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9 Best Natural Heat Protectants for Healthy Hair

by Rebecca

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Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can transform your hair and fight frizz, but the heat can seriously damage your locks if you don’t protect them with a heat protectant spray. There are a number of natural heat protectants with clean ingredients that will prevent your hair from damage caused not just from styling tools, but also from UV rays and pollution.

non toxic heat protectant recommendations

These non-toxic heat protectants don’t use harmful chemicals, hair-drying silicones, unnecessary fillers, or other synthetics that do more harm than good to your hair, your health, and the planet. Instead, they rely on natural oils and botanicals to protect your hair, tame frizz, and moisturize your strands.

If you’re eager to nourish your hair without compromising on your commitment to natural beauty, read on for the best organic and natural heat protectants for hair.

What Does a Natural Heat Protectant Do?

Natural heat protectants form a protective barrier over the hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair. A good heat shield protects the inner layers of your hair, called the cortex and the medulla, from heat damage caused by blow dryers, flat irons, and other hot tools.

Hot styling tools can strip your hair of natural oils and proteins. With the added layer of a natural heat protectant, the heat will penetrate your hair more slowly, rather than ripping through it all at once.

Without a heat protectant, your hair can become damaged from exposure to heat, especially if you set your tools to the highest temperature. Signs of damaged hair include breakage, frizz, split ends, dryness, and a dull or rough texture.

Many natural heat protectants also contain vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients that moisturize, nourish, and strengthen your hair. Some double as leave-in hair conditioners, so you can enjoy a boost of hydration while protecting your hair throughout the day.

9 Best Natural Heat Protectants for Hair

Here are our top picks for non-toxic heat protectants that will prevent your hair from heat and UV damage while nourishing your strands with nutrient-rich ingredients. Spray one of these heat protectants on wet hair before drying or styling.

1. True Botanicals Shine and Protect Hair Cream Oil

natural heat protectant for hair

  • Price: $52 for 1.7 fl oz

This hair oil from True Botanicals is a true power player that conditions, protects, and finishes your hair. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy and can be used on both wet and dry hair.

Formulated with seed oils like passion fruit seed oil and pracaxi seed oil, the Shine and Protect Hair Cream Oil protects your hair from heat damage while delivering hydration and keeping your hair looking healthy and glossy.

It’s free from silicones, ammonia, synthetic colors, and sodium lauryl sulfate. I especially love the yummy scent of lavender, ylang, and neroli that comes from Made Safe-certified botanicals.

2. Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner and Heat Protectant

non toxic leave in hair conditioner

  • Price: $32 for 8 fl oz

Yarok’s natural heat protectant and leave-in conditioner uses jojoba oil to encourage hair growth and vitamins to balance hair oil. It also contains nourishing apricot, primrose, grapeseed, and olive oil.

Along with protecting your hair from heat, Yarok’s Feed Your Ends spray also moisturizes, defrizzes, and detangles hair. This vegan heat protectant is free from parabens, sulfates, and other nasty chemicals. 

3. Rahua Heat Protectant Shield

organic heat protectant for hair

  • Price: $38 for 6.5 fl oz

Rahua’s heat protectant shield checks all the boxes: it’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. This yummy guava and coconut-scented heat protectant is crafted with plant-based ingredeints that protect your hair from heat and make it shiny and lustrous.

Some of its clean ingredients include cassava, organic star anise, cosmetic clay, aloe vera, and vitamin E. The company also has a commitment to sustainability and works toward preserving the Amazon rainforest.

4. Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Heat Protectant Creme

non toxic heat protectants

  • Price: $22.99 for 4 fl oz
Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Heat Protectant Creme contains rosehip oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use it as a styling cream to minimize frizz and smooth your hair. This heat protectant is free of silicones, paraffins, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes and is vegan and cruelty-free. It has an enticing floral scent and works well with all hair types prone to dryness and frizz.

5. John Masters Organics Hydrate & Protect Hair Milk

organic hair milk

  • Price: $30 for 4 fl oz

For an organic heat protectant, check out John Masters Organics Hydrate & Protect Hair Milk. This lightweight, silicone-free heat protectant also acts as a leave-in moisturizing treatment and styler. Its organic rose water and apricot kernel oil help revitalize dull, dry hair, while its cupaucu butter is a powerful antioxidant that protects hair from pollution.

John Masters Organics also makes some of our favorite non-toxic shampoos and conditioners.

6. PURA D’OR Argan Oil Heat Shield Protectant Spray

natural heat shield protectant spray for hair

  • Price: $13.49 for 8 fl oz

PURA D’OR harnesses the power of argan oil to protect your hair to up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Argan oil is rich is antioxidants and vitamins and can strengthen, hydrate, and smooth your hair while shielding it from heat damage. 

This heat protectant spray from PURA D’OR can protect your hair from breakage and frizz and lock in moisture to restore softness and shine.

7. Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray

non toxic heat protectant for hair

  • Price: $24 for 6.7 fl oz

Suitable for all hair types, Ceremonia’s Guava Rescue Spray detangles your hair while protecting it from harmful blue light, pollution, and heat styling tools. It uses a true hair rescue formula that strengthens your hair and provides intense hydration. This natural heat protectant, which contains guava, butterfly ginger, and avocado, protects your hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. EVOLVh SmartStart Leave-In Conditioner

natural heat protectant for hair

  • Price: $28 for 8.5 fl oz

While the SmartStart Leave-In Conditioner from EVOLVh primarily functions as a leave-in conditioner, it also defends the hair against damaging heat and UV rays. In fact, this multi-purpose product hydrates, detangles, nourishes, softens, and protects the hair while eliminating frizz and adding shine.

It’s also a great spray for revitalizing hair that’s been damaged by chlorine and salt water. EVOLVh’s leave-in conditioner is vegan, non-GMO, and free of silicones, parabens, panthenol, phthalates, ethoxylate, synthetic fragrance, and gluten. You can apply it to both damp and dry hair.

9. Flourish Honeyblossom + Marshmallow Root UV + Heat Protectant

natural heat protectant for hair

  • Price: $32 for 4 oz

This organic heat protectant from Flourish Beauty protects your hair from both heat and UV rays. It’s best for thick or coarse hair, as it’s a rich formula with a moisturizing blend of marshmallow root and honey.

It also contain quinoa protein, sunflower extract, and rosehip, all of which work great to refresh curls and smooth frizz. Apply this one before using a heat or styling tool or spending time in the sun.

Bonus: DIY Natural Heat Protectants

If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, there are a number of oils that can work as natural heat protectants for hair. Some oils will work better for certain hair textures than others, and each has its own smoking point, or maximum temperature after which the oil burns. Avoid heating your hair above a given oil’s smoking point to avoid frying your hair.

Here are some non-toxic heat protectants you can use before styling your hair. Some of these work best if you mix them with water or another oil, while others are lightweight enough that you can apply a few drops directly to your hair without diluting them first.

  • Argan oil: A few drops of argan oil work great for thick or textured hair, delivering heat protection along with a rich dose of antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins. You can spray argan oil directly on your hair. Smoke point: 420 degrees.
  • Sunflower oil: Dilute a tablespoon of sunflower oil with two cups of water, and use it on hair that’s on the thick, coarse side. Smoke point: 440 degrees.
  • Avocado oil: Rich in vitamin E, avocado oil can work with most hair densities and textures: just mix it with water first (one cup of water for every tablespoon of avocado oil). Smoke point: 520 degrees.
  • Grapeseed oil: You don’t need to dilute grapeseed oil, but rather can apply a few drops directly to your hair. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants and can help fight dandruff and dermatitis. Grapeseed oil is best for thicker hair. Smoke point: 420 degrees, but keep your tools below 400 degrees.
  • Shea butter: Best for thick, coarse, or natural hair, shea butter protects from heat, as well as environmental and sun damage. You can thin shea butter by mixing 1/4 cup with one tablespoon or avocado oil or another oil. Smoke point: 450 degrees.
  • Almond oil: You can apply vitamin-rich almond oil directly to your hair. It works with a variety of hair types, including fine hair. Smoke point: 430 degrees.
  • Coconut oil: Another good option for finer hair, coconut oil can protect your hair from heat while smoothing and reducing frizz. Dilute 1 teaspoon or melted coconut oil with 3/4 cup of water (make sure the water is warm enough that the coconut oil doesn’t turn back into a solid). Smoke point: 350 degrees, but avoid using temperatures above 325 degrees.

Tips for Using a Heat Protectant

Heat protectants should always be applied before you use any kind of heat on your hair. Spray or rub a heat protectant on damp hair that’s just been towel-dried, or at least isn’t soaking wet. If your hair is dripping, the product might glide off and not soak into your strands.

Make sure to choose a heat protectant that works with your hair texture. Some protectants are heavier and can weigh down fine hair, while those formulated for fine or thin hair probably won’t pack enough of a punch for thicker hair.

If you have curls or hair that tends toward dryness or coarseness, opt for a natural heat protectant that doubles as a leave-in conditioner for an extra boost of moisture.

Treat Your Hair to a Non-Toxic Heat Protectant

A heat protectant should protect your hair, not introduce more problems to it. However, some conventional heat protectants contain silicones and other synthetics that cause long-term damage to your hair and have been linked to health concerns. Silicones, for instance, temporarily appear to reduce frizz, but they block the hair from absorbing moisture and leave it brittle and dried out in the long run.

The good news is that you can avoid these yucky ingredients with a non-toxic heat protectant that uses organic ingredients sourced from nature. With a natural heat protectant, you can protect your locks from heat damage, boost hydration, and enjoy healthy and radiant hair.

For more clean product recommendations to add to your beauty routine, check out our top picks for organic moisturizers and eye creams.

About Rebecca

Rebecca is a writer, hot yoga enthusiast, and Boston Terrier fan who loves eco-friendly and sustainable products that are both beautiful and healthy for our planet.

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