How do I get my thick hair to hold a curl?

Thick hair may be difficult to keep curled after putting in the effort with an iron, so it's important to facilitate keeping your curls intact. A couple of top tips for creating a lasting curl: Use a mousse and heat protector before drying, set your curls with clips, and don't run your fingers through your hair.

What should I put on my hair before curling it?

A setting spray is a great choice for holding your curls and can also be used as a prep in advance of curling it. Some setting sprays also offer heat protection, making them even more of a win-win.

Do you use a curling iron on wet or dry hair?

Not only will damp locks flatten after you curl them, using a curling iron on wet or even damp hair can cause damage. Additionally, the steam created by the contact of heat on damp or wet hair can burn your scalp. Always use curling irons on hair that is fully and completely dry.

The 11 Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair of 2023

Fine hair often gets tons of attention, with lots of products and tools that are designed to address its specific needs. Often it feels like thick hair gets the short end of the stick. Even if you’ve been blessed with full, lush strands, that doesn’t mean that any old styler or hot tool will work for you—thicker tresses need some dedicated attention, too. Take curling irons, for example.

Everything from temperature settings to barrel material to shape can make all the difference when it comes to styling your voluminous locks, whether you’re going for beachy waves or retro, brushed-out curls. When looking for a curling iron, you'll want a barrel size appropriate for your thickness and length, as well as a material that heats quickly enough to not cause damage. On top of that, a range of temperature settings is important, as is whether the barrel is a clamp or wand.

Ahead are the best curling irons for thick hair that will give your mane exactly what it needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro 1 at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smoothing:

T3 Interchangeable Styling Wand at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Long-Lasting Curls:

Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Kristin Ess Soft Wave Pivoting Wand at Target

Jump to Review

Best Ceramic:

CHI Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin N Curl at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Interchangeable:

Drybar Styling Wand at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Thick, Curly Hair:

HerStyler Baby Curls Mini Curling Iron at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

T3 Curl ID at Ulta

Jump to Review

Runner-Up, Best Splurge:

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ceramic Curling Iron at Dermstore

Jump to Review

4.6

Beachwaver

View On Ulta View On Dermstore View On Beachwaver.com

What We Like

Self-spinning technology
Ergonomic handle
Includes great safety features

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Requires time to get used to

This game-changing hot tool truly revolutionized the hair industry when it first came on the scene, with self-spinning technology that makes it possible for anyone to get the beachy waves 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 it in the right direction to create that effortlessly tousled texture. This pro version is 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.

Price at time of publish: $129

Temperature Range: 310 to 450 F | Size: 1 inch

4.7

Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Affordable
Comes in various barrel sizes
Even heat distribution

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the clamp can get stuck

Despite the fact that Hot Tools products aren’t incredibly pricey, they feature all kinds of great technology and are a staple among professional stylists. This iron touts a patented pulse technology to sense heat loss, immediately restoring it so that your iron stays evenly hot the whole way through—a huge win when you’re curling thick hair that can take quite a long time to get through.

Some reviewers noticed that the clamp could get caught at times, but overall, using it is super smooth. We highlighted the 1.5-inch barrel in this list, but it also comes in four different sizes that can deliver tighter or looser curls.

Price at time of publish: $55

Temperature Range: 280 to 430 F | Size: 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 1.25 inches

T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Bluemercury.com

What We Like

Reduces frizz
Adds shine
Three interchangeable heads
Multi-tasker

What We Don't Like

Pricey

This beloved hot tool brand uses a custom-blend ceramic on the surface of this iron, which ideal for both tamping down errant frizzies (a common problem for those with thicker strands) and imparting mega-watt shine. While it’s definitely pricey, consider the fact that you’re also basically getting three separate irons for the price of one. This comes with a tapered wand, plus a 1-inch and a 1.5-inch barrel size, allowing for plenty of versatility. Use the larger one on the back of your head and the smaller one around your face, where even thick hair will be a little finer, or just snap in your favorite barrel and use it all over. Regardless of how you choose to use it, this three-barrel tool delivers luscious locks.

Price at time of publish: $325

Temperature Range: 260 to 410 F | Size: 0.75 to 1.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches

Drybar The 3 Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Long-lasting results
Reduces frizz
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note clamp isn't flush with iron
Strands can get caught in the clamp

As the name suggests, this tool is ideal for those who want to wash and style their hair once and not have to do it again for a few days. Ultimately, that’s the best way to minimize heat damage to your hair, something that’s important for all textures. Plus, the rotating clamp helps you create perfectly shaped curls faster than traditional irons—which, again, is a big plus if you have lots of thick hair to get through.

