If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Perfecting your arsenal of the best hair styling tools is no easy feat. Similar to styling products like hair gel, mousse, and dry shampoo, it takes trial and error to find instruments and accessories that play well with your hair — though tools often come with higher stakes. A misstep can leave your hair brittle and broken, while gimmicky options may fall short on salon-quality claims and long-lasting results. We took the guesswork out of your search by testing hair tools and techniques, from hair dryers, flat irons, hair wavers, heatless curling hacks, hair brushes, and everything in between, to pinpoint salon-worthy stylers for every hair type and texture.
No matter the hairstyle you’re going for, it’s important to pay attention to nitty gritty details before you take the plunge on a pricey tool, such as technology features and hair-healthy materials. “Quality really shows up in the heat technology and surface materials of hot tools,” says Nikki Lee, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of In Common Beauty. She stresses that it’s important to invest in anything that directly interacts with your hair, as this can impact short-term and long-term hair elasticity. “Quality matters with non-heat tools, too, because it really can help reduce breakage,” explains Lee, adding that some tools, like high-quality hair brushes, are specifically designed to protect hair while it’s wet and fragile.
There are so many ways to manipulate your mane, so make sure to consider your cut, intended results, and overall hair regimen before you dive into styling. If you love to create a bouncy blowout from your home vanity, a smoothing hair dryer brush or a combo of hair rollers and a shine-infusing curling iron will do the trick, and if you prefer to keep it sleek, look to a holy grail flat iron that can last you for years to come. Or, if you change your ‘do like you change your clothes, choose a multi-function configuration like the Dyson Airwrap Multi Styler, Wavytalk 5 in 1 Curling Iron Set, or the Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron. There are more effortless options, too, if you’re not a total pro, like goof-proof hair wavers or heatless hair curlers that give a whole new meaning to beauty sleep.
Whether you prefer to flip, twist, crimp, smooth, or straighten, our editors put 75 bestselling tools to the test to help inform your selection. We consulted 12 professional hair stylists and industry experts for tool recommendations and key hair health insight, along with our own extensive research on high-function hair styling tool designs, from hot tools, to heatless methods, and other essentials like hair brushes and clips. Our team compared customer reviews to determine the best user-friendly options on the market, and honed in on details that benefit the range of hair types, textures, and styling preferences.
Top Hair Styling Tools of 2024
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Testing Verdict: Top 3 Hair Styling Tools
Hair styling tools can entail a long list of subcategories, including hot tools, such as hair dryers, flat irons, wavers, and curlers, heatless hair shapers, and accessories like hair clips, hair brushes, and detailing combs. Within specified groups, each tool is not created equally, as some employ specialized technology and serve dual functions, while others stand out for their unique results and healthy hair benefits. To avoid comparing apples to oranges, our testers narrowed down our top three must-haves from our curated selection, rather than a single winner, which our testers found to best serve a variety of hair types, concerns, and achieve high-style results.
- Dyson Airwrap Multi Styler Complete: No other tool on the market can adequately compare to the renowned Dyson Airwrap. It’s a tool worth investing in because it covers every base, from curling, to smoothing, drying, and even fine-tune polishing. It also does wonders on every hair type, thanks to the recent addition of the Diffuse configuration for curly hair, and is equipped with damage-free technology that leaves strands soft and frizz-free.
- Shark SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush: If your beauty budget caps at $100, we recommend the Shark SmoothStyle for its two-in-one function of a volumizing hair drying brush and a smoothing straightener. It protects the hair from overheating with calibrated airflow and shine-boosting ceramic plates, while cutting down on pesky dry time in one compact, lightweight design.
- Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set: Have you heard the hype? Heatless curlers are trending, and we love that they serve as one of the most hair-healthy styling options without sacrificing on impressive results. Kitsch’s Satin curling rods are incredibly gentle on the hair, easy to apply, require minimal to no additional product, and can effortlessly create tight ringlets or big, bouncy blowouts. They do wonders on each and every hair type, length, and texture, and are a major-time saver when you’re in a pinch.
