Do you struggle to style your natural hair? We hear you, and we are here to help. Styling and, more specifically, straightening natural hair can be a struggle; by now, you probably know that different types of hair require different tools, such is the case with natural hair, which needs the best thermal styling comb you can get.
You are probably aware that there is a right and wrong way to style your hair; if you have been getting it wrong, it’s probably because you aren’t using the right products and tools, and you might even be using the wrong technique. A thermal styling comb is a must-have tool in your arsenal, even more for those with afros.
These thermal styling combs can help you achieve natural-looking, straightened hair effortlessly. Curly, African American or not, a hot comb is easy to use and provides amazing results, it is a total game-changer, and those who have tried it, swear by their results and are never returning.
Like with any new styling tool, you want to do your research, and we get it; with so many thermal styling comb options out there, it can get a bit challenging knowing which way to go. So, to give you a hand, we’ve searched for you and have come up with some of the best hot combs the market offers; check for yourself below.
Best Thermal Styling Comb Reviewed In This Article
Best Overall: Andis Professional Heat Ceramic Press Comb
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest on Amazon: REVLON Hair Straightening Heated Styling Brush
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Annie Straightening Comb, Wide Teeth
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Anti-Frizz Technology: KISS Dry and Style Heat Brush
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Simple Pressing Comb Design: Conair The Curl Collective Ceramic Pressing Hot Comb
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Thermal Styling Comb For You
When selecting the perfect thermal styling comb for you, you should consider a few things first. That said, it is a lot less complicated and technical than people make it.
Understanding your hair type is likely to play the most significant role in your decision; different hair types respond to different heats and products in different ways.
Your natural hair will largely dictate your style; as you probably know, curly hair needs to be treated differently from thick hair, and medium density hair, and so on.
You should also need to keep in mind that any thermal comb offers multiple heat settings. This not only helps to protect your hair but also increases the versatility of the tool, allowing you to create multiple styles.
Opt for a tool that heats up quickly and allows you to be out the door quickly. Consider additional features, such as technology, price, styling time, etc.
Thermal Styling Comb Types
Ceramic Thermal Styling Comb
Ceramic bristles are non-metallic material that hardens when exposed to heat. Ceramic hot combs are one of the most commonly used hot combs. This is because it heats your hair from the inside out, causing minimal heat damage.
Tourmaline Thermal Styling Comb
Tourmaline thermal combs are infused with tourmaline crystals that are infused into other materials like ceramic or titanium.
These hot combs can trap moisture in your hair to bring out that shine and smoothness. They are a little pricier, but the investment is worth it.
Ionic Thermal Styling Comb
If you want healthy-looking shiny hair, an ionic hot comb will be perfect for you. Many people go for cheap hot combs, but there are many benefits in investing in a good ionic styling comb.
An ionic thermal styling comb is the best option if you want to turn your frizzy hair into soft and sleek hair.
Positive ions in the atmosphere get absorbed into the hair through water and humidity. An ionic comb is best for people who struggle with maintaining their hair in humid weather.
Top 5 Thermal Styling Comb
Andis Professional Heat Ceramic Press Comb
What We Like
- Dual Voltage
- Adjustable Heat-Settings
- Auto Shut-off
What We Don’t Like
- Off-Button Weird Placement
It can be used as a hair straightener, a heated hair comb, and Ceramic-coated combs that consistently transmit heat, making hair smoother, healthier, brighter, softer, and frizz-free.
After 30 minutes of inactivity, the comb will automatically shut down, protecting you and your property. Working on a dual voltage of 120/240 volts and 50/60 hertz.
The comb is constructed of ceramic metal, which transmits heat in 30 seconds. The comb handle is made of plastic to prevent burns, and it is simple to use with 20 heat levels that can be adjusted.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve had this product for five years now… I’ve packed it everywhere, and it still works like new. Great heat control and is perfect for the on-the-go. Along with the price, this is a win-win!
REVLON Hair Straightening Heated Styling Brush
What We Like
- Ceramic
- 50 watts
- Corded Electric
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
The expertly designed heated brush features an extra-long, ceramic-coated surface with multi-dimensional combs and detangling bristles that gently glide through hair and get close to the roots.
