Looking for a curling iron that can power through thick, coarse strands — and still leave you with glossy, long-lasting curls? We put 50 + curling irons through real thick-hair trials to see which ones actually tame bulk, fight frizz, and keep a curl past lunch.
Whether you crave soft beach waves, spring-tight ringlets for short hair, or big “blowout” curls for long hair, you’ll find a tool here that fits your thickness and styling goals.
At BeautiLAB, every review is independent and hands-on. No sponsors. No freebies.
🧪 Curious how we test? See our Full Testing Lab Methodology →
❓ Need barrel help? Check our Curling Iron Size Guide before you choose.
🛍️ Compact Buyer’s Guide: Curling Irons for Thick Hair
When shopping for an iron that can conquer dense, coarse strands, focus on these essentials:
- 🔥 High-&-Stable Heat:
Aim for 390–450 °F and tech that holds temp (Pulse, turbo-boost, micro-chip) so curls set in one pass. - ⚙️ Barrel Material:
Titanium or ceramic-titanium conducts heat fastest and won’t lag on bulky sections. - 📏 Barrel Size & Length:
• 1″–1¼″ = versatile waves / curls
• ≥ 6″ “XL” barrels = wrap long, thick hair without re-clamping
• ½″ = tight ringlets - ✨ Ionic / Nano Tech:
Built-in ion generator or mineral infusion fights frizz and leaves thick hair glossy, not puffy.
📸 In-Depth Product Snapshots
1. Best Overall Curling Iron for Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
🔍 Why We Picked It: At ≈ $60, this titanium-ceramic spring iron offers pro-level performance for coarse strands: 50 heat settings (250–450 °F), a smooth-glide barrel, and a Turbo Heat boost that prevents temperature drop mid-section. The 1″ size we tested produced glossy, long-lasting curls, and three other barrel widths (¾″, 1¼″, 1½″) cover every curl type.
Read more: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
No digital display—the small dial is hard to read and grip. The cool-tip is short and still hits ~150 °F, so handle with care. Heavier than average (10.6 oz) and lacks auto-shut-off or dual voltage.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 250–450 °F (held a steady 400 °F in tests)
- Best for: Medium-to-long, highly resistant hair
- Barrel material & sizes: Titanium + ceramic, spring clamp; ¾″–1½″ options
- Unique feature: Turbo Heat button for rapid heat recovery
🆚 Compared To:
- Hot Tools Black Gold Salon Iron—hits 455 °F and shows the exact temp for faster sets.
- BaBylissPRO Extended Barrel—same tech but 3″ longer for waist-length hair.
2. Best Low-Damage Iron for Voluminous Waves: T3 SinglePass Curl X
🔍 Why We Picked It: T3’s SinglePass® micro-chip keeps an extra-long 6.5″ ceramic barrel pinned to the temperature you set—up to a hair-friendlier 410 °F instead of the usual 450 °F. That means dense, long strands curl in one glide without repeated passes or hot spots. The nine-step Twist Dial (260–410 °F) and dual voltage make it both precise and travel-ready.
Read more: T3 SinglePass Curl X Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Hefty at 11 oz, and the short clamp tip reaches ~170 °F—use the cool-touch finger grip instead. Ultra-coarse textures may still crave a hotter iron.
📌 Specs
- Heat steps: 260 / 280 / 300 / 325 / 350 / 370 / 390 / 400 / 410 °F
- Best for: Long, thick or color-treated hair seeking gentler styling
- Barrel: 1″ spring clamp (also 1¼″ & 1½″), 6.5″ usable length, ultra-smooth ceramic
- Features: SinglePass® micro-chip, Twist Dial control, 60 min auto-off, dual voltage, integrated stand
- Cord & weight: 8 ft swivel; 11.1 oz
🆚 Compared To:
- Hot Tools Black Gold Salon Iron—higher 455 °F max if your strands resist the T3’s gentler 410 °F.
- Bio Ionic GoldPro Wand—clip-free waves with ionic shine at a similar low-damage 430 °F.
