The Best Heat Protectant for African American Hair

Want to save your tresses from unwanted distress?

We’ve got four words for you―use a heat protectant.

Most women can’t live without their trusty heat styling tools. That’s because we need them to blow dry our hair, straighten them out and occasionally curl them. Without their assistance, our versatile hairstyles will be unachievable.

Yet, we all know that constantly exposing our hair to high temperatures can cause problems.

So should we break away from our hairstyling habit?

Not necessarily! Rather we advise you to keep a heat protectant at hand. This nifty hair product is the best protection against your constant heat styling. Not only does it minimize the hair damage but it also adds shine back to your dull hair.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? There’s a slight issue though! As an African American woman, you rarely find a hair protectant that does its job. That’s because your hair is thicker, frizzier, vulnerable and often curlier than other women.

So they naturally require extra protection from the heat.

If this sounds familiar, then you’re in for a treat. That’s because we’ve discovered not one or two but five fantastic hair protectants to save your hair.

Let’s look at the crème of the crop from this beauty category:

Now let’s dig deeper to learn about the characteristics that make them click.

The Choices: Which One of These Is the Ultimate Protector?

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

Do you want all your hair woes to vanish?

Then we should introduce you to Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil. This botanically inclined hair protectant is amazing. The formula is made from six essential ingredients (e.g. coconut, grape extracts, and sweet almond) that moisturize and conditions your damaged hair. It also helps smoothen out frizzy hair.

The best feature though is the UV filter technology that offers you the superior heat protection. This beauty product doesn’t just shield your hair from the sun. It protects it from the harsh rays of the sun too.

Our only concern is the hefty price tag. The bottle isn’t budget-friendly plus the small size means you can’t hold on to it for months at end.

What We Like:

  • Special UV filters that offer extra heat protection.
  • Leaves no residue behind.
  • Provide frizz-free and manageable hair.
  • Keeps hair hydrated and healthy.
  • Cruelty-free.

Things That Didn’t Work Out:

  • Pretty pricey.
  • The scent is kind of strong.

Our verdict: A fabulous formula that gets the job done with minimum fuss.

Where to buy: Amazon | ULTA

CHI 44 Iron Guard

Are you ready to guard your hair from all kinds of heat damage?

CHI 44 Iron Guard is designed to provide the ultimate thermal protection. It protects your hair from high temperatures and doesn’t let it get frizzy. The overall effect is manageable and a put together look.

The great part is that it also leaves your hair feeling soft and shiny. That’s because the ingredients inside are said to nourish your hair. It boosts hair growth and prevents further damage from heat styling tools too.

Plus, the weightless formula makes it convenient for everyday use.

The only problem is that it takes its sweet time to dry. This makes it an unsuitable product for you if you’re in a hurry.

What We Liked:

  • It’s a lightweight formula.
  • Zero buildups.
  • Makes hair more manageable.
  • Retains lost moisture.

Things That Didn’t Work Out:

  • Takes time to dry.
  • The scent might seem too strong.

Our verdict: A great product that minimizes thermal damage while handling your frizz.

Where to buy: Amazon | ULTA

ArtNaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray

Looking for thermal protection that’s completely natural?

ArtNaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray is the one for you. One doesn’t have to be a nature enthusiast to appreciate the efforts put in creating this botanical concoction. The hair protectant utilizes the power of peaches, sage, thyme, rosemary and ginseng to protect your hair. The organic ingredients don’t just shield it from heat. They’re also responsible for repairing and restoring damaged hair. So you can get healthier and shinier hair.

The product’s organic ingredients make it suitable for all hair types. Unfortunately, it won’t work that well if you’ve got relaxed hair.

What We Like:

  • Lightweight formula for daily use.
  • It’s got a sweet fruity scent.
  • Enriches hair via organic ingredients.
  • Repairs and protects your damaged hair.
  • Brings back your hair’s natural shine.

Things That Didn’t Work Out:

  • The nozzle is prone to clogging.
  • Not suitable for relaxed hair.

