Although some owners don’t think so, having thick hair is a blessing. You can walk around with voluminous hair that looks dazzling. The only thing that could improve your appearance is curling your hair!
However, it is not easy to style hair that is thick since it can put in a lot of resistance. If you want to get the desired curls and enjoy the process, you need to find the best curling iron for thick hair. That is our task in this article!
Curling long hair and curling short hair require different techniques and tools, we selected top-rated units that make curling your hair effortless. You will enjoy experimenting with different curl types, and proudly showing beach waves, tight curls or any other style you think looks good on you. Make sure to read our buying guide as it will help you to pick the right curling iron, but also show you how to use the appliance to utilize its potential.
You may also like: The Ultimate Curling Iron Size Guide
Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair
Bio Ionic GoldPro Curling Iron
Price: $99
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Heat range: 170°F to 450°F
Weight: 7.9oz
Best for: all hair types and lengths
Pros: very elegant design, long-lasting results
Cons: fingers accidentally touch buttons
How it stands out: long-lasting results on unruly strands with very high heat setting and gold-coated material
Bioionic Goldpro curling Iron seems to deliver outstanding results on thick strands and it’s not a coincidence. This tool offers one of the highest temperatures in the market and manages to tame even the unruliest strands. While its maximum temperature is more than satisfying, its minimum temperature is also the smallest number on our list with only 170°F, which makes this tool one of the gentlest options as well. Its ceramic material provides a soft and beginner-friendly session and the gold coating makes sure that you’re protected from heat damage in high temperatures. Bioionic Goldpro Curling Iron will most probably fit your needs no matter how long your strands are. It comes in three different barrel widths. 1” is perfect for the ones who are looking for versatility as it fits almost all hair types and lengths. This is the size to choose especially if your strands are on the shorter side. If they’re longer than armpit length, it could be beneficial to choose the 1.25” and the 1.5” if they’re longer than mid-back.
Its results are smooth and frizz-free as it has ionic technology. It comes with a holding clamp like all spring irons which are great at creating defined curls. The clamp is preferable if you’re aiming for perfect-looking curls which are quite spirally. One of the biggest benefits of this shape is its long-lasting results as the clamp keeps the hair close to the barrel to make sure it absorbs the heat as much as possible. It also creates a finer finish, but if you’re more prone to more natural looking results which look casual, a wand-shaped tool may be a better option for you.
This tool may be a great option for both thick and fine strands, but it certainly is not perfect. Many users report that their hand accidentally touches the buttons, which can get very frustrating. It also has a small cool touch grip which is not very way to handle. Considering these, we have to admit that this is not the most ergonomically designed tool on our list. But it has great material quality and is considerably cheaper than its luxury alternatives.
Read more: Bio Ionic GoldPro Curling Iron Review
Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
Model name/ number: 900-2525-4
Price: $199
Available sizes: 1.25″, 1″, 3 × 0.75″
Barrel shape: three attachments including a wand, a spring iron and a waver
Heat range: 200°F to 450°F
Best for: all hair types and lengths
Pros: very versatile with different attachments, durable material
Cons: not suitable for very short strands
How it stands out: appealing to every styling need with three different attachments
Drybar The Mixologist is as versatile as it gets when it comes to curling irons and a truly unique tool with interchangeable attachments. First of all, it appeals to both thick and fine strands with its very large heat range of 25 different settings, starting from 200°F and reaching up to 450°F. Keeping the same base, it comes with three different heads that you can pick and choose for different styling needs including a spring iron, a wand, and a waver. These tools all have different barrel widths and can achieve curls with different sizes and shapes, including tight spiral curls, loose s-shaped beach waves, and even smaller, zigzag-looking results. That said, this tool may not the best option for strands which are shorter that chin length, especially the waver attachment.
It has a ceramic barrel that brings gentleness to the session, but speed is not its strong suit. It also is quite bulky compared to most tools in the market. But the durability of its material is extraordinary, which is not a surprise as Drybar is famous for its quality. It also shows on its price tag of $200 that this is a luxury tool and is not for every budget. But since you basically are getting three tools in one, we think it’s great value for money.
