9 Best Hairstylist-Approved Hot Combs For African American Hair – 2024
Use these hot combs to eliminate frizz, prevent tangles, and get a polished look.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Curly or not, a hot comb is a must-have accessory in your beauty arsenal. With so many hot combs out there, it’s natural to get confused. Don’t worry, we have combined a list of the best hot combs for natural hair to help you out. Made of metal and easy to use, these tested hot combs not only help you straighten out your beautiful curls but also give your hair a silky and smooth finish. If you think using a hot comb is difficult, rest assured it’s not. You can either heat it directly on a stove or buy an electrically heated comb to save you all that trouble. Let’s scroll down to get a better look at the different types of hot combs available out there!
In This Article
Types Of Hot Combs For Natural Hair
There are two types of hot hair combs:
1. Manual Pressing Comb
Also known as a stove-iron pressing comb, these combs were popular back in the day. As the name suggests, these combs are heated in a thermal stove and take a lot of time to heat. It causes more heat damage than an electric pressing comb.
2. Electric Pressing Comb
One of the most sought after ways of straightening natural or 4c type hair these days, these combs use electricity to heat up fairly quickly. They cause less heat damage as most of them feature a heat recovery system.
Now, let’s look at a step-by-step guide to use a hot comb.
How To Use A Hot Comb
Step 1:
As a hot comb works best on natural hair, ensure that it is at least an inch long starting from the scalp. If you have chemically-treated hair, it is best to grow it out and only then straighten your hair using a hot comb.
Step 2: Wash your hair properly before you begin. A hot comb works better on already stretched out hair. If you have a blow dryer, use it to dry and comb out all of your hair in small sections.
Step 3: Apply a heat protectant serum or spray before you begin. If you don’t have either, you can apply a thin layer of sunflower oil as well.
Step 4: Using a comb, separate all the unruly knots and tangles.
Step 5: Separate your hair into small sections. Each section should be about 2 inches wide. You can keep it separated using hair clips or rubber bands.
Step 6: Start combing each section with the hot comb.
If you are eager to try a hot comb for yourself, you can take your pick from this list of the 7 best hot combs for African American hair.
9 Best Hot Combs For African American Hair
1. Best For All Hair Types:Andis High Heat Press Comb
The makers of this press comb know that time is of the essence, and created a hair comb that heats up to 450°F in 30 seconds. It comes with 20 adjustable heat settings, making it ideal for not just natural hair but for all hair types and textures. The golden ceramic comb retains heat for long periods while providing an even consistent heat flow for smooth and frizz-free hair. This heated hair comb can be used anywhere in the world with its dual voltage facility. It also has an auto-off safety feature that turns the device off automatically if it hasn’t been in use for an hour. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this reviewer’s experience video on the merits and demerits of the professional-grade product.
Pros
- Reaches 450°F in 30 seconds
- 20 heat settings
- Dual-voltage
- Automatic switch-off
- Swivel cord
Cons
- As the ON/OFF buttons are on the comb handle, one can easily switch it off without being aware of it
"I love the swift heating and multiple temperature settings of this electric pressing comb! It offers controlled styling for both natural hair and wigs. The careful design caters to diverse hair needs, ensuring a smooth finish. However, it's important to be mindful of the sensitive on/off switch during use."
Pro Tip2. Best For Styling:Gold N Hot Professional Styling Comb
If you are a perfectionist in all aspects of your life, especially when it comes to styling your hair, this electric hot comb will not disappoint you. The comb features wedge-shaped teeth that are great conductors of heat. It will help you achieve super straight and silky hair with precision-pressing. It retains consistent heat as it comes with a 24K gold-plated finish. The temperature settings range from 200°F to 500°F, so you can choose your ideal temperature. If you have fine hair, it is recommended that you use the comb in low heat. So, whether you want to straighten your hair or give it a little lift, you can trust this comb to do the job. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video.
