Plates might also be coated in titanium, which heats up very quickly and to higher temperatures, and so reduces the amount of time that the hair is exposed to heat. Very thick or textured hair may require higher temperatures to straighten effectively, so titanium combined with a high heat can be a good choice for minimising the number of times you need to pass your straighteners over each tress of hair.
Some straighteners additionally make use of ionic technology, which causes negative ions to be emitted, breaking water molecules in the hair into finer particles that then hydrate the hair for a smoother, glossier and healthier look. If your thick hair is also dry, you may like to look for a straightener with ionic technology to improve the condition of your hair as you straighten.
Which temperature setting should you use?
Many hair straighteners often come with adjustable heat settings that allow hotter temperatures that will penetrate thicker-textured, denser hair. Temperatures of up to 210ºC will work well on thick, coarse hair or tight curls; however, note that the keratin protein that makes up your hair starts to melt at temperatures over 235ºC. Heat sensors that monitor and maintain a constant temperature will ensure that your straighteners don’t accidentally stray over the correct heat.
What other features should you look out for?
A quicker heat-up time will save you time styling in the morning (or if you want to get ready quickly for an evening event) – we’ve noted the heat-up times of all our listed straighteners below. Look for straighteners with curved edges if you want to create curls, waves and flicks, as you can shape your hair around the body of the irons.
A long cable can be useful for reaching around the back of the head without getting in a tangle. An automatic switch-off after a certain period of inactivity (usually 30 minutes) greatly reduces the risk of accidental fire, and is especially good if you know you’re likely to forget to switch off the tool manually. We’ve noted the automatic shut-off times of the straighteners in our list below.
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How do you use hair straighteners?
Start with dry, detangled hair and comb the hair into sections prior to styling; always spray with a heat-protective product to minimise the risk of heat damage and breakage. Start at the back of the head and the lower layers of your sectioned hair, then work your way up to the crown; your wide-plate straighteners should be able to grip and glide through a decent-sized section of hair at each pass. Finish with a styling spray to help hold your straightened style in place.
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How we test hair straighteners for thick hair
We test all hair straighteners we review at home or during a live product demonstration. We use the tools on clean, dry hair, using the recommended heat settings – for those with thick hair, this is usually a higher heat setting.
During testing, we confirm the weight and dimensions of the straightener and note any extras included in the box. We then measure the time the tool takes to heat up after being switched on and how long it takes to style a full head of hair (noting the hair texture we are testing on). We also evaluate the overall ease of use of the straightener, how it feels in the hand, and the finish and feel of the hair after straightening. Finally, we note how well-straightened hair lasts over a typical day of wear.
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1. GHD Max: Best all-round hair straighteners for thick hair
Price when reviewed: £199 | Check price at LookFantastic
With its generously proportioned 1.65in ceramic-coated styling plates, the GHD Max is specifically designed to significantly cut styling time for long and thick hair. Like other straighteners in the GHD range, the straighteners have floating plates set on tiny springs that make it easier for the tool to flexibly grip sections of hair, and GHD’s signature ceramic coating means the plates then glide with ease through even long and thick hair without pulling or snagging.
One pass of the tool is usually enough to straighten the hair at 185ºC; the result is silky-smooth hair in half the time it might take to style with a standard 1in plate straightener.
For safety, there’s an automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, and a good-length 2.7m cable makes it easy to reach the back of the hair. The GHD Max takes 45 seconds to heat up – a little longer than other straighteners in the range – but long, thick or curly hair owners will love the frizz-free results.
Key specs – Plate width: 1.65in; Type of plates: Floating ceramic; Ionic technology: No; Number of heat settings: 1; Maximum temperature: 185ºC ; Auto shut-off: Yes (30 mins); Heat-up time: 45 secs; Cord length: 2.7m; Weight: 830g; Accessories included: Protective plate guar