Read more: Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron Review
Beachwaver PRO Curling Iron
Model name/number: –
Price: $229
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”
Barrel shape: rotating curling iron
Heat range: 310°F to 450°F
Best for: medium to thick strands, all hair lengths
Pros: very strong heat, effortless styling with auto rotation
Cons: expensive, not gentle enough for fine hair, heavy
How it stands out: rotating barrel provides ease of use and very high maximum temperature appeals to unruly strands
Beachwaver Pro one is already an extraordinary curling iron with its rotating barrel, but it also caught our attention with its capacity to tame thick strands with its very high heat. Its maximum temperature is 450°F, which is the highest number in the market. It’s able to tame even the unruliest strands and provide very fast results. While being strong and efficient, its ceramic material makes it gentler for the strands. Its barrel is also coated with gold and tourmaline. Gold successfully provides even heat distribution and tourmaline eliminates frizz from hair. It’s important to mention though, that this tool is not suitable for fine hair, with 310 minimum heat. Even with its ceramic barrel, it’s too hot for being safe from heat damage. As a rotating curling iron, it basically provides an effort-free session. You just need to hold the tool close to your hair and it does the rest for you. It takes a little time to get used to but it’s quite straightforward and beginner friendly.
This is a luxury curling iron with $229 and definitely an investment that not everyone is willing to make. It also is a heavy tool with 11.2oz, a much higher than the average number in the market which is 8oz. Despite its bulkiness, it still is a very ergonomically designed tool and has very durable and sturdy material.
Read more: Beachwaver PRO Curling Iron Review
Ghd Classic Curl Curling Iron
Model name/ number: N/A
Available sizes: 1” and 1.25”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Maximum heat: 365 f
Weight: 7.6 oz
Best for: suitable for medium to thick hair/shoulder length or longer
Pros: long lasting uniform curls
Cons: not hot enough for thick hair, it’s not very fast
How it stands out: creates very bouncy and perfect-looking locks and the results last for days
People have different expectations when it comes to curling irons. If you have high standards about material quality, have strands with medium thickness, and want very bouncy and long-lasting curls, this tool is perfect for you.
It appeals mostly to hair types that aren’t on the extreme because it comes with a pre-set temperature of 365°F, which is perfect for normal hair, is not the best for too fine of thick strands. Other than that, the 1” barrel is the most versatile in the market, fits almost all sizes, and satisfies most needs. Its material of choice ceramic, which is known to provide a gentler session, heating up slower than other materials and making this tool relatively beginner-friendly.
It’s shaped as a traditional spring iron, which comes with a holding clamp, keeping the hair attached while styling and providing more perfect-looking results. It also has a non-slip barrel that gives an even more polished look to the ends of the hair.
The size of its barrel is 4.5” and is the shortest number on our list. While the 1” and 1.25” diameter is the most versatile ones in the market and fits all hair lengths, if your hair is longer than mid-back length, this tool may be insufficient for you.
It’s not a big surprise to find out that this tool has one of the best quality materials that we’ve come across as GHD is known for its luxury tools. You feel the difference the moment you open its box. It’s very sturdy to hold and the material is as durable as it gets. It’s very comfortable to hold as well as being quite compact in case you want to travel with it. On that note, it also is the most expensive tool on our list, with $205 and it certainly is not for home stylists who are on a budget.
