The 16 Best Hair Styling Tools & Appliances To Buy In 2023
Add the right twist to your locks with these affordable, effective, and handy tools.
Alicia Igess JonesHairstylist
Expertise: Hairstyling
Experience: 20 years
Alicia Igess Jones is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
With the best hair styling tools in your home styling kit, you will no longer have to sport the same hairdo every day. How you style your hair can be so influenced by your moods and vice-versa. One day you may be feeling like straight hair and the next day (or even the same evening) you may want some bouncy curls on your head. Life is way too short to look and feel boring. Twists, curls, waves, bangs— you name it and you should be able to do it without burning a hole in your pocket. So, explore our list of the top 16 hairstyling devices that you can use to jazz up your hair whenever you want!
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Best With Oval Design Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer $32.49 ON AMAZON Read More › $32.49 ON AMAZON - 10
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Best With Long Cord CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron Chi $58.25 ON AMAZON Read More › $58.25 ON AMAZON
In This Article
16 Best Hair Styling Tools And Appliances
Best With LED Temperature Settings:BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener features an in-built ion generator and extra-long plates that straighten your hair faster and deliver an instant shine. Its high heat levels provide excellent straightening results, while the Nano Titanium Technology protects your hair from damage. Its ceramic heater produces heat up to 450°F and styles your hair like an expert without damage. This straightener is ideal for thick, coarse, and hard-to-tame hair. You can use this Nano Titanium flat iron to create loose, beachy waves. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros- Fast heat recovery
- Heat And corrosion-resistant
- Heats up quickly
- Suitable for thick, coarse hair
- LED temperature setting
Cons
- Not suitable for delicate hair
Pro TipBest Ergonomic Design:Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush
Achieve salon-worthy blowout in the comfort of your own home with Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush. The tool has an oval shape with gently curved edges to create a smooth, shiny blowout with volume. The Ionic Technology of the device seals the cuticles to reduce frizz. The device has strategically placed vents that provide maximum airflow and faster blowout. The perfect combination of nylon and tufted bristles allows exceptional control while you are using the tool. This dryer brush has three different temperature settings and is ideal for all hair types. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review.
Pros- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Three temperature settings
Cons
- A bit heavy
Pro TipBest With Adjustable Temperature Settings:Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
No matter whether your hair is fine and straight or thick and coily, Drybar’s The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush will give you salon-worthy hair. This tool offers the benefits of straightening iron and padded brush both in one. Its Ionic Technology reduces frizz and enhances hair shine. The tool gets heated up to 450°F and works on all hair types. It also has adjustable digital temperature control suitable for all hair textures. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product.
Pros- Travel-friendly design
- 60-minute auto shut-off
- Adjustable temperature settings
Cons
- A bit heavy
Best With Safety Tangle Feature:INFINITI PRO By Conair Curl Secret
Conair’s life-changing hair curling iron is the new revolutionary way to create beautiful curls. Its chamber sucks in sections of your hair and releases magnificent curls within seconds. The innovative Ceramic Tourmaline Technology of the device combats frizz and adds extra shine to your tresses. This device heats quickly up to 400°F. Its other significant features include a ready timer, an auto beep indicator, a safety tangle feature, 30-second instant heat, a sleep mode function, an auto shut-off feature, and a 6″ professional swivel cord.
Pros- Easy to use
- Reduces frizz
- Heats up to 400°F
- Safety tangle feature
- Auto shut-off feature
- Auto beep indicator
- Long swivel cord
Cons
- Time consuming
Best With Protective Cool Tip:Ghd Creative Curl Wand
The ghd Creative Curl Wand is a clear favorite among hairstylists that gives you gorgeous, bouncy curls. The ultra-zone technology of the device maintains optimal temperature across the barrel and adapts to the hair texture to give it a healthy shine. The curling wand gets heated up to 365°F and delivers lasting curls. Its 1.1″- 0.9″ tapered barrel is suitable for different hair types and lengths and has a cool protective tip to prevent scalding. Its built-in safety stand allows you to store the wand safely.
Pros- Tapered barrel
- Protective cool tip
- Fast heating
- Built-in safety stand
Cons
- Overpriced
Best With Removable Filter:BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer combines power, speed, and design that offers high-duty performance. Trusted by stylists, this lightweight tool has six heat and speed settings with 2000 watt power that is great for all hair types. The tool also has a cool shot button and a concentrator nozzle suitable for a wide range of drying and styling options. Its Nano-Titanium Technology helps to dry your hair faster and reduces frizz. The device has a removable filter that makes cleaning easy.
Pros- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Removable filter and stand
Cons
None
Pro TipBest With Universal Dual Voltage:Hot Tools Professional Micro-Shine Flat Iron
The Hot Tools Professional Micro-Shine Flat Iron has multi-directional floating plates, making it ideal for fast styling. It has variable heat settings up to 450°F, which helps you achieve sleek straight hair. Another unique feature about this straightener is its rounded plate edges to curl or flip out the hair ends. The nano-size particles of the ceramic plate give your hair an ultra-smooth surface and glide easily. The Pulse Technology of the flat iron amplifies its heating capacity. If you want to get noticeable shine in one pass, try this one out.
Pros- Fast heating
- Universal dual voltage
- 2-hour auto shut off
- Travel-friendly
- 360° swivel cord
- LCD screen
- Travel-friendly
- Soft-touch finish
Cons
- Design is not that great
Best With Rotating Temperature Control:Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold One Step Blowout
The Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold One Step Blowout is a versatile brush with an oval design and rounded edges to help volumize your hair from root to tip. The styling surface of this tool is designed with 24K Gold Technology to ensure even heat distribution. The direct ION Technology of the tool helps maintain a neutral charge on the hair’s surface while leaving it conditioned and smooth.
