Sometimes having thick hair is also an annoying thing, and I have to organize it every day, especially when we need to straighten, the more headache is the best straightener for thick hair, and the best flat iron for thick hair. Let’s take a look at the Reviews & Buying Guide.
Thick hair is gorgeous, strong, and often stunning, but it can be a BIG pain to style.
Having a lot of hair means it can take many long hours to air dry, and even more time to style it just right. Choosing the right tools can help simplify your hairstyling routine. A good hair straightener, for instance.
What kind of straightener is best for thick hair?
Also known as flat irons, hair straighteners use heated plates to iron out the kinks in your hairs.
To make sure you don’t damage your locks you’ll need to choose one that is adapted to your hair’s texture.
Those with thick, coarse hair will need a straightener that heats up to high temperatures quickly.
You should also pick one with large and wide irons, which will cover more surface and make it easier to style your bangs.
Finding the best flat iron for thick hair will save you a lot of time and effort while ensuring that you have the look you wanted every time. Forget about tying your hair into a ponytail – styling it with a suitable hair straightener is equally easy, and you will look better and more confident!
We’ve picked out the best straighteners for thick hair below, so you’ll be a real expert before you know it.
Reviews of the Best Hair Straighteners for Thick Hair
1/Panasonic Nanoe Hair Styling Iron EH-HS99-K Hair Straightener
Panasonic Nanoe does two things right for people with coarse hair. The first is ensuring high heat of up to 395F, and five different temperature settings (the lowest being 270F). The product also maintains heat adequately and ensures even distribution.
The second crucial feature is the Nanoe technology itself. It uses particles with approximately 1,000 times more water than standard negative ions. That will help to hydrate your hair, which will boost its shine and smoothness.
The appliance has a classic black design with light details. The handle is ergonomic, and you don’t have to worry about high heat while working on your hair. The plates are ceramic, and they ensure a high level of maneuverability and ease of use in combination with the swivel cord.
This is undoubtedly a professional-grade flat iron, but you can also use it at home as long as you are comfortable with the price.
2/VOSS Dual Voltage Extra Smooth Ceramic Wide Plate “conditioning – color protect”Straightener/Styler
First of all the Voss Dual Voltage Extra Smooth Ceramic Wide Plate is one of the latest products on the market that is designed with conditioning and color protection in mind.
No doubt it’s a very interesting, refined product that does help address many of the challenges that come with a regular hair straightener and the results you get here are very good.
Therefore the technology for this product is very professional, one of a kind, and suitable for all types of hair.
Also, this particular model is one for stylists because not only is it durable, it’s also designed with professionalism and ease of use in mind which is always a major plus.
Of course, the product does come with plaques that have a very interesting color and you can choose to have it with either medium or wide plates which is a plus.
You will also like the fact that this model heats up very fast, this is a must-have when you are rushing and trying to get out that door in the mornings, that on its own can be very persuasive for sure.
The Good
Customers found a 360-degree rotating cord useful for ease and speed.
The Not So Good
We could not find any negative feedback for these straighteners… Bonus!
Features –
- Great safety options offered
- It also has wide plates for thick hair
- Anti overheating protection
- Easy to use
3/Turboion RBB Croc Classic Straightener – Editor’s Choice
Engineered with 1.5-inch wide titanium heating plates, this flat iron can heat more hair in less time, making this a sterling choice for thick hair.
The maximum heat of 450 degrees also helps speed up the styling process.
With this straightener, it only takes one pass over each wavy section of hair to get straight, beautiful perfection. It also doesn’t feel like it’s frying or damaging your hair, because it’s so good you don’t have to go over the same piece of hair more than once.
Equipped with a thumb grip that makes it super easy to hold and an extra-long cord to give you the room you need to style, this straightener is a fantastic choice for women with very thick hair or long hair. Plus, the negative ions the titanium plates release help ease frizz and make your hair softer, smoother, and touchable.
