6 Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2019)

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!
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.

Reviews of the Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair

1. T3 – SinglePass Curl 1.25 Inch Professional Curling Iron

T3 took the science behind designing a curling iron to the next level. The company implemented a smart microchip that manages to maintain consistent heat at all times.
That heat can vary from 260F to 410F, and it only depends on the settings you choose. You can pick between five different temperature adjustments. That means this SinglePass curling iron is suitable for people with sensitive, normal, and thick hair.
Interestingly, you change the temperature by twisting the dial at the bottom and not by pressing buttons. That might take some getting used to, especially if you used a curling iron with buttons before.
The good news is that the appliance is easy to use thanks to its ergonomic design. It is also light and ergonomic, which makes maneuvering effortless and minimizes fatigue in professionals who work for hours. The unit has a ceramic tourmaline barrel to minimize frizz and get you the curls you want.

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2. Bed Head A-Wave-We-Go Adjustable Waver

Bed Head went with a different approach and designed adjustable barrel plates. Thanks to that, you can choose the desired curl level, and pick between tight, loose, defined, and tousled curls.
Apart from the big level of versatility in choosing the curls, you can also pick from multiple temperature settings. The maximum heat goes to 400F and is suitable for those with coarse hair. The tip is rotating, and it remains cool to the touch, which can prevent burns from happening.
The manufacturer went with a ceramic tourmaline barrel to secure additional durability. The buttons are on the side, and there is no danger you will touch them while using the device, which is also equipped with an automatic shutoff feature.
The item is suitable for travel as it is light and features dual voltage support. However, the plates do not lock to each other, which means the appliance will take a bit more room during transport.

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3. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

A ceramic barrel infused with titanium has improved durability, and that is why BaBYlissPRO features that combination. The titanium also helps with heat transfer and ensures temperatures of up to 450F. The device offers 50 heat adjustments, which is impressive. It allows you to pick the curls you want, and adjust everything depending on your type.
The manufacturer offers three different barrel sizes, but you will have to buy them separately. The turbo heat feature is the most attractive in this curling iron. If you feel a hair section is giving you problems and not behaving the way you want, activate turbo heat for an immediate heat boost.
The only downside of the device is that the unit doesn’t have an automatic shutoff feature. However, that doesn’t affect the performance directly, and you only need to pay attention if you turned off the device once you finish using it.

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4. Homitt 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set

What is better than having a single curling iron? The answer is having more of them! That is what Homitt made possible in a single appliance. Their curling iron comes with a set of five different barrels. They vary in size from 0.35 and 1.25 inches. Thanks to that, you can get big curls, waves, corkscrew curls, ringlets, etc.
The barrels are interchangeable, and the process takes a couple of seconds. The device has an ergonomic design, and it is light and easy to use. You can find buttons on the side, including the on/off switch, and heat adjusting switch.
It is a shame that you can only pick between two temperature settings – 375F and 410F. However, even that will be enough once you get skilled with using a curling iron.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that you will get dual voltage support, as well as an appliance that has a UL certification.

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5. Alure Three Barrel Curling Iron Wand

Alure picked ceramic and tourmaline as the materials of choice for the barrels. The curling iron features three barrels, but they are not interchangeable or adjustable. Instead, you use them all at once. That speeds up the process and gives you more versatility when curling your hair.
The product doesn’t consume a lot of power, which makes it an eco-friendly solution. The cord is seven feet long, and you shouldn’t have a problem maneuvering the curling iron. The handle is not slippery, and the seven-feet cord has a 360-degree swivel feature. It is, however, a bit heavy, which you may feel after using it for a long time.
The heat the appliance produces is adjustable, and it goes up to 410F. You can choose the desired settings for fine and sensitive hair. The device can be used worldwide thanks to the dual voltage support.

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6. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand

Conair designed an entry-level unit for those that want to simplify the process of curling their hair. You can choose between three different barrel sizes, but the barrel is not interchangeable, which means you can only use one per appliance. Each barrel comes with a combination of ceramic and tourmaline for added durability and optimal performance. The design is attractive, and the appliance is fairly light.
The device is beginner-friendly and easy to use. The buttons give you total control over the curling iron, including adjusting the desired heat level. Feel free to pick between five different heat settings, with the maximum temperature available set at 400F. The LED lights are there to remind you about the current setting at any time.
Please note that the device can get quite hot, and it is smart to use a heat-protectant glove. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t include it in the package.

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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 400F and 450F, 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. If you are looking for that look that seems a bit undone and messy, you should check out the reviews of curling irons for beach waves. 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 400F and 450F.
• 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.

Best Curling Iron For Thick Hair Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	BARREL TYPE	BARREL SIZE	MAXIMUM HEAT	WARRANTY
T3 - SinglePass Curl 1.25 Inch Professional Curling Iron	$$	Fixed (single)	1.25"	410°F	2 years
Bed Head A-Wave-We-Go Adjustable Waver	$	Adjustable	2"	400°F	3 years
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron	$	Fixed (single)	0.75" - 1.25"	450°F	3 years
Homitt 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set	$	Adjustable	0.35" - 1.25"	410°F	2 years
Alure Three Barrel Curling Iron Wand	$	Fixed (triple)	1"	410°F	Not specified
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand	$	Fixed (single)	0.5" - 1.25"	400°F	1 year

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!