Any hair care expert will tell you that in order to prevent hair from becoming damaged and broken, it is crucial to apply some sort of heat protectant, like a heat protection spray, serum or cream. You've missed a step if you subject your strands to high temperatures from irons and dryers without one.

Here's what happens: Blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons weaken and destroy vital proteins in your hair, as well as deplete your hair's natural oils. That means frequent use of them requires extra maintenance. So, to help you help yourself, we've combed through the highest-rated heat protectant products (according to Total Beauty readers, of course) and added in some editors' picks as well. The result? This list of the best heat protection sprays and elixirs on the market — ones that boast tried and true heat protecting properties to help hair stay healthy and strong through all that heat styling.

The best part is that these products don't just keep your hair from getting fried — they also add shine, de-frizz and help straighten and smooth your hair texture. Once applied, you can heat style your hair with confidence.

Without further ado, count down to the best heat protectant products for your hair and stop the abuse, once and for all.

Image via Imaxtree