Best professional Hair Styling Tool
Dyson Airwrap Multi Styler Complete
Settings: 3 heat settings and a cool shot
Attachments: Six attachments for different results per configuration
Special features: Negative ion airflow technology
Best for: All hair types and textures
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The Dyson Airwrap Multi Styler is not only one of the most coveted hair styling tools of all time, it’s also an editor favorite, so we’d be remiss to exclude it from our roundup of best of the best. Despite it’s hefty price, it’s worth the hype, so we recommend this as the best splurge-worthy investment to complete your hair tool lineup in a single purchase. Available in Straight and Wavy or Curly and Coily configurations, this all-in-one hair styling tool equips you to dry, curl, straighten, smooth, and volumize with an easy switch of six interchangeable attachments. While there are several worthwhile Dyson Airwrap dupes on the market, its airflow technology remains unparalleled, as it effectively manipulates strands for a long-term hold without the risk of heat damage.
Editor testing and review notes: “The Dyson Airwrap is the Swiss Army knife of hair tools — its multiple attachments allow you to curl, straighten, and add volume to your hair, all while drying it. Click on the round brush head, and the tool transforms into a hair dryer brush that’s ideal for all hair lengths and thicknesses. I have long, thick, and naturally curly hair, and the round brush takes my hair from 80 percent dry to smoothed and bouncy in 12 minutes. The two-inch barrel size is narrower than any other hair dryer brush head on the market — the smaller surface area required a few more minutes to dry my hair, but also adds more curl at my ends and lift at my roots. After two years of regularly using this tool and attachment, my hair hasn’t experienced any breakage or brittleness.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $599.99
Best Hair Dryer Brush
Shark SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush
Settings: 3 airflow settings and 1 heated smoothing comb setting
Special features: 2 straightening and volumizing functions; calibrated heat and airflow settings to prevent breakage and damage; ceramic-coated plates
Best for: Straight to wavy hair
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
There’s more than meets the eye with Shark’s SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush — it offers two styling results in one: A drying, smoothing, a volumizing feature that harnesses powerful airflow, and a straightening function that smooths and combs the hair with heated plates. Precisely-calibrated air and heat settings reduce the risk of hot spots and damage, while ceramic-coated plates encourage sleek and glossy shine.
Chris Appleton, A-list celebrity hair stylist and Global Ambassador for Shark Beauty, notes that this careful design is what makes it unique. “Hair drying brushes are on the market, but we haven’t seen one with the added element of ceramic plates that smooth the hair,” he explains. “We did a lot of research on these types of tools, and while they give bounce, the tools often leave hair looking dry and a bit too fluffy. This tool’s heated element gives a polished finish.” Not only is the Shark SmoothStyle one of the best hair dryer brushes according to editors, it’s more affordable compared to competitors at just under $100, while also serving as a trusty two-in-one tool.
Editor testing and review notes: “At first glance, I thought Shark’s SmoothSyle was simply a hair dryer brush. But no, this tool does more than dry and add volume to your hair; it also delivers glossy shine and bounce. I have naturally curly, thick hair, so while hair dryer brushes make my hair smoother, they typically leave it a little too voluminous — and frizzy. The Shark SmoothStyle’s heated comb setting comes in with a major win here: A quick turn of the handle transforms the Shark SmoothStyle into a gentle straightener that tamps down frizz for a polished effect. If you’re familiar with hair dryer brushes, the tool will come natural to you; it’s simple to use on either setting with a brushing, twisting motion. It also styles hair quicker than its competitors, thanks to Shark’s impressive airflow, so my arms didn’t get overtired while using it on either setting.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.99
Related: Best Shark Beauty Hair Tools
Best HEatless Curlers
Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
Best for: Damaged or healing hair
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Hair Rollers
#2 Amazon Most Wished for in Hair Care
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
With this handy tool, you can literally style your hair in your sleep. Heatless hair curling hacks are among some of the most viral beauty trends right now, with over 7.6 billion views on TikTok, and the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set has become the gold standard. Its hype can be attributed to a few key benefits. Zero heat is applied with this method, so there’s no risk of damage or breakage, and the satin material on the flexible rods allows the hair to retain maximum moisture. Additionally, this set is a serious time-saver, because, compared to hot tool styling, it takes a fraction of the time to twist your entire head of hair around the rod. There’s no extra product required for the process, besides optional leave-in conditioners for extra nourishment, or a dry texture spray for added grip. Just pop in the rods, seal the ends with the included satin scrunchies, and let the tool do all the work for you.
