Thick hair can be a blessing, but it can also take much more time and effort to style. So, what's the best hot tool for bouncy curls or soft waves? "For long and thick hair types, a ceramic curling iron can limit damage and create smoother results," offers celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko. "A barrel size ranging from 1 inch to 1.25 inches allows for better heat distribution throughout the thick strands, ensuring curls will last."
We researched today's best curling irons for dense, coarse hair, checked our own bathroom cabinets, and tested a few ourselves. Our top picks stand out for temperature settings, time to heat, damage control, versatility, and user-friendliness.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Long Hair:
Best Smart:
Best Rotating:
What We Like
Creates beachy waves or bouncy curls
No need to wrap sections or twist wrist
Speeds up curling process
What to Consider
Spinning barrel isn't beginner-friendly
Barrel Width: 1 inch | Temperature Range: 310–450 F
This game-changing hot tool truly revolutionized the hair industry when it first came on the scene, and we're here for it. The self-spinning technology makes it possible for anyone to get the beachy waves and soft, bouncy curls you see on runways and the red carpet. All you have to do is put a section of hair in the clip and push a button—the iron does the work for you, spinning in the right direction to create an effortlessly tousled texture. The Pro 1 version is particularly great for thick hair, thanks to its larger barrel and adjustable temperature settings. That being said, it does require a learning curve to get used to the spinning system. But once you master it, even the thickest heads of hair go way faster.
What We Like
Substantially more affordable than comparable products
Prevents heat damage and flyaways
Offers silky-smooth finish
What to Consider
Not the most durable
Barrel Width: 1, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 430 F
On a budget? Revlon's SmoothStay Curling Iron is a solid choice. This hot tool boasts a ceramic tourmaline barrel to keep heat damage at bay, prevent flyaways and deliver a silky-smooth finish. It comes in two sizes, but per Polko's recommendation, the 1-inch option is best for thicker hair. You might have to replace it sooner than later, but this curler won't run you more than 30 bucks.
What We Like
Barrel is 2 inches longer than average
Cool-touch grip for burn prevention
Minimizes heat damage
What to Consider
Voltage isn't universal
Barrel Width: 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 430 F
If your hair is not only thick but also very long, this curling iron has your name on it. With an extra-long barrel (2 inches longer than average), you can wrap the entire length of each section around it and more easily curl the back of your head. We love the feature-rich design, from the swivel cord and cool-touch grip to the ceramic heating and variable temperatures. As Polko notes, 1 or 1.25 inches is generally best for long hair, but if yours is close to waist-length, the 1.5-inch barrel will give you more coverage.
What We Like
Good for soft waves and looser curls
Ideal barrel width for thick hair
Long-lasting styles for thick, coarse hair
What to Consider
No clamp
Glove not included
Barrel Width: 1 inch | Temperature Range: 200–410 F
If you're more about soft waves than traditional curls, a curling wand might be the way to go. We like this clamp-free option from Mane. Just wrap each section of hair around the 1-inch barrel, hold for a few seconds, depending on how much definition you want, then release. According to the brand, 360 to 410 degrees is the best temperature range when styling thicker hair. This hot tool doesn't come with a glove, so you might want to get one to avoid burning your fingers.
What We Like
Stylist-recommended
Can choose curl type and direction
Prevents heat damage and tangling
What to Consider
Takes practice but eventually easy
Barrel Width: 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: 300–410 F
Polko is a fan of this long-barreled, self-spinning option for long hair. "The automatic curler does all the work for you, but it has three different curl type settings, five heat options, and three curl directions," she says. "The ceramic barrel heats up evenly for less damage and has tangle-free technology to protect hair."
What We Like
Creates personalized heat profile
Adjusts for texture, color, and chemical treatments
Long-lasting results
What to Consider
Doesn't get as hot as others
Barrel Width: 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 360 F
The T3 Curl ID has some of the coolest high-tech features we've ever seen in a hot tool, all of which add up to a totally customized styling experience. Input your hair profile based on texture, color, and chemical treatments. Then this smart gadget does the hard work for you, coming up with the exact heat profile you need to score long-lasting, damage-free curls. It doesn't get as hot as others, but this is by design to minimize fried strands. There's also a manual mode you can play around with.
