13 Best Heat Protectants For 4C Hair (2024)

Curly hair texture is never easy to manage. If you have been using styling tools for a long time, we have just what you need. In this article, you will find the best heat protectant for 4C hair and why you need to use them regularly. Forgetting to apply heat protectants before using the styles might not be a huge problem for other textures, but it might be worse than you can imagine for hair types 4C, 4A, and 4b. The dull and brittle hair that got you into styling them will only take a much worse shape if you neglect using serums on your hair before thrusting them between flat irons. Hence it is entirely non-negotiable to carry them with you at all times and use them before each styling. Why we like the heat protectants is, they can be used on wigs and extensions as well and give protection to your damaged hair. These serums contain moisturizing and strengthening agents like oil blends and keratin that reduce damage and lock your hair against all kinds of external damage like heat and pollution.

Laura Dale, licensed cosmetologist, says, “As a hairstylist, I know that 4C hair is particularly delicate and prone to heat damage, which can lead to breakage and split ends. ends. That is why it is essential to use a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools. These products are specifically formulated to protect against heat damage and keep your 4C hair healthy and strong.”
Here is a list of 13 chosen hair protectants specially curated for 4C hair that will ensure your hair can enjoy all hairstyles without fraying away. Read on and choose the one you feel is made just for you.

13 Best Heat Protectants For 4C Hair ThatGives You Gorgeous And Glorious Locks

1. Best Lightweight:CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

4.4

Image: Chi

BUY ON AMAZON | $3.59

CHI 44’s Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray is like your hair’s personal bodyguard, as it keeps your hair shiny and silky prior to blow drying. This heat protectant for 4C hair has a lightweight formula and prevents any thermal damage to the strands. By sealing the cuticles with the product, your hair stays damage-free as the protective formula works its magic from within. To add the needed moisture and nourishment to your hair, this formulation is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as vitamins and proteins. And if you’re looking to create a sleek and smooth style, this spray effectively provides thermal protection with an easy brush-glide formula. With no parabens or gluten, all hair types can use this heat protection spray for hair before straightening. You may check this video of a reviewer’s experience for a better understanding of this product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 37,375 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

2. Best Frizz Control:Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

4.6

Image: Kenra Professional

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $33.59

Not only is Kenra’s formula lightweight, it also softens, smooths, and detangles strands to save hair from heat exposure. It’s a good heat protectant for 4C hair, as you will find your blow-dry time reduced in half and there’s no more unwanted frizz either! Kenra’s Platinum Blow-Dry Spray provides intense thermal protection that keeps hair safe even in temperatures as high as 428°F. For healthy-looking hair that can withstand humid weather, give this heat protectant spray for 4C hair a shot. This video review of a tester’s experience will help you learn more about the product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 3,348 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

3. Best Sun Protection:John Frieda Frizz Ease Flat Iron Spray

4.3

Image: Johnfrieda

Now 9% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.88

John Frieda’s heat-activated flat iron spray keeps your hair sleek until the next shampoo. The Frizz Ease flat iron heat protectant for hair contains a breakthrough formula of polymers with keratin, the protein our hair is made of. This ingredient makes hair shinier, frizz-free, and better protected from the sun and environmental damage. Spritz it on wet hair before styling and the lightweight formula will tame your wide curls and pave the way for a sleeker mane. This video review will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Did You Know?

Prolonged exposure to the sun and its UVA and UVB rays can damage the hair cuticles and cause discoloration, frizziness, brittle ends, and thinning.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 933 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

	CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray Best Lightweight	Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray Best Frizz Control	John Frieda Frizz Ease Flat Iron Spray Best Sun Protection
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	All	All	Frizzy
Dimensions	2 x 2 x 1.5 inches	1.56 x 2.38 x 8.13 inches	1.5 x 2.19 x 7.5 inches
Weight	9.6 Ounces	8.8 Ounces	4.8 ounces
Rating
Reviews	37,375	3,348	933
Price	$3.59	$33.59	$10.88

4. Best Conditioning:ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield

4.3

Image: Artnaturals

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.95

When you’re in a hurry during busy mornings, don’t forget to spritz this heat protectant for 4C natural hair before styling! Withstanding temperatures up to 450°F, this versatile and lightweight mist also doubles as a leave-in conditioner. Enriched with the goodness of Moroccan argan oil that moisturizes and aids healthy hair growth through restorative care, you’ll also notice that it repairs dry and brittle hair that has been exposed to heat. With an additional blend of hair proteins, natural herbal extracts, and vitamin E, your hair is going to stay healthy amidst all the heat. For a salon-like finish, use ArtNaturals’ natural heat protectant for 4C hair to reduce drying time and for a boost on the shine.

