If you’re like most black women, you probably use heat to style your hair occasionally. Whether you’re blow-drying it straight, using a curling iron, or flat ironing it, using heat to style your hair can be damaging if you’re not using a heat protectant. In this article, we will discuss the best heat protectants for black hair.
We’ll talk about the different types of heat protectants available and what to look for when choosing one. We’ll also give you a list of our top favorite heat protectants for black hair! You ready?! Let’s gooo!
The best heat protectants for black hair
We’ve compiled the best heat protectants for black hair based on reviews, our personal experience, and testimonials.
Mizani Heat screen heat protectant
Why it’s one of our favorites heat protectants for black hair: These Mizani heat screen protects your coils plus smells like pink grapefruit and mandarin blend.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: A lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat. This is a black-owned brand.
Verb Glossy Shine Heat Protectant Spray
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant moisturizes and shines your coils while protecting hair from heat.
shu uemura Tsuyu Sleek Blow Dry Hair Oil
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant is great for blow-drying oil your hair as well as taming frizz and cutting blow-drying time in half.
Mielle Organics Heat Protectant Spray
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This budget-friendly heat protectant provides intense heat defense and curl pattern protection. This is a black-owned brand.
Chi 44 iron guard thermal protect spray
Why it’s one of our favorites heat protectants for black hair: This hair protectant helps to protect hair from thermal damage and breakage.
It’s a 10 Miracle plus Keratin Leave-In Conditioner
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This keratin-infused heat protectant helps to strengthen damaged hair and detangles hair while protecting your hair from damage.
Mizani Heat screen heat protectant
Why it’s one of our favorites heat protectants for black hair: This nourishing hair protectant includes shea butter which acts as a moisturizing, protective barrier.
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy as well as protecting your hair from heat.
TPH BY TARAJI Hot Commodity Thermal Heat Protectant Spray
Why it’s one of our favorites heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant includes argan oil & shea butter primes hair for thermal styling and acts as a protective coat from the drying and damaging effects of blow-drying and flat-ironing hair
Bumble and bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant includes a honey protective complex that helps to condition hair while improving hair’s elasticity to prevent breakage as well as UV filters to help protect hair against the drying effects of the sun.
Raw Sugar Coconut Milk and Blue Agave Multi-Miracle Leave-in conditioner and heat protectant
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This lightweight hair protectant provides heat protection up to 450°F to help shield hair from damage.
Mizani Heat screen heat protectant
Why it’s one of our favorite heat protectants for black hair: This heat protectant provides a humidity-resistant formula that cuts drying time in half and creates a sleek look.
What is a Heat Protectant?
A heat protectant is a product that helps to protect your hair from heat damage. This can be from using hot styling tools, or from exposure to the sun.
Heat protectants work by creating a barrier between your hair and the heat source. They can come in the form of sprays, creams, or serums. Some heat protectants also double as styling products, such as hair oils.
Heat protectants work by creating a barrier between your hair and the heat source.
When choosing a heat protectant, it is important to consider your hair type. If you have fine or thin hair, you will want to avoid products that are heavy or greasy.
These can weigh down your hair and make it look flat. Instead, opt for a light spray or serum. If your hair is thick or curly, you can go for a creamier formula. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from looking frizzy.
It is also important to think about the level of heat protection you need.
If you only use hot styling tools occasionally, you may not need a heavy-duty product. But if you use them frequently, or if you are exposed to a lot of sun, you will want something that offers more protection.
Heat protectant can be applied on damp or dry hair before styling with a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer. The type of heat application will determine the type of product that should be used.
How to Choose the Right Heat Protectant for Your Hair Type
When it comes to choosing a heat protectant, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is your hair type. If you have thin or fine hair, you’ll want to choose a lighter product that won’t weigh your hair down.
Those with thicker, coarser hair like most African Americans can go for a heavier cream or spray.
The next thing to consider is what kind of heat styling you’ll be doing. If you’re just using a blow dryer to style your hair, you won’t need as much protection like someone who is using a curling iron or flat iron on a regular basis.