Pros:
This product doesn’t just leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny, it can even work as a tool for Keratin treatments. Its heat goes high enough that it seals Keratin in. You can do Keratin treatments at home if you have this tool.
The titanium plates are smooth and clamp down tightly. You can pass it through your hair effortlessly without the annoying snagging.
Instant heat recovery is made possible by its ceramic heaters.
You can easily control how hot or cool you want it to get. The custom temperature setting is displayed through its digital screen.
This product has a 40-minute auto shut off safety feature, which is useful for all the busy people out there who often forget to turn off their hair styling tool.
People with long hair no longer have to worry about taking forever to style their hair. This cuts down the styling work for you because it works fast.
Even when exposed to high humidity levels, hair remains frizz-free.
Most people cut down their hair styling time by half.
Cons:
It is pricier than others but if you want something that will last you for a long time, this is a great choice.
4/Ghd Platinum hair styler
The Ghd Platinum hair styler is a game-changer and it has two Best of Beauty awards to prove it.
The premium flat iron has a sleeker design overall compared to other models.
A little heavier and chunkier yet classy, it just feels like you have a quality product in your hands as soon as you take it out of the box.
The brand claims it’s the world’s first “smart” flat iron. In short, it’s a fancy way to say the ceramic plates are fitted with three-sensors so it recognizes the thickness of your hair and speed at which you are styling, and adjusts the power accordingly.
We can confirm that it will give you the shiniest of styles without causing any damage, although it’s always best to use any stylers with a protective spray.
With 1 inch ceramic plates and a max temp of 185ºC, not only does the controlled heat and power distribution make for healthier hair, but ghd also cuts your styling time. It took us less than 10 minutes to achieve the perfect curl – meaning more time in bed.
Its wishbone hinge mechanism ensures the plates are perfectly aligned, giving you the power to create bigger curls with more ease and control.
Thanks to its small speaker you’ll be alerted when the straighteners switch on, reach the correct heat, or enter standby. They also switch off automatically if you leave them for 30 minutes.
With a three-year warranty, this is probably hair styling at its best, it’s just a shame not everyone will be able to afford its hefty price tag.
These stylish white and rose gold straighteners come with ceramic plates infused with Argan oil.
They say beauty comes at a price but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank for each hair product you buy.
These straighteners are exactly what you need if you want to treat your hair for an affordable price.
Its ceramic plates are infused with Argan oil that will nourish your hair with vitamins A and E and other nutrients which will boost their shine and softness, leaving your hair feeling conditioned and cared for.
With five temperature settings ranging from 140C to 230C, you can start at a lower level and increase as needed depending on your hair’s thickness and the weather outside.
Either way, it will leave you with both a sleeker look and healthier hair after each use.
Of course, bear in mind that it doesn’t have all the fancy features that come with higher-end models, but it will get the job done at a really good value.
Plus we also love its cute and stylish design – a white finish with hints of rose gold, giving the straighteners a super chic but professional look.
5/Remington S5500 1-inch Anti-Static Flat Iron with Floating Ceramic Plates
Remington always strikes a balance between affordability and innovation. Although their flat irons are affordable, they don’t skimp on quality and features. This one is not an exception. Its Anti-Static Technology is one of its best features. If you have trouble taming static and flyaway hair, this product is for you. It also makes quick work of styling your hair because of its 1-inch floating Titanium-coated plates that heat up fast and glides easily. Compared to standard flat irons, the plates for this are also 30% longer, so you can style more hair, thereby cutting down your styling time.
Pros:
This truly leaves your hair straighter. There are no visible flyaways. Its anti-static feature is also effective.
It glides smoothly and leaves the hair looking shiny and healthy.
The ceramic plates are Titanium-coated, so they don’t snag or cut your hair. The plates glide easily.
You can precisely set up its temperature, thanks to its digital controls. The LCD screen will show you what temperature you are using.
It does a great job in curling hair as well.
This product is inexpensive.
It comes with multiple temperature settings, so you can find the setting the suits your hair. It also heats up fast. You don’t need to wait for a long time.