The superior ion generator delivers a constant stream of ions to provide maximum frizz control, brilliant shine, and manageability. Brush your way to smooth, straight results in just one easy step.
This dual-voltage, lightweight heated straightening brush will help you achieve your desired look anywhere you go. Quickly glide your way to smooth, beautifully shiny hairstyles.
What Our Testers Say
I was skeptical, but this really works. I’m saving 20 minutes in the mornings, it’s not pulling my hair out, and you can’t really burn yourself with it. I’ve always hated the flat iron, and this is way better.
Annie Straightening Comb, Wide Teeth
What We Like
- All Hair Types
- Wide Teeth
What We Don’t Like
- A Bit Heavy
Create smooth, soft, and frizz-free hairstyles with the Hot & Hotter Straightening comb. Achieve glamorous hair without leaving your home.
For best, safest results, use low heat for fine hair and moderate for coarse. Always test your temperature.
The comb is too hot if it scorches a paper towel. Always clean the straightening tool before and after each use.
How to use Annie Straightening Comb, Wide Teeth:
- Shampoo, rinse and towel dry hair.
- Apply your favorite pressing oil or cream press.
- Then, blow dry your hair and scalp completely.
- Simply section off hair into equal amounts.
- Heat your comb in a thermal stove according to hair type and comb hair outward away from the scalp.
KISS Dry and Style Heat Brush
What We Like
- Tourmaline Ceramic Bristles
- 2 Temperature Settings
- Ultra Lightweight Handle
- 360° Swivel Power Cord
- Anti-Frizz Technology
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
Detangle and style while drying, locking in moisture for ultra-smooth, high shine results; 2 temperature settings (380 and 430 degrees F). Rapid heat up; auto shut off at 60 minutes; suitable for coarse, thick and thin hair.
Tourmaline ceramic bristles with unique steam vents protect hair from excessive heat damage.
Cool-to-touch outer bristles help protect scalp and hand; ultra lightweight handle for maximum control; 360° swivel tangle-free power cord.
What Our Testers Say
I was really pressed with the results on my 4c hair. It was more gentle on my hair than other comb attachment dryers. It was dyed quickly with less pull and damage. I am very satisfied with this purchase and would recommend it.
Conair The Curl Collective Ceramic Pressing Hot Comb
What We Like
- Ceramic
- Corded Electric
What We Don’t Like
- Best For Wavy, Curly, Coily Hair
The Curl Collective from Conair Pressing Comb is designed to allow you to reach close to the roots for silky straightening from root to tip. Control curly flyaways and baby hair for your perfectly finished look.
This Hot Comb from Conair features ceramic technology, eliminating hot spots and minimizing heat damage.
Featuring nine heat settings with personalized heat profiles for your hair type. 450°F high heat for easy styling of thick textures and stubborn spots. Heat reaches a stabilized temperature after 30 seconds for more styling and less waiting. Auto Off feature.
What Our Testers Say
The process of going from curly to straight took me a little over an hour ( 1hr and 15min); it takes 2 hrs my regular way. So definitely recommend it.
How To Use A Thermal Styling Comb Steps
Step 1: Add a heat protection oil, tonic, or serum
This is very important to protect your hair from the high temperatures of the pressing comb or electric hot comb.
Step 2: Start by sectioning your hair
Step 3: Glide the comb through your hair
Once you have prepared your hair, run the hot comb down the whole length of your hair, moving steadily and avoiding spending too long on a single section of hair, this can result in singeing or burning.
Step 4: Finishing touches
Once the hair has been covered, move on to the next section. Finish with regular styling products.
Thermal Styling Comb Buying Guide
What is A Thermal Styling Comb?
A hot comb, sometimes also referred to as a straightening comb, is a type of hair styling tool that is heated to the required temperature, then used to style hair from the roots down.
Hot combs may be heated from an external source, or use electricity to heat the comb ready to use.
How Does A Thermal Styling Comb Work?
Using thermal technology and featuring a cool guard, the thermal styling comb gently and instantly transforms your hair’s style and texture, while protecting your scalp.
