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There’s no better feeling than walking out of a salon appointment with a fresh style, and the key to replicating it at home is an arsenal of great hair tools. While expertly formulated products lay a great foundation for a good hair day, a high-quality tool can seal the deal when it comes to expert styling. The world of hair tools used to be limited to hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, but today’s selection runs the gamut of hot brushes, rotating curling irons, infrared straighteners, and no-damage hair dryers.
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Whether you’re looking to achieve a sleek straight style, a bouncy blowout, or beachy waves, we rounded up the best of the best, from hot tools to brushes to heatless curl kits, so you’ll have everything you need for the perfect styling job at your fingertips. Plus, we consulted with celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine; Nelson Solivan, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago; and April Story, a Fekkai Global Master Stylist, who share their expert picks.
Pros
- Over 5,000 reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers note it’s better for volume than curl
Revlon’s blow-dry brush changed the game, and it did so for a price that can’t be beaten. It’s still one of our all-time favorites and a must-have for those get-ready-quick mornings.
Customer review: “So easy to use and much better than a brush and dryer separately.” —Shauna
| Key Specs: | Designed for 120V USA outlets ONLY. 2 Heat/Speed Settings for Styling Flexibility with Cool Option.; 1100-Watt power |
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Pros
- Multiple attachments to style hair straight, wavy, or curly
Cons
- Unique design takes getting used to
The price tag may be eye-popping, but our editors stand by this investment, given this hair tool’s endless versatility. And if you have long hair, there’s a specially designed version featuring larger attachments.
Customer review: “I love this thing! I’ve noticed wayyyy less shedding when I dry/style my hair now. This makes my mornings so much more efficient too since it dries hair so quickly and smooths it out at the same time. There’s a little bit of a learning curve but nothing a couple YouTube videos can’t help. 10/10 recommend!” —Gina89
| Key Features | 3 heat; 3 speed; 1,300 Watts |
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Pros
- Designed to avoid heat damage
- Great for frizz
Cons
Another multitasking tool that both dries and styles is Shark’s SpeedStyle. Shaped more like a traditional blow dryer, it lets you rough-dry your hair first, then add on your diffuser, brush, or smoothing attachment as needed.
Customer review: “It really dries my hair fast. I love the result I get. My hair is shiny and stays curly. This is the best dryer I have ever used. It’s kind of fun too. I definitely recommend this!”
| Key Features | 4 heat and 3 airflow settings, plus cool shot;1700 watts |
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Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand 1 Inch
Pros
- Cordless technology is super convenient
- Heats up to 400 degrees in one minute
Cons
As for a curling iron, “The new cordless curling irons by Harry Josh Pro have become a staple in my kit when traveling and doing photoshoots,” says Maine. “I love having the ability to recharge a battery while still using the iron. The ceramic coating makes gliding through the hair a breeze.”
Customer review: “I use it every morning, all around the house. No longer tethered to the wall and it has all the power needed. So happy and love this brand." —Sara
| Key Features | 3 heat settings: 320˚F, 335˚F, 400˚F; 1" Nano Silver Tourmaline Barrel for even and consistent styling; Powerful Ceramic Heating Plates |
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GHD Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
Pros
- Dries and styles at the same time
Cons
- May take longer for those with a lot of hair
For anyone looking to cut down on styling time, consider this tool. “The new GHD Duet styler is a super cool innovation that makes it simple for people to go from dripping wet hair to sleek and straight with minimal effort,” explains Maine. “This iron is a staple for anyone with a lot of textured hair that loves making it sleek and straight.”
Customer review: “You guys I’m obsessed with this ! It takes my hair from a 0-10 in legit 20 minutes.” —sincerelyhaneen
Pros
- Great price point
- One-hour auto shut-off for safety
Cons
- May be too large for short hair
Maine recommends this slimmer option if traditional wave irons take up too much space. “It gives you the same loose wave provided by triple barrel irons but with only two barrels. This allows you to address shorter hair lengths,” he says. Plus, “The opening and closing method is closer to that of a flat iron so you can apply additional pressure if needed for tough textures.”
