Do you love straight hair but don’t have one? Don’t worry, as hot combs help you achieve them quickly. It straightens your hair within a few minutes. It is also known as pressing comb or straightening comb and straightens your natural hair from its roots.
The hot metallic combs use direct fire or electricity to heat up and straighten the hair. The use of hot combs is to straighten the hair, but they are different from a flat iron.
The teeth of these brushes are wider and finer that allows the comb to glide through the hair effortlessly. A hot brush is much more efficient than a flat brush in adding shine, and increasing volume.
Before you decide to purchase the best hot comb for yourself, make sure to go through the following two factors thoroughly.
- Material construction: Choosing the right material for the hot comb is essential as all types of material are not ideal for all kinds of hair. The most common and most suitable materials for hot combs are gold, tourmaline, and titanium. All these three materials absorb heat in a short amount of time.
- Heat Settings: The amount of heat required to style the hair depends on the thickness of the hair. It is best to keep the temperature while styling the hair between 340℉ to 450℉.
Apart from the factors mentioned above, there are several other things to consider before buying a hot comb. They are all mentioned in the “Buying Guide” later in the article. The buying guide is available just below the product reviews.
The 5 Best Hot Comb For Natural Hair
Hot Comb For Natural Hair | Hair type | Color | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Andis 38300 Professional 450 F Ceramic Press Comb | All hair types | Gold | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Gold N Hot Professional Mtr Comb | All hair types | Black and gold | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Sorlakar Ceramic Hot Comb Hair Straightener | Coarse hair | Black | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Kentucky Maid SPKM222 Medium Double Press Comb | All hair types | Black and gold | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Conair Hype Hair Hot Comb | All hair types | Black and gold | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Hot Comb For Natural Hair Reviews
1. Andis 38300 Professional 450 F Ceramic Press Comb
The manufacturers of this product know that time is essential and manufactured a hot comb that can go up to 450°F in just a few seconds. Also, it features 20 kinds of heat settings, which makes it perfect for all hair types. It is an ideal product for natural hair.
This hot golden comb with ceramic coating retains the heat for an extended period. It provides a consistent and even flows of heat which helps in frizz-free and smooth hair. The auto-shut-off feature is included for added safety, which automatically turns the product off if not in use for an hour.
The swivel cord lets you style your hair hassle-free. The dual voltage feature lets you use the product under any voltage settings, anywhere around the globe. It is suitable for all hair types. The comb is golden in color, which makes it look attractive. It has an electric corded power supply.
Product details:
Hair type: All hair types
Color: Gold
Power source: Corded electric
Pros:
- Heats up to 450°F in a few seconds.
- Dual-voltage enabled.
- 20 different heat settings.
- Auto shut-down.
- Electric corded supply.
Cons:
- The position of the buttons might be inconvenient.
2. Gold N Hot Professional Mtr Comb
If perfection is what you are looking for when styling your hair, this is the ideal choice. This professional comb with a Multi-Temperature regulator will not disappoint you.
The hot comb has wedge-shaped teeth, which are perfect for precision-pressing. It helps you achieve silky and super straight hair. The 24K gold-plated finish on the comb enables it to retain consistent heat and provides even heat to the locks. The temperature settings allow you to adjust it from 200°F up to 500°F.
It has a 9 feet swivel cord. The product is suitable for all hair types. For fine hair, you should adjust it to a low temperature. This comb helps you achieve all kinds of hairstyles.
The comb is golden in color. It also features a power indicator light and corded electric power.
Product details:
Hair type: All hair type
Color: Black and gold
Power source: Corded electric
Pros:
- 24K gold plating finish.
- Adjustable Temperature settings.
- Ideal for precision pressing.
- Suitable for all hair types.
Cons:
- Takes time to heat up
3. Sorlakar Ceramic Hot Comb Hair Straightener
The Sorlakar Hot Comb Hair Straightener features ceramic technology, which distributes the heat evenly, reduces frizz, and makes your hair shiny without any damage.
The soft teeth head of the comb prevents pulling of the hair and protects the scalp. This hot comb takes just 20 to 30 seconds to heat up and delivers long-lasting results. The temperature settings can be adjusted depending on your hair type.
For soft hair, the preferred temperature is from 80°C to 160°C, for normal hair, the ideal temperature is from 160°C to 180°C, and for coarse or thick hair, the ideal temperature ranges from 180°C to 210°C.
