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In a world where styling tools are a go-to for achieving diverse hairstyles, the importance of heat protectants cannot be emphasized enough. While the market offers an array of commercial heat protectant products, there’s an often overlooked realm of natural solutions that can be just as effective, if not more so. In this blog, we will explore natural heat protectants sourced from nature. These protectants shield your hair from heat styling and nourish and promote hair health. So, if you’re ready to embrace the power of nature and provide your hair with the love it deserves, read on as we uncover the secrets of these fantastic heat protectants.
I. Top Best Natural Heat Protectants For Hair
Natural Heat Protectants For Hair #1: Coconut Oil
Can someone please tell us what coconut oil can’t do? This versatile oil stands as one of the most widely embraced natural heat protectants available. With a low smoke point of 350 degrees, coconut oil emerges as the top choice for individuals blessed with finer strands. That said, all hot tools applied to the hair with a coconut oil protectant should not exceed a 325-degree temperature.
Coconut oil works as a conditioning agent as well as a sealant. It can repair existing damage in the hair because it actually penetrates through the hair shaft instead of just coating the shaft’s exterior like many other protectants on the market tend to do. So not only can this oil smooth the hair down and keep frizz at bay, but it will also leave hair feeling much softer.
How To Effectively Apply Coconut Oil Before Heat Styling
There are so many ways you can use coconut oil to protect your hair against the effects of heat-styling tools.
To properly use it as a heat protectant, melt one teaspoon of coconut oil and then dilute it by adding 3/4 cup of water. Since coconut oil can make your hair a bit oily, we recommend using just one teaspoon of coconut oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use. It’s always best to apply this formula to wet hair and to keep it all on the mid-shaft to ends, away from the scalp. Spraying this protectant to dry hair or putting it anywhere near the roots can make the hair look greasy.
#2: Grapeseed Oil
If you have thick hair and a dry scalp, grapeseed oil is the best option, as its unique properties provide relief from dandruff and dermatitis. This gorgeous oil is available at most health food stores. Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point of 420 degrees, making it a great choice for natural heat protectant for hair no matter thicker or coarser hair textures. It can withstand high heat from hair straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers which means – perfect news for your hair! Keep your flat irons down to 400 degrees as a safety precaution while using this oil to avoid reaching anywhere near its smoke point.
In addition, it will also finish off your hair with a beautiful style. Grapeseed oil naturally seals the hair cuticles to lock in moisture and has conditioning properties that will leave your hair soft and shiny. It’s also high in vitamin E and antioxidants, making it great for scalp health as well.
How To Effectively Apply Grapeseed Oil Before Heat Styling
To use grapeseed oil as your DIY heat protectant solution, you shouldn’t need to mix it with anything or dilute it in any way. Apply 4 to 6 drops of oil to the palms of your hands, rub your hands together, and rake the oil on your hands through the mid-shaft to the ends. This oil absorbs quickly and will show promising results to dull, lifeless hair with consistent use.
Natural Heat Protectants For Hair #3: Argan Oil
If you’re already an Argan oil devotee, you’ll be happy to hear that a few drops of your favorite hair shine inducer can double as a heat protectant. Argan oil tends to have a viscous consistency that’s ideal for thick or textured hair. Argan oil has been the go-to natural heat protectant for hair in many years.
The nutrient-rich oil is packed with antioxidants; omega-6 fatty acids; vitamins A, C, and E; and linoleic acid – all of which deliver protection from hot tools and nourishing benefits. With a smoke point of 420 degrees, this may not be as robust as other alternatives, but it does blend well with avocado oil for a stronger approach.
How To Effectively Apply Argan Oil Before Heat Styling
When working with Argan oil, sourcing authentic products with quality ingredients and high potency is important. The pure oil should have a golden hue, a smooth texture that doesn’t run watery, and elicit a slightly nutty aroma. Spray the oil directly to your hair, or run a few drops through with your fingers, and style as desired. Keep in mind that Argan is a nut oil and should be used with caution if nut allergies exist.
#4: Shea Butter
Shea butter, or oil depending on how you’re working with it, is already a skincare staple for most. And while you may also be privy to its spectacular range of hair benefits, we’d like to highlight its protective superpowers, too. Shea Butter is considered to be a great natural heat protectant for hair because of its thermal conductivity.
In other words, it creates a very even barrier around the hair, making it as good as popular chemical silicones like dimethicone. With a smoke point of 450 degrees, the antioxidant and fatty acid-dense formula is best suited for thick, coarse, or natural hair that won’t be weighed down.
How To Properly Use Shea Butter As A Heat Protectant?
To use shea butter or oil as a DIY heat protectant solution, you may need to thin the formula to make it more manageable. Dilute by blending 1/4 cup of shea butter with one tablespoon of avocado oil. (Most oils mix well with shea butter, but blending it with oils with the same or higher smoke point is most effective for optimal protection.) Apply to damp hair from the mid-shaft to the ends and style as desired. Shea butter is a nut derivative and should be used cautiously by anyone with a nut allergy.
Natural Heat Protectants For Hair #5: Avocado Oil
One of the unique perks of using avocado oil as the natural heat protectant for hair is that it protects the hair from different types of heat: heat from your hot tool and natural heat from the sun. Because of this perk alone, avocado oil is a great protectant option for color-treated or graying hair. It also has an extremely high smoke point of 520 degrees, making it an excellent choice for any hair density or texture.
How To Properly Use Avocado Oil As A Heat Protectant?
Avocado oil is very lightweight, so it won’t leave a heavy feeling on finer strands. It’s also rich in Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that could contribute to hair growth if applied regularly on the scalp.
To use avocado oil as the base of your natural heat protectant, mix one tablespoon of oil with at least one cup of water into a spray bottle and shake vigorously before each use. Apply this protectant oil while your hair is still wet and let it air dry a little bit if possible, just to let the oil set in before applying or exposing it to any heat.
II. The Bottom Line
The journey to maintaining luscious, vibrant natural hair is a path of dedication and care. As you embrace your curls, coils, and waves, one thing becomes evident: protection is paramount. Whether you are a natural hair enthusiast or new to the game, these five natural heat protectants will revolutionize your styling routine and leave you wondering why you didn’t try them earlier. Your natural hair journey is about to get even more exciting, and your curls will surely thank you!
