Ever felt this burning sensation to straighten your kinky natural hair? And just as you're on the verge of bursting out your hot tools, you stop in your tracks—every single warning of your favorite natural hair connoisseur flashes before your eyes.
The dominant warning, "avoid heat styling", rings in your ear.
Sounds familiar?
Not to worry, the best hair straightening products for black hair eliminate any chance of heat damage. The market is flooded with awesome hair protectants, making you more confused about what to buy and where to buy them. But here's the catch - we rounded up the 5 top choices for hair straighteners and you’ll find the best of them in this review.
(Spoiler alert: The Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray is our top pick!)
Page Contents
- 5 Best Products to Straighten Natural Black Hair Reviewed
- 1. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray - Best Overall
- 2. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum - Best Moisturizer
- 3. L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heat Spray - Best Thermal Protection
- 4. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense - Best For Healthy Hair
- 5. Brazilian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm - Best For Damaged Hair
- Ingredients To Look Out For In The Best Hair Straightening Products For Black Hair
- How To Prep Your Hair For Heat
- How To Maintain A Straightened Natural Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
5 Best Products to Straighten Natural Black Hair Reviewed
1. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray - Best Overall
I can think of a million reasons why Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray is our top pick. But I’ll limit it to the vital information— I don't intend to bore you out.
This product does more than protect your hair from heat. It offers up to 428°F thermal protection to avert any chances of damages or breakage.
It also serves as a detangler and conditioner for an absolute frizz-free, smooth, and soft hair.
Besides that, it has iron-clad protection from humidity. So, if you reside in the warm part of the country, this is your lucky charm.
You can also make washday less laborious with Kenra platinum. Apply it before a blow dry and experience a sporadic change in your hair drying time. This means you get to spend less time drying your hair
However, you may end up with messily greasy hair if you use more than required. But once you get a balance, it's a fun ride.
Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray caters to medium and coarse hair types. Trust me, any hair product capable of taming my kinky and coarse hair deserves to be on the world record of best products for straightening natural black hair.
Ultimately, Kenra professionals didn't miss the essential feature: lightweight. The lightweight of this product prevents product build-up. I can't resist zero residues, thermal protection, and smooth tamed hair.
Pros
- Anti-frizz product for coarse hair
- Lightweight preventing product build up
- Appealing scent
- Doesn't contain any harmful chemical
Cons
- Pricey
- Thermal protection could be better
Takeaway
It creates a smooth hairstyle alternative for people with kinky hair. I don't mind the slightly low thermal protection level because it's safe for my daily flat ironing, but it could be a dealbreaker for avid hot tools users.
2. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum - Best Moisturizer
If you often have conversations about best hair straightening products for African Americans often, then you may have experienced the rave about John Frieda. Is it worth the fuss?
John Frieda is reputable for its magical hair products. That's a big plus for this frizz ease serum, but it has remarkable features like hydration of parched hair. This keeps moisture in your hair.
While it may not be the ultimate solution to extremely coarse hair (trust me, I know), it eliminates the puff-ball appearance. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum leaves up to its reputation mainly by protecting your hair from heat.
Considering how humid Florida could be, I'd say it passed the humidity repellant test way above average. This means it also maintains your straightened hair during humid weather conditions.
Additionally…
This styling product contains ingredients capable of shunning any form of frizziness or flyaway in your hair.
Unfortunately, it's not strong enough on African American hair.
Pros
- Hydrates your hair
- Repairs weathering damages on the hair
- Contains bamboo extracts for healthy hair
Cons
- Contains silicone making it unsuitable for daily use
- Weighs down your hair and eventually causes a build-up
Takeaway
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum combines multiple beneficial features. Not only does it repel damages, but it also supplies what your hair thrives on: moisture. If you have damaged hair and can't wean yourself off hot styling, this is the product for you.
3. L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heat Spray - Best Thermal Protection
I didn't bat an eyelid while putting it on my list of best products for flat ironing natural hair.