The 100% ceramic tourmaline-coated bristles gently heat your strands allowing you to create smoother, shinier, softer, and more humidity-resistant styles that last all day.
What To Look For In A Thermal Styling Comb
- Straightening Ability: Keep in mind that the electric comb could straighten 4c hair well which can be very difficult to style.
- Gentleness on Hair: A lot of heat is needed to straighten 4c curly hair so check if the electric combs are gentle on hair or if they apply a lot of direct heat frying hair.
- Features on the Comb: Check if the electric combs have other features like the dual voltage, frizz control, long cord, etc.
- Recovery Technology: These combs use electricity to heat up fairly quickly. They cause less heat damage as most of them to feature a heat recovery system. Instant heat recovery or uniform heat recovery system is a revolutionary technology used in hair styling tools to maintain consistent temperature levels during the styling session.
- Heat settings: Natural hair can be extremely difficult to style, and therefore, it requires a high amount of heat to be straightened perfectly.
- Stove hot comb: This comb doesn’t come with a cord, a plug socket, or any temperature settings like an electric comb. Instead, it comes only with a heat-resistant handle to save your hand from burning.
- Material: Look for a comb that is made from titanium, tourmaline, gold, or any hybrid of these three components. They can absorb the highest amount of heat in the shortest time possible and can also retain the heat in the teeth for a long period.
Common Questions About A Thermal Styling Comb
What does a thermal styling comb do?
Also known as a singeing comb, this versatile tool straightens and smooths coarse hair and adds a wave or curl to fine hair. A thermal styling comb looks like a standard comb, but it’s usually heavier, and its metal teeth are spaced further apart.
What is the difference between a hot comb and a flat iron?
- Unlike flat irons, hot combs come with a series of teeth all down the length of the comb just like a traditional, non-heated comb that you may use to detangle your hair. They are popular with those who have curly hair, or hair that is harder to straighten, such as Afro hair, as the combs allow the user better control over straightening each section.
- Results can also be smoother than those achieved with a flat iron, as the teeth of the comb grab onto the hair, allowing each strand to be caught and straightened; with a flat iron, there is always a chance that you will miss a section, or that the heat will transfer less evenly.
Is a hot comb good for your hair?
Hot combs may be better than other hair straightening methods, but they can still damage your hair.
Use them as rarely as possible and, to further prevent hair damage, make sure to add moisturizing & nourishing oils to your hair care routine.
How often can I hot comb my hair?
It’s generally suggested that heat styling be done not more than once a week. Natural hair should always be freshly shampooed, conditioned, and completely dry before heat styling.
Is it better to use a hot comb or flat iron?
Deciding between an electric hot comb and flat iron is ultimately a personal choice, and different hair types will benefit from different products.
Traditionally, a pressing comb or hot combs worked best on thick or coarse hair, as the teeth of the comb could penetrate the strands more easily.
Can I use a hot comb on wet hair?
It’s always advisable to use the hot brush only on dry hair. As, it works similarly to a flat iron, which you should never use on wet hair.
Only use the styling comb on clean, dry, brushed, and untangled hair. Work in one to two inches of cleanly parted, brushed sections.
How To Use A Thermal Styling Comb Video Tutorial
In case you are wondering how exactly to apply a thermal styling comb, the video below will instruct you on the exact steps and tools, tips, and tricks, you must know for the correct use of your hot comb.
Products Mentioned In This Article
- Andis Professional Heat Ceramic Press Comb
- REVLON Hair Straightening Heated Styling Brush
- Annie Straightening Comb, Wide Teeth
- KISS Dry and Style Heat Brush
- Conair The Curl Collective Ceramic Pressing Hot Comb
Enjoy Your New Thermal Styling Comb
Ready to rock the straightened mane you’ve been dreaming of? After going through our top picks for the best hot combs in the market, you can choose wisely and determine what will work best for you and your hair’s needs.
Keep in mind you and your hair deserve only the best and a quality thermal styling comb can help you achieve the style you desire. So get ready to receive many compliments.
Make sure to get back to us with your questions or comments. We are always here for you.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.
