Best Curling Iron for Black Hair: Why We Love These 5 Tools

By Leah Williams •  Updated: 07/17/22

Different hair types need a specific type of hot tool for styling. For example, if your hair is fine or damage-prone, opt for a curler with lower heat settings. The opposite is true if you have coarse, thick hair; you need a curling iron that could reach high temperatures to get your tresses to behave! So what’s the best curling iron for black hair?

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron - 1 Inch
$59.99
  • 50 heat settings
  • Far-Infrared heat technology
  • Sol-Gel Ceramic technology
  • Heats up to 450 F Degrees
  • Turbo Button
  • Titanium curling barrel


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African American hair is harder to maintain because it’s naturally curly and prone to dryness. This is the kind of hair that needs deep conditioning prior to heat styling because the hair strands are naturally rigid and textured. Although black hair is naturally curly, the curls are not uniform in size, they’re often kinky, and/or downright unruly. Whether it’s a flat iron or curling iron, it takes a special kind of hot tool to style African American hair.

That’s what this guide is all about! We’ve road-tested some of the best curling iron tools for black hair so you don’t have to! Here are our top recommendations.

Best Curling Iron for Black Hair – 5 Top-Rated Tools Reviewed

03/02/2024 08:00 pm GMT

1. BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

We’re starting strong on our list of the best curling iron for black hair with the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. When it comes to curling African American hair, you have to be mindful of the temperature. Always choose the lowest settings to reduce hair damage. The beauty of this highly acclaimed hair curler is the customizable heat settings. With 50 variable heat settings to choose from, it’s definitely one of the most versatile styling tools on the market.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron - 1 Inch
$59.99
  • 50 heat settings
  • Far-Infrared heat technology
  • Sol-Gel Ceramic technology
  • Heats up to 450 F Degrees
  • Turbo Button
  • Titanium curling barrel


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The device also comes with a turbo option that goes all the way up to the maximum temperature of 450°F. Just press the turbo heat boost and you’re ready to curl your hair in seconds.

Why It’s Best for Black Hair

The Nano titanium barrel is a personal favorite of mine. It has a nice slip so curling is easy breezy. Black hair tends to be unmanageable and it’s nice that the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron curls the hair without tangles. What’s more, the surface material retains and transfer infrared heat deep into the hair strands, giving you lasting curls sans the frizz.

African American hair is often styled so a durable hot tool is a must. The BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron’s Sol-Gel ceramic technology boosts the barrel’s strength by 37% and smoothness by 22% so it could take on all the demands of styling all types of black hair!

The only thing that I noticed when I use the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron is that it retains heat long after it’s been turned off. This can be a fire hazard so my advice is to set the curler somewhere safe, away from things that could melt or heaven forbid, catch fire.

2. Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand

I have a soft spot for hair curlers with a conical curling barrel just because it’s so versatile. You can create big or small curls/waves with it, it’s like getting two curling irons for the price of one. Of course, it helps if the barrel is made from high quality materials like tourmaline-ceramic; it curls the hair without sucking the moisture out! That’s exactly why the Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand (what a mouthful, right?) is a staple in my kit.

Remington Shine Therapy 1-1 ½” Curling Iron
$29.99
  • Wide Conical Barrel
  • Argan Oil and Keratin Infusion Technology
  • 410°F Highest Temperature
  • 32 Second Heat Up


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Why It’s Best for Black Hair

The pearl-ceramic curler applies gentle heat. It locks in moisture, enhances hair strength, and prevents styling damage. The ceramic material emits negative ions that smoothen the hair cuticles. This makes the Pro a great curler for black women with frizz-prone hair. If your hair is dry, dull, and prone to breakage, I recommend this curler. This curler is infused with crushed pearls that smoothen every hair strand so you get the shiniest, most lustrous curls!

You have to keep an eye on the temperature when you curl African American hair and the Remington Pro’s large digital display and variable heat settings ensures that you are only applying the ideal temperature for your specific hair type.

Although the Remington Pro heats up to a toasty 410°F, there are 10 temperature settings to choose from. Oh, and the Pro also comes with a temperature lock function so you can set your preferred temperature during styling.

The Remington Pro is a fan favorite for a reason. I do feel like I am nit-picking but the only con that I could think of is the bulky handle. It’s a little slippery and bulky so curling the hair near the base takes a lot of maneuvering. Thankfully, the curler comes with a heat-protective glove for better control.

3. Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron

Black hair may look thick and coarse but the curly hair strands are often fine and prone to heat damage. That’s why it pays to use a hair curler that’s made specifically to apply gentle heat on the hair strands and lock in moisture. I feel that the Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron is one of the most unique hair curlers on the market right now.

BIO IONIC Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron
  • Bio Ceramic Barrel
  • Natural Volcanic Rock Minerals Technology
  • 5-Second Heat Technology
  • Infrared Technology
  • Moderate temperature of 250F to 430F maximum temperature
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Apart from its bio-ceramic barrel that applies healthy heat without frying the tresses, it’s also engineered to drive water molecules deep into the hair strands, giving you hydrated, lustrous curls that lasts all day and well into the night. The Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron also features natural volcanic rock minerals that generate negative ions, keeping frizz, static, and tangles at bay.