Editors testing and review notes: “I’ll admit that I had to watch tutorials over and over again to figure out how to use this heatless curling set. But once I finessed my technique — wrapping small pieces of hair outwards from my face — I finally nailed it. I mist some leave-in conditioner on nearly dry hair before using this set, and I wake up with healthy looking hair that requires no hot tools.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $15.98
Best Barrel Hair Waver
Amika High Tide Deep Wave Hair Crimper
Barrel size: 0.7 inch
Settings: 120°F-390°F temperature range
Special features: Negative ion technology
Best for: Fine to medium hair textures
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If effortless beachy waves are calling your name, the Amika High Tide Deep Waver Hair Crimper will have you feeling like a mermaid that just washed ashore. Contrary to the name, this tool is no standard crimper. It creates smooth, voluminous ripples without harsh creases or dents, thanks to the brand’s custom molding, notes celebrity colorist Jeremy Tardo, who recommends it for fine to medium hair textures. Three 0.7 inch barrels style more hair in one press than a standard hair curling wand, and creates a naturally tousled and texturized look. Amika’s negative ion technology works to seal cuticles for extra shine, while fast-heating ceramic barrels preserve the hair’s natural moisture.
Editor testing and review notes: “Many hair wavers can feel clunky in the hand due to the large curling barrels, but Amika’s is manageable to use due to the balanced design — including a non-slip handle and a kickstand that prevents the hot barrels from singeing any surface you place it on. On top of a sleek build, this tool is a winner because it doesn’t leave crease marks, making it a great choice for beginners. As for results, expect beachy waves you can set in place or brush out for softer texture.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Best Flat Iron
Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1″ Flat Iron
Plate size: 1″
Settings: 365°F temperature
Special features: Ultra-zone predictive technology
Best for: Fine and color-treated hair
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ghd’s Platinum+ Styler simplifies sleek styling with one set temperature — 365°F. “You don’t need anything higher than that to achieve smooth hairstyles,” says celebrity hairstylist Scott King, who particularly recommends this gentle flat iron for fine hair types. Ultra-zone predictive technology embedded in the one-inch plates monitors heat deposits and hair thickness at 250 times per second — meaning the intensity of the iron adjusts for the safety of your hair to deliver a polished-looking mane and naturally strong strands over time. Plus, it heats up super fast for last-minute styling and automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve tried dozens of the best straighteners during my time as a beauty editor. For my naturally curly, thick hair, Ghd’s Platinum+ Styler is the best of the best. I use mine at least three times a week to smooth out unwanted frizziness or throw in some messy waves — the tapered edges of the flat iron’s wand make it easy to twist through my hair. I love that it’s pre-set to 365°F, which is warm enough to quickly style my hair but not so hot that it scorches my strands.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $279
Best detangling Brush
Fhi Heat Unbrush Wet & Dry Detangling Hair Brush
Best for: All hair types; detangling wet hair
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Hair Brushes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
The first step before you even pick up your styler? Detangling, of course. But some brushes can crush curls, causes breakage on wet hair, or fail to properly smooth every tiny tangle. The Unbrush is a universal solution, and is so beloved that it’s racked up over a billion views on TikTok. It’s suitable for every hair texture, from tight coils to super straight hair types, as its innovative design effortlessly and thoroughly combs through all kinds of unruly strands. This brush is covered in a mix of long and mini bristles to smooth stubborn snags and leave the hair looking polished, and relieves the need for two different wet and dry tangle tamers in your hair styling routine.