Read more: Ghd Classic Curl Curling Iron Review
Babylisspro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Model name/number: BNTW100XLUC (1″), BNTW125XLUC (1 1/4″), BNTW150XLUC (1 1/2″)
Price: $80
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Heat range: 285°F to 430°F
Best for: long and thick hair
Pros: longest barrel in the market for extra-long strands
Cons: very bulky and lowest heat setting not gentle enough for fine hair
How it stands out: can tame long and thick strands very fast and brings long-lasting resutls with great precision
Babyliss didn’t forget the needs of long strands and designed a curling iron that appeals to the longest and the thickest strands, bringing very fast and efficient results to their session. This tool by far has the longest barrel in the market with 8” and it can easily cover all your hair, no matter how long it is. It also is a great tamer with its very high heat setting of 430°F and perfect for thicker strands, but the lowest setting may not be gentle enough for fine hair. Its performance on long strands is not only very fast, but also is gentler as it covers a large area at one go and requires much less passes before you can finish your session. It comes with three different barrel size options that delivers different sized locks, and the largest, 1.5” one does an extraordinary job on mid-back length or longer strands. It also has a titanium barrel which is known for being perfect for unruly strands as its fast heating up capacity. We think its price vs performance is quite high considering its very durable and sturdy material. That said, this tool is very bulky and weighs 10.3oz, which is not the best if you struggle from arm fatigue while styling your strands. But considering its large size, this is understandable.
Read more: Babylisspro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel Curling Iron Review
Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Salon Curling Iron Wand
Model name/number: HTBW44 (1″)
Price: $65
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Heat range: 280°F to 450°F
Best for: all hair lengths, thick strands
Pros: very high heat for thick hair, ergonomic design with long cool tip, 7-year warranty
Cons: technical issues such as the tool turning off by itself
How it stands out: a simple and affordable tool with 450°F maximum heat setting for the smoothest results on unruly hair
Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Salon Curling Iron certainly strands out when it comes t taming unruly strands. There are many tools in the market that we suggest for thick strands. But this one may be the one that gets to the highest temperatures. Its maximum heat setting is 450°F, which is basically the highest number available. Not only that, but it also comes with large barrel options that has the capacity to heat up more than usual, making stubborn hair very happy. We can’t say the same thing about fine strands though, and its minimum setting of 280°F is a bit too high if you have very thin strands and you want to be completely safe from heat damage. Its ceramic material helps a lot with gentleness, but we still recommend this tool only for strands which are not very fragile. We have to say that some users report some technical issues regarding its temperature regulator, which is another reason to avoid it if you have fine hair. Its performance levels are satisfying and material quality is more than expected for its price of $65. This tool is also a great option if your priority is versatility. Even though it’s a spring iron with a clamp that create perfect-looking results, it also can be used as a wand for a more casual look and undone finish. So, you can achieve different styles with this tool. Volume is its strong suit as well, especially if you have long hair and choose the 1.5” option.
Read more: Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Salon Curling Iron Wand Review
InfinitiPRO by Conair Rose Gold Titanium Curling Iron
Model name/number: CD250N
Price: $31
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Heat range: 285°F to 400°F
Best for: normal to thick strands, shoulder length and longer hair
Pros: fast and powerful for thick hair
Cons: bulky, no dual voltage or ionic technology
How it stands out: very affordable curling iron that does an outstanding job on unruly strands
Infinitipro Rose Gold Titanium Curling Iron won our hearts for being the best affordable spring iron for the unruly strands this year, and for a good reason. This tool is very powerful considering how cheap it is, and can tame thick strands in an extraordinary speed. It has a titanium barrel which is known to heat very fast and to recover its temperature as quick as possible. When we look at its maximum temperature of 400°F, we can say that this tool is perfect for unruly strands. It has an impressive number of 30 variable heat settings for any specific need, but we have to say that the minimum temperature of 285°F may not be low enough for the very fragile hair types. It comes with three different barrel widths and depending on your hair length and the style that you want to achieve, they all offer different qualities. As it’s a traditional spring iron, it has a holding clamp and creates defined curls which are spiral-shaped. The whole hair is exposed to equal heat and quite strong, which also helps with thick strands.
It is a budget tool and we have to say that its material is not the most durable. But its price vs performance is very high as it’s very fast and it gets hot. We need to mention that this tool is pretty bulky with 9.4oz and doesn’t have dual voltage, meaning that it’s not the most travel-friendly tool in the market.
