Heat Protectants for Curly Hair: 17 Must-Try Products for You

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Are you a curly-haired individual who loves experimenting with heat-styling tools? 

While heat can transform your curls into stunning looks, it can also cause damage and frizz.

A smiling woman is applying heat protectant spray on her hair in front of a mirror.

That’s where heat protectants come to the rescue! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of heat protectants for curly hair. 

We’ll explore the best products on the market, discuss their unique benefits, and even give you natural and budget-friendly options. 

So whether you’re just starting your curl journey or looking for a new product to add to your existing curly hair routine, join us as we unlock the secrets to choosing the perfect heat protectant for your precious curls. 

Get ready to flaunt healthy, vibrant curls while keeping them shielded from heat damage!

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer
Editor's Choice
  • Addresses various curl care needs
  • Provides reliable heat protection
  • Enhances manageability
TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
Budget Pick
  • Heat protection at an accessible price point
  • Delivers salon-quality results 
  • Reduces frizz and enhances curl definition
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Premium Pick
  • Delivers a luxurious experience
  • Formulated specifically for use with curling irons and wands
  • Adds shine, reduces static, and offers thermal protection

Why Do I Need a Heat Protectant for My Curly Hair?

Curly hair is more prone to dryness, frizz, and damage. This is because the shape of curly hair makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp and condition each strand.

Using heat-styling tools like blow-dryers and flat irons can further exacerbate these issues. 

A heat protectant helps minimize the damage by creating a barrier between the heat and your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and frizz.

It also forms a protective layer that helps to retain moisture and prevent excessive drying, which is crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of curly hair.

Additionally, it typically contains ingredients that help absorb and dissipate heat, reducing its direct impact on the hair strands. 

How Do I Choose the Best Hair Heat Protectant for Curly Hair?

When it comes to selecting heat protectants for curly hair, it’s essential to understand the specific qualities that make a product ideal for your curls. 

Curly hair has unique needs and vulnerabilities, so choosing the right curly hair heat protectant is crucial to maintaining healthy and beautiful curls. 

In this section, we will explore the key qualities to look for when searching for a good heat protectant for curly hair.

Moisturizing Properties

Curly hair tends to be naturally dry due to its structure, making it prone to dehydration and frizz. 

An excellent heat protectant for curly hair should have moisturizing properties to help lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss during heat styling.

Frizz Control 

Frizz is a common concern for those with curly hair, especially when their locks are exposed to heat. 

Look for a heat protectant that offers frizz-control benefits, helping smooth and tame unruly strands while protecting them from heat.

Damage Prevention

Heat-styling tools can cause significant damage to curly hair if not properly protected. 

An ideal heat protectant for curly hair should form a protective barrier around the strands, shielding them from excessive heat and minimizing the risk of breakage, split ends, and other forms of heat-induced damage.

Specific Formula for Curly Hair

As much as possible, opt for heat protectants specifically formulated for curly hair. 

These products are often designed to address the unique challenges faced by curly hair, such as maintaining curl definition, enhancing natural texture, and promoting overall hair health.

Nonetheless, you can still use protectants that are suitable for all hair types.

Just make sure the one you choose can protect your hair from heat damage without drying out your hair. 

17 Best Heat Protectants for Curly Hair

What is the best heat protectant for curly hair? Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. 

To help you narrow down your choices and select the most ideal product for you, we’ve selected our top picks for heat protectants that suit curly hair! Take a look at our list below.

1.
TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Prep your curls for heat styling with TRESemmé's Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray.

Primary Benefits: Guards against heat damage; prevents moisture loss, leaves curls shiny

Features:

  • Enriched with proteins
  • Lightweight milk texture
  • Versatile application

Protect your hair with TRESemmé's Thermal Creations Spray.

Enriched with proteins, the Miracle Shield technology in this spray works wonders for your hair.

With the power to withstand heat up to 450°F, it provides reliable protection for those who style their hair often. 

It also keeps your strands strong and flexible, preventing friction between your choice of heat-styling tool and your hair to shield against breakage and damage. 

