Ethnic hair qualities, like those found in the hair of many African Americans, require a certain type of hair straightener to bring them under control and do an effective job. To begin with, very high heat is needed, so only select a hair straightener that has a high-temperature range over 400 degrees F. And since it takes longer, and the unit will be in your hand longer, ergonomic handles and tangle-free swivel cords are an advantage. Here is our list of the best straighteners for African American hair.

1. HAI Nu-Stik Ceramic Hair Straightener (Nu Stik): This model has all the features you want if you’ve got tough to manage, coarse African American hair. It fires up to a top temperature of 425 F, and it gets there in a time-saving 25 seconds. That temperature, delivered to your hair in the very gentle ceramic plates, will get the job done more quickly. The ceramic plates also assist by sealing in the natural moistures usually found in ethnic hair, protecting it against the high heat and keeping its natural sheen and beauty. The negative ion emissions of this unit also relax your hair, easing the transition from coarse to smooth and silky. The HAI Nu-Stik Ceramic Hair Straightener also features an easy-grip ergonomic handle that won’t wear out hands and wrists, and also makes it easier to shape your hair, adding twists, curls, flips, and more once you’ve got it straight.

2. Hot Tools Professional Hair Straightener (1199): This advanced styling tool/hair straightener uses infrared heat that is different from the dry heat of blow dryers. This heat actually seals in your hair’s healthy oils to create hair that is better conditioned and easier to work with. The results include relaxed locks that straighten quickly, style nicely, and hold their shape longer. Wide 1 ½ inch plates increase your speed, while rounded edges add versatility to the styling flares you can add.

3. The Instyler (30219): Brushing hair is always the right way to begin the straightening process. Now, the Instyler brushes your African American hair while it is also straightening it, for increase speed and effectiveness. Patented rotating cylinders simultaneously heat and polish hair, so you get through each section more quickly, with less effort, and with your hair in better condition than when you started. Four unique sets of bristles assist with the task and save you a step in the process of achieving a fantastic hairdo.

4. FHI Heat Platform 1 Inch Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Styling Iron with Nano-Fuzeion Technology (00033): This is one of the most progressive hair straighteners on the market, and it works very well on African American hair. Key to its success are the patented ceramic tourmaline plates that provide your tresses with negative ion therapy that relaxes them and makes them more compliant to heat. At the same time, the plates seal hair cuticles, locking in moisture and shine. The adjustable heat setting provides exactly the temperature you need for the exact type of ethnic hair you have.

5. HAI Convertable Classic Ceramic Hair Straightener (HAI-COO1): The 1 ¼ inch plates have a ceramic coating that is very durable and will stand up to repeated use on coarse hair. The negative ions emitted relax and help to straighten frizzy or African American hair, while the high temperature capacity smoothes tresses quickly. This unit is also one of the most affordable in its class!