10 Best Heat Protectant Sprays For Natural Hair: Top Picks Of 2023

Heat style your hair using the right hair care essentials without damaging the strands.

Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Krati Darak, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Medha Deb  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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. 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.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Lightweight:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray
Price on Amazon
Best For All Hair Types:Sun Bum Heat Protector
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy:Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Heat Protection Spray
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Sticky:Pura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Shield
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Junior Labs Straight Silk Spray
Price on Amazon
Best Dye-Free:Hair Food Heat Protection Blend
Price on Amazon
Best Gluten-Free:CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Price on Amazon
Best Hair Damage:Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
Price on Amazon
Best For Hair Elasticity:AG Hair Care Spray Gel
Price on Amazon

10 Best Heat Protectants For Natural Hair

1. Best Lightweight:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray

4.4
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Image: L'oreal Paris

TheHeat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray from L’Oreal Pariscan 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 your 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.

Hair Type: Damaged, Frizzy | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 6.81 inches | Weight: 5.76 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Pleasant scent
  • Value for money
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free

Cons

  • May feel sticky

protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply the spray on clean, damp hair from 6-8 inches away.

Price at the time of publication: $6.89

2. Best For All Hair Types:Sun Bum Heat Protector

4.5
Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray Image: Sun Bum

TheSun Bum Heat Protector makes your hair dry faster by decreasing the blowdrying 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.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 0.02 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • For all hair types
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

None

protip_icon Quick Tip
Shake well to combine this two-part mixture, then spray throughout the hair. If you use the product on dry hair, ensure it is totally dry before using any hot equipment.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 3,558 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $15.79

3. Best Non-Greasy:Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Heat Protection Spray

4.6

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 the hair. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.

Hair Type: Frizzy

Pros

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Non-greasy
  • Alcohol-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • May weigh the hair down
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

4. Best Non-Sticky:Pura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Shield

4.2
Pura D’Or Argan Oil Heat Shield Image: Pura D’or

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, leaving it 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.

Hair Type: Damaged | Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-oily
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant scent
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

5. Best Long-Lasting:Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray

4.3
Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray Image: Mielle Mongongo

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 damages. According to reviewers, this product is lightweight and non-greasy

Hair Type: All, Curly, Damaged, Coily | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.4 inches | Weight: 4.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Natural ingredients
  • Preservative-free
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Contains alcohol
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 704 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $8.39

6. Best Vegan:Junior Labs Straight Silk Spray

3.9
Straight Silk Spray Infused with Argan Oil Image: Juniorlabs

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 and can shield your hair from heat damage up to 450°F. This spray is formulated to be friendly with hair extensions and keratin treatmeIt is an effective detangler and can shield your hair from heat damage up to 450°F. nts. It is infused with the 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.

Hair Type: Wavy, Keratin Treated, Permed, 4A, 3A, 4B, 3B, 4C, 3C, Coarse, Frizzy, Textured, Straight | Product Dimensions: 1.69 x 1.69 x 7.28 inches | Weight: 7.37 Ounces.

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
Price at the time of publication: $19.99

7. Best Dye-Free:Hair Food Heat Protection Blend

4.3
Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protection Blend Image: Hair Food

Enjoy styling to your heart’s content with the air Food Heat Protection Blend that 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.

Hair Type: All, Straight, Wavy, Curly, Fine, Thick | Product Dimensions: 1.88 x 1.88 x 6.93 inches | Weight: 7.2 Ounces.

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 It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 11,270 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $9.05

8. Best Gluten-Free:CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

4.4

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 lightweight and does not leave any residues or buildup. This spray also seals your cuticles to prevent any future hair damages and breakage. This product will prevent hair breakage and make your hair look shiny, silky, and healthy by delivering vitamins, proteins, and essential moisture.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Long-lasting
  • Fast-drying
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • May feel sticky
  • May cause dryness
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 37,375 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $3.59

9. Best Hair Damage:Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

4.3

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. 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.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.56 x 1.56 x 8 inches | Weight: 5.33 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • May leave hair stiff and sticky
Price at the time of publication: $8.99

10. Best For Hair Elasticity:AG Hair Care Spray Gel

4.1
AG Hair Care Spray Gel Image: Ag Hair Care

The AG Hair Care Spray Gel acts as a setting spray and thermal protector. It creates a long-lasting hold and induces a natural shine. 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.

Hair Type: Curly, Wavy | Product Dimensions: 2.05 x 2.05 x 6.65 inches | Weight: 9.28 Ounces.

Pros

  • Non-sticky
  • Lightweight
  • Smells good
  • No residue

Cons

  • Makes the hair crunchy
Price at the time of publication: $24

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 the 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.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care and styling ensthusiast 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 care. She researched these products for hair protection thoroughly to ensure that they fit your hair care routine and protect your hair against thermal heat that causes hair damage and breakage. These haircare products for natural hair are lightweight, and suitable for all hair types.

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 conditioned 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.


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