Customer review: “This hair waver is easy to use. It heats up fast, and the waves are big and plumped. This tool is ideal for longer hair, I'm using it on my 20" weave” —Neesy
| Key Features | 4 temperatures, 1.25” tourmaline ceramic barrels |
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Pros
- One-temperature-fits-all heat setting
- Quick heat-up
Cons
- May not work on thick hair
Creating a bouncy blowout in five minutes (without any arm strain) has never been easier, thanks to hot brushes, which marries a round brush and a flatiron. Mane, created by hairstylist Jen Atkin, has two heated round brushes (a medium one for bouncy ends and a larger brush for added volume) with snag-free bristles to prevent breakage.
Customer review: "I am loving this thermal
brush from Mane. It heats up nicely and smooths my hair~salon style! I’m hooked! So glad I purchased it. 😊" – psale
| Key Features | 355°F heat setting, duo heating element, ceramic-coated barrel |
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Pros
- Can create a number of styles using one tool
Cons
- Pricey
A curling wand is great, but you know what’s even better? A five-in-one curling wand that you can use to create waves and ringlets of all shapes and sizes.
Customer review: “My stick straight hair doesn’t hold a curl for an hour regularly. So when they told me it would hold for 24 hours, I was like you have got to be joking! We curled and waited. And watched. And much to my surprise, the curls STAYED! I couldn’t believe it. Very cool.” —Nichole
| Key Features | Titanium barrels; digital temperature setting from 250ºf up to 450ºf |
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Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion High Performance Professional 1" Flat Iron
Using a straightening iron regularly can lead to damage, so it’s important to use one that takes your hair type and texture into consideration. Olivia Garden's model uses ceramic plates for a gentler approach and longer plates for faster styling.
Customer review: "I absolutely love this Olivia Garden CERAMIC ION FLAT IRON. It heats up fast and straightens my hair in one go. I have thick hair so it usually takes a long time. It has a digital temperature and it is easy to adjust. It does a fantastic job in straightening my hair. It leaves my hair looking beautiful and shiny." – Katrina
| Key Features | Ceramic plates, longer plates, 11 temperature settings, digital LED display |
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Pros
- Has 4 attachments
Cons
This 4-in-1 blow dryer from Tracee Ellis Ross's haircare brand, Pattern, works on all hair types to create endless styles–from defined curls with the diffuser or sleek strands with the brush attachment.
Customer review: "These attachments remind me of the old-school blow dryers except these attachments, do not fall off of the blow dryer. Love the diffuser for my washing gos." – Khalil G.
| Key Features | Ion generator, 4-in-1 tool, |
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Pros
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- May not have the same results on curly and coily textures
Perfect for both hairstyling novices and touch-ups, this tool straightens as you brush it through the hair—no added skill required.
Customer review: “Wow! This brush is amazing! I have long coarse hair and I do Brazilian blowouts. My stylist said the blowout will last longer if I don’t use a flat iron. She recommended this type of brush for between washes. The engineer deserves a prize. It’s super simple to use and I get great results.” —jeegdg
| Key Features | T3 Rapid HeatIQ technology, PrecisionEdge Design, which includes edge-to-edge heated plates and tufted nylon bristles |
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Pros
- Compatible with most dryers
Cons
A lot of diffusers come with blow dryers, but Bio Ionic’s is sold separately, so you can attach it to the one you already own and love. The diameter is 2.25 inches, so double-check it will fit your model.
