Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 6 min read
For very thick and heavy hair, the highest heat setting usually works best, since this hair type needs more heat to style well. Divide your hair into smaller sections than you're used to, and let each curl cool for a bit longer before letting go, the weight of thick hair pulls a curl straight again faster.
The short version
- Thick and heavy hair needs more heat, the highest setting is usually the starting point.
- Work in smaller sections, that way each piece heats up faster and more evenly.
- Let the curl cool for a bit before letting go, that helps it hold its shape longer against the weight of the hair.
- A larger barrel saves time with a lot of hair, a smaller barrel gives a tighter, more defined curl.
- Plan for a longer styling session with very thick hair than with fine or thin hair.
Below you'll find exactly which setting and which barrel best fit your thickness and length of hair.
Which heat setting suits thick and heavy hair?
The highest setting is usually needed. The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq has three fixed settings: 35°C, 70°C, and 110°C. Thick or coarse hair heats up more slowly than fine hair, so 110°C is usually your starting point here, instead of the lowest setting you'd use on fragile or thin hair.
If your hair still doesn't feel warm enough after styling, or the curl doesn't hold, you can go over the same section again on the same setting. Don't go higher than the settings the device offers, just repeat the motion instead.
Which barrel do you choose for very thick hair?
That depends on what matters more to you: speed or hold. A larger barrel grabs more hair at once, which saves time on thick hair because you need fewer sections. A smaller barrel gives a tighter, more defined curl, but takes more time with a lot of hair because you're working in smaller sections.
The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq has 6 attachments, including interchangeable ceramic curl barrels in different sizes, so you can choose between speed and definition depending on the occasion. If you're unsure, start with a medium-sized barrel and adjust based on the result.
Why does a curl fall out faster with thick hair?
The weight of thick or long, heavy hair pulls a curl straight faster than with fine hair, simply because there's more weight hanging on each strand. That's not a sign you're doing something wrong, it's just a property of this hair type.
Let each section cool for a moment after styling before letting go, for example by holding the curl briefly or pinning it up until it's cooled down. A curl that cools while held in shape holds better than one you release right away.
Should I divide thick hair into more sections?
Yes, that's recommended. Smaller sections let the heat move through the whole piece more evenly, instead of only hitting the outside while the inside stays damp or cold.
Plan for more sections, and therefore more time, with very thick or long hair compared to fine hair. The fully ceramic-coated barrel of the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq spreads heat evenly across the whole surface, which helps you get a consistent result even with larger sections.
| Goal | Recommendation for thick/heavy hair |
|---|---|
| Heat setting | 110°C (highest setting) |
| Section size | Smaller than with fine hair, for even heat |
| Barrel for speed | Larger barrel |
| Barrel for hold | Smaller barrel, needs a bit more time |
Frequently asked questions
What's the best heat setting for thick and heavy hair?
Usually the highest setting of 110°C, since thick and coarse hair needs more heat to style well than fine or thin hair.
Which barrel should I choose for very thick hair?
A larger barrel saves time because you style more hair at once, a smaller barrel gives a tighter, more defined result but takes more time.
Why does my curl fall out faster with thick hair?
The extra weight of thick or heavy hair pulls the curl straight faster. Let the curl cool for a bit after styling before letting go, that helps it hold its shape longer.
Should I divide thick hair into more sections while styling?
Yes, smaller sections give more even heat distribution through the whole piece, which matters more with thick hair than with fine hair.
Enough power for thick hair, without wearing it out.
The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq has a 110°C setting and 6 attachments, including interchangeable ceramic curl barrels in different sizes, so you can choose between speed and hold, even on very thick and heavy hair.
Works on every hair type, 1A through 4C
2 year warranty
30 days to try at home
Trustpilot 4.7/5
Check out the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq
AL
Written by Lena A., based on questions we regularly get from customers with thick and heavy hair.
