Black hair is unique in its own way. Incredibly diverse to style, black hair has the capacity to hold its own shape and to create inspiring and innovative looks. Like all hair types, however, black hair comes with its own challenges, especially when looking to apply heat as with curling.
In this respect, it’s super important to find curling tongs that suit black hair and help it to achieve the amazing finish you’re looking for.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Curling Irons for Black Hair – 2019
Comparison of the Best Curling Irons for Black Hair
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The Special Needs of Black Hair
Black hair comes in four main types: straight, wavy, curly, and kinky. With straight black hair, you’ll find fine, medium, and course types, with fine being easy to curl and course being very hard to curl. With wavy varieties of black hair, the finer types stick close to the head and have a defined ‘S’ character, whereas courser types are harder to style and can appear frizzy.
Curly types usually come as loose curls, tight curls, or corkscrews. While looser curls tend to be a little frizzy, tight curls tend to have a more combined textures. Corkscrews are characterized by dense, thick curls of hair that are harder to style. Kinky hair is either known as wiry or soft and has a more defined pattern of small ‘Z’ shapes. It can be styled but tends to be far more tightly coiled than other types of hair.
Black hair, due to its very nature, needs a little more TLC as it can become fragile very easily due to its structure. For best care, it is better to wash the hair only once a week or once every other week. This helps to prevent the build-up of products in the hair.
Keeping this in mind, using blow dryers and other heat products should be kept to a minimum as it quickly dries the hair out. Equally, a wide toothed comb should be used to detangle it, to prevent it breaking. Using a little natural oil will also help to keep black hair moisturized and shiny.
Best Curling Irons for Black Hair
Look no further, these are the best options of the year:
Best Overall:
BabyBlissPro CT58S
PROS
CONS
This model is a very reasonably priced curling iron with a ceramic barrel and 25 heat settings. With a 5/8-inch barrel and rotating cord, it comes with dual voltage.
Runner-up:
BIO IONIC Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron, 1 Inch
PROS
CONS
This 1-inch model has a great reputation among the black hair community due to its high temperature of 430F and bioceramic barrel. It is 17 inches long and features a 9-inch cord, digital temperature settings, and automatic shut-off.
Best for the Money:
Hot Tools Professional 1181 Curling Iron with Multi-Heat Control, Jumbo 1"
PROS
CONS
This curling iron has temperatures ranging from 230-430F and has a gold-plated barrel. It features 10 heat settings and pulse technology to ensure consistent heat.
4. Xtava Satin Wave 5 in 1 Curling Iron and Wand Set
PROS
CONS
This curling wand comes with 5 interchangeable barrels and a heat protective glove. Featuring a ceramic tourmaline barrel, it has 9 heat settings ranging from 250F – 410F and includes dual technology.
5. Hot Tools Curling Iron Spring Grip 5/8"
PROS
CONS
This mini curling iron has 10 heat settings and a 5/8-inch gold-plated barrel. It heats to 430F and features an 8-foot swivel cord and pulse technology.
Curling Iron Hairstyle Ideas for Black Hair
1. To achieve springy corkscrew curls like this, use a thinner barreled curling iron, such as 5/8-inch. For thicker hair of this type, you will need to use it on a high heat.
2. For natural looking tight corkscrews, you will need a think-barreled curling iron and to curl very small strands each time. Once the whole head is curled, rub mousse into your hands and vigorously run your fingers through your hair with your head turned upside down.
3. For this style, you need a 1-inch barreled curling iron with a spring grip. Wrap the hair around the barrel so it overlaps itself and spray with hair spray before gently releasing the hair.
4. You will need a very thin-barreled curling wand to achieve this look. Take tiny strands each time and wrap around the wand on a high heat. Finish with lots of hair spray.
Tips for Using a Curling Iron With Black Hair
- Prepare the hair – Before curling black hair, it is really important to ensure that you protect it first. Using a serum cream or a small amount of natural oil will help provide a barrier to the heat, which will prevent it from drying out.
- Choose the right size barrel – For shorter hair, a 5/8-inch barrel (or smaller) is advisable as it allows the hair to reach right around the barrel. For longer hair, choose a wider barrel, like a 1 or 1.5-inch barrel. With natural hair, smaller barrels are easier to maneuver, whereas bigger barrels can create glamorous looks for relaxed hair.
- Low heat for relaxed hair – When you relax black hair, harsh chemicals are used which can damage the hair. To prevent further damage, use your curling iron on a lower temperature.
- Choose ceramic – Ceramic barrels give a more even heat distribution and prevent direct hotspots, unlike titanium or generic metal barrels. Try to use a ceramic barrel with tourmaline technology for utmost protection.
Conclusion
Black hair has a fantastic capacity to hold a good curl if you use the right tool. If you have previously used harsh chemical, such as in the process of relaxing, make sure to use a low heat. If your hair is coarse and wiry, use a higher heat. Always remember to prepare the hair with serum or oils first to lock in moisture, as black hair can become delicate very easily and is extremely susceptible to heat damage.
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