Thick hair has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it is really more noticeable and it looks more vibrant and healthy. However, it demands more attention and care, especially if it’s long as well. You will have to use bigger doses of shampoo and conditioner than those who have thinner hair.

You will need more time to comb or brush it and more effort, patience and determination in trying to place every strand in its proper order. If you decide to style or straighten it, you need to be extra cautious of the following points when choosing which hair straightener you would use:

The Promise of Protection

Thick hair, if properly taken care of, looks lustrous. It also appears to be more voluminous than thinner hair. That shine and volume would be wasted if your hair straightener will just suck up all of your hair’s natural moisture. As your thick hair needs high amount of moisture, you ought to find hair straighteners that will preserve, if not heighten your hair’s moisture level.

Such hair straighteners are those that come in ceramic plates and ceramic heating components. A more preferable option are those ceramic plates which offer tourmaline. Tourmaline promotes better maintenance of natural moisture levels as it allows more heat absorption on the plates.

Styling in a Snap

You may think that styling your thick hair will take you a lot of time. That would not be the case if you use a hair straightener which has fast heat-up systems. Choose a hair straightener that will be able to generate heat in just a matter of minutes.

For faster styling, look for hair straighteners that can generate and maintain high temperatures. Look for those products that can offer a consistent heat level of 170°F or more. Remember than higher temperatures will allow you to style your hair immediately without the risk of overly drying or burning it. Rapid styling also saves you some time and effort so you can prepare for other beauty rituals.

Size is Significant

There are various size recommendations for every type of hair. The recommended size is usually based on the texture and the length of the hair. For thick and long hair, the recommended plate size is between 1.5 to three inches. However, do take note that you ought to pick a hair straightener that weighs less - preferably not more than two pounds, even if the plates are thicker and longer. Note that styling can be very tiring if your flat iron is very heavy.

Variable Heating is Vital

You will need to have total control on the heat distribution and heat generation of your hair straightener if you are to use it on a thick shroud of hair. As such, you will have to avail of variable heat straighteners and avoid those that offer limited on and off options and a fixed heat level only. This is because the variability of heat distribution will provide you with more flexibility in hair styling. At the least, your hair straightener should be able to offer you with three temperature levels.