Pros
- Good for precision-pressing
- 24K gold-plated finish
- Adjustable temperature settings
- 8-ft swivel cord
- Ideal for all types of hair
Cons
- High heat-up time
"I have been absolutely loving this styling comb! One of my favorite features is that it has adjustable heat settings. This is perfect for me since I have fine, color-treated hair and I want to avoid any frying or damage. The temperature control is also a great safety feature, and the included stand is such a practical necessity! The only heads up though is that this comb does take a bit of time to cool down and may not be the best for reaching the roots. It is a great buy, as it works well for all hair types."
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,961 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Bangs And Short Hair:Karma Beauty Serenity Pro Straightening Comb
No time to rush to the salon to fix your hair? Well, the Karma Beauty Serenity Pro is an electric straightening comb that is quick and easy to use. This hot comb works best for curly, frizzy, or straight hair. The ceramic electric comb massages the scalp, detangle hair, straightens as well as adds waves to the locks. Massaging bristles encourages blood flow and circulation. As a result, the surface heats evenly, minimizing the risks of burns and scalding.
Designed with negative ion technology, the comb gives your hair a smooth and silky finish. Negative ions seal the cuticles and lock in the hair’s natural moisture content. This gives the hair a shine and protects hair color. The hair is left frizz-free and anti-static. It has a unique triangular shape, which makes it suitable for all hair lengths. Its ergonomic handle helps you get a comfortable and strong grip and the rounded edges of the comb help create beautiful loose curls and beach waves.
Pros
- Dual voltage
- 360 swivel cord
- Built in temperature control
- Auto shut off
- Rapid heat up
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not be suitable for very coarse hair
"I've found this straightener quite effective for handling frizz and straightening curly hair, including the challenging 4b/4c types. It's user-friendly, delivers salon-quality results at home, and reduces styling time significantly."
Andis High Heat Press Comb | Gold N Hot Professional Styling Comb | Karma Beauty Serenity Pro Straightening Comb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | All |
| Shape | Comb | - | - |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches | 11 x 1.75 x 1.25 inches | - |
| Weight | 13.6 Ounces | 12 Ounces | - |
| Material | - | Gold | Ceramic |
| Color | - | - | Marble |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 33,076 | 2,961 | - |
| Price | $14.69 | $19.7 | $49.95 |
4. Best Salon-Like Hairstyle:Annie Straightening Comb
Looking for a delicate comb on your hair that does not tear out the strands? The Annie Straightening Comb, designed with fine copper teeth that are good conductors of heat, is suitable for textured, relaxed hair. The copper eliminates static and flyaways. The heat settings are formulated according to hair condition and type. Low heat if you have fine hair and moderate heat for coarser hair. This heated hair comb detangles the hair easily and minimizes hair breakage and split ends. In addition, it gives the hair a soft texture and a smooth, straight appearance. Create a salon-like hairstyle with this simple tool at home.
Pros
- Copper plates
- Adjustable heat temperatures
- Suits all hair types
- Frizz-free hair
Cons
- May burn the skin if accidentally touches scalp
"This traditional straightening comb is surprisingly effective on wigs. Its lightweight nature and the heat setting make styling effortless. The comb ensured every strand was perfectly in place."
5. Best Frizz-Free:Kentucky Maid Manual Pressing Comb
A treat for those who like the old-school way of life, this pressing comb, has received multiple positive reviews and doesn’t require any electricity to be heated. You can simply heat it on a stove and start hot combing your hair. As the teeth are placed extremely close to each other, it does a fine job of straightening all of your hair strands while keeping it neat and frizz-free. The comb comes with brass teeth and copper spacers. To heat the comb, place it over the stove in low-medium flame for 5 minutes on each side. Once the comb turns into an orange or purple color, you can flip it over and heat it again.