3. Rotating Titanium Iron: L’ange Le Pirouette
🔍 Why We Picked It: A super-smooth titanium barrel auto-rotates in either direction, powering through thick sections at 300-450 °F (five digital presets). The generous 5.5″ usable length wraps long hair easily, while a handy “Home” button snaps the clamp back to start position for faster sectioning. Soft-touch housing, dual voltage, and a 60-minute auto-off round out the user-friendly design.
Read more: L’ange Le Pirouette Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Short clamp can be tricky to open/close—especially when it reaches ~180 °F at the tip. Heavier than average (9.5 oz) and only a one-year warranty.
📌 Specs
- Heat presets: 300 / 340 / 370 / 410 / 450 °F
- Best for: Medium-to-long, dense or frizz-prone hair needing wrist-saving rotation
- Barrel: 1″ rotating titanium, 5.5″ usable length
- Features: “Home” reset button, dual voltage, 60 min auto-off, integrated stand, soft-touch handle
- Cord & weight: 8.2 ft swivel; 9.5 oz
🆚 Compared To:
- CHI Spin N Curl—fully automatic chamber for a hands-free curl instead of button-controlled rotation.
- BaBylissPRO Spring Iron—manual clamp & turbo heat if you want more traditional control.
4. Best Interchangeable Barrel Set: Drybar The Mixologist (3-in-1 Styling Iron)
🔍 Why We Picked It: One base, three looks: swap in the 1¼″ spring clamp, 1″ clipless wand, or ¾″ triple-barrel waver for loose curls, tight spirals, or beachy bends—all off the same ceramic handle. Twenty-five digital settings (200–450 °F in 10° steps) reach the high heat thick hair needs, while a no-slip barrel grip keeps heavy sections from sliding off. Detachable barrels also tuck into the heat-proof travel case, making this the most space-savvy kit in the roundup.
Read more: Drybar The Mixologist Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Single voltage limits overseas use, and the stacked parts add weight (8.6 oz) plus bulk in hand. Integrated stand gets hot; mind your counter surface.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 200–450 °F (25 digital increments)
- Best for: Long, thick hair owners who want multiple curl styles without multiple tools
- Barrels included: 1¼″ clamp, 1″ wand, ¾″ waver—ceramic, no-slip finish
- Features: Ionic tech, 60-min auto-off, LED display, 9 ft swivel cord, heat-proof travel case
- Weight & size: 8.6 oz tool, 5.25″ usable barrel length, handle width 1.26″
Use it to create everything from polished “blowout” curls to airy S-waves—without hauling three separate irons.
🆚 Compared To:
- Remington Twist & Curl—budget 2-in-1 that swaps clamp/wand on the fly (but no waver barrel).
- T3 SinglePass Curl X—extra-long ceramic barrel for waves without changing attachments.
5. Beginner-Friendly Curling Iron (Fixed Temp): GHD Classic Curl
🔍 Why We Picked It: Set-and-forget styling: GHD’s Ultra-zone™ tech locks the ceramic barrel at a hair-safe 365 °F, so thick strands bend without scorching. A no-slip clamp, light 7.6 oz body, and 9 ft swivel cord make it ideal for novices who don’t want to fiddle with temperature dials. Dual voltage means it travels well.
Read more: GHD Classic Curl Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Only one heat setting, so extremely coarse hair may need smaller sections or longer holds. No ionic tech, and the 30-minute auto-off can interrupt slow sessions.
📌 Specs
- Heat: Fixed 365 °F (sensors adjust 250×/sec)
- Best for: Shoulder-length thick hair, beginners
- Barrel: 1″ ceramic spring clamp (also in 1¼″)
- Features: 30-min auto shut-off, cool-touch finger grip, 9 ft swivel cord, dual voltage
- Weight: 7.6 oz
🆚 Compared To:
- T3 SinglePass Curl X—nine heat steps and longer barrel when you outgrow the fixed 365 °F.
- Hot Tools 24 K Gold —450 °F dial and tighter clamp if you need higher heat and tension.
6. Best Quick-Set High-Heat Iron: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Digital Salon Curling Iron
🔍 Why We Picked It: The Black Gold ceramic-titanium barrel rockets to 455 °F and—thanks to Hot Tools’ Pulse Technology—stays there even when you clamp dense sections. Ten digital settings in 30-°F increments let you back the heat down for finer layers, while the “no-slip” barrel finish keeps bulky strands from sliding. Result: full curls in fewer passes and less total styling time.
