Let me set the picture I have VERY thick hair that is VERY curly and coarse, even though it has been relaxed. It can be compared to ethnic hair and my hairdresser mainly does AA hair.
I have a T3 Toumaline Wet/Dry Ceramic that I paid about $200. I would not recommend it if your hair is thick, because the plate is too small. It was a waste of money
My favorite, still goes back to a Revlon Flat Iron that I can buy at the grocery store for about $25. The Iron is actually made by Helen of Troy, and the plate is 2" wide. It's the only thing that can get my hair straight. It's a great deal. I have the first one and LOVE it.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/pr...&aparam=df5628 or
http://www.stylebell.com/ProductDeta...-00196&click=2 or
http://www.drugstore.com/products/pr...&aparam=df5628