10 Best Heat Protectant Sprays For Natural Hair, As Per A Makeup Artist
Heat style your hair using the right hair care essentials without damaging the strands.
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application.
Ms. Pearson received her esthetics license from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics where she taught skincare and makeup.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
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If you have been looking for the best heat protectant spray for natural hair, here is where you can choose the one that is crafted according to your needs. Hairstyling has become an inseparable part of our hair care routine, and be it curling iron or straighteners, and each does its part in stripping off oils from your hair. Using them on your hair without protection can cause irreversible damage, and hence you need to use the protectant spray for hair damage prevention before each styling. Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist, says, “Heat protectant sprays also help seal in moisture and reduce frizz, leaving your hair with a smoother and softer finish.” Here is a list of the 10 best protectants that will keep your natural hair safe no matter how often you use the heated tools on them.
In This Article
10 Best Heat Protectants For Natural Hair
1. Best Lightweight:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray
TheHeat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray from L’Oreal Paris Can shield the hair from heat damage up to 450° F. It is ultra-lightweight and does not weigh down or feel greasy on your hair. It offers restorative care to damaged hair by reducing frizz, hydrating your tresses, and sealing in shine for up to three days. The leave-in spray has an irresistible floral, fruity, and sweet scent that lasts all day. This formula is specifically made for long and straight hair. Need more information? Watch this video to check out a reviewer’s experience of using this spray.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant scent
- Value for money
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- May feel sticky
Quick Tip2. Best For All Hair Types:Sun Bum Heat Protector
The Sun Bum Heat Protector makes damp hair dry faster by decreasing the blow drying time. It contains nourishing haircare ingredients like Tahitian noni and giant sea kelp extracts that protect your hair against thermal heat that causes hair damage and breakage. The two-phase formula delivers a lightweight nourishing blend enriched with vitamins and sea minerals to shield your hair from harmful UV rays and frizz-causing humidity. It is suitable for all hairstyles, including afro, permed, and relaxed hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- For all hair types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 346 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best Non-Greasy:Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Heat Protection Spray
If you have super dry and coarse hair, the Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Heat Protection Spray is the holy grail product for you. It is infused with nourishing ingredients like olive fruit oil and hydrolyzed silk protein, which nourish and fortify your hair strands. The hair moisturization formula protects your hair from heat styling while eliminating frizz and flyaways, leaving your hair silky, soft, and shiny. According to many reviewers, this product has proven efficacy in imparting a silky soft finish to damaged hair. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Alcohol-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May weigh the hair down
4. Best Non-Sticky:Pura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Shield
If your hair feels super frizzy and unmanageable, trythePura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Protection Shield that doubles as a leave-in conditioner that detangles your hair. The formula is lightweight yet effective enough to stand up against intensive heat damage for up to 450°F. This spray is infused with argan oil, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, to strengthen, hydrate, and energize your hair shaft and leave your hair feeling soft, healthy, and smooth. The hair strengthening formula traps in moisture, restores, luster, and makes your hair bouncier. The brand also offers a full refund in case you are not satisfied with the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Non-oily
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
5. Best Long-Lasting:Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
The all-natural Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray is a must-have in your vanity. It provides intense heat defense and protects the natural curl pattern of your hair. It also eliminates frizz and induces a natural boost of shine. This haircare spray for curly hair has a blend of essential oils like almond oil, argan oil, and mongongo oil that deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and reverses hair damage. According to reviewers, this product is lightweight, non-greasy, and ideal for frizzy hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Natural ingredients
- Preservative-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 704 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best Vegan:Junior Labs Straight Silk Spray
If you are looking for a salon-grade formula, the Junior Labs Straight Silk Spray is your go-to heat protectant. It is an effective detangler that shields your hair from heat damage up to 450°F and makes the hair soft. This spray is formulated to be friendly with hair extensions and keratin treatment is an effective detangler and can shield your hair from heat damage up to 450°F. nts. It is infused with moisturizing Moroccan argan oil, which is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The heat damage repair spray decreases the drying time by half and leaves your hair looking shiny, frizz-free, and healthy. It is also suitable for color-treated hair. Check this video to explore a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Color-safe
- Salt-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Synthetic color-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- GMO-free
Cons