Read more: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Digital Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Hefty (≈ 10 oz) and the smooth housing lacks a cushioned grip, so it can feel slick in sweaty hands. Dial pad is small, and the 2-hour auto-off means the tool stays hot on the counter longer than safety hawks prefer.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 180 – 455 °F (10 digital steps)
- Best for: Thick, coarse hair needing speed and staying power
- Barrel: ¾″, 1″, 1¼″, 1½″ spring clamps; 5.25″ usable length, ceramic-titanium blend
- Features: Pulse Tech heat recovery, digital LCD, dual voltage, 9 ft swivel cord, integrated stand
- Weight & size: ≈ 10 oz; 14 ″ overall length
🆚 Compared To:
- BaBylissPRO Spring Iron—lighter build and dial heat if you prefer analog controls.
- Hot Tools 24 K Gold Iron—same brand, cheaper price, but no LCD or Pulse Tech.
7. Best for Long, Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Extended Barrel Curling Iron
🔍 Why We Picked It: The star feature is its 8-inch titanium-ceramic barrel—about 3 inches longer than a standard iron—so you can wrap waist-length, dense sections in a single pass. Five digital settings (285–430 °F) give you headroom for coarse strands without defaulting to 450 °F, while ionic technology helps keep big curls smooth and frizz-free.
Read more: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Extended Barrel Full Review
⚠️ Drawbacks:
At 10.3 oz it’s noticeably heavier, and the integrated kickstand gets hot enough to scorch fingers or countertops—be mindful where you set it down. No auto-shut-off.
📌 Specs
- Heat presets: 285 / 320 / 355 / 395 / 430 °F
- Best for: Mid-back to waist-length thick hair needing fewer re-clamps
- Barrel: 1″ spring clamp (also 1¼″ & 1½″), titanium + ceramic, ultra-smooth finish
- Features: Ionic tech, dual voltage, cool-touch finger grip, 8 ft swivel cord
- Weight: 10.3 oz, handle width 1.22″
🆚 Compared To:
- Bio Ionic GoldPro Wand—clip-free 6″ barrel for looser beach waves on long hair.
- Hot Tools Black Gold Salon Iron—shorter barrel but hotter (455 °F) for ultra-coarse ends.
8. Best for Shoulder-Length Thick Hair: Drybar The Wrap Party (Reverse-Tapered Wand)
🔍 Why We Picked It: The non-slip ceramic barrel narrows from 1¼″ to 1″, so you can grip roots for lift yet fan out ends for bouncy waves—all at up to 450 °F. Twenty-five digital steps (200-450 °F) give fine-tuning for different densities, and ionic tech helps tame frizz on bulky strands. A 9 ft swivel cord and 60-min auto-off make it salon-friendly but safe for home use.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Single-voltage only and the price is steep (~$170). No heat glove included, the cool-tip still reaches ~150 °F, and the display blinks blue after shut-off until it cools—a bit distracting.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 200–450 °F (25 increments)
- Best for: Shoulder-length, thick or layered hair wanting root lift + loose waves
- Barrel: Reverse-taper wand, 5.25″ usable length, ceramic no-slip finish
- Features: Ionic tech, digital display, 60-min auto-off, 9 ft swivel cord, cool-touch grip
- Weight: 9 oz; handle width 1.23″
🆚 Compared To:
- Bio Ionic GoldPro Wand—straight barrel and ionic boost for smoother, glossy waves.
- L’ange Le Pirouette—adds auto-rotation if your wrist gets tired twist-wrapping.
9. Best Titanium Marcel for Stylists: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Marcel Iron/Wand
🔍 Why We Picked It: The pro-style Marcel lever offers unmatched tension control, and Hot Tools’ Black Gold ceramic-titanium barrel stays slick and steady up to ≈ 435 °F—ideal for setting stubborn, coarse strands in a single glide. Three barrel sizes (¾″, 1″, 1¼″) cover detail work to voluminous curls, while a lifetime warranty makes this a kit staple for working stylists.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Analog dial gives no exact read-out, and at 14 oz it’s the heaviest iron in our roundup. Two-hour auto-off means it sits hot for longer between clients, so set it on a heat mat.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 280 – 450 °F (dial)
- Best for: Professional stylists; thick, coarse textures needing firm clamp control
- Barrel: Marcel clamp, ceramic-titanium “no-slip” finish; lengths ~6″ (5″ usable)
- Features: Dual voltage, cool-touch finger grip, integrated stand, 9 ft swivel cord, lifetime warranty
- Weight & size: 14 oz; handle width 0.85″
🆚 Compared To:
- BaBylissPRO Spring Iron—easier spring clamp for DIY users who find the Marcel lever tricky.
- BaBylissPRO Extended Barrel—same diameter but longer barrel when working on very long hair.
10. Best for Beach Waves: Bio Ionic GoldPro Curling Wand
🔍 Why We Picked It: A lightweight 6.8 oz wand with a 6-inch, 24 K gold-ceramic barrel that heats evenly and glides without snagging—perfect for loose, S-shaped waves on dense hair. Five digital steps (270 – 430 °F) let you stay low for fine layers or crank up the heat for thick, hard-to-bend strands, while built-in ionic tech boosts shine and cuts frizz.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
No clamp or finger grip, and the cool tip still reaches ~150 °F, so wear a heat glove. One-year warranty is shorter than most.
📌 Specs
- Heat presets: 270 / 310 / 350 / 390 / 430 °F
- Best for: Medium-to-long thick hair needing polished beach waves
- Barrel: 1″ straight wand, 24 K gold + ceramic, 6″ usable length
- Features: Ionic technology, 60-min auto-off, dual voltage, 9 ft swivel cord
- Weight & size: 6.8 oz; 14″ overall length
🆚 Compared To:
- Drybar Wrap Party—reverse taper grabs roots for more lift in shoulder-length styles.
- InfinitiPRO Rose Gold Wand—budget titanium option if cost is the priority.
11. Best Frizz-Control Automatic Curler: TYMO CurlPro
🔍 Why We Picked It: A ceramic curl-chamber plus an ion generator smooths static while three heat presets (320 / 365 / 410 °F) tackle everything from wavy to coarse hair. Just feed a 1-inch section, wait for the 8-second beep, and out comes a glossy curl—no wrist twisting required. Dual voltage and a compact 10.75-inch body make it travel-friendly.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Only three temperature choices, shown by small LEDs that are hard to read. Single multi-function button handles power and heat selection—easy to fumble. Auto-shut-off spec isn’t published.
📌 Specs
- Heat presets: 320 °F, 365 °F, 410 °F (50 °F jumps)
- Best for: Thick, frizz-prone hair that needs shine with minimal effort
- Barrel: 1″ in-chamber ceramic; 3″ curl chamber depth
- Features: Ion generator, 8-sec audible timer, digital temp control, dual voltage, sound/light indicators
- Size & grip: 10.75″ length, 1.5″ handle width, cool-touch finger grip
🆚 Compared To:
- CHI Spin N Curl—wider temp range (180–410 °F) and dual curl timers for more control.
- L’ange Le Pirouette—rotates too, but keeps hair visible so you can monitor wrap tension.
12. Best for Tight Ringlets (½″ Barrel): Hot Tools 24 K Gold Curling Iron
🔍 Why We Picked It: The ½-inch 24 K-gold barrel heats fast to 450 °F and holds that temperature, so coarse strands form spring-tight coils that last all day. A versatile clamp lets you curl the classic way or wrap hair wand-style, and the extra-long finger grip keeps fingertips away from heat. At about $50, it’s the most affordable pro-length ringlet iron we tested—and it carries an industry-leading 10-year warranty.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Gold plating can dull if you scrape it with metal clips, and the cool-tip still reaches ~150 °F. The 2-hour auto-off is generous but means the tool stays hot on the counter longer than safety-conscious users might prefer.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 280–450 °F, dial adjusts in ~10 °F increments
- Best for: Short to medium, thick or coarse hair needing defined corkscrew curls
- Barrel options: ½″ tested (also ⅝″, ¾″, 1″, 1¼″, 1½″, 2″)
- Features: Digital temp readout with lock, dual voltage, integrated stand, 8 ft swivel cord, 2-hr auto-off
- Weight: 9.1 oz (½″ size), handle width 0.9″
🆚 Compared To:
- BaBylissPRO Spring Iron (¾″)—slightly larger barrel for ringlets that relax into coils.