And it’s formulated with a moisture-locking vitamin complex that brings back the shine of already dry and damaged hair. 

Plus, TRESemmé is proud to be certified cruelty-free by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

So if you’re a staunch advocate against animal testing, you can use this product confidently.

2.
Curlsmith Miracle Shield Hair Protection Spray

Get ready to experience healthy ingredients with professional results — no compromise needed! 

Primary Benefits: Protects against heat damage and other harsh aggressors; revives curls with every use; prevents brittleness

Features:

  • Lightweight formula 
  • Suitable 
  • 100% vegan & cruelty-free

Experience the power of the Curlsmith Miracle Shield designed to help keep your curls healthy, strong and hydrated.

The Curlsmith Miracle Shield is designed to keep your curls looking and feeling their best. 

The lightweight formula helps protect against heat damage from styling, so you can turn up the heat on your favorite styling tools up to 440°F without worry. 

Plus, it shields your hair from environmental elements like UV rays, seawater, and chlorine, and it’s suitable for all hair types. It even helps strengthen hair, which is why it’s among the best heat protectants for fine curly hair.   

And with ingredients inspired by generations of homemade remedies, this product will help improve the elasticity of your curls and revive them with every use. 

3.
Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

Safeguard your curls with Cantu's Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant.

Primary Benefits: Shields curls from high temperatures; prevents breakage; tames frizz and flyaways; leaves hair soft, smooth, and manageable

Features:

  • Formulated with shea butter for intense moisturization
  • Cruelty-free
  • Spray bottle for convenient use

Nourish and shield your curls with Cantu's Shea Butter Thermal Shield.

Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant is the perfect pre-treatment for all hairstyles because it helps minimize the damage caused by flat irons and other heated styling tools. 

This lightweight formula contains pure shea butter to replenish lost moisture and reveal stronger, healthier hair with a natural shine. 

The unique combination of ingredients helps to reduce frizz and tame flyaways while conditioning the hair to ensure smoother results. 

Furthermore, it is safe to use on relaxed, colored, or permed hair. 

4.
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray

Elevate your curl care routine with Mielle Organics' Mongongo Oil Heat Protectant Spray.

Primary Benefits: Provides intense heat defense; protects your curl pattern; eliminates frizz

Features:

  • Natural ingredients to nourish hair
  • Suitable for 3a to 4c hair
  • Women-owned natural hair care line

Give your curls organic, high-quality care with this protectant. 

Infused with the nourishing Mongongo oil, it protects your hair from heat while delivering intense hydration to promote softness and manageability. 

It creates a shield around your hair to defend it against the damaging effects of heat-styling tools, seals moisture into your locks, and enhances your natural curl pattern too. 

Reap the unique benefits of Mongongo oil as it works harmoniously with your curly hair, leaving it fortified, resilient, and irresistibly glossy. 

5.
Artnaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray

Protect and style your curls with Artnaturals' Thermal Hair Protector Spray.

Primary Benefits: Protects hair up to 450°F; hydrates, conditions, and strengthens hair; restores your hair’s natural shine

Features:

  • Infused with botanical extracts for added moisture and protection
  • Weightless mist for easy application
  • Special argan oil formula

Artnaturals' Thermal Hair Protector Spray is a must-have for healthy, styled curls.

ArtNaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray acts as both a heat protectant and leave-in conditioner, making it the perfect addition to any haircare routine. 

This spray provides protection for up to 450°F heat. Plus, it doesn’t just safeguard your hair against heat damage — its special argan oil formula helps to nourish and strengthen your hair. 

It also dries quickly and boosts your hair’s shine for a salon-like finish.

6.
L'Oreal Paris Blow-Dry Primer and Heat Protectant

Achieve salon-quality blowouts while protecting your curls with L'Oreal Paris' Blow Dry Primer and Heat Protectant.

Primary Benefits: Provides intense heat protection; offers up to 48 hours of frizz control; leaves hair nourished and shiny

Features:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Sulfate-free
  • Infused with rose extract for its nourishing and protective properties

Unlock the secret to a professional-level look with L'Oreal Paris' Blow-Dry Primer and Heat Protectant.

