Fine hair receives a lot of attention, with a plethora of treatments and tools developed to meet its special demands. Having thick hair often seems to receive the short end of the stick. Even if you have full, luscious strands, it doesn’t imply that any old styler or hot tool will work for you—thicker tresses, too, require constant attention. Take, for example, curling irons.
When it comes to styling your voluminous locks, anything from temperature settings to barrel material to form may make all the difference, whether you’re trying for beachy waves or vintage, brushed-out curls.
When shopping for a curling iron, seek for one with a barrel size sufficient for your thickness and length, as well as one made of a substance that warms rapidly enough to avoid damage. A temperature range is also significant, as is whether the barrel is a clamp or a wand. The best curling irons for thick hair listed below can give your mane just what it requires.
List of The Best Curling Irons For Thick Hair In 2023
1. Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro Dual Voltage is the best overall.
When it first appeared on the market, this game-changing hot tool genuinely transformed the hair business, with self-spinning technology that allows anybody to achieve the beachy waves seen on runways and the red carpet. Simply place a segment of hair in the clip and press a button; the iron does the rest, rotating it in the desired direction to achieve that effortlessly tousled look. Because of its wider barrel and changeable temperature settings, this pro version is ideal for thick hair.
What We Like
- Technology that spins itself
- Ergonomic grip
- It has excellent safety features.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
2. Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron is the best budget option.
Despite the fact that Hot Tools products aren’t very expensive, they include a wealth of innovative technology and are popular among professional stylists. This iron uses proprietary pulse technology to detect heat loss and rapidly restore it, ensuring that your iron stays uniformly hot the whole time you’re curling thick hair, which can take a long time.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of barrel sizes.
- Heat is distributed evenly.
What We Don’t Like
- Reviewers point out that the clamp can become jammed.
You may also like: Best Hair Dryers For Thick Hair You Wish You Knew Earlier
3. Remington Pro 1-1.5-Inch Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand, Best Drugstore
This low-cost alternative warms up quickly—in less than 30 seconds—and can reach temperatures of up to 410 degrees. Crushed pearl on the ceramic coating distributes heat evenly (reducing the possibility of having to go over the same region again) and adds shine and smoothness to your hair. Bonus points: The tapered wand offers you greater diversity in the types of curls you may achieve.
What We Like
- Affordable
- adds radiance
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like
- Reviewers point out that the results aren’t long-lasting.
4. T3 Micro Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand is the best for smoothing.
This well-known hot tool brand employs a custom-blend ceramic on the surface of this iron, which is ideal for gently taming wayward frizzies (a typical issue with thicker strands) and imparting mega-watt shine. While it is certainly costly, remember that you are receiving three unique irons for the price of one.
This comes with a tapered wand as well as 1-inch and 1.5-inch barrel sizes, giving you lots of options. Use the bigger one behind your head and the smaller one around your face, where even thick hair will be finer.
What We Like
- Frizz is reduced.
- adds radiance
- There are three replaceable heads.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
5. CHI Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin N Curl is the best ceramic.
Ceramic is a standout material in the field of curling irons and straighteners because it is one of the most effective at uniformly transferring heat and minimizing the damage that metal choices can cause. This iron takes the heat conductivity even farther, with a volcanic lava-lined chamber (really). It’s also really simple to operate, dragging little parts into the chamber and spinning them. There are handy pre-set temperatures and heat-up times based on hair texture, including a thick or coarse choice.
What We Like
- Adds radiance
- Temperature is recommended based on hair texture.
- It has excellent safety features.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
6. HerStyler Baby Curls Mini Curling Iron is ideal for thick, curly hair.
Aside from styling tools, a curling iron may be a terrific method to define and touch up your naturally curled texture. Just make sure you’re using the correct one; this one is suitable. The small size is ideal for imparting smoothness and form to curls while still being lightweight and portable. It’s a good option for curly hair, whether your spirals are fine or thick.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Excellent for curly hair
What We Don’t Like
- There aren’t many safety features.
FAQ
What to Look for in a Thick Hair Curling Iron?
Size of the Barrel
The size of the barrel of the curling iron dictates how big or tiny your waves or curls will be. While it may be tempting to use a small iron to create a headful of neatly curled spirals, if you have thick hair, this may need more time than you’re willing to commit to.
A bigger barrel iron will be easier to use, especially if you have long hair. Use a 1-inch to 2-inch barrel for full-head style and the minis for touch-ups.
Material
Curling irons with tourmaline, gold plating, and titanium sound like jewelry these days. You have several alternatives for a material that warms quickly and can assist reduce curling damage.
If you have thick hair, titanium is the greatest option—but only if you’re an expert curler. “Titanium plates heat up considerably faster and are fantastic for pros, but they heat up from the outside and may cause more harm over time for an unskilled user,” celebrity hairdresser Matthew Collins told Byrdie.
Temperature Controls
Thick hair may need higher temperature settings to curl correctly. While thinner hair can get results in the 300-degree range, if you have thick, healthy hair, you’ll need a higher-capacity iron. A temperature range of up to 350, or even 450, is ideal—just be sure to work swiftly if using the iron closer to the latter temperature.
Wand
Curling wands have taken over the curling iron market in recent years, while formerly all curling irons had a clamp in which you inserted the piece of hair and then twisted the barrel to generate curl. Because your hair isn’t immediately clamped, it may sustain less heat damage. Wands are best for more sloppy waves, while clamps are best for precise ringlets.
How can I make my thick hair keep a curl?
After putting in the work with an iron, thick hair may be tough to keep curled, so it’s crucial to make it easier to keep your curls intact. Here are a few pointers for achieving a long-lasting curl: Before drying, use a mousse and heat protection, clip your curls, and avoid running your fingers through your hair.
What should I use to condition my hair before curling it?
A setting spray is an excellent alternative for keeping your curls in place and may also be used as a pre-curl prep. Some setting sprays also provide heat protection, making them a win-win situation.
Do you curl your hair while it’s wet or dry?
Not only can moist hair flatten after curling it, but putting a curling iron on wet or even damp hair might harm it. Furthermore, the steam produced by the interaction of heat with damp or wet hair might burn your scalp. Curling irons should only be used on thoroughly dry hair.