Trivia

Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree, which is a native tree of Morocco and is used in the world for hair woes.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 6,452 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

5. Best For Split Ends:Arvazallia Heat Protectant Plus With Argan Oil

4.2

Image: Arvazallia

Now 39% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.99

One of the superior oils for healthy hair, argan oil is known to deeply moisturize hair and aid in its growth. Arvazailla’s professional-grade thermal heat protectant for 4C hair makes use of its unique Lightweight Two Layer Protection Technology. This advanced technology goes deep into your hair to repair existing and future damage. Say goodbye to your fears of uneven hair texture, breakage, split ends, and even frizz with this black hair heat protectant, as it uses detangling agents to improve hair manageability and makes it soft and shiny. Use it on natural hair, wigs, or even extensions without any hassle to protect them from all thermal damage.

6. Best For Hair Strengthening:Design Essentials Silk Essentials Thermal Strengthening Serum

4.5

Image: Design Essentials

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.92

Design Essentials’ weightless serum deeply penetrates your hair to seal hair cuticles and lock in much-needed moisture for dry 4C hair. When you apply heat, your curl elongates and the hair fails to retain its original shape. The Silk Essentials Thermal Strengthening Serum prevents this and also adds a boost of luster to hair. It has anti-static benefits that keep your hair from appearing unruly. With the power of 17 amino acids, this serum strengthens damaged hair and enhances the manageability of frizzy hair by making it softer. Even if your hair is color-treated, don’t hesitate to use this heat protectant for blow drying 4C hair.

7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Anti-Breakage Spray

4.3

Image: Sheamoisture

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.99

SheaMoisture’s conditioning spray has an enriching formula with organic shea butter to intensely moisturize hair and nourishing oils like sweet almond that smooths and softens hair and castor oil that prevents hair fall. This nutrient-rich formula contains natural ingredients that protect fragile hair from too much heat and revitalizes it. If you’ve got a mane that struggles with split ends, spritz this anti-breakage spray on your hair before heat styling to reduce them. Both natural and color-treated hair can benefit from this heat protectant for hair straightening to give you healthy tresses that won’t fail to impress.

8. Best For Breakage Prevention:MIZANI Styling Heat Protection Thermastrength Serum

4.5

Image: Mizani

BUY ON AMAZON | $20.0

Curly hair might have a lot of volume but it also needs a lot of protection when you’re styling it. Shea butter present in this serum deeply penetrates your hair to moisturize it and as it is made with anti-breakage ceramide technology, your hair remains safe during heat exposure. MIZANI’s heat protectant for 4C natural hair adds body to your hair, and its cream-gel formula applies easily and ensures better absorption of the product. For smoother combing and blow drying, you need to give the Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum a chance. Many positive reviews confirm that apart from giving heat protection, this product gives curly hair a smooth spiral structure and protects against frizz and humidity.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 1,414 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

9. Best Anti-Static:Head Kandy Amino Keratin Third Wheel Heat Protectant Spray

4.4

Image: Head Kandy

BUY ON AMAZON | $19

Head Kandy’s amino-keratin unique formula contains a cocktail of vitamins and minerals that nourishes and conditions your hair from the root to the tip. Apart from hair-friendly nutrients that repair damaged hair, this heat protectant spray serves your locks by preventing split ends, frizz, and static on heat damaged 4C hair. It also offers restorative care. Enjoy a natural shine on both natural and color-treated hair with this lightweight spray that works on all hair types.

10. Best Humidity-Resistant:Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray

4.6

Now 7% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $26

Beyond The Zone’s spray-in treatment does wonders to keep your hair smooth and protected from heat damage. While it is resistant to humidity, it also adds a heat defense barrier to save your hair from the consequences of using flat irons and hair dryers. It seals cuticles for silky hair and creates slip, so you can style as your heart desires. For protected hair that shines bright, invest in this heat-protectant product and get hair that looks like it’s done by professionals.

