On the hunt for the best curling iron for thick hair? Anyone who’s ever had to style thick hair knows that any old styling tool won’t cut it.
Let’s face it, styling thick hair can take a long time, and it’s often hard to hold a curl. When looking for the best curling iron for thick hair, consider features like a wide barrel, high heat, and an ergonomic and lightweight curling iron design.
With this in mind, we have put together a list of the best curling irons for long, thick hair and a helpful buying guide. Further below, you also find FAQs to help you decide which curling iron is suitable for you.
Best Curling Iron for Thick Hair – 6 Top Products
1. BIO IONIC Gold PRO Wand Styling Iron
Kicking off our list of best curling irons for thick hair is the Gold PRO Wand by BIO IONIC. While there are several great curling irons for thick hair featured on this list, this curling iron presented the best value for money, considering the quality and features of the tool.
One of the most essential features that you should look for in curling irons for thick hair is the maximum heat setting. You want a curling iron that could reach at least 350 °F if your hair is dense and unyielding. We love the BIO IONIC Gold PRO Wand Styling Iron because it heats up to 450 °F, hot enough to curl the most stubborn hair type.
I love how lightweight the Gold Pro curling iron is in terms of ease of use and ergonomics. This is an essential factor when curling thick hair as it can take longer to style. It’s compact, lightweight, and incredibly efficient.
As you know, gold is an excellent heat conductor, and the Gold Pro generates and retains consistent heat, giving you lasting curls! The Gold Pro technology heat activates negative ions that prevent frizz and static and results in shiny curls. Overall, the device’s ability to curl thick hair is incredible, and this goes even for those with unruly, thick hair.
It is important to note that this curling iron does not have a clamp, which may be a downside for some users. However, clamp-free curling irons are incredibly easy to use once you have the technique down pat.
Pros
- Can reach temperatures up to 450°F, which is excellent for hard-to-curl locks
- Infused with Bio Ionic’s 24k Gold Ceramic Mineral Complex for even heat distribution and moisture retention
- The lightness (6 oz) makes it easy to curl long hair
- Negative ions add polish and tamp down frizz and static
- The 1-inch clipless barrel is versatile and can create tight curls or loose waves
- Comes with a swivel cord and 1-hour automatic shutoff
Cons
- The lack of a clip means there’s a learning curve for beginners
2. T3 – SinglePass Curl 1 Inch Professional Curling Iron
Next on our list for the best curling irons for thick hair is the T3 SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron. This highly-rated curling iron is perfect for thick hair due to the custom-blend ceramic barrel material that allows for efficient styling. In contrast, the 1.25-inch barrel size makes it easy to work with long thick hair.
Whether you are looking to create spirals, waves, or curls, you will be able to achieve consistently perfect curls every time. This is down to the Digital T3 SinglePass technology that maintains a consistent barrel temperature to deliver smooth and long-lasting curls. You will want to lean towards a product that will cut down styling time wherever possible while still producing great curls for anyone with thick hair.
- T3 Custom Blend Ceramic barrel
- SmartTwist Dial
- SinglePass Technology
What else is there to love about T3 SinglePass Curling Iron? Well, to start, you’ll get to choose from 5 adjustable heat settings, a range that’s wide enough to accommodate all hair types, whatever the texture. That means you won’t have to clip and wait for ages waiting for the perfect curl to manifest because the heat can be adjusted to adapt to the thickness of your hair. Turning the dial changes the settings, positioned to prevent accidental activations when the curling iron is used. The device remembers your previous heat setting, so you don’t have to readjust with each use.
Another thing I love about this curling iron is its lightweight, ergonomic design. This was a refreshing feature for someone who’s used to getting sore wrists from long styling sessions. Adding to the convenience is the intelligent construction of this product. For example, the cool tip doubles as a stand to keep the barrel away from hard surfaces. This is handy when you’re taking a break and want to put the curling iron down.
This hair curling tool will auto-adjust to your voltage. So you can take this with you when traveling to get natural-looking curls on vacations and business trips.
The curling iron is an easy recommendation, but it does come with a hefty price tag. When first using it, take extra precautions because the iron gets very hot. Make sure it’s pointed at the lowest heat setting before you work your way up so you prevent frying your locks.
Pros
- Made of ceramic for efficient curling
- The barrel is 1.25-inch thick, great for long hair
- Features T3 SinglePass technology that provides even heat so your curls last
- Comes with 5 adjustable heat settings that are ideal for all hair types
- The intelligent dial prevents accidental clicks when in use
- Has a lightweight design that reduces wrist soreness
- Has a cool tip stand
- The dual voltage capability makes this a good travel curling iron
Cons
- Quite expensive
- The barrel gets very hot, so one needs to be careful not to start at the highest setting
3. ghd Creative Curl Wand
Hairstyling isn’t rocket science, but sometimes, it feels almost as tricky. With this curling iron, you won’t have to fumble awkwardly to get the hair you want, whether it’s deep curls or loose beachy waves.
