i would go to the hair dresser and ask to order an ethnic hair straightenerIt doesnt matter if your of color or notthey are made to straighten ppl with african american hair that type of hair is very fine so it wouldnt damage your hair hope it helps good luck
i have thick wavy hair too, and what works best for my hair is the chi straighteneryou can probably order one through your hairdresser, or order one online.
Use a Chi straightener, and after you straighten it, put BioSilk on it!
If i was you I would talk to my hair dresser about finding some heat protection spray.I have some and it helps a lot.Get an Ion straightener.They work great!