Editor testing and review notes: “Ever since I began coloring my hair, tangles have been enemy number one in my hair styling process (blaming it on the bleach!). Depending on the state of my hair, it can take me a full seven minutes to fully detangle it when I hop out of the shower and towel dry it. After seeing rave reviews about this brush on TikTok, I cued up an order on Amazon to see what all the fuss was about. I’ve tested dozens of hair brushes and detangling combs, but this one takes the cake; the vented design, bristle placement, and smooth materials glide right through tangles and knots without tugging or breakage.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
Best Curling Iron
T3 SinglePass Curl Ceramic Curling Iron
Barrel size: 1.25”
Settings: 5 adjustable heat settings from 260-410°F
Special features: Ceramic-coated barrel
Best for: Creating large curls; suitable for all hair types
Amazon’s Choice
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
“T3 Single Pass Iron is perfection,” says hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. “You can get through a thick head of hair in no time.” As the name suggests, one pass is all you need, so whether you have long locks or only a few minutes of styling time in the morning, this curling iron helps to cut corners in your routine. It heats up fast but doesn’t skimp on heat-protection — the iron monitors heat output to deposit even temperature as you twist and curl, which helps to avoid hot spots and long-term damage. This tool comes in a range of barrel sizes from 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches, so depending on your intended results, T3’s custom-blend ceramic technology will take you from shiny coils to blowout-level bounce.
Editor testing and review notes: “It’s all in the details with T3’s curling iron: The barrel maintains consistent heat while you’re styling to prevent damaging temperature spikes, a dial replaces buttons for easier adjustments during styling, and a cool tip on the end of the iron keeps burns at bay. But beyond the intuitive design, this iron impressed me with how it seemed to seal the cuticles of my hair, leaving it frizz-free and impossibly shiny.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $169.99
Best Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
Pattern The Blow Dryer
Settings: 2 speed, 3 heat, and cold shot
Attachments: Diffuser, brush, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle
Special features: AC motor and ionic technology
Best for: Drying curly hair
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair care line, Pattern, offers one of the best hair dryers for curly hair, as it’s specially designed with a ceramic coated grill to reduce damaging hot spots, and a powerful airflow motor deposits smooth and gentle heat. Bundled with a wide array of essential and innovative hair dryer attachments, including an aluminum-plated bowl hair diffuser that heats up fast to shorten dry time and a detangling comb that works to define coils, The Blow Dryer is a must-have for curly girls and guys. The dryer also includes a setting to activate cuticle-smoothing ion technology, which pairs seamlessly with the concentrator nozzle for sleek styling. Or, opt out to home in on volume with the coil-stretching brush attachment.
Editor testing and review notes: “A multi-styling hair dryer is only handy if the attachments work with your hair texture — any for those with curly hair, that can be tricky to find. After testing Pattern’s hair dryer, I can assure you that curly girls will find use for every attachment included. I found myself using each of the included attachments in Pattern’s hair dryer on my curly hair, whether it’s the wide-tooth comb that detangles while drying or the brush attachment that stretches out curls. Yes, the attachments are genius, but the hair dryer itself is, too. The heat and airflow settings cater to curly hair — I love that I have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $189
Best Professional Hair Dryer
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Settings: 3 speed, 3 heat, and cool shot
Attachments: Traditional nozzle and long nozzle
Special features: Cool Air Flex Technology, Dual Ion Functionality, AC motor
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Alex Osorio Castro, hair stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad, deems the Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer one of his all-time holy grail hair tools. “Hair dryers that have a long nose are not so easy to manage,” he explains, “but I recommend Harry Josh to all of my clients because it’s so easy to work with. Blow drying your hair should be quick and fun.” Weighing in under one pound, this powerful little tool offers a total of seven different settings, including a cool shot, with essential ionic technology that reduces both heat damage and dry time. Don’t let its high-grade professional design scare you — this handy tool is nothing less than “short, easy, and fun,” says Castro.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact hair dryer to take on the go but one that can also serve as a daily hair dryer, Harry Josh’s Ultra Light Hair Dryer is for you. Many dryers are designed to be “lightweight,” but this one is noticeably lighter but still feels like it has substance. It’s easy to hold in the hand for an extended period and easy to maneuver. Even though it is compact, it has a very powerful motor, which makes for super-fast drying time. My only complaint is that since I have fine, slightly wavy hair that easily frizzes, I was hoping that the hair dryer would reduce some of the frizz, but compared to other similar tools, it did not.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
Best Affordable Hair Styling Tool
Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set
Settings: 356℉ – 410℉ temperature range
Attachments: 0.5” small curling iron, 0.35-0.7” tapered curling wand, 1″ curling wand, 1.25″ curling iron; 1.5 ” curling brush
Special features: Ceramic-coated barrels, universal dual voltage
Best for: All hair types, curly styling variety
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Wavytalk’s heat tools are among some of the most popular beauty products on TikTok, with views and searches climbing well above 749 million views on the app. While the brand’s Pro Thermal Brush is a viral sensation for blowout styles in its own right, the Wavytalk 5-in-1 tool offers four extra curling iron and wand barrels as a complete set. A following of nearly 75 million users on TikTok swear by this interchangeable tool, as it heats up in just 30 seconds and creates shiny coils that last all day. This wallet-friendly set, which also comes with a heat-proof glove and hair-sectioning clips, will have you stocked for a variety of looks and countless styling sessions.
