If you’re blessed with thick hair but cursed with a dilemma – beautiful curls that just want to drop, you’re not alone. The struggle to find a curling iron that can truly maintain your curls is real. But fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best curling iron for thick hair that doesn’t hold curl, followed by some expert tips to ensure those bouncy waves stay put.
First, let’s understand why thick hair poses a challenge when it comes to keeping curls. Thick hair has a larger circumference, which means you need an iron with a larger barrel to create voluminous curls. Additionally, thick hair tends to be resistant to heat, making it harder for the curls to set. But with the right tool and technique, there’s no stopping you from achieving those va-va-voom curls.
Irons That Mean Business: Barrel Size and Heat Settings
Thick hair requires a curling iron that can deliver consistent, high heat. The bigger the barrel, the more surface area it covers, which means it can curl your thick strands more quickly and efficiently.
To tackle this, look for curling irons with a barrel size of 1.5 inches or more. For those with extremely thick hair, irons with jumbo barrels (2 inches or more) might be ideal. Also, ensure the iron has variable heat settings, ideally up to 400°F, to pierce through the thickness and set the curls.
Tourmaline and Ceramic: Your Heat-Defying Allies
Tourmaline and ceramic are your best friends when it comes to fighting frizz and preventing heat damage. Tourmaline infuses ions into the hair to reduce static and moisture loss, while ceramic distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that could damaging your hair.
Many high-quality curling irons now come with these technologies. Some even feature a combination of both. For instance, the Hot Sock Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron and Wand Set is a winner that delivers excellent performance and excellent value.
Curl Type and Iron Shape
The shape of the curling iron also plays a significant role in determining the type of curls you get. For thick hair, we recommend irons with a conical or reverse taper shape. This shape allows you to create a variety of curl types – from tight ringlets to loose waves – simply by changing the way you hold the iron.
A good example is the Remington Pro 1.5 inch Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand. The pearl and ceramic technology fights frizz and heat damage, while the conical shape lets you change up your curl game.
Techniques for Long-Lasting Curls
Now that you’ve got your hands on the perfect curling iron for thick hair, it’s time to learn how to use it right. Here are some techniques to make those curls last.
Prep for Success
Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a heat protectant and leave-in conditioner to shield your hair from heat damage and add moisture. Blow-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. Over-drying can make your hair brittle and resistant to styling.
Once you’ve prepped your hair, it’s time to create the curls. Working in small sections, clamp the iron onto your hair, hold for a few seconds, then release and gently pull the iron downwards through your hair. Repeat this motion a few times to ensure each section is evenly heated.
Cool it Down
Immediately after curling a section of hair, gently clip it to your head. Once all sections are done, leave them to cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows the curls to set and holds them in place longer.
When ready, unclip your hair and gently finger-comb the curls to loosen them up and create a more natural look. Finish the style with a light-hold hairspray for extra hold without the crunch.
Embrace those glorious curls, thick-haired beauties! With the right curling iron and a little know-how, you too can enjoy beach-ready waves that last through the day and into the night. So go ahead, twirl, twirl, twirl – you deserve it!
