When it comes to straightening natural black hair, there’s more to it than just selecting a quality flat iron. You also need to use the best straightening products for black hair — you never want to heat-style “naked” hair!
With the myriad of products to choose from, it can be really confusing to make a selection. The wrong product can weigh down your perfect silk press and ruin the bounce of the style. Don’t worry! I’ve got your back.
I’ve compiled a list of five excellent products for straightening your natural black hair. This includes heat protectant products for your styling day and deep conditioners to repair and moisturize your hair on non-styling days. With this comprehensive list of products, your hair will stay happy through your wash-style cycle!
TOP PICK
The MIZANI Thermasmooth Serum is your must-have product if you regularly straighten your natural black hair. It’s an excellent heat protector that you should use every time you wield your flat iron — your hair will thank you for it!
Table of Contents
Here Are the Best Straightening Products for Black Hair
When it comes to natural black hair, styling is a multi-day process. You don’t flat iron your hair every day, so you also want to consider the products you use both when you are styling and when you are not.
I chose the following five products for straightening natural black hair to help you see the full picture when selecting hair products. When it comes to choosing the best straightening products for natural African-American hair, think holistically.
1. MIZANI Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Serum — Overall Best Straightening Product for Black Hair
Of course, this list needs to start with a quality heat protector. You probably already know, but for anyone new to straightening their hair: it is absolutely vital to use a heat protector when styling your hair with heat. Using flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers on product-free, “naked” hair is a surefire way to damage it. My personal fave in terms of heat protectors is MIZANI Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum.
Key Features
- Lightweight formula
- Made for curly hair
- Uses coconut oil
Apply MIZANI Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum directly to the hair before styling to protect the hair from damage and help the straightening effect hold all day, even in humidity!
Pros
- Protects hair from heat damage
- Fights frizz without weighing hair down
- Stands up to humidity
Cons
- Might not be suitable for wavy hair types
It’s not hard to see why MIZANI Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum is a top-rated heat protectant product. It protects your hair while styling and keeps your style looking great.
2. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave in Conditioner
In addition to a proper heat protectant product, you will also want to invest in a quality leave-in conditioner to keep your hair straight and tangle-free the day after you style it. Remember, damage doesn’t only occur when styling with heat; it also occurs when brushing through tangles. To prevent this, try Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repair Leave In Cream.
Key Features
- Formula contains no sulfates
- Monoi oil formula for naturally curly hair
- Leave-in repairing conditioner
One reviewer states, “This one is very creamy and spreads easily throughout my hair strands. I don’t have to use very much at all to get this to apply throughout my hair. A little dime-sized dot is enough for me, and I even have thick long hair.”
Pros
- Monoi oil repairs damaged hair while preventing damage while brushing
- Silicone-free formula is Curly Girl Method-approved
- Carol’s Daughter is a black-founded company that specifically addresses black hair needs
Cons
- Some are sensitive to the scent
Carol’s Daughter has been addressing the specific hair needs of black women since 1993, and Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repair Leave In Cream is no exception. Try it today!
3. Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner
If you are guilty of over-styling your hair, or your hair is naturally prone to damage, you will need a hair mask to repair your hair. My personal favorite deep conditioning hair mask for when I’ve gone a little crazy with my straightener is Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner.
Key Features
- Versatile formula is perfect as a leave-in or a hair mask
- Offers heat protection as a leave-in product
- Formulated with argan and macadamia oil
This little product can do a lot. Use it as a hair mask to repair your hair or as a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair all day. Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner promotes hair growth and is sulfate-free.
Pros
- Extremely versatile product can be used for a variety of purposes
- Gives hair added body
- Effective for all hair types, even processed or permed hair
Cons
- Does not contain keratin
If you’re a minimalist looking for an all-in-one hair mask, leave-in conditioner, and heat protector, reach for Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner.
4. BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Thermal Straightening Balm
If you’re a fan of the classic blowout, BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Thermal Straightening Balm is the product for you. It is specifically designed for straightening the hair with a blow-dryer, so if you’re not the biggest fan of flat ironing, give it a try!
Key Features
- Humidity-blocking, heat-activated formula
- Locks in moisture to fight frizz
- Seals hair at the cuticle
The exclusive heat-activated, humidity-blocking formula tames frizz and keeps hair looking smooth and shiny all day.
