6 Best Heat Protectants for Curly Hair (CGM Approved)
I will share the list of best heat protectants for curly or natural hair with you. Why and when do you need to use this product?
Yes, we all know that the heat is not the best thing for our curls, but sometimes we don’t want to be curly princesses & princes. We want to be straight-haired queens & kings.
And in times like that, we need to use the heat protectant spray or cream to minimize the heat damage. It’s vital if you want your curls to be healthy and protected. How does heat protectant work, you might ask? This product works by forming a barrier on the hair shaft that prevents heat from penetrating the cortex of your curls.
Blow dryer, curling wand, or flat iron… Always use the heat protectant spray or cream before heat styling your hair as this product is formulated to protect your curls from the heat.
Please be aware that ingredient lists may change from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive.
Note: If you click on any link & decide to buy it, I may earn a small commission.
CGM heat protectant: 6 best options (2022)
PROS:
+ Protects hair from heat styling up to 450°F
+ Smooths and hydrates hair
+ Safe ingredients, gluten-free
+ Good for color-treated/keratin-treated hair
+ OK for all hair types & textures
+ My personal favorite :))
CONS:
- Higher price point
- Might weigh-down hair
Cruelty-free but not 100% vegan
PROS:
+ Protects from heat & UV damage
+ Reduces breakage
+ Has a slight hold
+ Controls frizz
CONS:
- Quite heavy, might weigh down your hair
- Intense smell
Vegan & cruelty-free
PROS:
+ Affordable
+ OK for color-treated hair
+ Hydrates & fights frizz
+ Clean ingredients
CONS:
- If you use too much product hair might get greasy
Vegan & cruelty-free
PROS:
+ Works as a hair relaxer
+ Works wonders even in the humid weather conditions
+ OK for color-treated hair
CONS:
- Creamy consistency is not everyone's cup of tea
Vegan & cruelty-free
PROS:
+ Protects hair from heat damage & UV rays
+ Suitable for all hair types
+ Pure ingredients
CONS:
- Price
- Strong smell from essential oils (orange blossom)
- Some customers say that this product dried up their hair
Cruelty-free but not 100% vegan
PROS:
+ Contains protein
+ Easy to use as it is a spray
+ Safe for color-treated hair
+ Ultra-light so would work on thin & fragile hair
+ Great price
CONS:
- Discontinued so stock up while you still can!
NOT cruelty-free
How to choose a heat protectant for curls?
First, you have to know your hair type and what’s your biggest hair-related concern. Is your hair very dry, brittle, and dull? Maybe your curls are always frizzy?
If you have fine hair, choose ultra-lightweight products, such as heat protection spray. Creams might weigh your hair down.
This one might sound obvious, but always use pre-style products on damp hair before using any tools. Only use flat iron or hair curling iron on dry hair. Otherwise, you will fry your curls, and we don’t want that, right?
If you have type 4 hair (textured hair) look for creamy products – they will provide the moisture your strands need.
Before straightening or blow-drying your hair don’t forget to use a moisturizing conditioner. If you want to go the extra mile choose to deep condition your hair before using heat. You can use Olaplex at-home- treatment as well . Extra moisture improves the elasticity of the hair and adds shine.
Can I use oil before straightening my hair?
While heat protectant can lessen the damage from the heat, using natural oils before using heat can fry your hair. I’m not kidding.
Most oils have a low smoke point at which an oil begins to smoke. However, avoid heating oils to their smoke point as it can cause serious damage to your health.
Natural oils are a great addition to your hair care routine but they should not be used as heat protectants. Why? Because oils don’t prevent heat damage.
Conclusion
Having natural hair is a blessing and a curse. However, you can have healthy and bouncy curls even if you use heat styling tools, just don’t forget to use a heat protectant before applying any heat to your hair. Just don’t forget that the best heat protectant spray or cream won’t help you if you don’t have a proper curly hair care routine.
