The Bottom Line: Redken Thermal Spray 11 is a solid mid-range heat protectant that delivers salon-quality protection with lightweight, non-greasy feel. But at $28, it faces stiff competition from drugstore alternatives like TRESemmé ($7) that offer similar protection.
Best For: Frequent heat stylers (2-3+ times/week) with color-treated or damaged hair
Skip If: You’re on a tight budget or rarely use heat tools
What Is It?
Redken Thermal Spray 11 (formerly Iron Shape 11) is a lightweight heat protectant designed for flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers up to 450°F/230°C. It works on wet or dry hair and features Redken’s Heat Restyling Technology, allowing you to restyle without reapplication.
Quick Specs:
Key Ingredients That Matter
Ceramides
Lipid molecules that repair and protect hair’s cuticle layer. They lock in moisture, reduce breakage, and add shine—especially beneficial for dry or damaged hair.
Cranberry Seed Oil
Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in a rare 1:1 ratio. Nourishes hair, promotes growth, and provides antioxidant protection.
Why This Matters: Most heat protectants just coat your hair. Redken’s formula actually repairs damage while protecting.
What Customers Actually Say
Positives (Most Common Praise)
Lightweight & non-greasy: Protects without weighing hair down
Amazing shine: Users with curly/frizzy hair report noticeable smoothness
Incredible smell: Fragrance lingers all day-people compliment it
No buildup on tools: Unlike competitors, this doesn’t leave sticky residue
Award-winning: Won 2014 Fitness Beauty Award for Best Heat Protectant
Negatives (Most Common Complaints)
Crunchy texture: Some users report stiff, crispy hair
Note: This is usually from using the HIGH HOLD version (Thermal Spray 22) instead of LOW HOLD
High alcohol content: First ingredient is alcohol (though this is standard for aerosol sprays and evaporates quickly)
Price point: At $28, some question value vs. cheaper alternatives
Key Insight: TRESemmé costs 75% less and protects just as well-if budget is your priority.
Start with completely dry hair (heat + moisture = steam damage)
Shake bottle well
Hold 6-8 inches away, spray 2-4 pumps per section
Brush through to distribute evenly
Wait 10-15 seconds before heat styling
Style as normal
Pro Tip: Less product = better results. Over-application causes that crunchy texture some reviewers complained about.
You heat style 2-3+ times per week
You have color-treated or damaged hair
You want salon-quality without luxury pricing
You prefer lightweight, shiny results over maximum hold
You’re on a tight budget (TRESemmé is 75% cheaper)
You rarely heat style
You want maximum hold (get Thermal Spray 22 instead)
You’re looking for an all-natural formula (this contains silicones)
TRESemmé Heat Tamer Spray ($7)
450°F protection
Lightweight formula
75% cheaper
Best for: Budget-conscious daily users
Q: Is this the same as Iron Shape 11?
A: Yes—Redken rebranded it but kept the same formula.
Q: Safe for color-treated hair?
A: Yes, completely safe.
Q: Will it make hair greasy?
A: No, it’s lightweight and won’t build up if used properly.
Q: How long does one bottle last?
A: 3-4 months for shoulder-length hair used 2-3 times weekly.
Rating: 4.0/5 ⭐
Redken Thermal Spray 11 is a well-formulated heat protectant that delivers on its promises—excellent protection, shine, and a non-greasy feel. The ceramides and cranberry oil give it a real edge for damaged hair.
However, at $28, it’s harder to justify for casual users when TRESemmé offers similar protection for $7. Perfect for frequent heat stylers who want premium salon-quality protection.
Where to Buy:
Amazon Associate Disclosure: We may earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links at no cost to you. This doesn’t influence which products we research or recommend. We focus on what actual Canadian customers report works best.