The 360° rotating power cord allows convenient use with even one hand. It is lightweight and is of compact design. The comb is black and very easy to use. It has multiple teeth attachments.
Product details:
Hair type: Coarse
Color: Black
Power source: Corded electric
Pros:
- Lightweight. Compact design.
- Heats up within 15 to 20 seconds
- Easy to use
- Adjustable heat settings
Cons:
- The design is not sturdy
4. Kentucky Maid SPKM222 Medium Double Press Comb
This hot comb is perfect for people who love to style their hair the old-school way. This hot comb is battery-operated and does not require electricity for the heat. You can just heat the comb on a stove and start combing your hair with it.
The teeth of the comb are placed very close to each other, which straightens the hair effortlessly. It also makes the hair smooth, neat, and frizz-free. The teeth are made of brass, and the spacers are made of copper.
The comb can be heated by placing over the stove on low-medium flame for just 5 minutes on both sides. Once the comb is purple or orange, you need to reheat it again. It can be used on all hair types and also on wigs.
Product details:
Hair type: All hair types
Color: Black and gold
Power source: Any heating object.
Pros:
- Does not require electricity
- Teeth are placed close to each other
- Works well on wigs too
- Comes with brass teeth and copper spacers
Cons:
- Little on the expensive side
- Might not be very convenient to use
5. Conair Hype Hair Hot Comb
This electric pressing comb by Conair lives up to the hype that has been created around it. It is the ideal product for natural hair. If time management is of primary importance, this comb is handy as it heats up to 350°F in 30 seconds.
The hot comb does not damage your hair to any extent as it has 30 different heat settings. Out of them, 15 heat settings are particularly meant to style thick and coarse hair. The comb is gold anodized and provides the hair with a polished look. The results by the comb are long-lasting. The turbo heat technology is meant for maximum holding power and precise styling for the locks.
The comb features automatic shut-off for added safety which turns off the comb when not in use for a long time.
The design of the comb is attractive and is of black and gold color.
Product details:
Hair type: All hair types
Color: Black and gold
Power source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- Gold anodized.
- 30 different heat settings.
- Turbo heat technology for uniform heat
- Automatic shut-off.
Cons:
- Some might feel that the controls are not placed strategically
Things to consider Before Buying a Hot Comb
Hot combs are the most accessible hair styling tools to make your tresses smooth, silky, and straight in very little time. Yet, the best one and the appropriate use of it assures a precise straightening style. Also, the styling remains trouble-free if you use the best suitable hot comb to fulfill the customized needs.
But, how to check if the hot comb meets your styling requirements? And which one is the best among the many popular varieties? To know this, consider these important factors before buying the best hot comb for your natural hair.
Material Construction
Natural hair is not the same for all of us. We have thick, stubborn, coarse, patchy, and thin hair too! So, the straightening effort differs for each hair type. And the same heating material may not satisfy all hair types.
So, hot combs are designed with different types of materials like gold, titanium, tourmaline, ceramic, stainless steel, and a hybrid of any of these materials. They can absorb the highest amount of heat in very little time. Also, they retain the heat within the teeth for a long period. So, ultimately, this can reduce the styling time and effort as well.
Anti-scald Shield
Some hot combs are coated with an anti-scald shield to protect the skin from burns. Also, it protects the hair from unwanted breakage or damage. So, check if the hot comb has such anti-scald coating on the heating material as your safety is primarily more important during styling.
Heat-up Time
Based on the construction material used, the heat-up time of the comb varies. The heat-up time is the time within which the hot comb gets heated and is ready to use.
While some models heat up within 15 to 20 seconds, a few others have much more heat-up time. So, make sure that you select the hot comb with lesser heating time. Thereby, you can use it within no time even when you are busy.
Heat Settings
The heat required for hair straightening differs with its thickness and texture. If yours is a coarse, thick hair, you may have more tangles. And the hot comb should exert more effort to encounter them; that means, it requires more heat to detangle the hair. Also, a little more effort and heat are essential to remove the kinks, waves, and curls of your natural curly hair.
Whereas, a thin fine hair just needs a little amount of heat because there will be only a few tangles and no kinks. If you use too much heat to straighten the thin hair, your hair strands may get burnt and damaged.
So, we suggest you to choose a hot comb that has a wide range of 340 ℉ – 450 ℉. Also, many of the hot combs specify the heat settings required for various hair types. Moreover, they come up with specific buttons and options to choose the customized heat setting to allow tension-free use.
