11 Best Heat Protectant For Curly Hair 2023

Did you know that less than 20% of people worldwide have naturally curly hair? So if you want to give your curls some touch-up and style with heat, you must depend on heat protectants to let those beautiful curls stay on forever, undamaged. But if you want the best heat protectant for curly hair, then you are at the right place. We have gathered 11 products to help you get those curls in place without damaging them.

Best Heat Protectant For Curly Hair

Best Heat Protectant For Curly Hair | Top 11

People who cherish their natural curls know how important it is to keep them bouncy and healthy. For this reason, a good quality heat protectant should contain some suitable humectants that serve the purpose of providing moisture as well as preventing unwanted frizziness.

Apart from this, heat protectants have keratins that will help strengthen our hair and some extracts that will help cover the cuticle and protect it from heat damage.

Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant with Shea Butter 

Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant is a fantastic addition to the hair care routine that protects hair from heat damage. Got frizz and flyaways? Well, this heat protectant right here got you covered. Not only does it prevent damage, but it also smoothes and conditions your hair. It protects your hair from the damage caused by heated styling flat irons or curlers up to 220°C/425°F.

Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant with Shea Butter, 5.1 fl oz (Packaging May Vary)
  • SHEA BUTTER SHIELD: moisture barrier help protect hair from damage caused by heated styling tools up to 425°F / 220°C
  • SMOOTHER STYLING: added hydration creates smoother results when using heated styling tools
  • TAME FLYAWAYS: creates light hold on styled hair
  • HAIR TYPES: great fit for relaxed, permed & color treated hair
  • CRUELTY-FREE: absolutely no testing on animals

With the infusion of the globally famous shea butter, this heat protectant returns the lost moisture and gives you healthier and stronger hair and a natural shine. The pre-treatment will only add hydration to your hair to give you a frizz-free and smooth finish, making it the best heat protectant for curly hair.

Benefits 

  • It is infused with one of the most widely known and trusted ingredients – shea butter.
  • It has a perfect formulation and consistency.
  • Gives your hair the hydration it requires.
  • Can be a good fit for permed and color-treated hair.
  • A small amount can work great.
  • Adds a light hold.
  • It has a pleasant smell.
  • Very affordable.
  • Cruelty-free.
Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant with Shea Butter 

Drawbacks

  • Some people said it left a residue on their hair.
  • It contains alcohol, which many users resented as it can leave your hair dried out.

Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray

Mielle Organics Heat Protectant Spray is a heart-throbbing product, especially for curlheads. This spray provides a defense mechanism against heat and protects your curl patterns. It doesn’t end here. This heat protectant works well in kicking away the frizziness in your hair.

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Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray, Protects Hair from Heat Damage, Intense Heat Defense, Curl Pattern Protection, Safe for All Hair Types, 4 Ounce
  • Heat Protectant Spray: If you use heat in your styling routine, this protectant spray helps protect hair from the effects of heat and provides Intense Heat Defense and Curl Pattern Protection and even helps eliminating frizz
  • Mongongo Oil Collection: This collection is our most versatile line of hair care products; For those seeking to hydrate, repair, and protect their hair with every hairstyle, our Mongongo Oil hair products are made for you; Designed for all hair types
  • Hair Products for All Hair Types: We promote the health and maintenance of natural hair from Types 3A to 4C natural hair, however our products are suitable for all hair types and we feature products for both low and high porosity levels
  • Natural Haircare: We continue to produce quality natural hair care products like oils, detanglers, shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers and more that help nourish hair through all three phases of growth
  • Women Owned: With a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics continues to create a line of natural beauty products by women & for women of all hair types

A blended mixture of Mongongo Oil will make you go gaga as this oil hydrates your hair and forms a protective layer to prevent that hydration from escaping and any Sun rays from entering your beautiful curled hair locks. It is suitable for all hair types and nourishes them by protecting them well.

Benefits 

  • Contains Mongongo Oil, which provides hydrating and protective benefits to your hair.
  • It is suitable for all hair types.
  • It protects the curls and leaves them feeling bouncy.
  • Provides an intense heat defense.
  • Has a pleasant smell.
  • The alcohol present does not leave any strong smell.
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray

Drawbacks

  • Some users said that it left a residue on their hair.

