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Are you looking for the best flat iron for thick coarse hair? Good, because I’ve reviewed the reviews to find you the best option.
With more folks staying inside the house more than ever, we’ve been forced to be more creative, talented, and more patient with our hair care. Many of us have started to take self-care into much importance after the last pandemic.
There’s a lot less salon trips and more learning how to care for your own thick, coarse type 4 hair. So, since you’ve been surfing the net for the perfect flat irons for your thick hair, I think these suggestions are what you're looking for.
You'll see Babyliss Pro flat irons for 4C hair, GHD flat iron info, T3 SinglePass straighteners and other elite straighteners for coarse hair.
Here, we present our top 10 picks in Flat Irons. Scroll down!
This is our #1 rated best flat iron for thick coarse hair. The SinglePass X is a broader and more powerful straightening iron designed to alleviate unruly locks.
With Digital T3 SinglePass technology and one-and-a-half-inch T3 custom blend ceramic plates, this flat iron tames thick coarse hair with a soothing touch for smooth, glossy, and lasting results. We are sure you'll love this great iron. Check current prices HERE: https://amzn.to/2QY5Yp6
“I really like this straightening iron. It's most definitely a one-pass. It has various heat settings. I'm an African American woman with naturally kinky hair. I blow dry my hair straight and then flat iron with this T3 Singlepass. I wash my hair only every couple weeks and I never have to flat iron my hair again during that time. Because this T3 is a bigger iron, I have to use a mini flat iron to press my edges.”
- A.C.
“I have LOADS of very thick hair that is about halfway down my back, and straightening my coarse hair can be a total nightmare. However, this flat iron gets hot fast, and leaves my hair bone-straight, even those extra-wavy portions right at the back and the nape of my neck. The width makes it extra fast to straighten all my hair! And you can even get a nice flip at the ends, despite the 1 1/2" width.”
- Angie
“I was excited to try this flat iron because I have owned several T3 products over the years (i.e. curling irons, hair dryers, etc.) but have never owned one of their flat irons. When pulling this out of the box I noticed the width was a bit thicker than the irons I normally use but I was open to that because I have long, thick, coarse hair that takes a long time to straighten.
This flat iron heats up very quickly. I like to find the balance between the heat needed to effectively straighten my hair and keeping the temperature low enough to minimize damage.
Using this on my hair I thought it performed equally well to other flat irons in this price range. Unfortunately for me a single pass isn't enough, but I didn't expect that based on the type of hair I have. I also found in use I liked the wider straightener a lot more than I expected because it seemed to make quicker work of straightening my hair. I liked that my hair didn't snag on it and that it didn't have a smell when heating up or while straightening my hair. It also did a good job of retaining heat.
Overall, I think this is a good iron as long as your expectations of it being a single pass iron are in check if you have thick, coarse hair (and especially hair like mine that has a wave to it). It's not a one-pass straightener for me due to the texture of my hair, but no iron is and I am very happy with this.”
- Gloria Richardson
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/2QY5Yp6
This Babyliss pro flat iron is one of the best options for those with thick curly hair, this amazing silk press flat iron comes with Titanium plated plates and you can get it here.
This type of plate is suitable for all kinds of hair as well as thick hair. What you will find is that it will heat up very fast! And hold the heat well. This is an edge for this set of plates.
Another great feature of this flat iron is that you can change the temperature according to your hair and its needs. If your hair is thicker, a higher setting or even a medium one on this tool will be more than enough to give you pin-straight hair, you also might love the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Prima.
The device itself is very durable and of excellent quality. It does not have a soft or delicate feel to it. It's sleek and delivers a stylish look. With this flat iron, you will require only two to three swipes along with your hair. ALSO: Check out our "is Babyliss Pro better than GHD flat irons" article.
The link to get this: https://amzn.to/3nk03ao
“Great straightener for coarse hair! I like this straightening iron. My hair is pretty curly and coarse but I only had to go over my hair once and it was bone straight. With my other straighteners that was soooo not the case.
