Is there anyone who does not prefer straightener or bouncy curls before stepping out? No, right. 90% of us love to shine out with good hair. But is it possible without straighteners or curling wands? And they do cause scalp and hair damages like dryness, hair breakage, and fade away our natural hair shine.
As our skin needs SPF, hair also needs a kind of protector. But the good news is we have gentle, chemical free hair protectors for that soft, bouncy yet beautiful hair. Dig in to know more.
Why Use Natural Heat Protectants for Hair?
Thinking you are protecting your hair from heat protectors. Yes, when they do protect, they also cause other hair problems like stripping natural oils from hair, weighing down your hair, causing build ups,and the list goes on.
This is because of the presence of parabens, silicones, and alcohols present in the heat protectors spray.
When you opt for natural heat protectants, they are free from chemicals, gentle, and at the same time they do not cause new hair care issues.
Consider the natural haircare ingredients like oils which includes coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, or aloe vera, they are from mother nature. While protecting, they also help in providing the necessary vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Natural heat protectors help in repairing, moisturizing, and at the same time strengthens hair strands without any harsh chemicals. This not just prevents hair damage but also improves overall hair and scalp health.
Best DIY Heat Protectant for Your Hair
Love styling and at the same time want to ditch the chemical heat protectors? The below DIY recipes are simple yet nourishing your hair and works as a deep conditioner.
Here are some of the best heat protector recipes are given below in detail:
1. Coconut Oil & Shea Butter
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Argan oil
Method:
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Melt one spoon of shea butter and coconut oil together using a double boiler.
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Add half a spoon of argan oil and mix well.
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Let the mixture cool. And tada it's ready.
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Take the required amount, apply evenly on damp hair before styling.
Benefits:
This above DIY hair protector oil helps in locking the moisture, prevents breakage, and at the same time works as a natural barrier against high heat.
2. Aloe Vera Gel Spray
Ingredients:
Fresh Aloe Vera Gel, Distilled Water, Jojoba Oil
Method:
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Blend two spoons of aloe vera gel until smooth.
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Now add a cup of distilled water and a spoon of jojoba oil in a spray bottle.
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Mix well and transfer to a spray bottle.
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Shake and spray before styling your hair.
Benefits:
This spray works as a natural conditioner, nourished hair, and at the same time protects from heat. They don't weigh down your hair or make it greasy.
What to Use If You Don’t Have Heat Protectant
When you don't have a heat protectant spray or are looking for some instant options, we have a couple of choices here. This is a one ingredient protector, which not just acts as a heat protector but also does wonders to hair.
Time to grab these now:
Olive Oil
Just take two to three drops of olive oil and coat your hair before applying a heat protector. This helps in protecting from heat damages, while it also helps in enriching hair with fatty acids and anti-oxidants.
Almond Oil
Almond Oil is one of the lightweight oils which is rich in vitamin E and also works as an excellent moisturizer. They act as a hair protector and also controls frizz and adds shine to the hair for a fresh look.
Coconut Oil
A one star ingredient which has been used for centuries for nourishment and moisturized hair. Take a very little amount and apply before using heat protectors.
Natural Oils for Heat Protection: Which Is Best for Your Hair Type?
Even though there are quite a huge range of oils, it does not suit everyone. Here is a simple table to choose the best heat protector based on your hair type.
Oils |
Suits Hair Type |
Why it Works |
Coconut Oil |
Thick, Dry Hair |
Thick oil which penetrates deep into strands and moisturizes the hair well. |
Olive Oil |
Dry, Frizzy Hair |
Rich in anti-oxidants which adds shine and smoothness, while protecting hair from heat. |
Argan Oil |
Fine, Straight Hair |
Light-weight. Not Greasy. Perfect for everyday use |
Jojoba Oil |
Oily, Sensitive Hair |
Balances Oil Protection. Protects Hair Cuticle |
Almond Oil |
Normal to Dry Hair |
Rich in Vitamin e, Controls Frizz, Softens Hair |
Grape Seed Oil |
Coloured Hair |
Light-weight. Perfect for Dyes & Colored Hair |
Shea Butter |
Extremely Hair, Brittle Hair |
Great Moisturizer for hair. Protects from High Heat |
How to Apply Natural Heat Protectants for Maximum Effectiveness
A simple routine for protecting hair from heat sprays without greasiness.
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Shampoo and Pat dry your hair. Make sure your hair is clean.
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Pick the right formula for your hair.
Fine Hair |
Light-weight Oils | Aloe Spray |
Medium Hair |
Light Creams | Almond/Jojoba Oil |
Thick / Coarse Hair |
Flax Seed Gel, Shea Butter Formula |
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Pick the right quantity based on your hair length.
Short Hair |
Pea Size | 1 - 2 drops |
Medium Hair |
Chickpea Size | 3 - 4 drops |
Long / Thick Hair |
Marble Size | 5–6 drops |
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Rub between your palms, and divide into sections before applying your hair
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Comb your hair well and apply a heat protector based on the style needed.
Conclusion
Heat styling does not need to sacrifice your hair health. Make your simple, homemade, natural hair protector which nourishes your hair and also adds a dose of vitamins, anti-oxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Try these natural remedies for a damage-free styling routine.
FAQs :
How to naturally straighten hair at home?
You can naturally straighten using hair masks like aloe vera + banana + honey. This softens and keeps hair free from frizz while making your straightened hair sleek.
What to put on natural hair before flat ironing?
You can use natural heat protectants like coconut oil, aloe vera spray, or flaxseed gel. Take the required amount and apply on the lengths of the hair by sectioning them to avoid damages.
Can I straighten my hair without heat protectant?
Yes, It’s possible but not that safe. They cause hair breakage and split ends. Make sure to at least use oils or shea butter for a quick substitute.
What natural substance protects hair from heat?
Some of the natural substances include coconut oil, argan oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and flaxseed gel.
Can I use coconut oil as a heat protectant?
Yes, they can be used if you have thick/coarse hair. Since coconut oil is thick in nature, going with a minimal amount works to avoid greasiness.