- GHD Classic Curl—safer 365 °F fixed heat if you’re worried about damage on fine sections.
13. Hands-Free Automatic Curler: CHI Spin N Curl
🔍 Why We Picked It: Drop a 1-inch section into the ceramic curl chamber, press a button, and the Spin N Curl rotates, heats, and beeps when the curl is set—no wrist action required. With 29 digital steps (180–410 °F) and three built-in timers (15 / 17 / 19 s), you can dial in looser waves or tighter spirals on thick hair while keeping heat lower than a traditional iron. Dual-direction buttons make flipping sides intuitive, and a cleaning tool pops out residue to keep the chamber gliding smoothly.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
Hefty at 14.8 oz and takes longer to reach temperature. The handle is wide (1.38″) and may feel bulky in smaller hands.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 180 – 410 °F (10 °F increments)
- Best for: Thick hair owners who struggle with traditional clamp or wand techniques
- Barrel/chamber: 1″ ceramic curl chamber, 2.8″ depth
- Features: 3 audible curl timers, dual-rotation buttons, 60-min auto-off, LED display, dual voltage, 9 ft swivel cord
- Accessories: Chamber cleaning tool included
🆚 Compared To:
- TYMO CurlPro—adds ion generator for extra frizz control but fewer temp steps.
- Hot Tools Black Gold Salon Iron—manual clamp & 455 °F when you want speed over automation.
14. Do-It-All 2-in-1 Styler: Remington Pro 1″ Multi-Styler with Twist & Curl
🔍 Why We Picked It: The tool’s twisted, ceramic-titanium plates guide hair automatically—glide straight for smoothing, twist 180° for beach waves, or twist and glide slowly for full curls. Five LED-lit settings (300–450 °F) give thick hair the heat headroom it needs, and the sub-$40 price undercuts every other multi-styler in the lineup.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
No ionic tech, and the 6 ft cord is shorter than average. At 9.6 oz it isn’t ultra-light, and there’s no dual voltage for overseas travel.
📌 Specs
- Heat presets: 300 / 340 / 375 / 410 / 450 °F
- Best for: Thick, shoulder-length or longer hair—users who want waves, curls, and straightening from one tool
- Barrel/plate design: 1″ twisted plates, 4″ usable length, ceramic-titanium coating
- Features: 60-min auto-off, LED display, cool-touch finger grip, 5-year limited warranty
- Cord & weight: 6 ft swivel; 9.6 oz
🆚 Compared To:
- Drybar Mixologist—premium 3-in-1 kit with waver barrel, more heat steps, and ionic tech.
- GHD Classic Curl—simpler single-heat iron if you decide you only need curls, not waves.
15. Best Budget Wand: InfinitiPRO by Conair Rose Gold Curling Wand (1¼″ → ¾″)
🔍 Why We Picked It: For about $40 you get a titanium tapered wand that heats quickly, offers 30 dial settings (285–400 °F), and weighs only 7.8 oz—ideal for creating beachy waves on long, thick hair without wrist fatigue. A cool-touch finger grip and heat-resistant glove add beginner safety.
⚠️ Drawbacks:
The 5 ft cord is shorter than average, and users report the rose-gold finish can wear off after a few sessions. Single-voltage only, so you’ll need a converter abroad.
📌 Specs
- Heat range: 285–400 °F (30 settings)
- Best for: Long, thick hair; value shoppers
- Barrel: 1¼″ to ¾″ tapered titanium, 5.5″ usable length
- Features: 60-min auto-off, cool-touch grip, heat glove, 5-year limited warranty
- Weight & cord: 7.8 oz; 5 ft swivel cord
🆚 Compared To:
- Bio Ionic GoldPro Wand—ionic minerals and a higher 430 °F ceiling for stubborn strands.
- Hot Tools 24 K Gold Iron —adds a clamp and digital lock for users who prefer traditional curling.
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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!