It is built to last as well. Some said they have used this for years without issues.
Cons:
Some said this emitted a bad smell initially.
Flat Iron for Thick Hair Buying Guide
During the flat iron purchasing process, you need to consider the specifics of your hair. In this article, we are focusing on thick hair and how to buy a flat iron for that particular type.
Thick and coarse hair is hard to tame, which is why we will discuss how to find the most potent appliance out there. We will also reveal some tips on using the product properly, and answer common questions users often have about flat irons.
How to Choose the Best Flat Iron for Thick Hair
We assume that you know for sure that your hair is thick. If you want to confirm, grab a hair strand and put it between two fingers. Use your other hand to feel the strand. The more you can “feel” it, the thicker your hair is.
Now that we established that let’s take a look at the factors that will help you to choose the best flat iron for thick hair.
1.What Is the Optimal Flat Iron Temperature for Thick Hair?
It is impossible to give a precise answer to that question as it will depend on your hair specifics. However, the general rule is that the optimal heat that your hair straightener should have is 350F-450F.
If your hair seems sensitive and prone to breakage, you may want to keep the heat at around 350F. On the other hand, the best flat irons for natural black hair can achieve a temperature of 450F, and even more.
The coarser and more resistant your hair is, the more heat you will need to tame it. That is why the smartest thing to do is to choose flat irons that come with adjustable heat settings.
Modern appliances often come with this feature, which means a product with modifiable temperature settings doesn’t have to be an expensive investment.
You want to look for a device with as many heat adjustments as possible. Most of them offer several settings, and only a portion gives you the freedom to adjust the heat with a temperature dial. However, as long as there are at least two settings between 375F and 450F, the device will take good care of your thick hair.
2.How to Choose the Right Plate Type?
If you have seen how a flat iron looks like, you know that it has heating plates. It is the most critical component because it does the actual job of straightening your hair. That is why it is critical to pick the right plate type.
These are the two most common choices you can pick:
- Ceramic – it is a widely available material, and many manufacturers use it because it is affordable. It manages to deliver even heat distribution, which is a great feature.
- Titanium – this material is more durable, and it takes less time to heat. Apart from that, it can reach incredibly high temperatures. If your hair is particularly coarse, you might want to go with titanium plates to straighten it properly.
Most flat irons are made of ceramic or titanium, to find more information o what type your hair requires read our post!
3.What Is the Best Plate Size for Thick Hair?
When we discuss plate size, we are talking about the width of the plates. You can find these devices in many available widths, but the standard size is about one inch.
If your hair is thick, but not that thick, you can feel free to choose a one-inch flat iron. However, you should also consider the length of your hair. The longer it is, the bigger plates you will need. That can both speed up the straightening process and make it easier.
The idea is to adjust the plate size to the length and characteristics of your hair. A small, straightening appliance can’t deal with long and thick hair, or it takes hours to do the job. On the other hand, too large plates may be unsuitable for short hair because you can’t straighten the sections properly. If your hair is moderately long, you can choose a one-inch plate width, or go with a 1 1/2-inch plate.
You can also consider trying flat irons with interchangeable plates. These devices come with multiple plates that you can change any way you see fit.
4.Why Should You Choose a Negative Ion Technology?
If you are choosing a flat iron for curly hair, it is imperative to go with a device that comes with negative ion technology. These ions are crucial because they can minimize frizz and static. That will boost the outcome of straightening your hair.
The ions work by interacting with the water molecules in your hair and breaking them down while enabling your hair to retain moisture. Apart from minimizing static, this can also boost the health and shininess of your hair. That way, you will ensure to attract even more looks anywhere you appear!
5.How Can a Cord Contribute to Comfort?
You may think that the only task of a cord is to secure power to an appliance. However, the situation is a bit different when using flat irons. For these devices, the cords directly affect maneuverability and comfort.
