Curling irons are some of the top must-haves for anyone who styles their hair regularly. This tool can easily transform your look from plain to fabulous without having to go to a salon, making them the best products to have to ensure that you’re always looking your best.
If the only thing that’s stopping you from getting a curling tool is your long, thick hair and the idea that your hair may be difficult to curl, then you should definitely reconsider. There are a number of great curling irons for thick hair available so you really don’t have to worry.
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Things to Consider When Shopping for Curling Irons for Thick Hair
Looking for the best curling iron for long thick hair will, of course, take a bit of research. Long, thick hair requires special tools to ensure your tresses’ good health and to achieve uniform curls. This is why, if you have a whole head of long hair, you have to be extra vigilant in choosing the right curling iron for you.
To help you out in picking the best tool for your needs, here are some tips that you should keep in mind as you browse through the numerous products for curling hair on the market today.
1. Pick the right barrel size for the look that you want to go for.
Curling irons come in a wide range of barrel sizes which are designed to create different sized curls. Wands with smaller diameters will create tighter curls while those with bigger diameters can create more laid back, natural-looking, tousled waves. Luckily, there are new curling irons with interchangeable barrels, so you don’t have to get multiple wands to change up your look each time.
2. Look for something that is easy to hold and use.
Curling your hair can take some time when you have long, thick hair, so don’t make the process even more complicated. Opt for something that is handy and easy to operate on your own.
3. Take note of how much heat it can produce.
A curling iron with a heat indicator is one of the best options in the market as it can tell you how much heat you’re going to use for your hair. For those with thick hair, your tresses may need and be able to tolerate up to more than 300 degrees of heat, but going over 400 is not advisable as it can already burn and damage your locks.
4. Make sure it is a quality product.
When it comes to electronic products, you should always prioritize quality as a tool such as this can easily injure you and even cause damage to your things. Investing on a good curling iron is always a great idea, especially if you use it often.
5. Consider the different kinds of curling irons.
As not all curling wands are made equally, you can expect to find a number of curling irons made with different materials. These include ceramic, gold, titanium, and tourmaline among many others. Each one offers a different benefit, so make sure to look into them to find the best curling iron for thick hard to curl hair.
6. Look into clipless curling irons or curling wands.
A lot of curling tools come with a clip to secure hair into the device while curling. A clipless wand, however, is more ideal for those with thicker tresses as clips tend to limit the amount of hair wrapped around the barrel. Clips can also flatten thick hair, making the curling process longer and more tedious, so a clipless wand could be a better option for those with thick locks.
Our Top Picks: Best Curling Iron for Thick Hair
Now that you have some ideas about what to look for in a curling wand/iron for thick tresses, the next thing you might want to know is which ones are worth looking into. So, to make your search a lot easier, here are some suggestions that you might find useful.
1. Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron with Multi-heat control
Available in a wide array of barrel sizes, this Hot Tools curling iron features a 24k gold-plated barrel that can reach up to 428F. As Hot Tools is known to offer great quality products for low prices, this is one of the most popular curling products in the market. It heats up fast because of the gold plating and retains the heat for a long period of time, allowing you to start curling right away. Complete with a heat dial that will tell you how hot the wand is, you can easily control how much heat you’re putting into your hair.
What makes this Hot Tools iron stand out from the rest is that for its price, it is equipped with a temperature memory feature that can remember your setting for your next use. This guarantees consistent curls every time and can help you prevent severe damage to your locks. It’s ideal for all hair types.
2. Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron
If you’re getting a curling wand for the first time, this Infiniti Pro tourmaline ceramic curling iron can be a great option due to its low price and quality. Tourmaline ceramic wands are favored by many because they can evenly distribute heat, allowing you to achieve smooth curls every time, which proves true for this curling iron model. It heats up in just 30 seconds and can reach 400F but you can also adjust the temperature to avoid severe hair damage.
This Infiniti Pro curling iron is made even better by its nanotechnology that eliminates hot spots, reduces static, and tames frizz so you can have healthier looking hair and even curls. It also comes with a protective heat shield and an auto shut-off feature so you can be protected against accidents and enjoy quick storage. Some may find issues on the button placements and the size of the cool tip, but for the low price, this Infiniti Pro tool is a solid choice.