The rotating clamp has its benefits, but it is not without its disadvantages. It is not flush with the wand, which over time, can prevent the curl from forming evenly. Also, some reviewers note that stray strands can get caught in the clamp.

Price at time of publish: $149

Temperature Range: Up to 440 F | Size: 1 inch, 1.25 inches

Target

View On Target View On Asos View On CVS

What We Like

Wand pivots to a 90-degree angle
Adds shine
Reduces frizz

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note results aren't long-lasting

If curling your hair is not your thing, this wand has your back…literally. Know why your hair always looks so much better when a pro does it? It’s because they're standing behind you with complete access to every last inch of your hair. That’s not the case when you’re taking the DIY route; you're standing in the mirror having to contort your arms to try and get to all those hard-to-reach spots at the back of your head. The solution? This wand's pivoting barrel straightens just like a traditional wand and bends 90 degrees to curl every last bit of hair. Beyond the barrel, the titanium barrel enhances shine and cuts down on frizz, and it heats up evenly, so your curls look their best.

And let’s face it, curling thick hair can already be hard enough, so we’ll take whatever help we can get.

Price at time of publish: $70

Temperature Range: 325 to 425 F | Size: 1.25 inches

4.2

Chi-volcanic-lava-ceramic-pro-spin-n-curl

Sally Beauty

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Beautycarechoices.com

What We Like

Adds shine
Recommends temperature by hair texture
Includes great safety features

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Strands can get stuck in the chamber

Ceramic is a standout material in the world of curling irons and straighteners—it's one of the most effective at evenly conducting heat and helping to minimize the damage that can come with metal options. This iron ups the ante even further with a volcanic lava-lined chamber (seriously) to up that heat conductivity. It’s also super easy to use, drawing small sections into the chamber and spinning them. There are helpful pre-set temps and heat-up times based on hair texture, including an option for thick or coarse tresses.

This tool is unlike anything else in your collection, so it may take a minute to get used to. Take time to play with it and learn exactly how it works. Some have reported that strands can get stuck in the spinner, so be careful when using it.

Price at time of publish: $155

Temperature Range: 370 to 410 F | Size: 1 inch

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Includes great safety features
Three interchangeable heads
Ergonomic handle

What We Don't Like

Pricey

This is a go-to tool for Byrdie associate editorial director Holly Rhue. It comes with three interchangeable attachments allowing for a variety of different looks. There’s a 1-inch wand for more defined waves, a 1.25-inch wand for classic curls, and a three-pronged waver for a tousled, beachy texture. Infrared technology heats up whichever one you choose from the inside out, which is a great way to help minimize damage, and it also reaches up to 450 degrees, which is a huge plus for those with thicker hair.

It is on the expensive side, but remember, you are basically getting three tools for the price of one.

Price at time of publish: $169

Temperature Range: Up to 450 F | Size: 1-inch, 1.25 inches

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sears.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Portable
Great for curly hair

What We Don't Like

Doesn't have many safety features

Styling products aside, a curling iron can be a great way to touch up and define your naturally curly texture. Just make sure you’re using the right one; this option fits the bill. The tiny size is perfect for adding smoothness and shape to curls and has the added benefit of being lightweight and portable. It’s a solid choice for curly hair, no matter whether your spirals are fine or thick.

The super skinny barrel isn’t the most efficient option for curling your whole head, but if you need to touch up your natural texture, this will look the most natural. Unfortunately, it does not come with many safety features, so make sure you turn it off when you are finished curling.

Price at time of publish: $28

Temperature Range: Up to 400 F | Size: 9 to 18 millimeters

Curl ID 1.25'' Smart Curling Iron with Touch Interface

View On Ulta

What We Like

Recommends temperature by hair texture
Long-lasting results
Prevents damage

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. This product 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. How it works: Input your hair profile based on texture, color, and chemical treatments, and the tool does the hard work for you, coming up with the exact heat profile you need to score long-lasting, damage-free curls. (There’s also a manual mode you can play around with.)

The wand heats up evenly (meaning no searing spots), so your curls will be uniform from top to bottom. The ceramic barrel zaps frizz and keeps the integrity of the curl lasting all day long (for some even longer).