Our verdict: A fabulous formula that gets the job done without using harmful chemicals

Where to buy: Amazon

Living Proof Restore Instant Protection

Want to recover from hair damage?

Living Proof Restore Instant Protection is designed to minimize breakage and restore previous damage. The powerful formula effectively shields your hair from heat styling tools and harsh sunlight. The bottle claims that the heat protection can combat up to 400°F. How cool is that?

It also fortifies your hair by providing it strength, hydration, and nourishment. This, in turn, results in thicker and healthier hair. Additionally, the conditioning effect makes your hair soft and shiny too.

The only problem is that this hairspray leaves behind a sticky residue.

What We Like:

  • Contains UV filters to protect your hair from elements.
  • Conditions and hydrates your hair.
  • Boosts hair growth.
  • Works on all hair types (even colored hair!).
  • Comes with an instant-shine technology.

Things That Didn’t Work Out:

  • Leaves slightly sticky residue behind.

Our verdict: A solid investment for your heat protectant needs. We just wish it wasn’t so sticky!

Where to buy: Amazon, ULTA

HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector

Looking for a professional hair protectant?

Then you’d love HSI Professional Heat Protectant. The product’s main ingredient is argan oil which is known to improve hair health. Its reconditioning effects make it a great option for you if you suffer from dry and damaged hair. The oil also manages to keep your unruly hair and frizziness in control. So that you can get a sleek and shiny look.

The product is lightweight and paraben-free. This makes it a safe option for all kind of hair.

What We Like:

  • Enriches your scalp and hair with argan oil.
  • Non-greasy, non-sticky solution.
  • Prevents your hair from getting tangled and frizzy.
  • The oil gets absorbed quickly.
  • Works on all hair types.

Things That Didn’t Work Out:

  • The scent might be off-putting for some.

Our verdict: A complete hair care treatment in a hair protectant bottle.

Where to buy: Amazon

The Guide: How to Pick the Right Heat Protectant for Your Hair?

Everyone’s hair has different needs. This is why it’s vital for you to pick a hair care product that is suitable for you. We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about purchasing the best hair protectant for you.

What kind of heat protectant should you choose?

The short answer is to pick the type of product that meets your hair’s demands. We believe that it’s important to consider your hair texture and style before making the purchase.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Use a hair protectant that features anti-frizz qualities if your hair is frizzy.
  • Essential oils and serums are a great choice for severely damaged hair.
  • Pick a heat protectant that can handle high temperatures if you regular style your hair.
  • Do check if the product is suitable for colored and relaxed hair if your hair has undergone treatment.

What kind of ingredients should you avoid? And which formula is safe for use?

The rule of the thumb for buying any hair product is to check the ingredients. That’s because the list will disclose whether or not the hair protectant is suitable for your hair. And if you’ve got allergies or damaged hair then always double check the list.

The basic idea is to:

  • Avoid using hair protectants that contain sulfates, parabens or harmful chemicals.
  • Pick heat protectants with UV filters for better protection.
  • Choose products with natural moisturizers (e.g. argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil).
  • Use keratin-rich products if you want to improve hair growth.

On the whole, be wary of products that are filled with too many chemicals.

How to apply the heat protectant?

Heat protectants are standard pre-styling products. That means you’re supposed to use them before you style your hair with a heating tool.

These are the rules you must follow:

  • Apply on wet hair.
  • Make sure to evenly spray your hair.
  • Work from roots to ends.
  • Let the product dry before using the heating tool.

Pro tip: Always do a trial run with the product a day prior to styling your hair. That’s because some heat protectants work better on wet hair. On the other hand, other heat protectants might require moderately dry hair to ensure effectiveness.

It’s a Wrap

So which hair protectant should you splurge on?

We’re in love with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil. It is definitely the best heat protectant for African American hair. The product gives you soft manageable hair by using all natural ingredients. Plus, there is no trace of residue, unlike most hair products. The only issue is the price tag.

So we suggest that our budget-conscious ladies opt for CHI 44 Iron Guard. The heat protectant has great coverage; it shields your hair from heat and doesn’t cause any damage.

What else can you ask for?