11. Best For Daily Use:TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray

4.4

Image: Tresemmé

BUY ON AMAZON

If you thought reversing your parched hair after eons of heat styling was impossible, think again. Formulated with a vitamin complex that preserves the natural moisture of your hair, the Thermal Creations leave-in spray is heat-activated to give your locks maximum safety from heat due to flat irons and curling wands. This product adds flexibility to your hair so its shape is held better, and you can carry your look confidently.

12. Best Glossy Finish:Silk Elements Coconut Hair Protection Creme

4.4

Now 3% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.94

Dubbed as the ‘best heat protectant for 4C natural hair’ by loyal users, Silk Elements’ Hair Protection Creme smoothes down hair that becomes wild and frizzy. With coconut oil, your hair gets amply hydrated, so consider this Creme a big chug of drink for your mane. It also contains silk, which reduces friction that might otherwise cause frizzy, knotted hair and split ends. Not only does a single spray make your hair incredibly soft to the touch, but it also adds an unbeatable, natural shine so you can truly sparkle for your next date. The lightweight consistency of this heat protector is ideal for hair as it doesn’t weigh the strands down, or make them greasy.

13. Best For Adding Shine:African Pride Black Castor Miracle Heat Protectant Spray

4.1

Image: African Pride

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

Enriched with an innovative keratin complex, African Pride’s black hair heat protectant spray strengthens hair with a protective barrier that guards against heat and environmental damage. The weightless shine spray locks in both moisture and reduces humidity-related issues by maintaining straight hair as long as you want it to be. With black castor oil as the key ingredient, your natural hair feels loved with the hydrating properties that nourish and keep your hair healthy. For a true salon-style treatment, the watery spray some on your hair and style away!

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best heat protectants out there, let’s take a look at how you can choose the right one for yourself.

How To Choose The Right Heat Protectant For 4C Hair Types

• Temperature tolerance

As 4C hair is the curliest of the lot, it takes high temperatures of up to 450°F to change the shape of the curl. This high range of temperature can be damaging to coily hair health, so it’s necessary to choose a heat protectant that can withstand extreme heat and protect textured hair. Make sure your protectant has a high range of heat tolerance as heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can get quite hot and leave the hair weak.

• Ingredients

Check for silicones on the label, as they save your hair from heat damage by forming a protective coating. Cyclomethicone covers hair with a moisturizing film and dimethicone locks in the natural moisture to keep hair smooth. Along with these, also ensure that one of the main nourishing ingredients is keratin because that’s the protein our hair is made of. Hydrolyzed keratin makes hair strong by encouraging moisture retention, which in turn minimizes breakage, especially in textured hair. A blend of oils like argan, castor, or coconut can also help boost hair health and shine while also protecting it from heat.

• Form

Heat protectants come in the form of sprays and serums and whichever you opt for comes down to your personal preference. As long as they can withstand high temperatures and contain protective ingredients, you can choose either one according to your liking. Sprays allow for ease of use as you just have to spritz them on and wait for them to dry before styling. They also have a watery consistency, making them light, so they don’t weigh your strands down. Serums, on the other hand, might be a little thicker and need to be massaged into the hair, which might be time consuming if you’re a busy person. Due to their thicker consistency, they might have a greasy feel or feel heavy on your locks.

• Fragrance

Fragrance is a crucial part of hair products because the scent lingers and follows you wherever you go. Some heat protectants have a faint yet pleasant scent, which can be masked with your daily perfume or it can be left as is. However, if you’re intolerant to fragrance, some heat protectants that have a strong smell can be off-putting. These can also clash with your perfume and result in an unpleasant scent.

How Do I Protect My 4C Hair From Heat Damage?

• Minimize heat styling tools in your regimen as much as you can to protect your hair from heat damage. As you’ve probably heard of the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’, it’s best to avoid applying heat, or cut down on it to maintain hair health.

• Use products that are heat-activated or thermo-protective for maximum safety from higher temperatures. Lowering the temperatures on your styling tools will also go a long way.