Read more: InfinitiPRO by Conair Rose Gold Titanium Curling Iron Review
REMINGTON Pro Multi-Styler with Twist & Curl Technology
Model name/number: s16a11a
Price: $38
Size: 1”
barrel shape: twisted plates
Heat range: 300°F to 450°F
Best for: normal to thick strands, medium to long hair
Pros: straightens and curls strands with one tool, can tame stubborn hair easily, affordable, original design,
Cons: takes time to get used to, doesn’t work on short hair
How it stands out: innovative design that allows you to create multiple styles with a single and affordable tool
Remington is a special tool when it comes to hair styling and offers an extraordinarily shaped barrel which was voted Hair Styling Product Of The Year in 2021. After putting it through tests, we decided to list it as one of our favorites for thick strands this year. It’s an affordable tool that not only has an innovative design but also reaches very high levels of heat. It can tame your strands very fast no matter how unruly they are. With 450°F maximum temperature, it effectively straightens the hair as well. If you twist and glide it through your strands, it creates soft and loose waves. If you hold the twist longer, the curls become more defined and spirally. If you don’t twist at all and just glide it through, it straightens your hair. It seems too good to be true doesn’t it, especially considering how cheap it is. The thing about it is that it’s not very easy to get used to. It definitely has a learning curve and it took us a while to figure out how to properly curl our strands with it. But if you’re up for the challenge, it will get you there sooner or later. We don’t recommend this tool for fine strands as its minimum heat setting of 300°F is not low enough to be heat-safe. But we really dig its material of choice which is a mix of ceramic and titanium. These help it both with speed and gentleness. This is not a tool that you choose for its durable material but rather for its versatility and great value.
Read more: Remington Pro Multi-Styler with Twist & Curl Technology Review
Babylisspro Nano Titanium Curling Wand
Model name/number: bntw100nuc
Price: $75
Size: 1”
Barrel shape: straight barrel wand
Heat range: 285°F to 430°F
Best for: stubborn and thick hair
Pros: elegant design, creates tight yet casual-looking locks
Cons: not gentle enough for fine hair
How it stands out: titanium barrel allows very fast and effective styling
The ones that have thick hair knows very well that it needs high temperatures. What they usually don’t know is that it also loves titanium material. This tool is our favorite wand for thick hair this year and for all the right reasons. Its maximum temperature is 430°F, a more than sufficient number to tame even the most stubborn strands. It’s titanium barrel allows this tool to reach its maximum capacity, in terms of heat. Not only it gets really hot, it also recovers its temperature very fast, for the most efficient results. It’s the material that heats up fastest so if speed is important to you, this is a great option to consider. Wand-shaped tools provide a more natural-looking finish as there’s no clamp to hold your strands. It also means that you’ll have to hold your hair while styling, maybe not ideal for beginners. The straight barrel is quite extraordinary as most wands are tapered, and it provides same-sized curls. Babyliss leaves out auto shut-off technology as it appeals to professionals and they prefer to keep their tool on for long periods, but we think it’s a drawback since this feature makes this tool fireproof. It also doesn’t come ionic technology so if you have frizzy strands, this tool may not be the best option for you. But you can really see its quality when you hold the tool and the material is highly durable. We think it’s great value for money, considering its affordable price.
Read more: Babylisspro Nano Titanium Curling Wand Review
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar
Model name/number: htcurl1181
Price: $99
Available sizes: 1”, 1.25”
Barrel shape: curl bar- wand
Heat range: 310°F to 450°F
Best for: all hair lengths, normal to thick strands
Pros: innovative design for extra comfort, high heat provides fast and smooth results
Cons: takes time to get used to, expensive, minimum heat setting is too hot for fine strands
How it stands out: a wand shaped curling iron with a special angle to provide extra ease of use while taming thick strands very fast and efficiently
Hot Tools offers something extraordinary with this tool and it caught our attention with its ability to tame thick strands. This tool is called “Curlbar” and it has a unique shape. Instead of a straight tool, it has a 90-degree angle and it aims to provide a session which is easier on the arms. After our tests, we can confidently say that it really adds an extra element of comfort to your session since you don’t have to hold your arms high while styling. There reason why we recommend it for thick strands is due to its high maximum temperature of 450°F. This is one of the highest numbers offered in the market and it can tame even the most stubborn strands without a problem. That said, its minimum heat setting of 310°F is way too hot for delicate hair types and we don’t recommend this tool for fine hair. Even though it has a different design, it still has the qualities of a wand-shaped tool and provides s-shaped curls with an undone finish. Its 24K Gold material helps a lot with speed as it’s known to distribute more evenly than other materials. It helps you finish your session in fewer passes than usual, providing a session less prone to heat damage. This tool has an average cost and while it doesn’t offer the material quality of its more luxury alternatives, it comes with a 7-year warranty that compensates for that. It’s a tool that we chose for its high levels of performance with high heat. and its innovative design.
