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You’ve probably read about the four different types of hair based on shape and pattern. Each has its own subtypes, such as flat iron for thick hair, based on other defining characteristics. You can find details of this particular hair classification in the “Best Flat Iron for Natural Hair,” also in this website.
When shopping for the best and safest straightening iron, you have to factor in your hair’s pattern or shape. But will it matter if you have thin or thick hair? Of course, it will. This article will provide information about that and help you find the best flat iron for thick hair.
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What do you mean by thick hair?
We hear about hair being thick, but what’s that supposed to mean? Does it refer to thick strands or thick density?
Thick strands
If you have thick strands, it means that the individual hair has a bigger diameter than fine-textured hair. Hairs classified as types 1B, 1C, 2B, 2C, 3A, and 3B have combined textures that can be referred to as thick. Types 1B and 1C are bone-straight and generally the thickest of all types. We’ll exclude them in this article because they don’t need straightening.
Thick density
If your hair has thick density, it means that you have a lot of hair regardless of how thin or thick the 
individual strands are. It describes the number of strands of hair per square unit of your scalp. Thick density means that there’s very little space between hair strands. Thin density means that there’s more space between hair strands. Thick hair, understood in this context, can be any of all the 4 hair types and their subtypes. Type 4 hairs, though fine in texture, are generally densely-packed.
So, which “thick” hair do you have? There will be no single answer to finding the best flat iron for thick hair, but your answer to this question will be crucial in choosing the best one for you.
How do you choose the best flat iron for thick hair?
So we’ll go back to whether you have hair with thick strands or thick density.
- If you have thick individual strands, then find out about your hair type. Like I said, you could be 2B, 2C, 3A, or 3B.
These types are generally resistant to styling and will require temperature levels between 365°F and 400°F. So definitely look for a flat iron with this heat range. Also choose heating materials like titanium and tourmaline-infused ceramics. You may also refer to another article in this site, which talks about the “Best Straightener for Curly Hair.”
- If you have thick hair density, find out which hair type your hair belongs. We have to factor in some aspects other than heat levels and heating plate material. Since you’ll need to deal with a lot of hair, the heating plate must have the size compatible with your hair volume.
A wider heating plate will finish faster than a narrow one. A longer heating plate will accommodate more hair per section with each pass than a short plate. Forcing thick clumps of hair in a narrow plate may only result to repeating some sections. Repeat touch-ups will not only consume more time, it can also mean more damage to your hair.
Choose temp levels according to hair type and texture. You’d have to be extra prudent with type 4 hairs because they’re very fragile and very dense. They also appear coarse, so it’s easy to make a mistake if you’re not careful. They respond to temps of around 400°F on account of their tight “Z” shape, but go easy. It would be good to try lower settings first and inch slowly for that sweet spot. Read on the “Best Flat Iron for African American Hair.”
If you have your facts straight, it’s actually quite simple to deal with thick hair. It’s true that thick hair encompasses many hair types. You only need to know about one type, though – your hair type. So it’s as easy as pie after that. Below is a flat iron which works perfectly for thick hair. Read on to know why.
Why is Chi Air flat iron good for thick hair?
If you’ve straightened your hair or bought a flat iron before, then you’ve most likely heard about Chi flat irons. I went to check out the latest Chi Air Expert Classic tourmaline ceramic flat iron, and here’s what I found out.
Heating plate materials
Chi Air flat iron is a step up from its earlier versions because of its tourmaline-plated ceramic heating plates. The infusion of tourmaline mineral to Chi’s ceramic plate adds to the smoothening ability of the flat iron and improves efficiency. This combination bolsters the uniform heating ability of ceramics. This means that there will be no hot or cold spots – only evenly distributed heat throughout the plate’s length. Tourmaline also locks in moisture to your hair.
Far infrared heating
The technology behind Chi uses FIR or far infrared rays which results to even and fast heating. In comparison with near and middle infrared rays, FIR will not cause dry and frizzy cuticles, and will be beneficial to hair overall.
Heat settings
You can set the temperature between 180°F and 410°F using a wheel selector and an indicator light. The wheel is well-placed inside the housing. This way you don’t mess with the temp while you’re working on your curls.
The very low temps are great especially if you have thick/dense, wavy but fine-textured hair. The highest temperature is 410°F which is the highest temp that most hair types need.
Versatility
Chi Air has 1-inch wide plates with a rounded barrel, which allows you to use it as a curling wand for flipping or creating waves on your straightened hair.
Other perks
It can’t get any better with the following: 9-ft 360° swivel cord, dual voltage, floating plates, vibrant color choices, and a 2-year warranty.
What are the less-than-ideal aspects about Chi Air flat iron?
- Not very high max temp
The max heat of 410°F can be the deal-breaker for some. If you need higher heat than that for your curls, then this obviously won’t work for you.
However, if you take note that Chi Air heats with incredible evenness and consistency, it would actually work. This flat iron was used to straighten thick/dense, kinky and fine hair that was accustomed to 450°F heat, and it worked beautifully. Straightening difficult curls is more about even heating and sophisticated technology than simply hitting high temps. Your hair would even thank you for it.
- Not very long plates
Chi Air has 3-1/2-inch heating plates, which is adequate. If you compare it with the 5-inch plates of, say, BaBylissPro Nano, then it would come out short. For maneuverability and versatility, though, you can’t beat this length.
- Long heat-up
Its 1-minute heating time is a few heartbeats longer than the 55-sec heating time of some brands. But that’s about it – a few heartbeats away.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed at length about thick hair and the best flat iron for thick hair. It’s a good time to remember that it takes more than classifying hair and finding the perfect flat iron to keep your hair in its tiptop form.
You’ve got to listen to it, too. It’s not enough to know whether it’s fine or coarse, curly or wavy, and soft or wiry. Your hair could also be dull, fried and heat-abused, or thinning out. Always make sure that your hair is properly taken care of and healthy before you subject it to regular straightening or curling.