Finally, take into account the ingredients in the heat protectant. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, you’ll want to make sure the product you choose is free of those ingredients.
How to Apply Heat Protectants Properly
When it comes to heat protectants, there are two main types: sprays and serums. Both work to shield your hair from damaging heat, but they differ in application.
Heat protectant sprays are typically lighter and easier to apply evenly throughout your hair. If you have thinner hair, or if you want to protect your hair from heat without weighing it down, a spray is a good option.
Heat protectant serums are usually oil-based, so they can be heavier than sprays. If you have thicker hair, or if you want extra protection against heat damage, a serum might be a better choice.
Be sure to apply heat protectants to clean, dry hair. If your hair is wet, the heat protectant won’t be as effective.
How to apply heat protectant spray
To apply a heat protectant spray, start by spraying it evenly into your hair, about 6-8 inches away from your head. Be sure to cover all of your hair, including the roots, with the spray.
Once your hair is evenly coated, use a brush or your fingers to work the product through your hair, from root to tip. Make sure that each strand of hair is evenly coated with the spray before you style.
How to apply heat protectant serum
To apply a heat protectant serum, start by dispensing a small amount into your palm.
Rub your hands together to warm the product, then apply it evenly to your hair. Be sure to focus on the ends of your hair, which are typically more damaged than the roots.
Once your hair is evenly coated, use a brush or your fingers to work the product through your hair, from root to tip. Make sure that each strand of hair is evenly coated with the serum before you style.
Common questions when it comes to the best heat protectants for black hair:
How long does it take for a heat protector to work?
Heat protectors work by releasing a heat-resistant film over the hair. This film is applied to the hair before blow-drying or using a curling iron.
A heat protector will take about 10 minutes to work, but it can take up to 30 minutes. This will vary based on the hair protectant and of course, your hair.
A heat protector will take about 10 minutes to work
How long do you need to wait after applying a heat protector before blow-drying or styling your hair?
The answer to this question depends on the type of heat protector you are using. Some heat protectors need to be applied before blow-drying or styling, while others can be applied after.
We recommend you read the instructions on the package to find out how long you need to wait before blow-drying or styling your hair after applying a heat protector.
If you have any questions about this topic, please leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Do you put heat protectant on wet or dry hair?
This is a question that has been debated for decades. There are people who swear by the DAMP hair method and others who swear by the dry hair method.
While each heat protectant will have its own specific directions, you can usually use a heat protectant on damp or dry hair.
you can usually use a heat protectant on damp or dry hair.
However, you want to ensure your heat protectant is completely dry on your hair before you use styling tools like a curling iron or straightening iron. You NEVER want to use a curling iron or straightening iron on wet hair.
Which is better heat protectant spray, serum or cream?
This depends on your hair and your hair needs. A heat protectant spray is usually more lightweight and easier to use (plus quicker). However, hair serum is usually a thicker liquid like oil that will provide better protection since its a thicker consistency.
Additionally, hair serum creams are usually thicker but more nourishing and have more hydration than the spray does.
How can you protect your natural hair from heat damage?
Heat damage is one of the most common causes of hair loss. It’s also the most frequent cause of breakage and split ends. The heat from styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
The best way to protect your hair from heat damage is to avoid it in the first place.
If you do need to use a styling tool on your hair, always use a heat-protecting product before applying any heat.
What happens if you don’t use heat protectant?
If you don’t use a heat protectant on your hair, then you will be putting yourself at risk for split ends and breakage. Not only will these things make your hair look unhealthy but they can also cause it to feel brittle and lifeless.
Additionally, if you have natural hair (meaning no relaxer) then your hair is naturally coily. With heat damage, your curls will no longer be intact and you may find that it’s straighter or loose in texture (and less receptive to hair care products due to the damage).
So, what’s the verdict? Do you have a favorite heat protectant yet? We hope this post has helped you figure out what to look for in a heat protectant and how to apply it properly.
In the meantime, why not tell us about your experiences with heat protectants in the comments section below?
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