Best Rotating
Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron
What We Like
Three interchangeable attachments
High temperature for thick hair
Damage-reducing design
What to Consider
Potential learning curve
Barrel Width: 1, 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 450 F
This is a go-to rotating curling tool for Byrdie editorial director Holly Rhue. It comes with three interchangeable attachments, allowing for a variety of looks. There's a 1-inch wand for more defined waves, a 1.25-inch barrel for classic curls, and a three-pronged waver for tousled, beachy textures. Infrared technology heats up whichever one you choose from the inside out to help reduce damage, and it reaches up to 450 degrees—a huge plus for those with thicker hair.
What We Like
Excellent value
Consistent, even heating
Heats through thick, coarse strands
What to Consider
Clamp prone to sticking
1 or 1.25 inches is best
Barrel Width: 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 280–430 F
If you don't need anything fancy and are just looking for a basic curling iron that works on thick hair, this one from Hot Tools is an excellent choice. It can reach up to 430 degrees to heat through even the thickest, coarsest strands. The barrel promises to continuously restore heat to stay consistently hot so you get the same results with each section of hair. Some reviewers have mentioned that the clamp gets stuck at times. But all in all, we think this reliable—not to mention affordable—hot tool is an excellent value.
Best Titanium
Moroccanoil Everlasting Curl Titanium Curling Iron
What We Like
Stylist-recommended material
Heat penetrates dense hair
Extra-long barrel
What to Consider
Too long for short or medium-length hair
Barrel Width: 1 inch | Temperature Range: Up to 430 F
According to celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins, titanium curling irons can be the most effective for thick hair because the barrels heat quickly and get hot enough to penetrate the density. We like that this one evenly distributes heat throughout the extra-long barrel and clamp. It might be too long for shorter hair, but if you're rocking a waist-length mane, it allows you to wrap the entire length of your hair and curl the back of your head without a fuss.
What We Like
Minimizes friction and heat damage
Even, consistent heating
Precise temperature controls
What to Consider
Lower temps may not work on thick hair
Barrel Width: 1 inch | Temperature Range: 180–410 F
Polko says ceramic hot tools are best for preventing heat damage. This curling iron has a 1-inch ceramic barrel that reaches up to 410 degrees (higher heats tend to be most effective with thick hair) while evenly heating the surface to prevent frying a single area and minimize friction against the hair cuticle. We like that the digital display allows you to choose the exact temperature you want for your hair type and texture.
Best Temperature Settings
L'ange Le Clip Titanium Curling Iron
What We Like
Can set to exact degree
Smart temperature memory
Extended clip for more thorough heating
What to Consider
Cord could be longer
Barrel Width: 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 280–400 F
The Le Clip has an LED display with adjustable heat settings. You can set the temperature to the exact degree you want from 280 to 400 degrees, then the smart memory function will automatically return to your preferred setting the next time you switch it on. Another reason it's good for thick hair? The extended clip offers more coverage on each section you curl, so it has an easier time heating all the way through thicker strands. We wish the power cord was longer (it's only 6 feet) but otherwise have no complaints.
Best Extra-Long Barrel
BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel Curling Iron
What We Like
2 inches longer than most barrels
Ideal for long, thick hair
Lightweight, ergonomic design
What to Consider
No auto-shutoff
Barrel Width: 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 430 F
If your hair is long or you often have trouble curling sections on the back of your head, we highly recommend this BaBylissPro curling iron. The barrel is 2 inches longer than most others, making styling cascading hair quick and easy—or at least quicker and easier. Other standout features include digital temperature controls, a burn-preventing cool tip, and a lightweight, ergonomic handle.
What We Like
Rechargeable, interchangeable battery
Heats quickly
Ideal barrel size for thick hair
What to Consider
Clamp-free wand
Second battery not included
Barrel Width: 1 inch | Temperature Range: Up to 400 F
With a cordless curling iron, you can style your hair literally anywhere. We're particularly fond of this one from Harry Josh, which checks many boxes for thick hair. It's got a 1-inch ceramic barrel that heats in just 60 seconds to your preferred temperature and gets plenty hot enough to thoroughly heat thick, coarse hair. The rechargeable battery is interchangeable, so you can swap it out for a spare if the first one dies. But just FYI, the second battery is sold separately.