First, let’s talk about cord length. It needs to be long enough to reach the power outlet. Once you plug it in, you need to be able to maneuver the hair straightener effortlessly. That includes not worrying whether you might unplug it accidentally.
Apart from the optimal length of the cord, you can also benefit from the 360-degree swivel feature. It enables you to turn the cable in any direction. Thanks to that, there is a minimal risk of tangling, and you have maximum comfort while working with the device.
6.What Other Factors Contribute to Comfort?
Straightening thick hair is already a bit of a hassle. That is why you shouldn’t make things worse by using an appliance that isn’t easy to use.
If we are discussing comfort, we should consider the following factors:
- Grip – you need to be able to hold the appliance with your hand comfortably. That is why the manufacturers often add a non-slip grip feature to their hair straighteners. That way, the device can’t slip from your hand while working, which promotes ease of use.
- Weight – the weight of flat iron is particularly important for professionals. If you plan to hold the device in your hand for a long time, and the chances are that thick hair demands that, you want it to be as light as possible. That way, you will minimize fatigue and other potential issues.
- Control button placement – the controls are either on the side or the back of a flat iron. Now, it is a matter of personal preference, but here is what matters. It is important that you can’t touch the buttons accidentally while operating the device. You may adjust the temperature or turn off the device, which can ruin the entire process.
7.What Safety Features Should a Flat Iron Have?
It is worth noting that flat irons are very safe appliances, but you do need to use them with caution. A safety feature that most users love is the automatic shutoff function. It enables the device to turn off automatically after a while. That is important because you don’t have to worry whether you forgot to turn off your appliance once you leave the house.
Apart from that, you might want to consider using heat-resistant gloves. That way, you will prevent burning your hands while operating a flat iron.
Additionally, you may benefit from a sound indicator when the temperature of the device changes. You may use a visual LCD screen as an indicator of the current heat level. However, if you accidentally hit the button and change the temperature in the process, a sound indicator can prevent potential hair damage.
How to Straighten Thick Hair Correctly
You are walking down the street, and you see a woman with perfectly straight hair. It is obvious that her hair is every bit as coarse as yours, so you start wondering what’s the secret. The secret lies in optimizing the straightening process.
We dedicated the entire article to selecting the right flat iron for thick hair. However, the results will also depend on how you use it. If you want to ensure you do everything properly, make sure to check our step by step guide below.
Before we start, let’s assume that you picked a suitable straightening appliance, washed, and dried your hair. If you are ready for the flattening process, let’s start!
- Step 1: Turn on Your Appliance
If you use a corded flat iron, make sure the power outlet is nearby. That way, there won’t be cable straining, which can compromise the performance of your appliance and cause safety issues.
Now, once you plugged in the device, switch it on by hitting the corresponding button. If your flat iron has adjustable temperatures, choose the lowest heat level possible.
- Step 2: Segment Your Hair
While you are allowing your device to heat (it doesn’t take more than 60 seconds), you can segment your hair. The idea of dividing it into segments is easy to access to each section.
- Step 3: Test the Temperature
If it is your first time using the flat iron, test the temperature on a single segment of your hair. Grab a section that can fit in your appliance comfortably. Make a decisive, but swift pass over the section with your device.
See if you’ve made any progress in straightening that hair segment. If the results seem okay, keep the current temperature. Otherwise, increase the heat to the next level, and test again.
Please note that a suitable temperature for thick hair will probably be around 350F-450F. It depends on the particular thickness of your hair. However, apart from ensuring optimal results, you should also try to keep your heat as low as possible.
TIP: Once you figure out a suitable temperature setting for your hair, you can skip the testing phase.
- Step 4: Straighten One Segment of Your Hair at a Time
It will take a bit of patience and effort to straighten thick hair. You want to work one segment at a time. The main idea is that the section you pull out with your hands fits into your flat iron.
The general rule is that the section should be a bit smaller than the diameter of the heated part of your flat iron. That means you should grab a one-inch segment of your hair if your appliance has a 1.25-inch diameter.
