My first advice for heat styling is that, when buying a hot iron always buy the one with adjustable heat setting because African Hair requires low heat due to its fragile condition & yes it is very very important to use heatproof products for protection as this will prevent thermal damage & here is a list of thermal protectors ranging from professional to one that u can get from cosmetics shops
Joico K pak smoothing balm
Pantene pro-v fine
optimum care heat balm
Tresemme heat tamer
CHI-44 iron guard thermal protection
Hope this will be help people out there, keep well & thank you.