E.R.
My hair stylist told me that the hair dryer makes the difference in the way it drys/straightens hair. I was having problems with my thick coarse hair looking not so soft. She suggest I go to Sally Beauty Supply and invest in a good hair dryer that is ceramic with mulitple temp/speed levels.
I got one that I love! My hair is smooth and straight after blow drying. I also invested in a $100 ceramic flat iron that I use with the hair dryer and I don't ahve problems with split end or thick icky looking hair.
Good luck!