Editor testing and review notes: “This all-in-one set is a steal given such an affordable price point — it’s hard to find a single high-quality curling iron for the price of this five-piece. I love that this kit gives me the option to use the heat brush to add lift to my curtain bangs and swap out the attachment for a bigger barrel on the rest of my strands. But I’m mostly impressed by how soft the ceramic barrels leave my hair, and how long the curls hold without feeling dry or needing a hefty dose of hairspray. The TikTok beauty community is absolutely on to something with this tool, per usual.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $48.99
Best Deep Waver
Bed Head Tourmaline Wave Artist Deep Waver
Barrel size: 2.5″
Settings: Hear settings up to 400°F
Special features: Dual voltage, automatic shut-off, swivel cord, tourmaline ceramic coating
Best for: Quick waves; straight to wavy textures
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This top-rated waver from Bed Head is a TikTok-loved beauty product, boasting over 2 million views and recommendations from prominent influencers like Alix Earle. It offers a different way to play with beachy texture compared to a barrel waver, as the molded plates bend the hair in a deeper kink. The tool utilizes tourmaline ceramic technology to leave strands shiny and frizz-free, while a temperature dial allows you to pace even heat deposits up to 400°F. It also features universal dual voltage and a plate-locking switch, making it super convenient for travel. The natural-looking, messy-chic results keep things uncomplicated, so you don’t have to section off the hair or be overly precise throughout the styling process.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve used this tool for years to effortlessly create textured waves and impressive volume in under 10 minutes. The tool heats up very quickly and works like a large, soft crimper. The best part is that I never need to use any hair spray to have my look lasting through the next day — and the waves can sometimes last through a third day of wear. This affordable tool is a great addition to your hot tool rotation if you’re looking to diversify your hair styling.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20.99
Best Hair Rollers
Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers
Includes: 6 velcro rollers in two sizes
Best for: Adding volume and locking in curls
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Whether you’re locking in freshly-curled coils or adding major lift to the root, Drybar’s High Tops Self-Grip Rollers do at-home blowouts best. This six-pack offers two different roller sizes so you have the option to create tighter curls on bangs or bump up the volume at the crown. Wrapped in velcro, these rollers hold tight to the scalp without a clip, and the tiny bristles of the material help to comb and detangle strands upon removal. These are a must-have styling accessory whether you prefer hot tools or heatless curlers, because they help reinforce shape and provide unparalleled volume in just a short amount of wear.
Editor testing and review notes: “I don’t go a day without reaching for these rollers. I change up my hair routine often, and bounce between my hair dryer brush, curling iron, and flat iron — but I always set my curtain bangs in two to three velcro rollers while I go about my morning routine. I even like to keep them in while I’m doing a sleep-in heatless curling method because they stay secure all night long. When it comes to styling hair, the little details can make the biggest difference, and this affordable set it not one to skip.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $12
Best Hair Dryer for Frizz
Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Settings: 1 heat and 5 speed settings
Attachments: Diffuser, styling concentrator, and a gentle air attachment
Special features: Infrared light technology
Best for: Frizzy hair
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Best Buy Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Zuvi’s Halo Hair Dryer is a certified frizz-buster. Using patented technology, this tool replicates evaporation from sunlight and wind to gently dry the hair as if were air-dried. A winning combination of infrared light energy and unique Zuvi Halo technology work to extract water from strands without damaging the internal cortex and cuticle, resulting in fast-dried hair that’s shiny, naturally healthy, and free of split ends. Along with this lightweight and compact tool, you’ll also get three attachments, including a smoothing diffuser, a styling concentrator, and a gentle air attachment that allows for a cooler and more even deposit of airflow.
