Style
These 7 Expert-Approved Curling Irons *Actually* Work On Thick Hair
Getting curls to stick in thick hair can be a major challenge. But according to Joseph Maine, artistic director at Color Wow, even the thickest hair can hold its style when you use one of the best curling irons for thick hair.
When he wants a curling iron that works well with thick hair, Maine reaches for an iron with multiple heat settings. "Some hair, including thick hair, needs high heat," says Maine, "so I want to be able to turn the iron up.” He recommends choosing an iron with temperatures that can reach at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit — some irons even go up to 450.
Minimizing damage is a major concern when it comes to using hot tools, especially when you'll be cranking them up to 400 degrees. Maine notes that an iron with a coated barrel "prevents the hair from sticking to the metal," which helps protect strands from snagging. He also believes that "teflon-coated and ceramic irons tend to be less damaging," compared to a chrome iron, for example.
Once you've found the right iron, it's time to perfect your technique. To get curls to really hold, Maine advises that, after curling each section, you wait for your hair to cool completely before disturbing the curls at all. “Once [the curls] have cooled down," says Maine, "the style is locked in.”
These seven curling irons offer high heat, coated barrels, and are super easy to use. You'll be creating curls that stick in no time.
1A Curling Wand With Five Interchangeable Barrels
Xtava Satin Wave 5-in-1 Professional Curling Iron, $40, Amazon
This curling iron set comes with five interchangeable barrels of various sizes. The barrels are all coated in ceramic tourmaline to protect your hair — one of Maine's chief concerns. You can heat this iron up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, and the set includes a heat-resistant glove and travel case.
2A Popular Curling Wand With A Tapered Barrel
Remington Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand, $21, Amazon
This much-loved curling wand has everything your thick hair needs: high heat, a small tapered barrel, and even a heat-resistant glove to protect you. You can use it to create loose waves as well as tight curls, thanks to the tapered end. It also has an automatic shut-off feature, just in case you leave it on. Best of all, this iron is coated in pearl ceramic.
3An Extra-Large Curling That Makes Big Bouncy Waves & Curls Last All Day
Hot Tools Professional Curling 1 ½-Inch Iron, $40, Amazon
This extra-large curling iron has a 1 ½-inch barrel, making it ideal for creating big waves and curls that are full of body. It heats up to 430 degrees, which is sure to help your style stay in place. The 1 ½-inch barrel is perfect for long hair — people with short to medium hair would be better off trying the 1 ¼-inch model.
4The 'Bombshell' Curling Iron That Lives Up To Its Name
Sultra The Bombshell Rod Curling Iron, $130, Amazon
This curling iron is designed with safety in mind. Its ceramic construction aims to minimize heat damage, and it includes a heat-resistant glove that'll help protect you from the high temps needed to curl really thick hair. With an evenly heated 1-inch barrel, it will give you consistent curls that stay in place.
5A Reviewer-Favorite That Does The Work For You
Infiniti Pro By Conair Curl Secret, $47, Amazon
The Curl Secret is a totally different type of curling tool. All you need to do is section off small amounts of hair and place them into the Curl Secret. Once you press the button, the machine automatically does the curling for you. One happy reviewer even says that "This thing is definitely idiot proof."
6A Ceramic Curling Wand That Won't Break The Bank
Infiniti Pro By Conair Ceramic Curling Wand, $17, Amazon
This budget-friendly curling wand starts at 1 inch and tapers down to a half inch, making it a great tool for creating natural looking curls that aren't too uniform. It also heats up in as little as three seconds, delivering the temps you need to keep your curls in place. Even though this wand is gentle on the wallet, it's still coated in ceramic.
7A Tiny Curling Iron That's Perfect For Tight Curl & For Use On Short Hair
Parwin Pro 19mm Hair Curler, $35, Amazon
This tiny hair curler is designed to create super small curls, after heating up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 seconds. It's an excellent choice for short hair, and its ceramic construction is stylist-approved, preventing your hair from ever sticking to the metal beneath.
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