Temperature Range: 260 to 410 F | Size: 1.25 inches

Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron

Dermstore

View On Dermstore View On Shopbop.com

What We Like

Two interchangeable heads
Adds shine
Volumizes

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Hairstylist Harry Josh is arguably as well-known for his iconic work as he is for his eponymous line of amazing hot tools. This three-part wand, a favorite of Byrdie associate general manager Lindsey Metrus, is one of those. There’s a clipless wand as well as two interchangeable options, one of which boasts Marcel clamps and one of which features a spring clamp. All of them have a nano-ceramic and tourmaline coating to smooth hair and add body, plus a variety of heat settings that can be adjusted based on your hair texture. It only takes 40 seconds for the wand to fully heat up, and then automatically shuts off after 60 minutes.

Price at time of publish: $185

Temperature Range: 190 to 380 F | Size: 1 inch

Sultra-after-hours-collection-15-inch-titanium-styling-wand

QVC

View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Belk.com

What We Like

Tug-free
Prevents damage
Long-lasting results

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note temperature control isn't placed well

A titanium barrel coupled with an ion emitter makes for a friction-free surface that won’t pull or tug on the hair. It allows for one-pass styling, which further minimizes the likelihood of heat damage. The clipless rod is also perfect for creating beachy waves. It comes with a glove to protect your fingertips from getting singed. Our favorite part is the long-lasting results. One day of curls can last up to a week.

Some reviewers have complained the temperature control isn’t intuitively placed, so try to get familiar with the tool before using it.

Price at time of publish: $149

Temperature Range: Up to 390 F | Size: 1.5 inches

Final Verdict

Long, thick hair takes longer to style, but the tool you use can make a big difference in both the time and the outcome. The Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro Dual Voltage is a friend to newbies and experienced curlers alike. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, opt for Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Curling Iron or the Hot Tools Professional 24K Curling Iron for eye-catching curls at a fraction of the cost. But, if you’re looking to make a long-term investment in your next tool, try the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand (view at T3) or the Drybar Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron. They both come with multiple styling heads, so you get three tools for the price of one.

What to Look For in a Curling Iron For Thick Hair

Barrel Size

The size of the curling iron's barrel determines how large or small 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 if you have thick hair. Your fastest use iron will be one with a larger barrel, especially if you have long hair. Save the minis for touch-ups, and use a 1-inch to 2-inch barrel for full-head styling.

Material

Tourmaline, gold plate, titanium: Curling irons sound kind of like jewelry these days. You have numerous options for a material that heats fast and can help mitigate damage from curling. If you have thick hair, titanium is the best choice—but only provided you're a skilled curler. "Titanium plates will heat up much quicker and are great for pros, but they heat up from the outside and, for an inexperienced user, could cause more damage over time," celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins told Byrdie.

Temperature Settings

Thick hair can require higher temperature settings in order to curl properly. While thinner hair can get results in the 300-degree range, if you have thick hair that is healthy, you'll want an iron that has higher capabilities than that. Ideally, a range of up to 350, or even 450, will work best—just be sure to work quickly if using the iron closer to the latter temp.

Wand

Where once all curling irons had a clamp, in which you placed the section of hair and then twisted the barrel to create curl, curling wands have taken over the curling iron market in recent years. Because your hair isn't placed directly into a clamp, it may experience less heat damage. Wands are ideal for more messy waves, whereas clamps are used for perfect ringlets.

FAQ

How do I get my thick hair to hold a curl?

Thick hair may be difficult to keep curled after putting in the effort with an iron, so it's important to facilitate keeping your curls intact. A couple of top tips for creating a lasting curl: Use a mousse and heat protector before drying, set your curls with clips, and don't run your fingers through your hair.
What should I put on my hair before curling it?

A setting spray is a great choice for holding your curls and can also be used as a prep in advance of curling it. Some setting sprays also offer heat protection, making them even more of a win-win.
Do you use a curling iron on wet or dry hair?

Not only will damp locks flatten after you curl them, using a curling iron on wet or even damp hair can cause damage. Additionally, the steam created by the contact of heat on damp or wet hair can burn your scalp. Always use curling irons on hair that is fully and completely dry.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Melanie Rud is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things skincare—from buzzy ingredients to acne advice. She has over 10 years of experience working in beauty editorials. Over the years, her work has appeared in such digital and print publications as Real Simple, Shape, Allure, and Better Homes & Gardens.

The 10 Best Curling Wands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed