Style

These 6 Straighteners Actually Work On Thick Hair

by Lisa Fogarty

Variety is the spice of life — which explains why, even if you possess gloriously thick curls that I would trade in my skincare stash to have, there may be times when you covet super straight hair. But if you've got thick, wavy or curly hair, you'll need the right straightener for thick hair and a bit of skill and time to get the style of your dreams — but, yes, it's 100 percent possible to learn how to straighten thick hair without losing your mind in the process.

First, know that not all hair straighteners are created equal. There are ceramic hair straighteners, lightweight titanium straighteners, flat irons that feature tourmaline (which helps eliminate static and is especially effective on fine hair), and straightening tools that can heat up to high temperatures like 210 degrees Celsius — a crucial component if you are trying to straighten tight curls. And, if you're worried about your hard-earned style lasting, using products designed for straight hair can help it can withstand heat and humidity without resuming normal, curlier programming.

These six amazing straighteners are among the best straighteners for thick hair and, with a little practice on your end, they're sure to leave your hair smooth.

1. A Super-Wide Iron That Prevents Heat Damage

The wider the plates on your iron, the less time it can take to straighten very thick hair. That's just one of the reasons why the xtava Pro-Satin Infrared Straightener is a winner — it boasts 2 inch ceramic tourmaline plates. And that's just the beginning. You can choose from 10 temperature settings (265F-445F), it has 90-second heat up technology and a 60-minute auto turn-off timer, and — the kicker — uses infrared heat technology to heat hair from the inside out. That means less damage and risk of drying out course hair.

Reviewers say this iron is perfect for thick, natural hair, that is boasts an extremely long cord for easier styling, and — thanks to a wider plate — cuts straightening time by about five minutes.

2. A Titanium Iron For Frizz-Free Hair

The Salona Professional can adjust from a temperature of 255F to 400F — ensuring it can create smooth, straight locks no matter how thick your hair. It also features an easy-to-read temperature display, 110/220 dual voltage for travel, and titanium coated plates that emit more negative ions to help keep frizz at bay and reduce the amount of damage high temps can have on hair. Customers say it makes hair silky smooth — even without product.

3. A Straightening Heated Hair Brush For Volume

Hate cords? Tired of conventional flat irons and looking to try something new? The KINGDOMCARES Hair Straightener Brush scores points from reviewers for its simple-to-use technology and the way it can straighten hair while retaining volume and not making it appear too flat.

Always dry your hair with a brush and hair dryer first (or let it air dry), then apply a heat protectant product before sectioning your hair and pulling through it once (or twice) until your hair is straightened. This brush can heat up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit for heavy curly/wavy hair and has a 30-minute auto shut-off.

4. A Ceramic Straightener That Heats Up In Seconds

It can take a long time to straighten every strand of thick, course hair — so it's nice to know that flat irons like Remington S5500 do their part by heating up to high temperatures in about 30 seconds. With 1 inch ceramic plates, this tool features anti-static technology, heats up to 410F, and has a 60-minute auto shutoff so you never have to stress when you leave the house in the morning. Reviewers say this iron is longer than most, "gets the job done with one pass," and works to create both gorgeous waves and stick-straight hair.

5. A Tourmaline Flat Iron Made With Argan Oil

Using a heated iron on dry or damaged hair can be nerve-wracking. The Infiniti Pro will help ease your mind with 1 inch tourmaline ceramic plates that are infused with a blend of moisturizing oils, including argan oil. This tool boats 30 heat settings (the highest is 455F), making it a versatile tool that reviewers say can transform the thickest, coarsest hair into straight, glass-smooth locks.

6. An Easy-To-Use Heavy Duty Iron

The description for the HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline flat iron reads like lots of others: adjustable temperature from 240F to 400F, 1 inch plate ceramic/tourmaline plates for an ultra glossy finish, worldwide dual voltage compatible, and a convenient 360-degree swivel cord.

Things start to get really interesting when you read some of the stellar reviews this classic flat iron enjoys. "Boy, am I so in love with this straightener," one customer writes. "My hair is thick and wavy, it gets the job done!" And more than 26,000 reviewers agree.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.