The weightless formula of this primer offers maximum heat protection, effectively minimizing the risk of heat-induced damage. 

Say goodbye to frizz and hello to long-lasting style memory, as this product helps your hair retain its impeccable look for up to 48 hours. 

With each use, your hair is left nourished, incredibly smooth, and exquisitely shiny, all without any heaviness.

7.
Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray

Give your curls much-needed protection and hydration with Hair Food's Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray.

Primary Benefits: Shields hair from up to 450°F heat; nourishes curls to enhance their natural beauty; gives your hair a lovely shine

Features:

  • Infused with coconut and argan oil to moisturize and nourish the hair
  • Free of sulfates, parabens, or dyes
  • Can be used independently or with other Hair Food products

Indulge your curls in the goodness of coconut and argan oil with Hair Food's Heat Protectant Spray, your secret to protected and nourished curls.

Enjoy the best of nature’s nourishment with Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray, your ultimate defense against heat damage for your beloved curls. 

It’s capable of shielding your hair against damage from temperatures as high as 450°F, letting you use your heat-styling tools with full confidence that your tresses are protected. 

And it’s inspired by kitchen recipes, which is why it’s infused with the essence of coconut, giving your hair a refreshing and delightful scent. 

This spray delivers exceptional results, leaving your hair looking and feeling its best.

8.
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer

Witness the magic of Eva NYC's Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer — a multi-beneficial heat protectant for curls — for yourself!

Primary Benefits: Strengthens brittle locks; tames static and frizzy hair; delivers luxurious scalp care

Features:

  • Improved frizz control formula
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Discover the transformative power of Eva NYC's Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, your all-in-one solution for protected, gorgeous curls.

Elevate your curl care routine with Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, a multifunctional powerhouse that offers comprehensive protection and nourishment for your precious curls during heat styling.

When applied, it creates a shield on every strand that keeps heat damage at bay, preventing frizz, brittleness, and unsightly split ends. 

Additionally, it tames static and frizzy hair effortlessly.

It delivers a daily dose of vital vitamins and nutrients, revitalizing your hair without weighing it down as you style. 

Apply this sulfate- and paraben-free heat protector and revel in the transformation as your hair becomes smoother, softer, and more manageable.

9.
Pantene Moisture Lock Curl Mist and Heat Protectant Spray

Keep your curls moisturized during heat styling with this heat protectant spray.

Primary Benefits: Provides 450°F heat protection; locks in moisture; keeps curls bouncy and defined; tames frizz

Features:

  • Sprays a heat-protective barrier
  • Color-safe formula
  • Contains provitamin B5, antioxidants, and jojoba oil

Safeguard your curls from heat damage and celebrate their natural beauty with this product — one of the best drugstore heat protectants for curly hair!

Say goodbye to frizzy hair and heat damage-induced woes. This top-notch Pantene mist effectively blocks heat, offering protection for up to 450°F.

It also combines the power of Pro Vitamin B5, antioxidants, and jojoba oil to provide your hair with essential nourishment.

As such, it keeps your curls fresh and revitalized even when you use heat stylers regularly. 

With every application, this mist instantly tames frizz while detangling and defining each curl.

Even better, a warm and inviting fragrance accompanies this nutrient blend, making each styling session a delightful sensory experience.

10.
Lanvier Professional Argan Oil Heat Protectant

Enjoy damage-free styling with Lanvier's Professional Argan Oil Heat Protectant.

Primary Benefits: Provides effective and convenient heat protection; enhances your hair’s moisture retention; prevents breakage

Features:

  • Enriched with argan oil to moisturize and protect the hair
  • Forms a thermal protective film upon application
  • Professional-grade formula

Add Lanvier's Professional Argan Oil Heat Protectant to your hair care regimen, your key to protected and luxurious curls.

This exceptional formula envelops each curl in a protective veil, safeguarding against heat damage with its unique thermal defense technology. 