Best With Interchangeable Heads
Trademark Beauty Mood Starter Kit
What We Like
All-in-one curling iron, wand, and waver
High temps work well on thick hair
Included glove, clips, and case
What to Consider
Somewhat flimsy feeling
Barrel Width: 1, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 210–450 F
Interested in an all-in-one hot tool for styling thick hair? Check out Trademark Beauty's Mood Starter Kit. It has three interchangeable heads, including a traditional curling iron, a clamp-less wand, and a waver. We appreciate that it heats up in seconds and goes up to 450 degrees, so you can bet it'll work on even the thickest hair. Some buyers have noted that this hot tool feels a bit flimsy, but it comes with a case to safeguard the components for storage and travel. You'll also get clips for separating sections of hair to curl and a heat-protective glove.
What to Consider When Buying a Curling Iron for Thick Hair
- Barrel Size: A curling iron's barrel size determines how large (loose) or small (tight) your waves or curls will come out. While it may be tempting to use a mini iron for a headful of tightly curled spirals, that might turn into more of a time commitment than you're prepared for. A very large barrel (think 2 inches) may not be ideal, either, depending on your hair length. According to Polko, 1 or 1.25 inches is best for thick hair.
- Barrel Length: If your hair is not only thick but also quite long, you may want to get a curling iron with an extra-long barrel. We found a couple good ones that are roughly 2 inches longer than average.
- Clamped Iron vs. Wand: Think about whether you want a traditional curling iron with a clamp or a clamp-less wand. The former is best for more defined curls, and the latter is better for looser curls and soft waves. Also, when hair isn't held down with a clamp, it's exposed to less direct heat damage.
- Material: When browsing curling irons, you'll see options with ceramic, tourmaline, titanium, and gold-plated barrels. "Titanium plates will heat up much quicker and are great for pros," says Collins. "But they heat up from the outside and, for an inexperienced user, could cause more damage over time." If you want to minimize heat damage, ceramic or tourmaline might be a better choice.
- Temperature settings: Thick hair calls for higher temperature settings to create defined curls that actually last. While thinner hair can get results in the 300-degree range, thicker strands and denser manes will need hotter irons to penetrate through. A range of up to 400 or even 450 will generally work best. "Start with a medium heat setting and test a small section to determine the optimal temperature for your hair type," says Polko.
FAQ
How do you get thick hair to hold a curl?
Since it's harder for heat to penetrate through thick hair, the key to getting it to hold a curl is using a higher temperature and smaller sections. This will ensure each strand warms up rather than only those that come into direct contact with the barrel. Other than that, hairspray will be your best friend.
What should I put on my hair before curling it?
"Use a heat-protectant spray before styling to minimize heat damage and maximize curl longevity," offers Polko. Once you've finished with the curling iron, use a setting spray or a light mist of hairspray to set your curls and keep the effects of humidity at bay.
Do you use a curling iron on wet or dry hair?
Only use a curling iron on completely dry hair. Not only will using a hot iron on wet or damp hair not work, but it can exacerbate heat damage because the hot barrel makes the water evaporate—think of the sizzling noise you'd hear when water droplets fall onto a hot burner. This can cause structural changes to hair that make it more prone to breakage.
Add to Cart
Before you check out, here are other hair essentials that'll fit seamlessly into your curling routines.
- Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream and Taming Wand: The perfect toss-in-bag product, this wand tamps down rogue hairs (i.e., frizz and flyaways) and easily styles edges. "This is a go-to styling item in my haircare routine," says Byrdie copy editor Cher Checchio. "It's what I use to slick-back baby hairs for my braids and twists."
- Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Hair Mist: Healthy, heat-styled hair starts with a heat protectant, and this one distributes the product evenly and absorbs quickly, sans any weighed-down greasiness.
- Color Wow Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texture Spray: If you want to add body to your curls, this spray delivers without leaving behind a stiff, sticky residue.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in hair tools, makeup, and at-home cosmetic treatments. She's tapped her deep knowledge of buying guides, worked with experts, and did in-depth research to build this list.
Meet the Experts:
- Laura Polko is a celebrity hairstylist who's worked on looks for the Met Gala, Cannes Film Festival, and countless Fashion Weeks across the globe.
- Matthew Collins is a celebrity hairstylist and co-creator of the Scrungee.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough curling irons from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.