Read more: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar Review
Conair Double Ceramic Tapered Barrel Curling Wand
Model name/number: cd706
Price: $27
Size: 1.25” to 0.75”
Barrel shape: tapered wand
Heat range: 270°F to 400°F
Best for: all hair types and lengths
Pros: versatile, lightweight
Cons: hair gets stuck on the cool tip if not careful
How it stands out: great performance for its price on unruly strands
Conair’s tapered wand is one of our favorites for thick strands this year, especially for the ones that are on a budget. It’s one of the most affordable curling irons in the market yet doesn’t sacrifice from performance. It has a large heat range and its maximum temperature of 400°F is very effective at taming thick hair types. It’s a wand which means that it doesn’t come with a holding clamp and creates natural-looking beach waves rather than uniform curls. Its tapered shape is larger at the base and narrower at the tip. This allows the creation of different-sized curls, larger and more voluminous waves at the base of the hair, and tighter locks by the tips. This shape is considered the best if you want to achieve beach waves that look undone and casual, as well as being bouncy and voluminous. It’s a very versatile tool and fit all hair types and lengths, first of all because of its size of 1.25” to 0.75”. These numbers basically create the largest range of hairstyles and suits all hair lengths, as long as they’re not extremely short. Its minimum heat is a little too high for very thin hair and may not be as low as we would prefer. But it compensates with its double ceramic material that makes the styling experience much gentler with slow heating.
While it doesn’t sacrifice on performance, we can’t say the same thing about its material quality. Like most budget tools, it doesn’t have very durable material and doesn’t feel very luxurious when you hold it. Its design is quite elegant but some users complain about their hair getting stuck by the cool tip.
Read more: Conair Double Ceramic Tapered Curling Wand Review
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Marcel Iron Wand
Model name/number: –
Price: $50
Available sizes: 3/8″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″, 1 1/2″
Barrel shape: marcel iron/wand
Heat range: 280°F to 430°F
Best for: all hair types and lengths
Pros: long-lasting results, extra precision, rotating handle, very fast styling, elegant design,
Cons: no auto shut off, takes time to master,
How it stands out: an affordable marcel iron with high heat settings and gold material which can tame even the unruliest strands
While there are a lot of tools in the market that can tame thick strands, not many offer the marcel shape that Hot Tools provides. This tool is one of our favorites this year for thick strands with its many size options which creates different-sized locks from very tight coils to voluminous waves. This is a marcel shaped tool that doubles as a wand if desired, and the possibilities are endless in terms of style. What matters is that all of these barrel options provide a great session for thick hair with its 430°F maximum temperature. Its gold material distributes evenly and helps you finish the session in fewer passes. This not only makes the tool faster but also gentler. Its results are more long-lasting, which is a precious quality that is hard to find for thick hair. Marcel-shaped tools are usually preferred by professionals as they provide extra precision. But also, they take a bit of time to master, something to consider if you’re a beginner home stylist. This tool also comes with a rotating handle that helps you style your strands with less effort, but takes some getting used to. If you’re up for the challenge, if big fans of marcel-shaped curling irons. This tool especially, because of its affordable price that provides a solid material quality and high levels of performance. It lacks a couple of features such as auto shut off and ironic technology. But it’s elegantly designed and overall has great value for money.