During the straightening process, make sure to perform smooth and quick moves with your flat iron. You want to be thorough, but you mustn’t keep the appliance for more than a second or two in the same position.
If necessary, you can make multiple passes over each segment, but try to minimize the number of passes if possible.
- Step 5: Turning Off Your Device Safely
Once you finish with all segments of your hair, you can turn off your flat iron. Find the on/off switch again, and press it.
It is also important that you unplug the device from the power socket. That way, you prevent the appliance from turning on accidentally, and you keep it safe from unpredictable power issues.
Finally, you should place your iron on a heat-resistant surface until it cools down. The device will be extremely hot, and you don’t want to damage anything.
Straightening Tips for Thick hair
People will envy you for having thick hair, but the truth is maintaining also comes with its challenges. That is especially true if you are dreaming about having straight hair. Here are some tips on how to improve results by using a flat iron.
- Always Use a Heat-Protective Spray
While thick hair can be strong, it tends to go dry quickly. The problem is that it makes it sensitive to heat damage. That is why it is essential to use a heat-protective spray. According to experts, the best choice is argan oil, which is a natural compound that can promote overall hair health and protect it from heat damage.
- Move from Roots to Ends
We already established that you should style your hair one section at a time. However, it is important that you also go from roots to ends.
Use your hands to lift each segment of the hair so that you can place the flat iron as close to the roots as you can. From there, move toward the ends to ensure an improved straightening effect with each pass.
- Know When to Brush, and When to Comb Your Hair
Another enemy of straight hair is frizz. If you have to deal with static, the chances are you won’t be able to flatten your hair properly.
That is why it is important to avoid using a comb once you dry your hair. Combs tend to cause frizz, which is why you can only use them while the hair is wet. Otherwise, stick to brushes as they won’t cause any static issues.
- Use Natural Methods to Boost Hair Straightening
If your hair is thick and it tends to curl naturally, you may not be satisfied with the longevity of the results that the flat iron delivers. You could ensure your hair remains straight longer if you get used to that style.
Here are some tips to try:
- While your hair is wet, wrap it around your head. Make sure that it is tight and comb it to divide it into two sections. Grab the left part and wrap it around, starting from the backside. Use pins to hold the hair in place. Do the same for the right segment of the hair.
- Use elastic bands while sleeping. After washing and combing your hair, form a couple of ponytails. Apply elastic bands to them, while keeping an inch of space between two bands. Make sure you don’t fasten them too tight.
You can also try to boost hair volume by turning your hair upside down while blow-drying it.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: How often should you clean my flat iron?
- A: The idea is to clean the appliance as often as necessary. If you notice hairs or other buildups, try to clean your flat iron immediately after use. Of course, make sure to wait for it to cool down first.
- Q: Can you use a flat iron to curl your hair?
- A: Yes, you can use these appliances to curl your hair, too. It may take a bit of time to master the process, but it will be worth it because you will maximize the versatility of your device. You may want to check out reviews of the flat irons for curling hair to find the most suitable unit for your needs.
- Q: Do you need to use a protective glove when operating a flat iron?
- A: That depends on how well you can handle high heat. However, burns are not uncommon when using this appliance. That is why it won’t hurt to be extra careful and use a heat-resistant glove. Think of it as a safety net that guarantees you do not have to worry about burning your hands while working with the flat iron.
Conclusion
Having coarse hair is both a blessing and a curse. If you want to straighten it and ensure optimal maintenance, you need to choose a suitable flat iron.
The primary thing to consider is high heat. You will need at least 350F (probably around 400F) to get visible results from hair straightening. Make sure to go with devices that have adjustable temperature settings so that you don’t have to use more heat than needed. Your hair will be thankful for that.
You should also consider plate material and width, and the latter should be suitable for your hair length. Many factors we mentioned in our buying guide can also affect the ease of use.
If you choose carefully, you will find the best flat iron for thick hair effortlessly. Remember that everything comes down to your preference. That means the best solution is the one that fits your needs the most!
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