Many hot comb models in the market have varying levels of heat settings like 12, 15, 20, or 30 heat settings. The more the number of settings, the finer selection you can make for your thin, thick, coarse, fine, or curly natural hairs. Isn’t it the most user-friendly feature? So, get the one with more heat settings for a better home or professional use if you are not the only person who uses it.
Type of Hot Comb
As said, hot combs are of two types – hot stove combs and electric hot combs.
The hot stove combs work by keeping the comb in the fire of an electric stove or a gas stove. So, to hold it, it is designed with a heat-resistant handle. But, there are no specific heat or temperature settings, as the heat of the comb will be that of the fire. And it depends on the time you keep it on the flame.
The heat thus pertained to the comb will be used to style your hair. And so, this may or may not be suitable for all.
Whereas, the electric hot combs get heated from the electrical power source. They use gold, ceramic, tourmaline, titanium, and a blend of these materials which are good conductors of heat. They allow customized heat or temperature settings and allow a feasible and customized use for all hair types.
It is recommended to use the hot stove combs if you need a styling tool with instant heating and more power for better straightening.
But, it may be dangerous to use the hot stove combs. And so, it is better to prefer the hassle-free electric hot combs which are much safer.
Flame
The hot stove combs have to be exposed to a fire or flame for a certain period. And there are certain models which can be kept on a low or medium flame for just 5 to 10 minutes on both sides. Whereas, some require a high flame.
Just by keeping your safety concerns in mind, we suggest you select those for which a low or medium flame is sufficient.
Instant Heat Recovery Technology
Most of the electric hot combs are designed with instant heat recovery technology. What is it? It is a uniform heat recovery system to maintain a consistent temperature level during the styling. So, the tresses experience an equal and even amount of heat throughout the hair. And, there won’t be any chance of hair damage or burning. It’s good to choose the hot combs equipped with this instant heat recovery feature.
Auto Shut-off Feature
Some of the electric hot combs come with a specific auto shut-off feature. With this, the styling tool turns off automatically within a certain period – say an hour or so. It not only saves the comb from overheating but also protects you from accidental harm or injury.
Therefore, we recommend you to select the hot comb that equips an auto shut-off feature.
Hair Condition
Most of the hot combs work for your natural hair. Sometimes, you may need to straighten the relaxed hair in between the salon processings. That means, if you do not wish to frequently have the costly chemical treatments for straightening in salons, you can use the hot combs to straighten the relaxed hair.
But, only a few specifically designed hot combs can work on such relaxed hair. So, choose the right product based on your hair condition before purchasing. There are many models which can straighten natural as well as relaxed hair, and so we suggest you choose such models for easy and anytime use.
There are even some hot combs that can be used flexibly on artificial wigs too!
Design
The hot comb design is another important factor that you cannot avoid. It’s necessary to look for a feasible design with compact size, appropriately placed heat setting buttons, indicator light, ergonomic handle, and 360-degree rotating power cord when looking for an electric hot comb.
Moreover, some of the electric hot combs are corded, and some others are battery-operated. Many reputed brands designed the hot combs with dual voltage compatibility that allows their use anywhere in the world. So, you have to check your preferences of usage when planning to purchase one.
If you are going for a stove-heated model, then check the handle design and material used. Only the heat-resistant and easy-grip handle should be your picking choice to maintain safety.
Also, ensure that the hot stove comb or the electric hot comb you want is lightweight. If it is heavier, you may not handle it for more time, and you will be left with arm pain by the time you finish the hair straightening.
Multiple Teeth Attachments
Certain hot comb varieties have multiple teeth attachments with wider and closer teeth that are thick and fine. They allow a personalized use based on your hair length, texture, and type.
Price
Hot combs are much affordable when compared to flat curling irons. Yet, many branded manufacturers offer stylish, easy-to-use, and safer hot combs at better economical prices. And you need not worry about your investment as they are long-lasting and efficient.
Reviews
Reviews of various hot comb models give you an idea of how they are suitable for different hair types. So, go through the reviews of any model you choose before purchasing the right one. Yet, we have gone through many reviews when listing the best hot combs for natural hair, and so we bet you an easy recommended selection through our reviews and buying guide.
Why Use a Hot Comb?
While many people prefer the popular flat irons for hair straightening, using hot combs has its advantages.