Read more: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24 Gold Marcel Iron Wand Review
Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron
Model name/number: cd87gnr
Price: $21
Available sizes: 0.5”, 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
Barrel shape: traditional spring iron
Best for: medium to thick hair, all hair lengths
Pros: very fast results and many barrel sizes for extra versatility
Cons: material not good quality
How it stands out: perfect for the ones that are on a budget but still would like a fast tool that reaches up to the highest temperatures
Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron has impressive levels of performance for its very affordable price. It’s for good reason that this tool is one of our favorites for thick strands this year. It has this outstanding feature called “turbo heat button”, which you just press for instant heating. It basically heats up your tool as fast as possible. But it also heats it up more than your usual curling iron. It reaches to temperatures up to 450°F, while its advertised as 390°F maximum. It’s perfect if you have unruly and thick strands than need heat to be tamed. But if you have fine hair, we definitely don’t recommend using this feature, and maybe even considering a different curling iron with lower heat settings. It also has a material which is a combination of chromium, nickel, copper, and steel, which is not gentle on the strands. It helps with the fast and strong heating process though. It offers 5 different barrel width options and is very versatile in terms of styles it can create and appealing to different hair lengths. We have to say that we’re not pleased by the lack of material durability of this tool. Its cheap price really reflects on its quality and this is not the option to go for if you want a luxurious product. But it’s comfortable to hold and its very compact and lightweight.
Read more: Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron Review
Curling Iron for Thick Hair Buying Guide
Do you know what thick hair means? It is not about having a lot of hair on your head, but about the thickness of each strand.
Although there is no exact rule, you can determine if your hair is thick by placing a single strand between your forefinger and thumb. If you can feel it between two fingers, you have thick hair.
Now that you passed this test take a look at our guide, and choose the right curling iron for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Curling Iron for Thick Hair
When picking out a curling iron, you have many factors to consider to ensure you’ve selected the ideal unit. Take a look at features you should pay attention to during the selection process.
-
What’s the Curl Type You Want to Have?
It’s nice that you want to curl your hair, but do you know which type of curls you dream of having? For example, you may like it when you go to the seaside and have those loose waves when you come back from the beach. If you are aiming for loose and wavy curls, you should go with a big barrel diameter.
But if you want to have more control and ensure your curls are tight, you can consider using a barrel with a small diameter.
Aside from selecting the right appliance, it is vital to note that your technique of working with the device will also affect the results. The good news is that most curling irons these days support multiple types of curls. Versatility is important for the manufacturers, and users can benefit from that. -
Does Your Hair Length Affect the Curling Iron You Should Choose?
While you can use any curling iron on any hair type, the results will be most effective if you match the appliance to your hair perfectly.
If you are looking for the best curling iron for long hair, you want a big barrel that has at least one inch in diameter. It will accelerate the process, and enable you to curl large segments of your hair with each pass.
However, if you have hair that is shorter than shoulder length, you should consider a barrel that’s a bit smaller. Those who are experienced enough can use a one-inch barrel, but beginners may find it easier to start with a smaller one. It will be easier to catch segments of your hair with the product that way.
Those with hair of average length have the most freedom when it comes to choosing the size of the barrel. You should, however, focus that you feel it’s comfortable to work with the curling iron. -
What Is the Best Barrel Material?
Whether you are choosing a curling iron for short hair, or any other hair type, the barrel will be its key component. It is the area that does the actual curling, which is why you should be careful when choosing it.
Apart from the size, you also want to consider the material. When it comes to materials, the majority of devices will have one of these:- Ceramic – it is an option that manufacturers frequently choose. Ceramic is budget-friendly, and it does a decent job in achieving and maintaining the heat.
- Tourmaline – it is a silicate material that assists in locking in hair moisture. That way, it works on minimizing frizz that appears after using a curling iron. It does so by utilizing the negative ion technology.