3. Remington Instant Curls Ceramic Curling Iron
This ceramic curling iron from Remington is hailed as one of the best styling tools in the market today for its 30 heat settings, 30-second heat up, ceramic barrel, and a very friendly price tag. Designed to easily curl any type of hair, this Remington curling tool also comes with an auto shut-off feature and a cover so you can avoid any harmful accidents and make sure that the product is always in great shape.
What most users love about this Remington product, however, is the abundance of heat settings available. With 30 settings and 350F limit, you can choose the right temperature for your needs and guarantees that you won’t damage your hair in the worst way. The ceramic barrel can also ensure long-lasting curls, making it a practical choice for many.
4. Babyliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Spring Curling Iron
Babyliss is a popular brand when it comes to styling appliances, making a curling iron from these makers a sensible choice. This particular Babyliss model holds up to the brand’s reputation for its great quality and performance.
Featuring a porcelain ceramic barrel with a patented instant heat technology, it heats up within seconds and can reach up to 430F. It also comes with 30 temperature settings, giving users more flexible options in the amount of heat they can use. As it comes with a porcelain ceramic barrel, curls are made smooth and shiny and can even last for more than a day.
Available in different barrel sizes, this Babyliss Pro curling iron is a sturdy tool that will last a long time despite heavy use. Its price is a bit higher than other brands on our list, though, but you can be guaranteed that it is worth every penny.
5. Hot Tools Pink Titanium Salon Curling Iron
A mid-range Hot Tools model, this curling iron is an upgrade to the other Hot Tools product in this list. It has more advanced features, providing more options to those who want to invest in their hair styling tools.
What makes this Hot Tools curling tool special is its durable titanium barrel that is quick to heat up (can reach 450F in a few seconds) and is resistant to corrosion caused by styling products. It’s easy to use because of its extra long cool tip and thumb grip, although some people may find the on – off switch button to be unfortunately placed. Curls set fast and last a long time, making it a great choice for those who want to use less heat on their locks and keep their curls longer.
Available in several barrel sizes and makes smooth and shiny curls, this product is definitely a step up if you don’t want to go for a cheap curling iron.
6. Kiss Products Instawave Automatic Hair Curler
Loaded with great features, this Kiss curling wand is an astounding product for its quick and quality results. Quick heating and can reach up to 420F, it churns out fast and long lasting curls. Equipped with a diamond ceramic ionic technology, it also guarantees to keep your hair healthy, as it is less damaging to your locks and can even tame frizz. It also automatically shuts off after 90 minutes, guaranteeing safety.
But what makes this Kiss curling tool stand out is its patent pending curl dial that can create curls facing left or right with just a turn of the knob. This unique feature offers ease of use and more ways to style your hair without having to learn a new technique, making it extra handy. As the wand is also pretty easy to use and the price is affordable, even those without prior knowledge in curling their own hair will absolutely love this product.
7. Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron
The Bio Ionic Stylewinder may look the least like a hair styling tool on this list because of its very modern appearance, but it is definitely not the least in terms of performance. With rave reviews on how efficient its dual heating barrels are and how great the curls it creates, this styling wand is definitely worth looking into if you’re willing to invest in a great styling tool.
Ideal for all types of hair, your long, thick tresses can benefit greatly from this product as it quickly heats up and can reach up to 440F. With a digital temperature control feature, you can also adjust your setting to best suit your hair’s needs. The barrel is also infused with a nanolonic mineral which hydrates the hair while styling, preventing severe damage in the long run.
While it can be a bit tricky to operate at first, it comes with an instructional DVD that will help you get the hang of the product. Its price is also pocket-friendly, which is why many women choose this as their first curling iron.
See the Bio Ionic Stylewinder in action:
Check out this great tutorial video by Michelle Vlogger
8. T3 BodyWaver Styling Iron
Like other T3 products, this curling wand is definitely notable for its sleek and modern appearance. If you’re the type who shies away from bulky, hot pink colored styling tools, then this T3 wand will surely pique your curiosity.
