The best heat protectant for black hair

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Courtesy

Before you reach for your trusty curling iron, straightener, or even blow-dryer, there's one important step stylists say you should never skip: heat protectant.

These products "absolutely work," says celebrity stylist Michelle Cleveland. "Heat protectant is a must-have product for anyone who picks up a heat appliance," she says.

Why? Whether you have super thin, fine straight hair or thick and curly natural hair, heat protectants—also known as thermal sprays—coat the hair with a layer of ingredients like humectants, amino acids, and keratins to lock in moisture and create a shield-like layer of armor once the heat is applied, Cleveland explains. This helps keep any excessive damage—breakage and dry brittle ends, for example—from happening to the strands.

• 1

  

  Best Overall

  Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Moroccanoil

  Read More

• 2

  

  Best for Dry Hair

  Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist Garnier Fructis

  Read More

• 3

  

  Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free

  Heat Protector Spray Sun Bum

  Read More

• 4

  

  Best for Frizzy Hair

  Thermal Creations Keratin Smooth Leave-In Heat Protectant Spray TRESemmé

  Read More

• 5

  

  Best Sulfate-Free

  EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer L'Oreal Paris

  Read More

There are multiple types of heat protectants out there: fine mist sprays, creams, serums, and more. But Cleveland says it's not worth stressing over this particular attribute. "It's really all about preference," she says. "I personally love a good spray-on heat protectant. I feel it disperses more easily and evenly all over the hair."

More importantly, though, focus on the ingredients in the spray you're considering. Try to avoid formulas that contain silicone or sulfates—especially if you have color-treated or a sensitive scalp—since these ingredients strip color and leave behind potentially irritating buildup, says stylist Kevin Kelly.

1

Best Overall

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense

2

Best for Dry Hair

Garnier Fructis

Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist

3

Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Sun Bum

Heat Protector Spray

4

Best for Frizzy Hair

TRESemmé

Thermal Creations Keratin Smooth Leave-In Heat Protectant Spray

5

Best Sulfate-Free

L'Oreal Paris

EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer

6

Best for Styling

Kenra Professional

Platinum Heat Block Spray 22

7

Best for Curly Hair

Artnaturals

Thermal Hair Protector Spray

8

Best for Fine Hair

BIOLAGE

Theramal Active Spray

9

Best Smelling

OGX

Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray

10

Best for Natural Hair

Hair Food

Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray

11

Its a 10

Miracle Blow Dry Balm

12

CHI

44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

13

Not Your Mother's

All Eyes On Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector

14

Pantene

Smooth and Sleek Heat Protecting Spray

15

Aussie Prime & Proper Hair Primer Treatment, Heat Protectant Spray, Paraben & Dye Free, Infused with Australian Manuka Honey and Caviar Lime, RED, 3.4 Fl Oz

What is the best heat protectant for African American hair?

What is the most effective heat protectant for hair?

What's the best heat protectant for 4C hair?

Which heat protectant is best for natural hair?