What we love most about using oil as a natural heat protectant is that it also helps prevent the drying effect that heat styling tools have on your hair. When it comes to application, you can apply the oil on your hair after washing and before drying. This way, the oil has the ability to lock in the moisture from your damp hair. While these oils can be used to help protect your hair from heat, we have to watch out for the smoke point. This refers to the temperature that oil begins to smoke and disintegrate, which can end up causing more harm than good (like harmful chemicals and free radicals). These smoke points are crucial to remember. As long as the oils are not being heated to or beyond these temperatures, you’re in the clear!
Top Heat Protectant for Natural Hair Ingredients
Read on as we explain why we love these ingredients as natural heat protectants for hair:
1. Coconut Oil
Smoke point: 350˙ºF Can someone please tell us what coconut oil can’t do? This oil is one of the most popular natural heat protectant options out there. There are so many ways you can use coconut oil to protect your hair against the effects of heat-styling tools. Since coconut oil can make your hair a bit on the oily side, we recommend applying just a few drops to your strands. Start by combing the oil through your hair with your fingers. Begin at the midshaft of your hair, and then work down to the ends. Make sure to avoid your roots so your hair doesn’t look greasy. Another way you can prep your hair with coconut oil is to use it as a deep conditioning treatment. A product like Love Beauty and Planet Hope and Repair Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang 3-in-1 Benefit Oil or SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment are easy ways to incorporate the magic of coconut oil into your regular routine. We love these products because they help repair your hair and prevent split ends.
2. Grapeseed Oil
Smoke point: 420ºF If you haven’t used grapeseed oil as a natural heat protectant, you’re truly missing out on its benefits. Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point at 420ºF, it can withstand high heat. Like coconut oil, grapeseed oil can create a super oily finish on your hair, so a few drops are all you need. We suggest trying Love Beauty and Planet Sandalwood & Grapeseed Natural Oils Infusion. Start at the mid-shaft of your hair, and then work down towards the ends. If you ever go a little overboard with the application, there’s no need to worry! You can always go back in with a dry shampoo to soak up any excess oil.
3. Argan Oil
Smoke point: 420ºF Liquid gold, liquid gold, liquid gold! Argan oil has been the go-to natural heat protectant for years. This lightweight oil has the ability to protect hair against high heat. Plus, it leaves you with a smooth style and shiny finish. You can also find argan oil-infused heat protectants that have a more serum-like consistency if you prefer serum over a thinner natural oil product. Love Beauty and Planet Smooth and Serene Argan Oil & Lavender Leave-In Smoothie Cream are one of our go-to Argan-oil infused products. We love this product because it smoothes frizz and nourishes your hair to help you achieve soft strands
4. Shea Butter
Smoke point: 420ºF Not only is shea butter great for adding moisture to your strands, but it has a high smoke point and makes for a great natural heat protectant. Shea butter creates a heat barrier similar to popular products that contain silicone, making it just as effective as an “official” heat protectant. Looking for a more intensive shea butter treatment prior to styling? Add a mask to your hair care routine like SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque to help restore natural botanicals and lipids to damaged hair.
5. Almond Oil
Smoke point: 430ºF Almond oil has one of the highest smoke points, making it an obvious choice for those who need a higher heat setting when styling. While this oil protects your hair, it’s also infusing it with Vitamins E, D, B, and A, helping your strands grow stronger and stay healthier. We highly recommend trying out Love Beauty and Planet Rose & Almond Natural Oils Infusion, it makes for a great natural heat protectant! Next time you plan on breaking out the hot tools, try using a natural heat protectant to reap all the benefits of a hair oil while keeping your hair safe from heat damage.