- Titanium – it can achieve higher heat than ceramic, and it is also more durable. In most cases, titanium also increases the price of a device and requires more care when using it because of extremely high temperatures.
You will also find combinations of these materials, such as ceramic and tourmaline. That way, you will get an optimal amount of heat while minimizing frizz and promoting static-free shiny and silky hair.
-
Should You Go with a Single Barrel?
Most curling irons these days use a single barrel. The biggest advantage is that it is easy to learn how to use these barrels as they are beginner-friendly. While a single barrel can secure decent versatility, depending on the unit, if you are a fan of curls, you should also consider triple and adjustable barrels.
Some curlers come with a triple barrel, and that gives you a lot more options when it comes to curls that you can achieve. The same goes for adjustable barrels. These units usually have more than one barrel, and you can adjust them based on hair type and preferred hairstyle.
You should also consider curling irons with interchangeable barrels. These can be all-in-one devices as they allow you to switch the barrels depending on the curls you want to achieve. -
How Much Heat Do You Need for Thick Hair?
The characteristics of thick hair are that it is strong, which makes it aggressive and difficult to control. That is why you need as much heat as possible. The recommended temperature settings for curling thick hair are between 400°F and 450°F, and that depends on your particular hair thickness.
Did you know that some curling irons allow you to adjust heat settings? You can find units with several different temperature adjustments and others that let you choose between 20 or 50 heat levels. You can experiment with various levels until you find the ideal one, but the chances are you should stay between the range mentioned above.
What Other Features Are Worth Considering?
Here is an overview of some other curling iron features that are worth considering:
- Handle – the handle should be comfortable and have a non-slip grip. That way, you won’t risk accidental burns.
- Cord – the cord should have at least five feet in length, but the primary consideration is that it reaches the power socket comfortably. You can also benefit from 460-degree swivel cord as it enables easy maneuvering.
- Safety features – these can vary from different certifications to automatic shutoff that will turn off the unit after it’s active for a certain period.
- Dual voltage support – it can be a convenient feature when you are traveling or ordering from abroad since it ensures that the device works anywhere in the world.
How to Curl Thick Hair?
Are you ready to find out how to use a curling iron on thick hair? Take a look at our step by step guide, and make sure to follow the steps for optimal results.
A Step by Step Guide to Curling Thick Hair Properly
-
Step 1: Get Your Hair Ready
The important thing is that your hair is dry and clean. It should be dry because you will minimize the risk of damage when working with a curling iron.
Here is a secret – you don’t have to wash your hair right before curling. However, make sure that it is clean because you want to impress others with your appearance.
Before you start with the curling process, make sure to use a spray that acts as a heat protectant. It will strengthen your hair’s thermal resistance and reduce potential damage risk. -
Step 2: Activate Your Curling Iron
Find the on/off switch and activate the device. If your curling iron has temperature adjustment, make sure to choose the desired level of heat. Allow the appliance about 30-60 seconds to heat up, and you are ready to start working.
-
Step 3: Split Your Hair into Segments
The next step involves splitting your hair into segments. You can use a brush with a plastic tip or a comb with wide teeth. Choose whatever works for you as long as it will leave your hair tangle-free.
If your hair is long, it should have upper and lower segments. The tops of your ears can be helpful during the splitting process. Now, use a tie or a clip to hold the upper layer and get better access to the lower segment. -
Step 4: Start Curling!
It’s time for the crucial part of the action now. You want to begin at the root, and wrap a segment of your hair around the barrel. The segment should fit comfortably.
Next, pull the device in the opposite direction from your head. During the process, use your hands to make the barrel rotate. That will help you to achieve more durable curling irons. It is up to you how long you will hold your hair wrapped around the barrel. However, the advice is not to hold it for more than five or ten seconds, depending on your hair thickness.
Now, repeat the process with all other hair segments. Once you finish with the bottom layer, move to the top sections. You can experiment with the directions depending on the curls you want to achieve. -
Step 5: Use a Hairspray
You want to apply hairspray to help the curls hold for a long time. You should use your fingers to comb your hair while spraying it. Make sure to use a product that has a formula that is gentle for your hair, and is free from any harmful ingredients.