- When compared to the chemical hair straighteners, it is safe to use hot combs. The hazardous chemicals may break the hair, make it dry, and damage it entirely upon frequent exposure.
- You’ll have the best-controlled way of straightening by using the hot combs. You can use them over the bangs, nape, or even baby hair that cannot be straightened by the contemporary and popular flat irons.
- A hot comb assures a temporary straightening effect, and you can have your natural curly hair back if you want it, just by washing the hair.
How to Use a Hot Comb?
It’s very important to know how to use a hot comb.
- Use a hair spray or a heat protectant on the hair before using a hot comb.
- Separate your hair into different sections and detangle it with a normal comb.
- Switch on the electric hot comb and set the desired heat setting.
- If you are using a stove hot comb, then keep it over a flame or a blow dryer for a few minutes to heat it.
- Once the tool gets hot, start using the comb from the top to the tip of the hair. Ensure that you do not touch the scalp because some of the comb models do not have cooling tips.
- Glide or brush it over from the top to the bottom evenly and slowly. The comb easily removes any tangles or frizz without any effort.
- Once done, smoothen the straightened hair with your fingers for a final touch-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the 1920s, Annie Malone, an Afro-American, was said to invent the hot comb. She was the first to patent her hot comb invention. But, also, there was information that a French hairdresser, Marcel Grateau had found the technique of making the natural hair smoother and straight.
While both of them are used for straightening, the method used is different. The hot comb locks the hair within the thin and wide teeth to straighten the hair. But the flat iron presses the hair between its clamps to straighten it. The hot comb can easily remove the tangles within the hair when straightening.
Only the hot stove combs are a bit disadvantageous due to the risk of hair damage due to overheating. When using a hot stove comb, you may not have the exact heat setting and it’s impossible to control the temperature. So, an overheated comb can burn the hair and damage it. But, when used appropriately, it works as the best hair styling tool.
A hot comb not only straightens the hair but also makes it stylish, smooth, and silky. But, due to the hair damage of overheated use, it may damage hair. And most people have an opinion that they are not good for natural hair. Yet, if you know how to correctly press the hot stove comb or electric hot comb, it won’t harm or burn the hair. If possible, you can use hair masks or heat protectants to protect your hair from heat.
Don’t get worried if the hair or head faces minor scalds when using a hot comb. Better know the simple first aid – just soak a towel in cold water and keep it on the injury for some time. Then, use a soothing substance like aloe juice to avoid the damaged skin from getting dry. And then, consult a doctor.
The hot combs of earlier days used some other heating materials which caused hair fall. But, nowadays, these are designed without using such materials. And so they are much better with many other safety features like anti-scald coating that avoid hair breakage and damage. So, there is no chance of alopecia. Yet, even if the hair fall starts, meet a hair specialist or a doctor at early signs as it is easy to treat during the initial stages.
No, it’s not necessary to reheat the electric hot comb when styling because there will be a constant power flow that maintains the teeth hot as long as you use it. So, once the comb gets heated, the temperature remains precise and consistent throughout the styling session.
It does not take too long to style your hair with a hot comb. As the electric hot comb heats up instantly within 12 to 15 seconds and assures continual heat supply throughout the styling, you can finish off the straightening within a few minutes. Yet, it depends on the amount of hair throughout your head. Also, it removes the coils easily and tames the tresses efficiently within no time.
Often, it is necessary to clean the hot combs that may get left with some hair. Simply, you can heat the comb and spray the cleaning substance on it. Moreover, to assure an eco-friendly cleaning, you can use warm vinegar to clean it but it takes a longer time.
Final Words
Though hot combs fall under older hair styling tools, now the game has changed! And they have occupied a prominent place nowadays for efficient styling effects. Yet, with appropriate safety, customized, and feasible designs, they have become much popular in the market.
And today, plenty of brands are in flair among which the best 5 are already here on our list. So, which hot comb are you choosing?
Are you still confused? Then, go with this Andis 38300 Professional Press Comb. that has efficient ceramic-coated gold as heating material. It reaches up to 450℉ within 30 seconds and doesn’t waste your styling time. Besides, it is a superb choice in terms of quality and features like instant and consistent heat, auto turn-off feature, and 20 different heat settings.
Is your choice from our list feasible for you? How was your experience? Do you want to know more about hot combs? Share your views and queries down in the comment section.