Editor testing and review notes: “When I tested the Zuvi hair dryer for the first time, I thought I clicked the wrong setting — this dryer is an anomaly because it feels lukewarm, never hot, while you use it. Despite the lack of heat, the dryer works impressively quickly to dry my curls without making them frizzy or frazzled. Another nice benefit: The tool hasn’t caused my color to fade like similar dryers do.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $259
Best Hair Styling Tool for Travel
Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron
Plate size: 1.25″
Settings: 210°F—430°F temperature range
Special features: Moisturizing Heat technology, three styling functions
Best for: Precise styling; straight to wavy hair
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If a curling iron and a flat iron had a baby, it would be the Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron. This tool realizes the hair hack of curling your hair with a flat iron for loose ringlets, as a traditional-style curling wand unhinges to reveal clamp plates like a typical straightener. You can swiftly switch between the two options with a push of a button, or you can use them at the same time, by holding hair between the center clamp and rolling outwards to make a super smooth wave. A third way to play? Lock the tool and use it as a hair wand, by simply wrapping strands around the barrel with your finger. You can’t beat three styling capabilities in one, and it’s space-saving design and universal voltage makes it an ideal tool for travel.
Editor testing and review notes: “The plates on this Bio-Ionic hair straightener are longer than others on this list, however that’s part of what makes the tool a standout. That extra surface area allows you to straighten larger chunks of hair than you could with a standard flat iron, cutting down on styling time. On top of its efficiency for straightening hair, the tool has a smart design that allows you to use it as a curling wand or curling iron for ultimate versatility in your hair styling.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $149
Best Hair Styling Clips
Madholly No Bend Hair Clips 20-Piece
Best for: Securing strands and velcro rollers while styling
Amazon’s Choice
#5 Amazon Bestseller in Hair Clips
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you’re working with a lot of hair, these crease-free clips are a game-changer. They allow you to pin back strands or secure velcro rollers without ruining your style, and feel incredibly comfortable — practically nonexistent — against the scalp. They’re gentle on fine strands but can hold heft from thicker hair too, and are easy to pop in with one free hand while you’re styling with the other. This bestselling 20-pack will keep you well-stocked, and is available in a fun assortment of colorways to match your vanity’s vibe.
Editor testing and review notes: “Every at-home hairstylist should be stocked with these creaseless hair clips, whether you’re a longtime pro or DIY novice. I use them every single day as I get ready. They come in handy for pinning back my bangs while I do my makeup, adding grip to my velcro rollers, holding hair sections as I style or curl, or even just correcting weird kinks that often occur on face-framing strands.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
Best Hair Styling Comb
Sweet View Slick Back Hair Brush Set
Best for: Parting hair and smoothing flyaways
Amazon’s Choice
#10 Amazon Bestseller in Hair Brushes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Slicked-back styles require a careful hand, so it’s important to have tools at-the-ready for precise detail work. This top-rated brush and comb set has everything you need to smooth flyways and cut clean parts, including a dual-sided edge brush, bristle brush, and rat tail comb. Whether you’re creating art out of your baby hairs or separating hair sections as you style, these essentials made of flexible plastic will have you set for success.
Editor testing and review notes: “I can’t believe I went so long without this handy little trio. As someone with a middle hair part and tons of unruly baby hairs, the fine-tooth rat tail comb has become my best friend. I love grabbing the bristly hair brush to slick back my buns, half-up ‘dos, and ponytails, while the edge brush bodes well for taming my brows. While the plastic is durable with no signs of cracking, make sure to rest these combs far away from your hot tools, as I made the mistake of resting an iron on top of the rat tail comb and the heat ended up warping its teeth.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99