Firstly, the thermal protection is unwavering. I wouldn't particularly call it the best out there, but 450°F is high, sealing the hair cuticles against heat penetration.
L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heat Spray tames unruly hair types and delivers a silky hair feel.
Not only does it aid an ultimate flat ironing experience, but it also keeps the style up to 3 days. On the downside, this product lacks a solid humidity repellant. Or if it doesn’t, it didn't work for me.
L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heat Spray hit a typical hair need spot-on with this product. It sealed the deal with a lightweight consistency capable of keeping the shine.
Note that this product has a reputation for turning tiled floors into a death trap. It could make your floor slippery. Spray it while standing on a rugged floor or outside your house to prevent accidents.
Pros
- Potent thermal protection
- Lightweight consistency
- High control over frizzy hair
Cons
- Weak humidity shield
- Causes dryness
Takeaway
I'd recommend it to anyone who needs one of the best straightening products for African American hair. Its unique formula tames natural hair and is a reliable flat iron companion. However, you may reconsider buying L’Oreal if you reside in a city notorious for humidity.
4. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense - Best For Healthy Hair
Moroccanoil's Perfect Defense promotes healthy hair with argan oil and panthenol. It effortlessly clads your hair against any heat damage when you use hot tools.
The iconic scent reminds me of flowers in a way; I find it pleasant. But scurring the internet, I realized most people find it somewhat offensive. The Moroccanoil fragrance is quite controversial.
Besides that, the super-rich antioxidants hydrate and nourish your hair. The ingredients are lightweight and blend fluidly with any hair regimen.
You have nothing to worry about if you need to layer it with other styling products.
One of the reasons it's featuring in my best straightening products for black hair review is its versatility. This enables it to check all the daily needs of any natural hair. Despite its heavy guarding features and nourishments, it manages to leave hair silky and light.
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense lives up to its name — effortlessly.
Pros
- Forms a firm barrier over hair cuticle against heat damage
- Moisturizes hair without weighing it down
- It leaves your hair workable and soft
Cons
- It may be sticky on dry hair
- Some people react to the smell adversely
Takeaway
This hair product is an ideal choice for all hair types including textured hair. But it’s specifically for anyone who needs a lightweight, healthy hair straightening product with optimum heat protection. If you'd also love to maintain your previous hair regimen without disruption, this is the product for you.
5. Brazilian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm - Best For Damaged Hair
The first feature worth mentioning is the pump feature that enables seamless usage of the product. I realized how valuable this feature is when I struggled with a stuck spray bottle, I had to abandon the product.
Another feature I appreciate is that it repairs damaged hair with its protective protein formula leaving your hair healthy and restored.
It's known for the ability to subdue frizz and take on heat without risking your hair. With this feature, you won't need to deal with unruly hair for a while.
Heat isn't the only stressor this product combats. Humidity is another detrimental hair factor that Brazilian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm repels. My hair once went from cute and flat ironed to crimped during an outing-- it was awful. Having such a feature in my hair would have saved me the hair resuscitation process I launched afterward.
This heat protectant incorporates quality ingredients like argan oil to provide the best hair nutrients.
Pros
- Made with ingredients that enhance hair hydration
- Easy to use with a pump dispenser
- Can straighten out kinky African American hair
Cons
- It may cause product build-up in your hair
Takeaway
Brazilian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm has a formidable shield for coarse, curly, and wavy hair types. It's the best choice for people who use hot tools often and aren't fans of spray products.
Fun Fact: Hair clipping and trimming are not limited to men only. Women also benefit from using clippers and trimmers when hair styling is concerned. As such, hair styling products stand out like the best professional clippers for fades that bring out the creative side of you!
Ingredients To Look Out For In The Best Hair Straightening Products For Black Hair
Using the wrong products can strip your natural African American hair of protective nutrients and moisture. I recommend checking all your hair products ingredients to ensure it's safe before using a hair straightener brush.