This takes me about 15 min as opposed to 45 with the flat irons I've used in the past...It doesn't burn or singe my hair but my hair is thick and healthy so maybe it wouldn't do well for people with thin, brittle, dry or chemically-treated hair.”
- Rena Johnson
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/3nk03ao
This flat iron for thick coarse hair is packed with pro highlights to achieve the softest, silkiest styles in no time.
It is manufactured with far-infrared technology to lock in moisture and super-charged negative ions that manage static frizz for shiny, silky-smooth finishes with every swoop. It heats up fast and is adjustable at the ends. You'll want to have this in your collection.
“This is the best smoothing iron that I've had. I have coarse hair, and this works great! I had heard about this flat iron when I got my hair cut and the lady used a similar one. My hair feels smooth and silky with it, and not dry at all. I have had Chi and many other assorted brands, but this one is by far the best for my hair type. Good for coarse hair!”
- Nikka H.
“Very nice and sleek flat iron. Heats up very fast and works great on my daughters super coarse hair.”
- Henrietta
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/3aAXsnb
This flat iron by RUSK creates silky, shiny, frizz-free hair. The tourmaline and ceramic plates give instant and definite heat while distributing natural ions and far-infrared heat for optimal straightening results. This iron is intended for heavy-use by salon professionals.
Tips:
“I’d just bought the Rusk Super Freak Dryer and absolutely loved it - so, I ordered this straightening iron from Rusk. WOW! It works great and I love it! I am of Mexican heritage and have very thick/coarse long hair. Some of my strands are thin/thick, some are straight/wavy/curly and this flat iron completely straightens them all. My hair looks amazing and soooo shiny.
This flat iron really makes it shiny! Also, my hair feels very soft and moves so freely now. I am so happy I just purchased the Rusk Being Smooth Hair Creme. Can't wait to get it and try it out too. Overall, my hair feels and looks like I just had it done at a salon. Sooooo happy that I found these great Rusk products. Customer for life!!
As the saying goes - you get what you pay for - and this Rusk flat iron is definitely worth the price.”
- Angelina R.
“I have really coarse extra thick hair. I usually have to touch my hair up every other day or so but with the rusk and proper heat protection my hair stays straight alllll week and then some. Love it!!”
- Patricia
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/3tKfVoO
This thick hair flat iron creates a sleek finish with one-inch titanium plates. The device's control functions are all found on the top of the handle, making the machine easy to use while you have the flat iron in your hair.
The New Classic Infrared Flat Iron is perfect for color-treated, natural and coarse hair. The infrared technology allows heat to penetrate the cortex of the hair while protecting its integrity. Achieve smooth, straight hair in one pass. The stationary plates are optimized for maximum straightening. It's a great choice for Keratin and Brazilian treatments among professional stylists.
There is no need to remove it to turn it over or make changes to the features given. The Croc logo is also embodied on the side of the handle. The lead on this device is long, which is another safety precaution and helpful feature to have.
The auto shut-off feature also improves safety.
However, while there is not much fancy about it in terms of visual looks, it works well to straighten thick hair.
“Yes, this infrared is a MIRACLE worker for my course, kinky, curly hair!!!”
- Lana McDonald
"My hair stylist recommended this straightener and believe me when I tell you I've tried them all!. I was very skeptical because they have all seemed the same to me. Even expensive ones have turned out to be disappointing.
I have very thick, curly hair and could never get it completely straight without spending a ton of time. The croc is completely different. It straightens my hair like I just left the salon. I LOVE IT!!! I highly recommend it. I know it's a little pricey but it's worth it."
- Sarah Girden
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/2QVYuTS
This Hot Tools straightener and waver comes with the most advanced ceramic technology that helps reduce frizz and adds shine to your hair. It heats up within 5 minutes, and the heat reaches up to 450 degrees F.
It has a more comprehensive plate for longer sections of hair to be styled even faster. You can flaunt gorgeous sleek hair anywhere, everywhere. You'll love the size and ease of changing temperatures.