Customer review: “One of the best hair gadgets ever discovered and purchased! It works perfectly. It’s easy to use, and my natural curls respond with more curliness.” —Robin
| Key Features | 12 air outlets |
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Pros
- No-heat damage
- Adds shine
Cons
You may be familiar with infrared heat from your favorite infrared sauna spot or at-home infrared sauna blanket, but Bondi Boost is utilizing the technology in its no-damage hair tool. The brush uses infrared light to gently heat hair deep into the shaft and safely heat style from the inside out without damaging the outer layer of hair. Plus, the bristles are coated with aloe to add even more shine to strands.
Customer review: "I have straight glossy hair on top and frizzy curly/wavy hair on the bottom, this helps smooth at all my layers without damage. It also works to style and add a flip to the end or curl." – Jordan P.
| Key Features | 60-minute auto shut-off, swivel cord, aloe-infused bristles |
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Pros
- Can be used on both wet and dry hair
Cons
- May not be strong enough for coarse hair types
A collaboration between Wet Brush and Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie hair care, this brush has everything: heat-resistant bristles, a vented design to help hair dry faster, and flexible bristles that contour to the scalp.
Customer review: “Fantastic wet brush that’s gentle enough to also use on my dry hair. Bonus: It’s easy to clean. I love it so much I ordered a second for my mom.” —Marianne
| Key Features | OmniFlex bristles, heat-resistant bristles, open-vented design |
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Pros
- Helps define and shape curls
Cons
Curly-haired girlies know a hairbrush is to be loved and feared, but the Denman brush is one you can trust. The bristles help define curls when hair is wet, and won’t tug or pull.
Customer review: “I’ve been using my Denman brush for five years and I can’t live without it. This brush is a game changer. My curls are so defined and I constantly get compliments from strangers.”
| Key Features | 7 rows of nylon pins, staggered pin pattern, easy-to-clean design |
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Shark FlexStyle® Sparkle Air Styling & Drying System in Black Diamond
Pros
- Comes with storage case
Cons
Shark's beloved multi-styler just got a sparkly upgrade. The tool can create a bouncy blowout, sleek curls, and diffuse waves and curls like a dream, all with minimal heat damage.
Customer review: "This was life changing, no joke. I've never been more impressed by a product and what it can do. I would buy this 100 x over the other brands by far. It makes getting ready so easy and fast. My daughter does beauty contest and this cut time by a million. It like a hair salon in one. It grabs your hair to make curling faster and so easy. You can do a blow out in less time, plus no heat damage. So easy to change the tools out, to do a blow out, or just dry your hair, or curl. Omg this is pagent worthy and half the price of that other brand. When I tell you it's worth it, I'm not lying. It's so easy to use and worth every penny. Obsessed" – Angela44
| Key Features | 3 heat; 1,400 Watts |
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How do you know what hair tool is best for your hair?
While hair type and texture come in account when picking a tool, it mostly depends on the desired style. Story likes a boar bristle round brush or a paddle brush when blow-drying hair into a sleek and smooth style. But she says to try a ceramic round brush for a bouncy blowout. For curly and coily hair, it's best to use gentle tools on the hair that can help define and enhance the natural curl pattern, like diffusers or detangling wide-tooth combs. "Experimenting with different tools and techniques can help you find what works best for your hair," she adds.
What key words should you look for when shopping for hair tools?
With the depth of technology on the market, deciphering all the tool language can be tricky. Story suggests looking for words like "ceramic," "tourmaline," or "ionic," as these materials "help distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz for smoother, healthier-looking hair." Multiple heat settings are always a good thing, and quick heat-up time is an added bonus that tons of tools now boast. Lastly, a “cool shot button” on a hair dryer is also a must, Story says, to help set your style and add shine. Since technology is evolving, be on the lookout for new buzzwords, like “intelligent heat control," which is found in the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. This just means the tool measures air temperature while in use to regulate the heat and prevent extreme heat damage.
Meet The Experts
- April Story is a hairstylist and a Fekkai Global Master Stylist.
- Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist who works with clients like Priyanka Chopra, Bella Hadid, and Chloe Fineman.
- Nelson Solivan is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