So, keep your eyes peeled for these ingredients in the best hair straightening products for black hair:
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant responsible for healthy hair growth and protecting hair follicles from breaking down. Hence, the best products for flat ironing natural hair often contain Vitamin E.
Argan Oil
This oil has fatty acids that aid hair moisturization for a healthy scalp and repels hair loss.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in nutrients that it infuses into the hair. It contains iron, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K for nutrient-filled hair.
Keratin Protein
Since your hair consists of protein, keratin enforces it against breakdown or hair loss.
Ceramide
Ceramide restores your hair balance and limits any damage caused by heat or other detrimental factors.
How To Prep Your Hair For Heat
Every hair decision attracts a result, positive or negative. Sometimes it's not about what you do - it's about how you do it. So, when your usual natural kinky look becomes monotonous to you, grab your flat iron, and work some magic.
But before you apply any form of heat to your hair, consider these preparatory tips:
Shampoo And Condition Your Hair
The best products to straighten natural African American hair include shampoo and deep conditioner. Invest in shampoos and deep conditioners that help straighten hair.
Pat Your Hair Dry
This tip might seem inconsequential, but you'd notice a notable difference. Pat your hair dries in sections instead of towel drying it roughly.
Use Thermal Shield
Apply a thermal shield to your damp hair for easy circulation before exposing it to heat. And ensure you use one of the best straightening products for black hair.
Blow Your Hair Dry
Trust me: you don't want to flat iron your wet hair. It causes clogged hair and exposes your hair to damage. Blow drying your hair makes the straightening process a cinch.
How To Maintain A Straightened Natural Hair
Maintaining your straightened hair is a surefire way to avoid the excessive use of hot tools. I have some hair care tips below:
Timing Is Everything
Note that your timing can frustrate your efforts to keep naturally frizzy hair straight. For instance, flat ironing at the peak of summer isn't sustainable. You can have it all morphed into a messy frizz within hours.
Wrap Your Hair At Night
Wrapping up your tresses at night is another way to maintain your straight mane. Try Bantu knots or pin curls if you aren't adept at putting your hair in wraps.
These maintenance methods will keep additional heat at bay. These hair care styles will also add stylish waves or curls to your hair.
Apply Lightweight Products
You need your straightened hair to be as light as possible. Hence, avoid applying heavy oil or serum. Use products specifically made for straight hair.
Protect Your Hair During Workouts
Always wrap up your hair during workouts. Although keeping straight hair during regular cardio activities is arduous, I pull it off. The secret is wrapping it up in a cotton scarf to absorb some perspiration.
Protect Your Hair While Showering
Keep your hair tucked in a silk or satin scarf and a shower cap before going into the shower. Besides keeping water out, stay away from water-based products until you take down your straightened tresses.
Fun Fact: You might be tempted to get creative with your natural black straight hair. "How much does a perm cost for men?" you might ask. The answer is just as near as your closest hair salon or barbershop. Pay a visit and see what it offers you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Straighten My Hair Without Using Heat?
Straightening your hair without heat is a healthy alternative to consider. You can blow dry your hair with cold hair, use hair straightening products, or wrap your hair. With these methods, you don't need flat irons. But apply essential oils for better results.
How Long Does Straightening Hair Last?
Your straightened tresses timeline depends on the kind of treatment you engage in while straightening your hair. A permanent hair straightening will last for about 4 - 6 months. You can either renew it at the salon or let your natural hair texture grow back.
Conclusion
Straightening your hair with heat isn't healthy-- that's why you need a thermal shield. However, deciding what product is best to straighten natural black hair with good thermal control is a huge challenge to undertake. It's like trying to find a suitable stove to boil the Pacific Ocean!
I’ve successfully selected the best products to the best of my knowledge (and experience) and came up with the overall best: Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.
It protects the hair from damage, frizziness, and dryness. Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray is also famous for its humidity repelling quality. It's the dream straightening product of every natural hair owner because it has all the qualities women with beautiful black hair want in a hair straightener.
What more could you ask for?