The T3 BodyWaver also offers a lot more to consumers aside from just being pretty. Hailed as Total Beauty’s Best Styling Iron for 2014, it features unique and fast heating tourmaline hollow barrel that boasts of the Tourmaline SinglePass Radial Technology. Its selling point is that it can give you the blowout look sans a blowdryer, resulting in a smooth, shiny, and gorgeous finish. It doesn’t exactly curl your hair, but it can give nice waves that look professionally done.
Perfect for thick, long hair, this T3 styling wand is great for achieving that fresh off the salon blown-out look.
9. Sedu Revolution clipless Curling Iron
Those who have shied away from curling irons for the fear of damaging their hair will love this Sedu Revolution product. Designed with a ceramic barrel that is guaranteed to create smooth, long lasting curls, it has a unique heating technology for fast heating up and consistent temperature which you can adjust using the 3 settings.
What makes this curling wand perfect for thick, long hair is the fact that it is clipless, allowing you to curl your locks faster and avoid getting indents. It also has an automatic setting once you turn it on, so accidents can be avoided even if the wand is left at the highest setting the last time it was used. It is also easy to use thanks to the protective kickstand and heat resistant grip it comes with.
Available in different barrel sizes, this Sedu Revolution curling wand may be a bit pricey, but you can be sure that it is definitely worth the price.
10. Rusk Curl Freak Professional Curl Machine
If you’re getting really serious about styling your hair, the Rusk Curl Freak is worth looking into. It should be noted, though, that this product is not a curling iron but a curling machine as it is designed with a ‘curl chamber’ where you put your hair into instead of wrapping it around a long barrel. It still uses ceramic for curling, however, ensuring gorgeously smooth curls.
The very first thing you need to know about this curling machine is that it can get tricky if you don’t know how to use it. However, instructions come with the product and following them is essential so you won’t bump into troubles while using it. At first, styling with this curling machine may take time, but with practice and familiarity with the tool, you can cut down your styling time in half because it is quick heating and the curls hold for days.
This Rusk Curl Freak product is also perfect for those with long, thick hair as it heats up to 450F and offers 3 curl direction settings.
Curling Iron Techniques: How to Use a Curling Iron for Thick Hair
While it’s important to choose the best curling iron for thick hair, there are still techniques you can use to make styling easier. If you have thin/fine hair instead, then check out this tutorial.
Here are some tips that will help you style your thick tresses easily:
1. Start with clean hair.
Unlike when you’re straightening your hair where it’s best if the hair is a bit oily, you’ll want your locks to be clean and fresh when curling. This is because curling can expose more parts of your locks, making a few days old hair quite obvious. Starting with a clean head can also let you enjoy your curls for days, as washing can easily revert your styled locks into its original shape.
2. Separate hair into sections.
Separate your hair into two or three sections and start with the bottom part. This will make styling a lot easier and faster because you won’t get the urge to curl your hair by the chunk. You’d think that will make your styling time a lot shorter, but in reality, that will take up more time because the curls may not be able to set if you do them in thick batches.
3. Clamp forward.
Hold your curling iron with the clamp facing forward for easier maneuvering. This makes spinning the iron in your hair a lot easier.
4. Curl hair in small batches.
Grab about 2 inches of hair for every batch to ensure that your locks will get an even amount of heat during the styling process and you can get smooth, even curls.
5. Use medium heat.
For thick hair, you can start at mid-level heat (around 200-300F) and work your way up. Thick hair can take high heat, but you should still be careful in applying too much on your locks as it can be very damaging.
6. Start in the middle.
Clasp your hair in the middle instead of starting at the ends. The ends of your locks are the most fragile, so with long hair, it can be exposed to the heat for too long if you happen to start rolling from the very ends. By starting midway, you can be sure to be more caring to your locks and even get a more natural looking result.
7. Let your curled locks cool then spray a holding product if necessary.
Using a curling iron like a pro, especially for those with thick hair, takes a lot of practice. Luckily, there are now lots of tutorials and information available online on how you can improve your skills and get the most out of your chosen curling iron. The key, really, is in choosing the best product that will help you curl and style your long, thick tresses effectively, so make sure to make a careful decision before you purchase one.
Once you’ve bought your curling iron, you can follow the above tips to help you curl your hair like a pro. It may take a while before you can master this skill, but once you have, your hair will never look boring ever again!
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