As your curls bask in the nourishing embrace of this opulent heat protectant, they remain supple, defined, and impervious to the stresses of styling tools.

And with each spray, it unveils a symphony of benefits, including enhanced moisture retention, fortified resilience, and captivating shine. 

11.
HSI Professional Argan Oil Heat Protector

Combine heat protection and hydration with HSI Professional’s heat protector.

Primary Benefits: Leaves hair smooth and frizz-free; detangles hair; speeds up drying time

Features:

  • Lightweight spray infused with argan oil for nourishment and shine
  • Mild color-safe formula without sulfates, parabens
  • Professional salon-level heat protection

Now you can style your curls to flawless protection while keeping them protected with the power of argan oil using HSI Professional's Argan Oil Heat Protector.

This weightless mist acts as an extreme hair protectant, shielding your hair from exposure to heat up to 450º F. 

Whether you’re using flat irons, blow-dryers, or curling wands, you can now style your hair safely and confidently.

And it’s not just a heat protectant — this versatile spray also doubles as a leave-in conditioner, so you can use it to moisturize your curls. 

Experience the benefits of a conditioning serum as you apply this light thermal protection spray.

Achieve smooth, hydrated, and frizz-free hair that looks and feels healthier than ever before.

12.
Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray

Use Sun Bum's Heat Protector Spray to maintain healthy, beautiful tresses even with the regular use of hot styling tools.

Primary Benefits: Promotes faster drying time; eliminates frizz; nourishes hair

Features:

  • Two-phase formula to reduce frizz and moisturize hair
  • Formulated with noni and sea kelp extract
  • Also designed for UV protection

Keep your curls protected from heat with this spray, your companion for healthy curls.

With ultimate heat protection, the Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray lets you style your curls with any styling tool of your choice while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing your hair is safe from heat damage.

This powerful formula shields your hair from thermal heat that can cause damage and breakage — and dramatically decreases blow-dry time too!

Additionally, Sun Bum’s product is enriched with vitamins and sea minerals, ensuring that your hair receives the nourishment it deserves. 

13.
Keratin Hair Serum Oil

Transform your curls with the nourishing power of Keratin Hair Serum Oil.

Primary Benefits: Keeps your hair protected against heat damage; tames frizz and flyaways; nourishes each strand

Features:

  • Keratin-infused formula with hair-strengthening properties
  • Salon-grade formulation
  • Advanced care for unruly hair

Keratin Hair Serum Oil infuse is your secret to protected and lustrous curls.

Experience the transformation as this serum works to improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, making it more manageable and ready for any style.

Not only does this hair serum provide exceptional frizz control, but it also offers heat protection.

Forming a protective coating around each strand, it acts as a shield against the damaging effects of hot tools. 

With this product, you can keep your hair safe while you style.

14.
Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray

Turn up the heat while protecting your curls with Beyond The Zone's Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray.

Primary Benefits: Optimizes effectiveness of heating tools; adds smoothness and shine to hair; gives a flawless and healthy look

Features:

  • Lightweight spray that forms a heat-protective barrier
  • Humidity-resistant formula
  • Sulfate-, paraben-, and gluten-free

Achieve a flawless, protected, and healthy-looking hairstyle with Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray.

Experience the exceptional heat protection provided by this spray when you use it before using your favorite tools. 

The lightweight mist envelops each strand evenly, delivering maximum protection without weighing down your curls. 

Its formula ensures long-lasting defense against heat, keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.

In addition to heat protection, the Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat spray adds smoothness, shine, and softness to your hair, giving you a flawless and polished look. 

Get the benefits of a sulfate-, paraben-, and gluten-free formulation that provides gentle care for your hair.

15.
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

Protect your curls in style with the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray.

Primary Benefits: Seals cuticle and prevents future damage; gives a natural and lightweight feel; protects hair from the inside out

Features:

  • Thermal protection spray designed for curling irons and wands
  • Formulated with strengthening proteins
  • Complete hair care system

Channel your inner hairstylist and protect your curls with the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray.

Step into the realm of professional styling with CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray.