- May make your hair coarse
7. Best Dye-Free:Hair Food Heat Protection Blend
Enjoy styling to your heart’s content with the air Food Heat Protection Blend that can be applied on clean and towel-dried hair. It suits all hair types, whether wavy, curly, straight, thick, or thin. The formula forms a protective shield over your hair, leaves a healthy shine, and prevents heat damage up to 450° F. It is fortified with nourishing ingredients like coconut milk and argan oil to hydrate and revitalize your strands. The heat protection spray also has a delicious, sweet, and refreshing scent of coconut that leaves your hair smelling heavenly. It is also not tested on animals.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Pleasant fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- May dry the hair out
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 11,270 rave reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Gluten-Free:CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Theron Guard Thermal Protection Spray was launched by the design house of CHI. The easy brush glide formula leaves your hair feeling super-smooth and sleek while providing superior heat protection. and heat damage repair. It is a lightweight formula and does not leave any residues or buildup. This spray also seals your cuticles to prevent any future hair damage and breakage. This product will prevent hair breakage and make your hair look shiny, silky, and healthy by delivering vitamins, proteins, and essential moisture.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
- Fast-drying
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May feel sticky
- May cause dryness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 37,375 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
9. Best Hair Damage:Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
The Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield protects your hair from heat damage for up to 425° F. It is specifically formulated to protect and fortify textured and natural hair from the heavy heat of a blow dryer. The shea butter in this haircare formula for textured hair hydrates and protects your hair from damage. It also reduces frizz, improves manageability, adds shine, induces volume, and makes your curls bouncy. Its regular use smoothens your hair and enhances your curl pattern for a more defined look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May leave hair stiff and sticky
10. Best For Hair Elasticity:AG Hair Care Spray Gel
The AG Hair Care Spray Gel acts as a setting spray and thermal protector for hair follicles. It creates a long-lasting hold and induces a natural shine while protecting the strands from thermal damage which can often be an issue if you use too many heat-styling tools. This spray is infused with keratin and silk proteins that strengthen and nourish your strands, while the rice amino acids fight frizz and improve hair elasticity. The PVP copolymer in this haircare formula for long-lasting hairstyles repels humidity and leaves your hair fuller. It also has bio fermented tomato fruit extract that shrinks your hair cuticles and encourages textures and curls. Add this spray gel to your hair care routine for enhanced hair texture. Additionally, no animal testing is conducted while making this product, making it an ethical choice.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Smells good
- No residue
Cons
- Makes the hair crunchy
Infographic: How To Choose A Heat Protectant Spray For Natural Hair
Natural hair needs more of our tender love and care. While it is always fun to style your hair to create a new look, natural hair gets heat-damaged easily. So, it is crucial to protect it without sacrificing on any experimentation with hairstyles. To care for your hair effectively, choose a heat protectant spray that best suits your natural hair’s needs. Check out the infographic below to know more and make an informed choice.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
With so many excellent styling tools on the market, hairstyling has become routine. However, whether you curl your hair or straighten it, the styling tools may strip off your hair’s natural oils with constant heat damage. So, a heat protectant acts as a shield on your hair to prevent the loss of oil and nourishment from your hair. You may opt for the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray if you need a formulation that tames and protects brittle hair while sealing in shine for three days. The Pura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Shield has an antioxidant-rich formula that strengthens the hair and traps moisture to restore luster, while the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray offers a weightless formula that does not cause buildup. You must opt for lightweight, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and non-greasy heat protectants that don’t make your tresses sticky or dry after heat styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does heat protectant work on natural hair?
Yes, heat protectants help recover and protect natural hair from styling tools, and maintain its health.
Can you use hair oil as a heat protectant?
Yes. You can use argan, almond, coconut, and avocado oils as heat protectants.
How often can I straighten my natural hair without damaging it?
Overheating your hair can be damaging, so do not straighten your natural hair more than once weekly to keep it healthy.
Why is my natural hair stiff after flat ironing?
Natural hair becomes stiff and rough if you flat iron dirty, greasy hair. So, always flat iron, clean, and condition hair for the best results.
Do you put heat protectants on wet or dry hair?
You can apply heat protectants on both wet and dry hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care and styling enthusiast and loves trying out different hair care products. She went through hundreds of online reviews and user feedback to compile a list of the best hair protectants for natural hair. She researched these products thoroughly to ensure that they fit your hair care routine and protect your hair against thermal heat that causes hair damage and breakage. These products are lightweight, and suitable for all hair types.
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