Natural heat protectants such as grapeseed oil could really help you finally switch to a 100% chemical-free hair care regimen, while still getting all the benefits chemicals such as silicones provide. Now, I know it sounds a bit odd but some oils out there are said to be just as good as store-bought stuff and are actually quite popular natural heat protectants many people praise and recommend to others. Sounds interesting? Well, here they are – 9 hair oils you can use alone or mix together to create a natural hair product that offers protection against heat and UV rays:
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1. Grapeseed Oil
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Widely known for its high smoking point and fantastic results in hair care, grapeseed oil is a natural heat protectorant better than most store-bought ones! Ladies brave enough to give it a go, all claim applying grapeseed oil before flat-ironing gave their naturally very curly tresses added shine and silky soft feel, pointing out the absence of usual side-effect such as sizzling sounds and burned smell.
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Moreover, grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help in promoting hair health and scalp care. It's lightweight, so it doesn't leave hair feeling greasy and weighed down, a common issue with heavier oils. Using it as a heat protectant is a double win, as it not only shields the hair from heat damage but also imparts a luxuriant glow to the strands post-styling. So, for those looking for an effective and natural heat barrier, grapeseed oil is a splendid choice that nurtures your hair while providing essential protection.
2. Argan Oil
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This fantastic Moroccan treat is, without any doubt, one of the best organic hair care products ever, yet not a lot of people actually knows protection against heat is one of its many benefits. Often referred to as “liquid gold” this amazing natural product is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as vitamin E and is something you definitely ought to add to your hair-care routine even if you aren’t a big fan of heat and even more so if you are!
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Rich in antioxidants, argan oil not only shields your locks from high temperatures but also works wonders in managing frizz and adding a luscious shine. It's a must-have for anyone using styling tools regularly. By penetrating the hair shaft, it nourishes deeply, promoting elasticity and reducing the likelihood of breakage. Whether you're blow-drying or flat-ironing, a small amount of this precious oil can make a significant difference, leaving your mane silky smooth and resilient. Plus, its delightful nutty scent makes it a luxurious addition to your pampering sessions.
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3. Coconut Oil
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As beneficial and much-loved as the first two, my third suggestion, coconut oil, deserves its place on the list of natural heat protectants as well. Famous for its anti-microbial, moisturizing and anti-dandruff properties, this oil is a definite hair-care must and will help repair hair damage and allow you to grow your hair strong, healthy, luscious and long. But wait, that’s not all! Due to its thick consistency and ability to increase your hair’s moisture retaining capacity, this oil also happens to be one of those products you don’t want to be without in summer when blazing sun often makes turns our lush hair dry and brittle!
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Coconut oil is a true jack-of-all-trades in the realm of hair care. Not only does its rich composition offer deep conditioning, but it also forms a protective barrier against heat damage. Packed with lauric acid, which has a high affinity for hair protein, it ensures a smooth, glossy finish, minimizing the risk of breakage during styling. And if you're worried about greasy residue, fear not – applying just a tad on damp hair can work wonders. Remember, a little goes a long way, ensuring your tresses remain nourished and resilient against the elements.
4. Refined Avocado Oil
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But wait, don’t stop reading just yet because there’s another 100% natural sunscreen for hair you might love waaay more than all those synthetic products. It’s name? avocado oil! Famous for being the best herbal sunscreen there is with strong UV absorption properties that extend to both UVA and UVB rays, this totally natural hair product is something you can mix with other oils (such as Argan or Grapeseed oil) to create your very own DIY natural heat protectant or use alone to make sure your hair receives optimal hydration, nurture and protection in summer.
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If you're thinking avocado oil is just for kitchen use, think again! This versatile oil is not only rich in vitamins A, D, and E but also has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense conditioning. It means your locks get a deep treat and protection against the scorching sun and heat styling, all in one go. And for those worried about greasiness, refined avocado oil is lighter and won't weigh down your strands. It's a win-win for achieving that effortless, shiny hair without the worry of damage. Plus, it's a superhero ingredient for all hair types!
5. Shea Butter
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Want to know even more about natural heat protectorants and all the ways there are to ditch silicones, hopefully for good? Well, I’m glad you asked because I found a very interesting piece of info on Shea butter that I want to share and yes, it has everything to do with it being a natural heat protectant you can use for your blowouts. As it turns out, this baby’s thermal conductivity is almost as good as the one of popular silicones used in most heat protectants such as dimethicone and cyclomethicone. Sweet!
6. Sunflower Oil
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Well, surprise, surprise! Sunflower oil might not be the healthiest choice for cooking yet many folks out there claim it is a good one in terms of hair care. This very common ingredient of many organic hair care products has a very high smoking point as well which means you can definitely throw it into equation in case you’re interested in concocting your own DIY heat protectant.
7. Olive Oil
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Another natural product I’ve been talking about quite a lot in terms of hair care, yet had no idea of this alternative way to use it. Now, I don’t know about you but it really never occurred to me olive oil would offer good protection against heat yet, as it turns out, many people out there are using it this way with great results.
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Olive oil, typically praised for its nourishing properties, doubles as a heat protectant due to its capability to coat the hair shaft. It contains vitamins A, E, and antioxidants which help shield the strands from damaging factors. A few drops can be applied to damp hair before styling, creating a protective barrier. Not only does this method harness olive oil's inherent benefits, but it's also a cost-effective and chemical-free alternative to traditional heat protectants. Remember, a little goes a long way to prevent oiliness. Users rave about its effectiveness, confirming that their hair remains shiny and healthy-looking.
8. Cupuacu Butter
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I know a type of butter doesn't exactly sound like an appealing heat protectant, but I think you'll change your mind once you try it. Cupuacu butter soothes, protects and moisturizes both the skin and hair. It has natural UVA and UVB protectants and helps seal in moisture in your hair so you're well protected from heat damage.
9. Macadamia Nut Oil
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Macadamia Nut Oil is nutritious, moisturizing and makes a fab natural heat protectant! This oil not only provides natural UV protection, but it also helps cut drying time so you spend less time drying your hair and using a heat tool. Macadamia Nut Oil has many uses for your hair, skin and nails so it's a great oil to add to your natural beauty routine!
Have you ever used a natural heat protectant before and is there an advice or even a warning you’d like to put out there for everyone who might be interested in giving them a shot? Do share because I’m really interested in giving natural heat protectants (grapeseed oil in particular) a go.
This post was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington
Comments
Dominik: @Heather The burning point for hair is 451 degrees Fahrenheit on average, and it can actually be lower for some people, so I'd say you're cutting it close anyway and I don't think the Coconut Oil was the reason. I suggest you lower the degrees since it's damaging for your hair.
BrendaRWilliams: Hey All, how do you prepare the oil/s to use this way? Example: Do you just use a spray bottle for application? If using flat iron, do you put it on all over at once or as you straighten each section? BTW, thinking of trying coconut oil first. Thanking you in advance!
Kaitlyn: I just used olive oil (because its what I had on hand) and now my hair looks and feels extremely greasy. I don't know what to do!
Trish: Olive Oil have a low burning point, I dunno that I would want to test that in my hair as a heat protectant, though I do use it otherwise.
Cheyenne: I use Argan oil all the time. It's the best stuff out there.
Laura: I know Argan oil is very good for your hair, but I have a straightener with vaporizing vents, allowing you to straighten wet or damp hair as well. So my question is, is it ok to put argan oil in your wet hair, and air dry it a bit, and then straighten it?
unipizzacorn: okay hi can i use liquid coconut oil or should i use that buttery thing? or are they the same? i hab=ve the liquidy one.
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