The Creative Curl Wand has a tapered oval barrel that makes gripping locks easy. Smart sensors track the temperature, keeping the heat at an optimal 365°F and ensuring you get the same power throughout the wand.
- Tri-Zone Ceramic Technology
- Tapered barrel
- 30-minute Automatic Sleep Mode
- Universal Voltage
- On-off Switch
- Professional-length Cord
The curling iron is coated with ceramic, an effective yet gentle heating component that creates smooth, flawless waves. With a heat-up time of 25 seconds, you can curl and go in a few minutes.
Aside from cutting-edge heat technology, ghd also places features that make this wand so intuitive to use. I’ve been burned a couple times while concentrating on curling my hair. Hence, I appreciate the protective cool tip this iron has. It also comes with a safety stand to prop up the wand when you’re not using it.
By far, the best feature that really makes a difference is the press and hold design for the on/off switch, which prevents styling accidents. Another thing I like is the swivel cable and long cord, as well as the shutoff timer. I also love how clean and sleek it looks and feels, a small detail that makes using the curling iron feel luxurious.
If you’re used to using tongs, using this curling wand will take a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of it, curling your long locks will feel effortless.
Pros
- Has a tapered oval-shaped barrel that creates amazing waves
- Features a smart temperature sensing technology that keeps the wand at 365°F
- Ceramic coated for gentle and even heat distribution
- Has a 25-second heat-up time
- The cool tip prevents burns
- A safety stand keeps the wand from burning your table or countertop
- Lots of safety and convenience features
Cons
- It takes time to get used to this wand because it works differently from a tong
4. Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Regular Barrel Curling Iron
Curling long, thick tresses calls for a heavy-duty styling tool that provides consistent, salon-worthy results. That’s precisely what you can expect with the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Regular Barrel Curling Iron. No doubt about it, this curling iron is pretty with its 24K gold barrel and jet-black accents, but this device isn’t just all good looks. It features a unique curling surface that tames the most unyielding hair. From beachy waves to romantic curls, elegant twists, and face-framing tendrils, it does it all!
The Hot Tools Professional 24K gold plated barrel applies healthy heat evenly to curl every hair strand to perfection. This device also comes with the brand’s proprietary Pulse Technology. The curling wand is hot, and it stays hot throughout the curling process for consistent results. Suppose your hair is damaged, prone to damage, or color-treated. In that case, you will love its multiple heat settings and rheostat control dial. With these features, you get optimum control over the temperature, which minimizes the risk of hair damage.
And if you have unmanageable hair, the curling iron heats up to a toasty 430°F. That, and the ergonomically designed handle allows you to create salon-worthy curls; it’s the perfect tool for hair that could not hold a curl.
Thanks to the variable and high heating settings and 24k gold barrel material, I consider the Hot Tools Professional curling iron one of the best curling irons for long, thick hair.
Pros
- Looks opulent with its gold barrel and matte black accents
- Versatile and can create waves, curls, twists, and other styles
- Evenly distributes heat on the strands from end to end to prevent hair damage
- Retains heat through sensors, so the iron stays hot, with temperatures of up to 430°F
- Fitted with multiple heat settings and rheostat dial so you can adjust the temperature easily
- Has a soft touch handle, a foldaway stand, and a cool rotating tip
Cons
- It’s not for fine or thin hair because of the high heat settings (best for thick, coarse hair)
- The heat dial makes it a bit too easy to crank up the heat, so the user should be careful not to overdo it
5. Remington T Studio Curling Wand
Everyday styling can do a number on your hair. It could leave your hair dry and dull from the constant heat exposure. Apart from applying heat-protecting products to your tresses before curling thick hair, it’s essential to use a styling tool with gentle heat. The Remington T Studio Curling Wand is a part of the brand’s newest generation of heat styling tools infused with moisture-boosting crushed pearls.
In Asia, crushed pearls are a popular skincare ingredient known to restore the resilience and youthfulness of aging skin. When used as a hair treatment, crushed pearls lock in moisture and boost shine, restoring the health of dry, damaged hair. The crushed pearls also smoothen the hair cuticles, so your hair stays silky, smooth, and full of shine. Now isn’t that something?
If you have thick hair, then you know that even consistent heat is key to achieving lasting curls. That’s precisely what you can expect with the T Studio!
If you are all about options, then you will love the T Studio curling wand. The conical pearl ceramic barrel lets you create a variety of curls. It also comes with 10 heat settings (max 410°F), temperature lock, and digital controls, all of which help create the perfect curl. I love the temperature lock feature. In particular, not a lot of curling tools come with the same technology. This feature lets you set your preferred temperature during styling, making the entire process quick and easy.