Why It’s Best for Black Hair

Personally, it’s the simple features that made the Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro a winner in my book. The controls are user friendly so it’s a joy to use. The long barrel is sized perfectly for medium to long hair. The quality of the curler itself is superb; it’s neither flimsy or heavy. If you have African American hair, you can look forward to strain-free and fatigue-free styling, I promise. The heat settings are also set to a low 250 degrees F to 430 F so it’s a terrific curler for any hair type, including finely textured African American hair.

Because the Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron is a high-end curler, the price is a little hard to swallow. At USD130, it’s one expensive curler but if your hair has special needs then you need a special curler. That’s what the Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron is.

4. Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron

Speaking of high-end curlers, Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron is one luxurious-looking curler, don’t you agree? Just seeing this golden curling iron sitting on my vanity table puts a smile on my face. Although the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron is best known for its obvious good looks, it’s also one of the best curling iron for black hair.

Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Curling Iron
$34.95
  • 24K Gold plated barrel
  • Touch Guard™ protector
  • Rheostat control dial
  • Soft Touch handle
  • Pulse Technology
  • Fast Heat Up
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Why It’s Best for Black Hair

This curler features a 24K-plated heating surface and as we all know, gold is one of the best heat conductors. The unique surface material retains and distributes even heat, giving you uniform curls or loose waves. This curler also boasts the brand’s proprietary Pulse technology so the 24K Gold Marcel Iron gets hot fast and stays hot throughout the styling process. A sensor automatically shifts and restores the temperature if the heat drops at any given moment.

If you’re always rushing in the morning then you need a curler that could keep up with your busy lifestyle. The Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron reaches its maximum temperature of 430°F in seconds so there is absolutely no downtime at all. Also, the Marcel has a rotating barrel that does most of the curling for you. And with free range of movement plus a soft touch handle, you get utmost control over your hairstyle.

Since the Marcel is one chic curler, storage is equally chic too. The curler comes with a foldaway safety stand so you could put the curler away safely and stylishly. Overall, the Marcel has everything you need to curl black hair. It lets you create luscious, long-lasting curls and it comes with a rotating barrel that makes hair styling a breeze.

As for the cons, I could only think of one: the curler has a noticeable heft to it. If you have thick hair or very long hair, you will feel a slight strain on the wrist just because the Marcel isn’t the most lightweight curler. But if you are used to styling your hair daily, this is not a problem at all.

5. Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron

Our list of the best curling iron for black hair won’t be complete without the Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron. Conair’s extensive range of Nano tourmaline ceramic coated curlers is the best in the business and the Pro, in particular, is the ideal curler for black hair. Most of the curlers on our list features new age tech but the Infiniti Pro shines for its rather simple design. It’s so easy to use despite all the bells and whistles. 

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline 1 1/4-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron
$25.99
  • Ceramic-Tourmaline technology
  • 5 Heat Settings (300 to 400 Degrees)
  • Built-in Hair Clip
  • Affordable Pricing
  • User-Friendly Controls
  • Different barrel sizes to suit all hair lengths


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As you know, black hair is prone to frizz and static so it’s great that the Infiniti Pro curling iron comes with several features that control these common hair issues. For one thing, the Infiniti Pro curling iron features Nano technology that injects antioxidants into the hair strands, eliminating frizz and tangles. It’s also equipped with tourmaline-ceramic technology that prevents hot spots, it curls the tresses to perfection without dryness, tangles, or breakage.

Why It’s Best for Black Hair

What’s more, the tapered barrel and clamp-free design leave you with plenty of styling options. Want bodacious loose curls? No problem! How about tight curls for drama? You got it! The Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron leaves you with so many styling options without worrying about hair damage or breakage. And if you have fragile black hair then this hair curler should be a part of your kit.

You know my love for curlers that heat up quickly! This baby could reach its maximum temperature of 400 degrees F in 30 seconds. It also comes with infrared technology to extend the life of your curls while enhancing brilliance.

In terms of performance, technology, and quality, the Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron is one of the best curling irons for black hair. My only gripe is that it tends to get too hot even with the lowest setting. If you’re eyeing this curler, always opt for the lowest heat setting. The curler comes with light alerts so using it despite the high heat is less daunting for newbies or those with delicate tresses.

Conclusion

African American hair needs a curler that builds beautiful curls without breakage, tangles, and dryness. Generally, black hair is prone to heat damage and breakage because it’s often treated or tied tightly underneath wigs and weaves. Black hair comes in many types. Some have a fine texture but high volume, others are naturally kinky or have tight curls. Oftentimes, black hair is naturally fluffy, fine, and prone to styling damage.

The curlers that we’ve outlined above have earned praises for curling different types of African American hair.

If your hair is naturally curly and hard to manage, choose the Babyliss Pro. This curler has all the features you need to tame your tresses and achieve uniform curls. For users with relaxed hair, opt for a gentler curler like the Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro. This tool creates perfect curls and leaves the hair hydrated and silky! If you have weaves on, a high quality tourmaline ceramic curler like the Infiniti Pro or the Remington Pro Pearl ceramic curler is your best bet!

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron - 1 Inch
$59.99
  • 50 heat settings
  • Far-Infrared heat technology
  • Sol-Gel Ceramic technology
  • Heats up to 450 F Degrees
  • Turbo Button
  • Titanium curling barrel


Buy from Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/02/2024 08:00 pm GMT

Leah Williams

Leah Williams is the founder of Lucky Curl and has been in the hair care and styling industry for the last 15 years. Since then, she has developed incredible expertise and a deep understanding of how to treat and style the most difficult hair types and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the readers of Lucky Curl.

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