“I have thick, coarse, intermittently wavy hair. The HOT TOOLS Signature Series Ceramic Digital Flat Iron is a pretty awesome flat iron at the price point. It heats up quickly and really works well in my hair. I think the combination of wider and thicker plates makes a huge difference.
Is it as good as the iron my stylist has? no. But she approves. ;)”
- Dee K.
“I have thick, coarse wavy hair, so I need flat irons for natural hair to get very hot to actually give me pin straight hair. This flat iron does just that! It goes all the way to 450, and does so in a matter of seconds. It honestly fully heats up faster than any flat iron I've had.
The ceramic plates don't leave my hair crunchy or dry feeling, and the 1.5" plate is a MUST if you have long or a lot of hair. The extra half inch of surface area helps speed up the straightening process so much.
I also really like the rubbery purple coating on it, feels nice and gives good grip. The straightening iron also has a swivel cord which also helps easily move around your head.”
- Jasmine
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The link to get this: https://amzn.to/3sPqmGv
This innovative Pro Collection line flat iron will provide you with the latest technology to help you achieve desired results fast.
High heat is transferred evenly and quickly to help protect hair from over-styling with the XL Advanced Copper styling surface that provides superior heat transfer and durability. Be sure to use a good heat protectant spray.
“Apparently my hair is too thick, coarse, whatever. The comb kept popping off this flat iron so it didn't do anything for me and that is why I purchased it. For the comb. The temp?
Well that was like hell hot. So please do not think just because you have thicker hair that you need to turn it all the way up. Because you will baconize your hair. Nobody wants crispy bacon hair. So start low medium and keep the bacon for breakfast on your plate. Not your hair.”
- Darlene S.
“Being mixed with Hispanic and Italian, my hair is extremely thick, coarse and frizzy. This picture doesn’t even show how silky and shiny my hair is after using this tool and I cannot believe how it cut down on my styling time. I was a little hesitant to buy when a lot of other reviews mentioned the comb getting tangled in their hair.
As long as my hair was brushed through ahead of time, I found that the comb attachment worked really well to smooth as it straightened. Literally the best money I’ve ever spent on any hair product. I could not be happier with this flat iron!”
- GoldenGirl 78
With its unique combination of heat and gentle vibration, the Vibrastrait Oscillating flat iron allows hair to glide effortlessly between the tourmaline ceramic plates for smoother, straighter styling with no tugging or pulling.
The iron plates vibrate at 7,500 vibrations per minute, which 'shuffles' hair through the plates, touching more strands with each pass. That means fewer passes and minor damage for faster, healthier results.
This is a cheap recommended flat iron for thick hair. It many not be very durable but this iron has a few features that will make your life a little easier.
With its 90-second rapid heat technology, you'll be hair-ready in an instant. It is super cheap like a drugstore flat iron and adjusts well to the temperature that speeds up to 450 F. It also has dual-plate even heating.
This iron can work as your ultimate gift to your valentine or your girl! She'll adore this flat iron for her thick hair.
These flat irons can be closed by simply swiping the lock button, making it more portable and space-saving to take it everywhere. You also don't need a lot of experience, and the iron is effortless to use.
Just so you understand, "the best" is relative. Some want the best flat iron for making waves, others want bone-straight hair. Then there is the price expectation.
For example, the best flat iron for thick coarse hair may be different if you only want to spend $50 or less.
And...
The "Best flat iron for thick coarse hair" is different for someone who only cares about the best-looking and most long-lasting results regardless of how much the one-time investment costs.
That's why we've given you a wide range to pick from.
I'm sure that you'll find the best flat iron for YOUR thick coarse hair and situation by thoroughly reading through the reviews.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee is a Contributing Editor to NHP and a former owner of the BlackhairOMG website. She formed 4C Trichology Growth Services, LLC., a US based hair care consultation service. She has also contributed as a writer and consultant for various hair and beauty websites. Melissa can be followed on Twitter here.