Head Kandy Third Wheel Heat Protectant Hair Spray

Want no damage but also want that shine to your hair? Then Head Kandy’s The Third Wheel Hair Protectant does its job of keeping your hair safe by preventing it from damage. Talking about damage, the heat protectant protects your hair from 3 major irritators, frizz, split ends, and hair breakage. 

Head Kandy Heat Protectant Spray For Hair | The Third Wheel | Thermal Protection Spray With Amino Keratin | Protects Against Heat Damage, Breakage, Humidity | 13.5 oz
  • ENHANCED HEAT PROTECTION: Head Kandy Third Wheel Spray is formulated with advanced AMINO KERATIN ingredients that shield your hair from the damaging effects of styling tools, reducing the risk of heat-induced damage and split ends.
  • SMOOTH AND SHINY FINISH: This spray not only protects your hair but also imparts a glossy and polished finish. It tames frizz and flyaways, leaving your locks looking effortlessly smooth and radiant.
  • QUICK AND EASY APPLICATION: The convenient spray nozzle ensures an even distribution of product, saving you time and effort during your styling routine. Simply mist it onto your hair before using hot tools for optimal results.
  • VERSATILE STYLING: This spray is suitable for all hair types and can be used with various heat styling tools, such as curling irons, flat irons, and hairdryers. It's a must-have for anyone looking to achieve salon-quality results at home while keeping their hair protected.
  • SAFE FOR COLOR TREATED HAIR: Third Wheel is gentle and safe for color-treated hair, helping to preserve your hair color vibrancy and integrity while providing heat protection during styling.

With its highlighting formula – the AminoKeratin formula, the heat protectant is enriched with various vitamins and minerals. Thus, people call it the best heat protectant for curly hair.

Benefits 

  • Keratin amino acids are potent moisturizers that enhance your hair and provide impressive conditioning effects.
  • Provides UV protection.
  • Gives your hair a good shine.
  • Suited for all color-treated, damaged, and curly hair.
  • Has a pleasing fragrance.
  • Cruelty-free.
  • 100% vegan.
Head Kandy Third Wheel Heat Protectant Hair Spray

Drawbacks

  • Some users complained that the product makes your hair feel greasy.

OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray

OGX’s thermal spray will make you spend less time blow-drying your hair while making you feel relieved about protecting your hair from heat damage. Protecting your hair up to 450°F, this thermal spray removes the hurdles between you and those big silky hair. 

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OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray, 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • HEAT PROTECTION: Decrease blow dry time while protecting strands from high heat. Blended with hydrolyzed silk & quinoa, formulated to cut drying time & protect hair up to 450°F for big, beautiful blow outs.
  • SILK BLOWOUT: Our Silk Blowout styling line helps make your blow outs quick, shiny, & soft. Say “yes” to big, silky, sexy-looking hair
  • BEAUTY PURE & SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier & smell irresistible. Cruelty free
  • WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
  • REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair & skin care product collections are here to help you look your best. We’re beauty, pure & simple.

Enriched with hydrolyzed silk protein, the ‘Silk Blowout’ formula protects your hair, adds elasticity, and prevents breakage. The thermal spray also contains quinoa, a rich source of several amino acids that makes your hair feel stronger, along with the additional work of hydrating your scalp.

Benefits 

  • The thermal spray provides heat protection up to a high temperature of 450°F.
  • It is enriched with hydrolyzed silk and quinoa, which are beneficial for hair care.
  • It leaves the hair silky.
  • Gives your hair a smooth finish.
  • Makes your hair frizz-free.
  • Cruelty-free.
OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray

Drawbacks

  • Users said the thermal spray made their hair feel sticky the next day.

Curl Keeper Thermal Defence- Heat Styling Protection

Want hair sprays but in the form of creams? Then Curl Keeper’s Thermal Defence is just the same heat protectant but in a creamy texture. This product, right there, exclusively focuses on curly hair that gives your hair a styled effect for long hours. 

Curl Keeper Heat Protection Cream for All Curl Types - Travel-Size Thermal Styling Protectant for Curly Hair, Flat Iron & Blow Dry (8 Fl Oz)
  • Save Curls From Heat Damage: Curl Keeper Thermal Defence heat protectant smooths and protects hair from heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, diffusers, and direct blow-drying. Infused with natural extracts, the creamy consistency gets through thick curls and creates a protective barrier while nourishing hair. Perfect for all curl types. 8oz. bottle.
  • Water-Based Formula: Our lightweight and water-based formula won’t dull or cause build up on hair.
  • High-Quality Ingredients: This product is silicone-free, cruelty-free, and pH balanced.
  • Directions: Shake well before use as product separation is expected. Comb through evenly on wet hair from roots to ends. For best results, allow hair to dry at least 30% before using hairdryers and at least 95% before using flat irons, hot combs, or curling wands.
  • Living Your Best Curl Life: Since 1985, our mission has been to create salon-developed products that are reliable, safe, and dedicated to complimenting curls. Backed by Curl Expert Jonathan Torch and the Curly Hair Institute, Curl Keeper’s water-based, silicone-free formulas lock water into your strands, so all curls stay defined, bouncy, and frizz-free in all weather conditions.

The creamy texture is enriched with Chamomile, which has widely known benefits for hair that keep them smooth and nourished. Apart from this, the heat protectant works on forming a barrier, a protective one that will not let the heat enter your bouncy curls. 

Benefits 

  • The presence of Chamomile, the heat protectant, keeps your curls nourished.
  • It also contains wheat protein that nourishes and moisturizes your hair and prevents breakage.
  • It does its job even in humid weather.
  • It leaves your hair frizz-free.
  • Works with all curls: loose, medium, tight, and kinky.
Curl Keeper Thermal Defence- Heat Styling Protection

Drawbacks

  • Fewer reviews, so it can be a risk to try.

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer 

Though the name says it is a primer, the product strengthens your hair by protecting it from heat. It is also clinically proven to reduce the frizz that can either be natural or caused due to heat damage. It provides shielding protection to your hair up to 450°F of heat. As per clinical studies, it delivers 3 times stronger hair!

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Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, Heat Protectant for Hair, Infused with Sunflower Seed and Argan Oil for Hair, Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate Free, 5.4 fl oz
  • Enjoy 10 Benefits in 1 Bottle – Simplify your styling routine with one miracle potion. The Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer is a hair heat protectant spray with a multi-tasking formula that gives medium to thick + coarse hair its daily dose of vitamins and nutrients.
  • Effective Heat Protectant - This primer makes an excellent heat protectant spray. It shields your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools, such as curling irons and straighteners. It also helps deter breakage, split ends, and frizz caused by heat.
  • Strengthens Your Hair - Want to have strong and smooth hair? The Eva NYC Mane Magic Primer will help you achieve that! This argan oil spray for hair is enriched with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins for a stronger mane and better frizz control.
  • Helps Tame Static and Frizzy Hair - Discover the power of a lightweight, multitasking formula that gives your mane the daily dose of vitamins and nutrients it needs without weighing it down. Apply this heat protector to leave your hair smoother, softer, and more manageable.
  • A Vegan Hair Primer You Can Trust - Cruelty-free and non-GMO, our hair sprays contain no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. These Eva NYC hair products will give your hair the exceptional care it deserves.

For the vitamins needed for your hair care, the heat protectant is enriched with Argan oil, protecting your hair from everyday damage like split ends and breakage. Along with this, it also contains sunflower seed oil that also fights breakage and gives you healthy and dandruff-free hair.

Benefits

  • It is enriched with ingredients like Argan oil and sunflower seed oil that have globally famous hair benefits.
  • It is clinically proven to provide good results.
  • Has a sweet scent.
  • Frizz-free hair.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • Gluten and paraben free.
  • Does not contain artificial colors or mineral oils.
  • Cruelty-free.
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer 

Drawbacks

  • Some users felt it was more of an oil than a spray, leaving their hair greasy.

Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Styling with heat is all fun and games until you realize the harsh damage it causes to your hair. So to say goodbye to this problem, Tresemme’s Thermal Creations will guard your hair against lethal damage and lock in some good moisture within your hair. 

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Protectant Spray for Hair 8 oz
  • TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray stands up to flat irons and curling irons by guarding against heat and friction, leaving hair shiny and enviably soft
  • This thermal hair protector is a heat protectant spray that enhances hair's flexibility to re-form
  • Thermal Creations heat protection spray for hair is heat-activated to help guard against harsh styling damage and hold your hair shape
  • Professional, affordable salon-quality heat protectant hair spray without the salon price tag
  • Style per usual after use!

With Amodimethicone in its enriching formula, the heat spray will leave your hair feeling very soft, smooth, and conditioned. Hydrolyzed Silk helps supply your hair with keratin protein, repairing weakened hair. 

Benefits 

  • Contains hydrolyzed silk that poses good hair benefits.
  • Leaves the hair with a glowy shine.
  • The packaging is lightweight.
  • Has a good smell.
  • Feels lightweight on your hair.
  • Removes the frizziness from your hair.
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Drawbacks

  • Some people found the smell overpowering.
  • Many people complained about the poor packaging.

Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum

How about protecting your hair from damage and providing your curls with serum-like nourishments? Mizani Thermastrength does just that by protecting your curly or coiled hair from heat damage and also nourishes them with its serum formula. 

Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum | Protects Hair From Heat Damage | with Shea Butter | for Curly Hair | 5 Fl Oz
  • Heat Protectant: Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum is a styling cream for curly to tightly coiled hair (3C 4A 4B 4C) that protects hair from heat when blow-drying, curling and straightening
  • Lightweight Formula: This moisturizing heat protectant for natural hair prevents breakage and damage from hot tools; Shea Butter and anti-breakage Ceramide technology add strength and control frizz
  • Key Benefits: Ideal for tight texture types; prevents breakage and damage when heat styling; controls frizz and smooths strands, taming hair and leaving it manageable and shiny; lightweight protection
  • Suggested Use: Apply right before blow drying, curling, or straightening on clean, conditioned hair. Use this heat protecting serum before wet setting or molding for heat protection and a glossy shine
  • Trusted by salons and professionals, Mizani products are tested with every level of curl and coil with kind ingredients that leave hair strong and never thirsty; perfect for the style shifter in you

Shea Butter, yes, that shea butter that is sworn by thousands of people out there, is present in this serum that provides the proper nourishment to your hair. It also contains an anti-breakage ceramide technology that will prevent your hair from unnecessary breakage, damage, and unwanted guest, frizz.

Benefits 

  • Contains shea butter that pampers your hair with the proper nourishment.
  • Leaves your hair feeling smooth.
  • Makes your hair frizz-free.
  • Has a lightweight formula.
  • Quite affordable.
  • Dairy-free.
  • The hair feels shiny and silky.
Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum

Drawbacks

  • Has quite a strong smell which several users resented.

Pantene Heat Protectant Spray with Jojoba Oil 

With the famous line of shampoos and conditioners, Pantene is here with an additional step in your hair care routine, the heat protectant sprays. The product’s name goes by ‘Complete Curl Care,’ so it is among the right choices for curly heads. It offers heat protection up to 450°F, along with refreshing your curls.

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Pantene Heat Protectant Spray with Jojoba Oil for Curly Hair, Nutrient Blends Moisture Lock Curl Mist, Sulfate Free, 3.2 fl oz Twin Pack
  • You will receive two 32 fluid ounce bottles of hair mist
  • Hair mist designed to rejuvenate and define wavy, curly hair
  • Curl defining Heat Protectant Spray offers 450°F heat protection, detangles, defines, and refreshes curls
  • Free from sulfates, silicone, parabens, dyes, and mineral oil
  • Formulated with jojoba oil from a desert plant in Australia

The presence of jojoba oil in the heat protectant makes your hair take a bath in vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair. It also helps in fighting breakage, dryness, and split ends. It is a color-safe formula, so if you are an experimental person with different colors on your hair, you can safely use this product.

Benefits 

  • Contains Jojoba oil that helps your hair get nourished.
  • It protects your hair from heat damage and also detangles your curls.
  • It helps in the restoration of your beautiful bouncy curls or waves.
  • Free from sulfates and parabens.
  • It leaves your hair frizz-free.
  • Does not contain dyes or mineral oils.
Pantene Heat Protectant Spray with Jojoba Oil 

Drawbacks

  • The scent was overwhelming for a specific section of users.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray

Living Proof’s Heat Styling Spray is a lightweight heat protectant that protects your hair from harsh heat damage and provides a solution for smoothness without weighing down your hair. It performs a dual duty: smoothing your hair, leaving it silky, and shielding it from heat up to 450°F. 

This color-safe formula has healthy hair molecules that smooth and protects your hair from damage and a lightweight emollient blend that helps enhance the shine and glow of your hair. The cationic blend will condition, nourish and reduce the static from your hair.

Benefits 

  • Leaves your hair feeling smooth and nourished.
  • Works for up to 48 hours.
  • The mist present ensures an easy and even application.
  • Provides minimal breakage.
  • Free of parabens and silicones.
  • Does not contain sulfates or phthalates.
  • Vegan product.
  • Cruelty-free.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray

Drawbacks 

  • The smell of the product is quite strong, intense, and overpowering.

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique 

Kerastase’s Nutritive cream will make your styling easier with comparatively less breakage due to heat. It has a leave-in moisturizing and nourishing effect, especially for dry hair, as it conditions and brings the optimal shine right from the roots to the tips of your hair.

KERASTASE Nutritive Nectar Thermique Hair Serum | Nourishing Blow Dry and Styling Heat Protectant | Leave-In Conditioner | Smooths & Reduces Breakage | For Dry Hair | Old Packaging | 5.1 Fl Oz
  • Nutritive Thermique Hair Serum: Awarded brides magazine beauty awards 2016. You can use this blow dry primer on wet or dry hair. For optimal results, apply to damp, towel dried hair
  • Benefits: Heat styling tools can damage hair, contributing to hair breakage and split ends. This product supports up to 85% less hair breakage from heat styling tools, keeping shinny, smooth hair
  • Additional Benefits: Deeply nourishing and moisturizing heat protection cream for dry hair. Enriched with iris royal and thermo-deal glaze. It repairs split ends, smooths and strengthens hair
  • Suggested Use: Apply a quarter size amount of product to wet hair throughout mid lengths and ends and massage through. Continue by styling hair as preferred with heat styling tools
  • Nutritive System: When used with Bain Satin 1 and Nutritive Masquintense, provides moderately dry hair deep moisturizing treatment. Designed to make hair supple and irresistibly soft to touch

It contains a thermo-protective ingredient, Xylose, that helps in protecting your hair fibers from the extreme drying effects of heat-styling. Not only this, but it also soothes and nourishes your hair. Along with this, the presence of Royal Jelly makes this product special. The royal jelly present will give your hair the proper nourishment and leave your curls happy and healthy.

Benefits

  • Works on protecting as well as repairing your hair.
  • A little quantity can go a long way.
  • Gives smooth and shiny hair.
  • It leaves your hair with a glaze-like finish.
  • The hair feels soft after using this.
Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique 

Drawbacks

  • Quite expensive for a heat protectant spray.

FAQs | Best Heat Protectant For Curly Hair 

What are some of the most effective heat protectants for hair?

Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant, Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, and Kerastase Nutritive Nectar are among the best heat protectants that have good reviews and work well.

Do you let the heat protectant dry before heat styling?

Yes, many people who use heat protectants for the first time are unaware that you should let the product dry on your hair after the application. The flat iron or the heating rod sizzles if its protectant is still damp. 

What can I use instead of a heat protectant?

Shea butter is good if you do not want heat protectants. Shea butter is naturally blessed with thermal conductivity properties and is an alternative to silicones in heat protectants. So, yes, shea butter acts as a natural heat protectant. 

Should you brush through the heat protectant?

Initially, spray the heat protectant on your hair strands by avoiding your scalp. Then comb your hair after the application, so the product spreads evenly on every strand.

Closure | Heat Protectant For Curly Hair

When it comes to styling your hair, especially when it is instant, heat is the best option, and we agree! Getting those perfect beach waves or Shakira-like curls instantly should be credited to these heating and curling rods. But how about the damage they cause to our hair? Imagine your hair being pressed between 100°C ceramic plates; quite painful. The only thing that comes to mind is getting those perfect heat curls and protecting your hair from that harsh heat. So for that, here’s the solution- heat protectants.

Just like we require good care, our hair and skin do too! Heat protectants form a barrier or a shield that rejects the entry of heat or UV rays and also locks in moisture, so your hair isn’t left out dried or frizzy. So with the heat mentioned earlier, get yourself ready to choose the best heat protectant for curly hair that will work well with your curly hair that will not only protect them but will also cherish and hug them with loads of nutrients.

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