Top 10 Hair Primers
The 10 Best Hair Primers For Extending The Life Of Your Style
It may seem unnecessary to prime your hair for styling, but it's actually quite crucial. Like its close cousin, makeup primer, hair primer preserves your style and boosts the efficacy of your everyday products. Useful for all hair types, these are the foundation of any styling session, whether you're using heat tools or not. In fact, the best formulas go beyond heat protectants, providing the nourishing benefits of a leave-in conditioner, plus additions like humidity shielding.
Thanks to ingredients like sunflower seed oil, amino acids, and vegan silk, hair primers also help shorten blow-drying time and make detangling a breeze. To top it all off, they hydrate your scalp, protect your tresses from UV exposure, and smooth out frizz. In other words, you need a hair primer. Lucky for you, we've rounded up a list of the best hair primers on the shelves. From curl-defining creams to blowout sprays, the list ahead has a formula for every hair type and texture.
Our Method For Finding The Best Hair Primers
Whether you're rehabilitating damaged strands or attempting to tame frizz, the hair primers below can make it happen. As always, every shopping recommendation on this list boasts the approval of our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool finds and ranks the best products on the web by factoring in rave reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and more. From drugstore finds to salon-approved formulas, scroll on to shop the Top 10 hair primers for every hair type, concern, and budget.
October 16, 2023
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Paul Mitchell Neuro Style Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer
Overall Score
4.3
10
Paul Mitchell Neuro Style Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer
4.7
690 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Primer For Color Protection
WHAT IT DOES
We all love a good blowout or a sleek, straight style, but the heat can take a toll on your hair. That's where Paul Mitchell's Neuro Style Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer swoops in to save the day. This fantastic primer acts as an invisible shield for your hair, guarding each strand from the potentially damaging effects of hot styling tools.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This primer not only protects your hair, but it also reduces your styling time. Thanks to its lightweight formula, your hair will dry faster, allowing you to spend less time under the heat and more time enjoying your beautifully styled locks.
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer
Overall Score
4.3
09
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer
4.72
451 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Hair Primer
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
You'll thank us later after trying this Elizabeth Mott hair primer. The multitasking five-in-one formula provides a heat protectant that repairs, smooths, polishes, and shines, all in a single bottle. Plus, it works as a leave-in conditioner for an extra hydrating boost.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This hair primer is also cruelty-free and vegan.
Cruelty Free
IGK Good Behavior 4-In-1 Prep Spray
Overall Score
4.45
08
IGK Good Behavior 4-In-1 Prep Spray
4.57
3162 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Primer For Frizz
WHAT IT DOES
As a powerful multitasker, this four-in-one spray goes above and beyond. Not only does it work as a heat protectant for up to 450 degrees, but it also detangles, controls frizz for up to 24 hours, and adds shine.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This spray is vegan and cruelty-free.
Cruelty Free
Amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer
Overall Score
4.45
07
Amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer
4.61
11181 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Silicone-Free Hair Primer
WHO'S IT FOR
Unlike some hair primers that can leave your hair feeling heavy or greasy, "The Wizard" is incredibly lightweight and versatile. Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, or curly, this primer suits all hair types.
MORE REASONS TO LOVE
Who doesn't love a hair product that leaves your locks smelling divine? Amika's "The Wizard" boasts an irresistible scent that will make you fall in love with your hair every time you use it.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Bondi Boost Prep + Protect Hair Primer
Overall Score
4.5
06
Bondi Boost Prep + Protect Hair Primer
4.88
91 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Primer For Thin Hair
WHAT IT DOES
Knots, tangles, and post-shower hair havoc can be a daily struggle. Bondi Boost makes sure this doesn't have to be the case. Prep + Protect doubles as a detangler, making your hair more manageable and saving you from unnecessary frustration. No more pulling and tugging—just effortlessly smooth, combable hair.
PROMISING REVIEW
"THE HOLY GRAIL OF PRIMERS! I cannot get enough of this! I have always struggled with primers as they tend to weigh down my hair, but not this product! It's so light and protects your hair! AMAZING!"
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Gisou Propolis Infused Polishing Primer
Overall Score
4.55
05
Gisou Propolis Infused Polishing Primer
4.62
582 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Primer For Volume
WHAT IT DOES
Fighting frizz can be challenging, but your strands don't have to fall victim to the struggle. With its lightweight formula suited for all hair textures and types, this primer banishes frizz, enhances texture and volume, and reduces drying time.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Hello, second-day hair. This creamy formula adds polish and shine to your mane and lengthens the life of your style thanks to a fortified blend of oils, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer
Overall Score
4.55
04
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer
4.59
2338 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Detangling Hair Primer
WHAT IT DOES
This detangling hair primer makes combing effortless by repairing the hair's inner cortex. Thanks to Oribe's Signature Complex, the formula also shields hair from environmental elements and photoaging and prevents the deterioration of natural keratin.
WHO IT'S FOR
If you're dealing with chronically dry hair that lacks luster and shine, this lightweight, deeply hydrating primer touts everything you need to combat unruly knots and seal in hydration.
Cruelty Free
L’ange Glass Hair Thermal Blowout Primer
Overall Score
4.8
03
L’ange Glass Hair Thermal Blowout Primer
4.88
20737 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best High Shine Hair Primer
WHY YOU NEED IT
Whether you're a fan of curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers, you can confidently style your hair knowing it's shielded by L’ange's advanced thermal primer. Say goodbye to the worry of heat damage and hello to your most stunning, healthy-looking hair.
MORE REASONS TO LOVE
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible smoothing power of Glass Hair. It transforms unruly, frizzy hair into a silky, manageable masterpiece. No more battling with stubborn tangles and knots. This primer's detangling properties make every styling session a breeze.
Eva Nyc Mane Magic 10-In-1 Primer
Overall Score
4.95
02
Eva Nyc Mane Magic 10-In-1 Primer
4.56
31062 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Strengthening Hair Primer
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Whether your hair is over-processed or naturally prone to breakage, this primer delivers 10 hair-improving benefits in just one spritz. It does everything from strengthening to reducing frizz, shortening drying time, and shielding your scalp and hair from harmful UV rays.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Safe for color, keratin, and Brazilian-treated hair, Eva NYC's packaging is now made from 100% recyclable aluminum. Just add it to your curbside bin, and it can continue to be recycled forever.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
Overall Score
5
01
Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
4.68
9693 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Primer Overall
WHAT IT DOES
Whether your mane is thick or thin, this versatile product will help you keep static at bay. The frizz-fighting formula ensures quick detangling and heat protection, and it can soften and smooth even the driest, brittlest hair textures.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Just like skin, our hair needs sun protection too. This color-safe hair primer is made with UV flters that protect against dryness and damage caused by the sun.
Cruelty Free
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