Pros
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Teeth are in placed close to each other
- Comes with brass teeth and copper spacers
- Easy to use
- Can be used on wigs as well
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"The pressing comb has become my go-to tool for daily hairdressing. It helps me get that sleek finish in no time. Its fine teeth glide through my locks without any snagging. It consistently distributes heat evenly, so, not much heat damage either. However, the handle does get got. So, be careful with that."
6. Best For Long-Lasting Results:Sorlakar Hot Comb Hair Straightener
The Sorlakar Hot Comb Hair Straightener is equipped with ceramic technology that facilitates even distribution of heat, reduces frizz, and makes your hair shiny without any damage. It features soft teeth head that protects the scalp from tearing and hair pulling. This hot comb takes about 20-30 seconds to heat up and provides long-lasting results. You can adjust the temperature settings to set it at an optimum temperature as per your hair type – 80-160°C for soft hair, 160-180°C for normal hair, and 180-210°C for thick and coarse hair. The 360° rotating power cord enables convenient usage even with one hand.
Pros
- Heats up within 20-30 seconds
- Lightweight
- Adjustable heat settings
- Easy to use
- Compact design
Cons
- None
"I used this hot comb on my thick hair and the ceramic heating straightened my strands uniformly, reducing damage. It heated up quickly, even on low settings. The only inconvenience was the sensitive buttons, which were accidentally switched off while being used. Overall, I loved the styling tool's effectiveness and efficiency for regular use."
7. Best For Polished Look:Conair Hype Hair Straightening Comb
This electric pressing comb lives up to all the hype that has been created around it. You never have to worry about heat damage as it comes with 30 heating options, in which 15 settings specifically target coarse and curly hair. If time management is a problem you struggle with, this comb will come in handy as it heats up in 30 seconds. This is a gold anodized comb, which provides long-lasting results and gives your hair a polished look. It uses turbo heat technology for precise styling and maximum holding power.
Pros
- 30 heat settings
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- Gold anodized comb
- Turbo heat technology for uniform heat
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- Some may feel like the controls aren’t placed strategically
"This hot comb is great for quick touch-ups and managing unruly hair. The design is user-friendly, with well-placed controls and a stand. It is great for minor fixes and the edges. It heats up quickly, but the heating capacity may not suffice for black hair types that need an intense high temperature. Overall, it is handy and easy to use."
8. Best Tangle-Free:Terviiix Electric Hot Comb
Ideal for getting a salon-like sleek finish and hydrated hair strands, this hot hair straightener comb comes with keratin and argan oil-infused teeth. It features a unique anti-scald shield that protects the skin from burns and the hair from damage. It comes with five temperature settings ranging from 280 °F to 450 °F to style all hair types easily, including hair roots, mustaches, and wigs. The versatile comb makes your hair smoother and adds a moisturizing gloss while releasing negative ions. The lightweight, 360-degree swivel cord and the 60-minute auto shut-off add to the ease of tangle-free styling just at home. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Keratin and Argan Oil in comb teeth
- Anti-scald shield
- 360 degrees swivel cord
Cons
- None
"I liked this hot comb for its quick heating time and adjustable temperature settings. The swivel cord and stand adds to the convenience. The teeth bent while using, but it can be fixed easily. It effectively straightened my curly roots and is perfect to carry while travelling."
9. Best For Lustrous Hair:DAN Technology Hot Electric Comb
If the thought of heat damage keeps you away from using hot tools, then the DAN Technology Hot Electric Comb is just for you! It features ceramic technology which helps distribute heat evenly on your tresses and hence helps reduce hair loss and damage to a considerable level. It heats up pretty quickly, just in 30 seconds, to give you lustrous, straight hair. This electric comb is lightweight and features a high and low switch and comes with gear adjustment temperatures for an effortless styling experience. Its dual voltage technology allows you to try your favorite hairstyles, without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ceramic technology
- PTC heating
- 360 ° swivel cord
- Quick heating option
- Universal voltage
- Adjustable temperature
Cons
- None
Hot combs are quite handy tools for African American hair. Curly, frizzy, thick, whatever your hair type, hot combs are here to straighten out those beautiful locks with utmost ease. However, hair stylist Alicia Igess Jones asks people to remain cautious while using one. “If a hot comb is heated up too hot, it will burn your hair out. Avoid oil on your scalp when using a hot comb because it can burn you,” she adds.