• Even the sun’s rays can be damaging to 4C hair, so make sure to use nourishing oils like almond, olive, coconut, argan, and castor as a deep conditioning treatment a couple of times a week. In hot weather conditions, you can also cover your hair with a cap, scarf, or hat, if possible, for UV protection.

• Using hot water to wash your hair can also cause a degree of hair damage by destroying the protein. Try cool or lukewarm temperatures as they won’t make your hair dull and dry.

• Use keratin-based conditioners to not only restore the protein lost from the strands, but also to prevent future heat damage. You can apply regular conditioners after shampooing or leave-in conditioners 1-2 times a week also work great.

• If only a small part of the hair is damaged, you can trim it to help the hair maintain its body. This would also ensure getting rid of split ends.

• Look for hair care products specifically suited to your hair type that protect from heat damage, eliminate frizz, and encourage the production of keratin.

Infographic: Tips To Care For 4C Hair

While you need to use heat protectants when styling your 4C hair to protect your hair from heat damage, you also need to take care of your curls to keep them frizz-free and healthy. Check out the infographic below to learn how to pamper and care for your lovely curls to rock their look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a huge hair care enthusiast with a zeal for finding new products that protect and transform your tresses. In this article, she discusses the best heat protectants for 4C hair that shield your curly locks from harsh UV rays and may even have additional benefits. She scoured many forums for product information and reviews and thoroughly vetted and researched them. These products have lightweight formulas, skin-friendly ingredients, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are heat protectants important for 4C hair?

4C hair is the curliest type of hair and lacks moisture. Due to this, a high temperature is needed to straighten or loose it up, which can lead to further drying, breakage, or split ends. A heat protectant keeps the hair strong and smooth, so it can withstand heat when being styled.

Does heat protectant work on 4C hair?

Yes, there are heat protectants formulated especially for curlier hair types and they do a good job in protecting 4C hair from heat. Some protectants marketed as being suitable for all hair types will also work on 4C hair.

Do you put heat protectant before or after?

Heat protectants come in the form of sprays, serums, and creams. They are applied on the hair prior to exposure to heat.

Should I let heat protectants dry?

Yes, heat protectants are applied on slightly damp hair and you must make sure your hair is dry before you attempt to style it with a straightener or a curling wand.

How do I know if my 4C hair is heat damaged?

If you are experiencing any of the following hair problems, your 4C hair may have heat damage:
•  Dull and dry hair texture
•  Split ends
•  Hair breakage
•  Multiple knots and tangles
•  Hair loss

How often should I use a heat protectant on 4C hair?

Always use a heat protectant on your 4C hair before styling the tresses with heat tools. Try to limit styling your hair to once a month to preserve your curl pattern and maintain its healthy, natural texture.

Can I use coconut oil as a heat protectant for 4C hair?

Yes, coconut oil has a high smoke point of 350° F, so it is very effective in protecting the hair from the damage caused by heat styling tools. However, too much coconut oil may make your hair look greasy.

Can I use shea butter as a heat protectant for 4C hair?

Yes. Shea butter has a high smoke point and creates a barrier between your hair and the styling tools. It makes a heat protectant for 4C hair.

Does silk press work on 4C hair?

Yes, a silk press straightens 4C hair. However, use a heat protectant before transforming your 4C coils into silky smooth, straight hair. The effect of the silk press lasts for three to four months for this hair type.

How can I straighten my 4C hair such that it doesn’t revert?

Wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo and conditioner.
•  Wrap your damp hair with a microfiber towel.
•  Divide your hair into four sections and clip the sections.
•  Release one section of the hair and apply the heat protectant.
•  Apply a silk infuser to the hair.
•  Use a tangle teaser brush and hold the hair. Blow dry it.
•  Lift the roots of the hair with a hairbrush and blow dry again.
•  Twist and clip this section and repeat the process with the other three sections.
•  Section your blow-dried hair with a rat comb.
•  Use one section of hair and set the flat iron at medium heat.
•  Comb your hair and follow by straightening it with a flat iron.
•  Repeat the same with other sections.
•  Brush your hair and detangle the knots, if any.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist

   

Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.

Read full bio of Laura Dale

Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer

 

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E