend to be the least “crispy”. Stylists often aim for hair that moves—controlled, but flexible—because movement reads as healthy on screen.

How to use protection sprays properly (the step most people miss)

Even the best product won’t help much if it’s applied unevenly or at the wrong time. Many professionals apply protective sprays in sections, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends (where hair is older and more fragile) and using a lighter hand nearer the roots.

Try this at home before your next big day out, party, interview or video call:

• Start on towel-dried hair: If you’re blow-drying, apply your protectant when hair is damp—this helps distribute evenly.
• Work in layers: Lift hair into two or three sections, mist lightly, then comb through with a wide-tooth comb for even coverage.
• Less is more: Over-application can make some hair types feel tacky or look flat on camera.
• Control your heat: Use the lowest effective temperature. Many stylists recommend avoiding repeated high-heat passes in the same area.
• Finish strategically: If you need hold, use a finishing spray after styling—don’t rely on heat protectant alone for longevity.

Real-world practical next step: the next time you style, lower your tool temperature slightly and aim to do one slow, controlled pass per section rather than multiple quick passes—you’ll often get a sleeker result with less stress on the hair.

Budget haircare: what to look for when choosing an affordable spray

The Mirror story leans into the appeal of a £5 option, which reflects a wider UK trend: shoppers want performance without the premium price tag, especially for everyday essentials such as heat protection. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a product that performs well for your routine.

When comparing sprays, consider:

• Format: Fine mists suit finer hair; creamier sprays or lotions can suit thicker, drier textures.
• Finish: If you’re after “Tonight Show polish”, look for words like smooth, shine or anti-frizz—but keep expectations realistic for your hair type.
• Compatibility with your styling method: Some formulas pair better with blow-drying, others with straighteners or curling irons.
• Buildup risk: If you style often, clarify occasionally and focus conditioner on lengths to keep hair feeling light and responsive.

At Hairporium, we encourage readers to judge products by how they perform across a week—not just the first day. If hair feels coated, dull, or harder to style after repeated use, scale back application or review your wash routine (a gentle clarifying shampoo every so often can help, depending on your hair type).

Key Takeaways

• Protective sprays can help reduce heat and friction stress, but they won’t “fix” existing damage or make hair immune to high temperatures.
• On filming days (or busy days), hair suffers from repeated restyling—prep products and good technique matter as much as finishing sprays.
• Apply protectant evenly in sections, mainly through mid-lengths and ends, and avoid overloading fine hair.
• Lower heat and reduce repeated passes: controlled technique often creates a smoother, shinier finish with less wear on the hair.
• Affordable sprays can work well—choose by your hair type, styling method and how the hair behaves after several uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a heat protectant if I only blow-dry my hair?
Many stylists recommend one, yes—especially if you blow-dry frequently or use a brush with tension. A lightweight spray can help with slip, smoothness and reducing the need for repeated heat exposure.

Can I use a protective spray on dry hair before straightening or curling?
Often, yes—many products are designed for damp or dry use. Apply lightly and evenly, allow it to settle for a moment, then style. If your hair feels sticky or looks weighed down, you may be using too much.

Is it bad to layer multiple styling products?
Not necessarily. Professionals commonly layer: a leave-in for hydration, a heat protectant for styling, then a finishing product for hold. The key is using small amounts and washing thoroughly so buildup doesn’t affect shine or movement.

What temperature is safest for heat styling?
There’s no single perfect number for everyone. Many professionals advise using the lowest temperature that achieves your style efficiently. Fine, lightened or fragile hair often needs lower heat; thicker or coarse hair may need moderate heat but fewer passes.

How do I keep hair looking good under lights or on camera?
Focus on smoothness and a healthy-looking finish: prep with an appropriate protectant, blow-dry with tension for cuticle alignment, and avoid over-spraying. A soft, brushable finish typically reads more “expensive” than a stiff one.

What’s the simplest upgrade I can make for a more polished blow-dry?
Section your hair properly. Even at home, working in 4–6 sections improves control, reduces time under heat, and gives a sleeker result—ideal for days you want that TV-ready finish.