Of course, the variety of hot combs available is daunting to go through. But, we have put together some points to consider when buying the best hot comb to shape your African-American hair.
Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Hot Combs For African American Hair
1. Temperature Settings
Pick a hot comb with multiple heat settings. This makes it easy to control the temperature according to your hair type and comfort. Thicker, frizzy hair may need more heat than fine, thin hair. Also, check how fast the comb heats up and how long it takes to reach and stay at the desired temperature.
2. Design
A long swivel cord helps you to maneuver the comb around all sides of your head with utmost ease. A short straight cord will require you to bend and move around yourself, making the whole procedure strenuous and stressful.
Hot combing small strands of hair may take a while. Pick a hot comb which is lightweight as your hand can start paining soon if the tool is heavy.
3. Construction
- Ceramic: The ceramic combs distribute heat evenly avoiding hot spots and burning. These combs are good for frizzy hair.
- 24K Gold-Plated Finish: These combs retain the heat consistently.
- Brass And Copper: Some manual combs are constructed with copper spacers and brass teeth which work well on fine hair and do not cause static.
4. Additional Features
Automatic switch-off is a good feature to have as the heating switches off as soon as the comb reaches the desired temperature. This protects the tool from overheating and also protects the hair and scalp from burning and scalding.
If you travel frequently, it is wise to pick a hair comb with dual voltage so it can work anywhere in the world.
Infographic: DOs & DON’Ts Of Using Hot Combs On African American Hair
A hot comb is an excellent heat-styling tool for African American hair. It delivers a perfect polished look to your hair and eliminates frizz and tangles. But to make the most of this tool, you need to use it the right way. Check out the below infographic to know the dos and don’ts of using a hot comb on African American hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The best hot combs are a must-have accessory in your arsenal, especially if you have African American hair. These hot combs allow you to achieve natural-looking, straightened hair. Before using hot combs, you can directly heat them on a stove (as your grandmother did) or buy an electrically heated comb. Hot combs are of different types, and therefore you need to pick one based on your hair type and preferences. You can opt for the Andis High Heat Press Comb which offers adjustable temperature and heat degrees to achieve tangle-free, smooth hair, the Gold N Hot Professional Styling Comb which flaunts wedge-shaped teeth for apt precision-pressing, or the Terviiix Electric Hot Comb which infuses shiny gloss and protects against burns or heat damage. The combs reviewed in this article have different heat settings, have an automatic shut-off feature, get heated up quickly, and are easy to use. We recommend you always apply a heat protectant serum or spray before using these hot combs.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this post, Krati Darak, is a haircare enthusiast with a knack for searching for the best products for hair care. She has scoured multiple websites to come up with this list of the best hot combs for natural African American hair. In addition, she has reviewed user feedback and ratings to handpick these combs. A detailed description of the features of these combs, along with their pros and cons, will help you choose a comb that will suit your hair the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hot comb good for natural hair?
Yes. Hot combs are better than other straightening methods for natural hair.
What’s the difference between a flat iron and a hot comb?
You cannot reach the roots with a flat iron. However, you can straighten the hair from the roots with a hot comb.
Can you hot comb wet hair?
It is always advised to use heat on dry hair as wet hair is more likely to be damaged easily.
Do hot combs hurt on natural hair?
No. Hot combs do not hurt natural hair.
How long do you heat a hot comb?
It takes 30 seconds for the hot comb to heat up.
Can you curl your hair with a hot comb?
Yes, you can curl your hair with a hot comb.
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