The T Studio curling wand is suitable for most hair types, but it might not be the best choice for people with short hair. The 1”-1½” is too wide for users with chin-length hair, so curling won’t be as precise.
Pros
- Has crushed pearl infusions that keep hair healthy and shiny and treat damage
- Seals the hair cuticle for silky, smooth locks
- Provides consistent and even heat for curls that last you the whole day, and then some
- The conical ceramic barrel is versatile and can create an array of styles
- Comes with 10 heat settings, capping at 410°F
- Convenient to use with features like a salon-length swivel cord, temperature lock, auto shutoff, LCD display, and digital controls
- Suits all hair types and comes with a protective glove
Cons
- This curling wand may not feel comfortable to use on short or chin-length hair because the barrel is too big for precise curling
6. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
Suppose you want a traditional curling iron that gets the job done for a reasonable price. In that case, the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron is the best styling wand for you. It looks like your average curling iron with its clip-on barrel and baby blue handle, but it comes with 50 heat settings. Whatever your hair type, this has you covered. It heats up to 450°F, an impressive feat.
Though the wand gets hot, your locks won’t get scorched or frizzed up because this uses Sol-Gel Ceramic technology. The barrel is made of full titanium and ceramic nanoparticles, making this a durable and chemical-resistant iron worth splurging on.
The nano titanium barrel emits far-infrared heat. This is healthier for your hair because it transfers heat within the hair strand. This reduces the risk of potential damage. The 1-inch width can create the laziest of curls and the most intricate waves.
If you’re in a rush, press the turbo heat button to speed up styling and get more curl definition. The 8-foot swivel cord makes curling possible even while far from a power source.
What this curling iron lacks is a cool tip, especially since it delivers such high temperatures. An automatic shutoff would have been nice to have, as well as a digital readout. However, this is such a great deal for the price that I won’t hesitate to recommend it.
Pros
- The barrel is made with Sol-Gel Ceramic Technology for concentrated titanium and ceramic barrel that lasts long and resists chemicals and hair products
- Comes with 50 heat settings up to 450°F
- Uses far-infrared heat to prevent scorched locks
- The barrel is 1-inch wide for versatile styling
- Has a turbo heat button and an 8-foot swivel cord
Cons
- It doesn’t have an excellent tip which is a practical feature found in most curling irons
- There is no automatic shutoff feature and digital display
A Guide to Finding the Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair
What’s the best curling iron for thick hair? Here are some of the factors to consider when searching for the proper curler for your hair type:
Barrel Size
Those with thick hair will want to opt for a curling iron with a wide barrel. A curler with a barrel size between 1.5 to 2 inches is the best-sized curling iron for this hair type.
Barrel Shape
The shape of the barrel can affect the size and type of curl you are after. Curling irons tend to have cylindrical-shaped barrels, whereas curling wands have conical-shaped ones. The benefit of a curling wand is that these kinds of curlers can be angeled to pump up the volume.
Barrel Material
Titanium is one of the more suitable curling iron barrel materials for thick hair due to its high heat and quick heat up, resulting in more efficient hair curling. With that in mind, you must always use a hair-protecting spray or serum when using hot styling tools.
How To Curl Thick Hair
Those with long or thick hair will know styling can be laborious. Here are some simple tips and tricks to make flawless beach waves and bouncy curls with that in mind.
- As we mentioned above, an essential first step is applying a heat protectant. Curling irons can get hot! This could be a serum or spray. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s formulated to protect hair from damage.
- When using a curling iron for long or thick hair, sectioning the hair before styling will be critical. I would recommend purchasing a packet of hair clips or clamps and diving the hair into several sections.
- Start with the bottom sections of the hair and work towards the top layers.
- Keep in mind that a curling iron for long or thick hair tends to have a wide barrel. This means you won’t be able to get as close to the root of the hair as you would with a thinner barrel.
- Picking up the end of a hair section, wrap around the barrel. If you have a curling iron with a clamp, clamp the hair at the ends and roll up until the hair is entirely around the barrel.
- Hold for a few seconds and then release.
- Repeat for the rest of your locks, wrapping two-inch sections at a time. Try varying the directions of the curls if you want a more casual look.
- Finish with a hair spray.
- Finger comb your hair gently to loosen up the waves.
Wrap Up: The Best Curling Iron for Long Thick Hair
One of the most common issues with curling long, straight hair is that the tresses cannot hold curls for long. The key to creating lasting curls is getting the temperature right. You need a curler that can reach high temperatures to create curls that will last all day. The same thing can be said for taming thick tresses. Use a heavy-duty yet lightweight curling iron that heats up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to curl unmanageable locks.
Precision is everything when curling long, thick hair. Therefore, choosing a curler with a cool tip (or with a complimentary heat-resistant glove) will give you more control over your curls. We hope that this guide has helped you find the best curling iron for long thick hair! What’s your favorite?