It seals your hair cuticles to prevent and keep your hair healthy and protected, even during heat styling. 

A person holding a bottle of chi hairspray.

This spray acts as a shield between your hair and the heat-styling tools you use, preserving the integrity of your hair while adding a brilliant shine.

Suitable for all hair types, this thermal protection spray is particularly beneficial for dry, curly, or thick hair. 

It helps reduce frizziness and flyaways, leaving your hair smooth, manageable, and free from heat-induced damage.

16.
Curl Keeper Thermal Heat Defense

The Curl Keeper Thermal Heat Defense is a powerful heat protectant that keeps your curls safe and beautiful.

Primary Benefits: Smooths and protects curly hair; keeps hair healthy and frizz-free; delivers long-lasting results

Features:

  • Silicone-free formula
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • pH-balanced and biodegradable

Maintain the beauty of your curls by keeping them safe from the damaging effects of heat styling with this product.

Enjoy the freedom of styling your hair without compromising its natural beauty.

Curl Keeper Thermal Heat Defense’s lightweight water-based formula is specifically designed to be used before styling curly hair with flat irons, curling irons or wands, and all types of blow-dryers and diffusers. 

Plus, because it’s silicone-free, it won’t weigh your curls down or leave any dulling or build-up on your hair. 

The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.

You can feel good about using their products every day because they are safe for you and the planet.

17.
Beaut'e Seoul Heat Protectant for Hair

Keep your hair protected and naturally healthy with the Beaut’e Seoul Heat Protectant.

Primary Benefits: Repairs damaged hair cuticles; delivers moisturized and glossy curls; protects damaged hair from external heat

Features:

  • Specifically formulated to protect curly hair from heat styling tools
  • Infused with 22 keratin & protein complexes to prevent dryness and breakage
  • Contains 4 layers of hair treatment oil

Pamper your curls and shield them from heat damage with BEAUT'E SEOUL's Heat Protectant for Hair, your secret to healthy and protected curls.

Meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients, this exceptional heat protectant spray offers advanced thermal defense technology to safeguard your hair from the harmful effects of heat styling tools. 

Designed to cater to all hair types, including curly hair, it adds a layer of protection while nourishing and hydrating your strands. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Use a Heat Protectant on My Curly Hair?

It is recommended to use a heat protectant every time you use heat-styling tools on your curly hair. This ensures consistent protection from the damaging effects of heat. 

Can I Use a Heat Protectant on Wet Curly Hair?

Most heat protectants are designed to be applied to dry hair before using heat-styling tools. However, some products can also be used on damp or wet hair before blow-drying. 

Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the product manufacturer for the recommended usage.

Are There Any Natural Heat Protectant Options for Curly Hair?

Yes, there are natural heat protectants for curly hair. Some natural ingredients, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, can provide a certain level of heat protection and hydration.

However, their effectiveness may vary, and it’s important to note that natural alternatives may not offer the same level of heat protection as commercially available and specially formulated heat protectants.

A close up photo of a woman with curly hair using a hair spray.

The Power of Heat Protectants for Curly Hair: Safeguarding Your Curly Tresses

Heat protectants play a crucial role in preserving the health and beauty of curly hair. 

By forming a protective shield against heat, these products help maintain moisture, reduce frizz, and prevent breakage. 

When choosing the best curly hair heat protectant, look for formulations specifically tailored to your hair type, with ingredients that nourish and enhance your curls. 

Remember to apply the protectant consistently before heat styling and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

With the best heat protectant for curly hair in your hair care arsenal, you can confidently style your curls without compromising their health and vibrancy. 

Embrace the power of heat protectants and enjoy your stunning, well-protected curls!

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  • A beautiful blonde woman smiling on a gray background.

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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    With ten years in the beauty industry, Kelly Goforth has mastered the art of hair and makeup. Trained at The Redken Exchange in NYC and mentored by industry legends like Sam Villa and Lauren Hagan, she's a sought-after bridal specialist in Colorado Springs. From managing a Denver salon to now offering bridal hair, makeup, and airbrush spray tans, Kelly's expertise shines.

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