Pros
- Unique humidity fighting formula stands up to all kinds of weather
- Makes hair extra shiny
- Lightweight and doesn’t build up on hair
Cons
- May not be heavy enough to accommodate extra-thick hair
If you prefer to straighten your hair with a blow-dryer instead of a flat iron, BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Thermal Straightening Balm will protect your hair and keep it straight all day long, even in humidity!
5. Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler
Finally, the last product on this list of best products for straightening natural black hair is Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler. Why? Because tangles are one of the biggest causes of snags and breakage during the styling process. You need to protect your hair in every step of the styling process, and this unique and highly versatile formula will keep your hair soft and tangle-free every step of the way.
Key Features
- Unique broccoli seed- and coconut nectar-infused formula
- Multiple styling applications
- Delicious cake batter scent
In addition to its applications as a straightening product, you can also use Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler to create a variety of natural styles like twists. If you’re a socially conscious style queen, Soultanicals is a fantastic black-owned business to support.
Pros
- Its versatility makes it a great all-in-one product
- Can be used to protect hair from heat or define natural curls
- Manufacturer is a black-owned business
Cons
- May weigh fine hair down
When it comes to keeping your hair nourished and tangle-free for easier styling, Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler will keep your hair looking happy. Its formula is unlike any other, and I just can’t get enough of its delicious scent! If you’re looking for a great all-around hair care product for straightening your natural black hair, Soultanicals cannot be beaten!
How to Choose the Best Straightening Products for Natural African-American Hair
There are so many straightening products for black hair on the market. It can be so confusing to pick one or even know where to start! Here’s a simple breakdown of the things to consider when selecting products for your lovely locks.
Hair Texture
Girl, you gotta know your curl pattern! Just like you, your curl pattern is unique. Knowing your particular hair texture and curl pattern helps you work with your hair’s natural texture, not against it. There is a difference in styling 3A and 4C hair, so find what works for you!
Styling Process
Make sure you are using a styling product that is appropriate for your styling method. If you are styling with heat of any kind, like a silk press, for example, you absolutely need to use a product with heat-protective properties.
It’s also important to think about the products you are using on your non-styling days. A leave-in conditioner or hair mask replenishes the hair on the days you’re giving it a break.
If you’re using heat-free hair stretching techniques, then you may use products that help soften the hair and make it more manageable while keeping it frizz-free.
Wash-Style Cycle
When it comes to hair products, you want to think holistically from wash day to wash day. How many days do you expect to go between washes? How many days do you need your style to hold? Incorporate products from start to finish throughout this process, and think about the big picture when choosing products to straighten your hair.
Allergies
Sometimes non-toxic ingredients in products can trigger allergic reactions. Allergy symptoms can range from mild reactions like scalp itch to severe reactions like blisters. If you have any scent sensitivities, choose a mild or unscented product. Remember, only a qualified medical professional can run an allergy panel to diagnose allergies officially. Consult a dermatologist if you suspect you have allergies to any of your beauty products.
Travel-Friendliness
I don’t know about you, but I’m itching to travel this year, and I wanna look good doing it! If you’re a globe-trotting gal trying to take your style on the go, full-size product bottles can quickly gobble up suitcase space. Don’t forget to grab a travel-size bottle of your essential styling products!
FAQs
What do straightening products do for my natural hair?
“Straightening products” is a catch-all term that can range from products that protect your hair while straightening, smooth your hair after straightening, or repair your hair in between styling. The most important hair straightening product of all is a quality heat protectant. You never want to expose your precious hair to heat without a heat protectant. That said, there are some non-heat protectant items on this list to remind you to keep your hair healthy, even on days you are not styling it.
How do I use straightening products on my natural hair?
Most heat protectants work by applying a small amount to the hair before straightening. Because straightening products are not one thing but a range of items, it is important to check the directions on your chosen product. On any product you choose for whatever purpose, always read the directions before use.
What’s the best styling tool to use with these straightening products?
That all depends on you! Is your hair relaxed or natural? Do you want to travel a lot with your hair straightener? Do you only want to straighten your hair, or would you prefer a styling tool with 2-in-1 capabilities? We’ve got plenty of guides to help you select the best styling tool for you!
Take Your Natural Black Hair to the Next Level
So, we’ve gone through several of the best products for straightening natural black hair. If you’re wondering where to start, I would recommend picking up a bottle of MIZANI Thermasmooth Serum for protection while styling and Soultanicals Knot Sauce Coil Detangler for aftercare.
Of course, everyone’s hair is different, so don’t be afraid to try new things! Keep in mind your unique hair texture, curl pattern, and styling habits. Find what works best for your style process so that you can look great every day.