Curling Iron Tips for Thick Hair
You might know how to use a curling iron, but each hair type has some specifics that can maximize the results. Here are some tips provided by experienced users that have thick hair:
- While you are wrapping your hair around the barrel, make sure you don’t twist it. That will help you to achieve the desired curls.
- Once you finish wrapping your hair, use your other hand to hold the curl up in the air for a few seconds. That will help to maintain the shape of the curl, and prevent it from stretching.
- If you want beach waves, try to alternate the directions in which you pull the barrel with each segment. You can also use a comb with wide teeth to ensure the curls are relaxed. The entire idea is for the hair to look a bit undone, and that will increase the believability.
- Do you want spiral curls? You should grab a hair segment, and start twisting it gently until you get the entire segment length. Once you twist the segment, wrap it around a vertical barrel.
Common Mistakes While Curling Thick Hair
The most common mistake people make is not choosing the right type of curler for their hair and the desired hairstyle. The good news is that many curlers these days are versatile enough to secure different types of curls.
Now, let’s take a look at some other mistakes people make when curling their hair:
- Not using enough heat – while you should be careful when working with high temperatures, it is also vital to use enough heat, especially if you have thick hair. You need to find the right temperature for yourself, but for thick hair, the chances are it will be somewhere between 400°F and 450°F.
- Not using the right barrel – a small barrel is a right option for tight curls, and a big one is more suitable for loose curls and beach waves. That should be your primary guideline when working with your hair.
- Using a curling iron on wet hair – the majority of curlers are only suitable for dry hair. If you dry your hair first, you significantly reduce the risk of damaging your hair.
Tips on How to Uphold Long-Lasting Curls for Thick Hair
Curls are a nice thing to have, but their biggest problem is that they often do not last. If you want your curls to withstand the test of time as much as that is possible, here is what you should do:
- Wash your hair a day before – if you want your curls to last, this is a much better variant then washing your hair right before the curling process.
- Avoid going through your hair with your fingers – it is a habit that we all have because we like to feel our curls. Unfortunately, each time you pass your hair with your fingers, you not only make it a bit greasy but also decrease the life span of the curls.
- Use a hairspray – if you have thick hair, the chances are it is aggressive and independent, which means it is not easy to make her listen to you. That is why you should combine a curling iron with hairspray that can help to maintain curls after you finish using the device.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: Which heat protectant spray should I use?
A: Thick hair already has better resistance to heat than sensitive and fine hair. While that is good news, you still need to use a hair protectant spray.
You should consider two things when choosing a spray – ingredients, and brand. The formula shouldn’t contain any compounds that could detriment short or long-term hair health. The best way to ensure that you get what you are ordering is to go with a reputable brand. - Q: Can I make multiple passes at a single hair segment?
A: Yes, but you should avoid them and be cautious. Each time you put a segment of your hair in curling iron, there is a damage risk. The more times you wrap it around the barrel, the risk increases. It is why you should be careful when using your appliance. - Q: How to maintain and clean my curling iron?
A: You don’t have to clean the curler after every use. However, as soon as you notice any buildup on the appliance, you should clean it. The best way to do that is to use warm water to dampen a paper towel or a cloth and wipe the appliance. If necessary, you can use alcohol or a professional cleaning solution for better effects.
Wrap Up
If you choose the best curling iron for thick hair, the opportunities are endless. Your hair may not be as easy to style as some other types, but a suitable curler will make the process enjoyable. It is even more important that you will get the results you want every time.
We hope that this article helped you to learn more about curling irons, and why it is important that they fit your hair type. You have plenty of features to consider, but the good news is that there are many amazing and versatile appliances out there.
Take a look at our reviews, and see which unit fits your expectations the best. And don’t be afraid if you never used a curling iron – it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes until you figure out how everything works. That means those perfect curls are around the corner waiting for you to get them, and dazzle people with your hairstyle!