The unique airflow vents of the device accentuate a quick styling, and the cutting-edge Boar Tech 2 Bristles with silk glide gives you a silky-smooth finish. It has a rotating temperature control with 3-speed settings providing ultimate styling control. The lightweight design and soft-touch finish provide a relaxed grip. The brush is equipped with an 8 ft. professional cord giving you unrestricted movement and all the reach you need.
Pros- Three heat settings
- Rotating temperature control
- 360° swivel cord
Cons
- May not suit fine hair
Best With Oval Design:Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer
This bestselling hair dryer brush by Revlon is worth the hype. This One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer is designed with a hot air brush to deliver gorgeous volume and brilliant shine after every use. The Advanced Ionic Technology of the device gives you a salon-style finish with less frizz, and Ceramic Technology helps to reduce damage.
The unique, non-detachable oval brush design is ideal for smoothing hair, and the round edges create volume. This hair dryer has nylon pins and tufted bristles that allow easy detangling and improved control. The three heat and speed settings with a cool tip are perfect for flexible styling.
Pros
- Oval design
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- 360° swivel cord
- Three heat and speed settings
Cons
- Gets too hot while using
Best With Long Cord:CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron
Image: Chi The CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron has plates infused with volcanic lava derived from lava rocks that provide gentle and consistent heat during styling. This straightener allows styling at lower than average temperatures without damage, offering smooth and shiny results. The Smart Chip Sensor technology of the device allows fast heat recovery. This lightweight straightener with 1″ extended volcanic lava ceramic plates help you create salon-like styles. The maximum temperature of this iron reaches up to 395°F, and it also has a temperature locking feature.
Pros- Dual voltage
- Adjustable digital temperature display
- Long cord
- 1-hour auto shut off
- 30 seconds fast heat up
Cons
- No temperature control
Best With Round Edges:HSI Professional Glider
The HSI Professional Glider is a versatile tool that will give you pin-straight hair, you can blindly choose this one. It also has rounded edges that can help you create beach waves effortlessly. The high-quality ceramic plates have 8 heat balance micro sensors that regulate the temperature and evenly distribute the heat all over your hair. The ceramic and tourmaline crystal ion plates give you smooth and shiny hair.
This straightener has dual voltage technology and is travel-friendly. The straightener also comes with a travel pouch, a leave-in argan oil hair treatment sachet, and protective gloves to prevent your fingers from burning while styling your hair.
Pros- Smoothens the hair
- Rounded edges
- Evenly distributes the heat
- Dual voltage
- Travel-friendly
- Comes with protective gloves
Cons
- No auto shut-off feature
Best Travel-Friendly:Conair Instant Heat Styling Brush
The perfect hot brush for you to style your hair in medium curls or waves is here! The Conair Instant Heat Styling Brush is 11 ½ inches long and helps you style your medium to long hair without any hassle. It has 25 heat settings and heats up evenly for effortless styling to flaunt your styled hair in a matter of minutes. It is designed with an extra-long cool tip and can be safely placed on the counter without any damage. It also features a turbo boost at the maximum temperature for easy styling.
Pros- 30-second heat up
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Dual voltage settings
- Uniform heat recovery
- Ball-tipped bristles
- Automatic power-off
- Easy to hold
- Portable
Cons
- Might pull on your hair
Best For All Kinds Of Curls:Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron
This magical curling iron with a 24K gold surface expertly creates beautiful, voluminous, and bouncy curls. Tight curls, loose ones, or beach waves – just name it, and this iron will help you achieve your preferred type of curls. It heats up quickly up to 430°F and is suitable for all hair types. A separate on/off switch makes it easier to operate. The gold surface of the device evenly distributes the heat all over your hair. It is designed with Pulse Technology that helps the barrel stay hot and maintain a constant temperature throughout the styling process.
Pros- Suitable for creating all kinds of curls
- Suitable for all hair types
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to use
- Maintains constant temperature
Cons
- None
Best For Long-Lasting Results:MicroPure Enhanced Hair Straightener Heat Brush
Are you tired of looking for a hair straightener that works quickly and gives you long-lasting results? Well, it looks like your search is over. MiroPure Enhanced Hair Straightener Heat Brush offers hassle-free styling. Its double ionic generator gives you silky smooth hair and reduces split ends and tangles. Your safety is ensured with its 60 minutes automatic shut-off feature.
The 16 heat settings of the device range from 300°F to 450°F, and you can set the temperature according to your convenience. The package comes with a heat-resistant glove, a travel pouch, and a detailed user manual.
Pros- Easy to use
- Straightens hair quickly
- Auto shut-off feature
- Travel-friendly
- Adjustable temperature
- Long-lasting results
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Tough to maneuver
Best For Long Hair:ghd Ceramic Radial Hair Brush
The ghd Ceramic Radial Brush is meant for blow-drying long hair. Its hollow ceramic barrel is 35 mm wide. The brush works well with medium-sized hair and is also available in two other barrel sizes that work for different hair types. Just place the brush at the root of your hair and direct the heat from your dryer toward the barrel.
Pros- Suitable for long hair
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Allows fast drying
Cons
- Not suitable for thin hair
Best With Multiple Heat Settings:Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver
If you want to create those perfect beachy waves the Wave Artist Deep Waver by Bed Head is all you need. The new and improved design of the tool is developed with 2X Tourmaline Ceramic Technology that combats frizz and adds extra shine to your hair. Its unique deep waver barrel is specially designed to create beachy waves without using a curling iron. It can heat up to 400°F. With 30 heat settings and an auto shut-off feature, this tool is safe for all hair types.
Pros
- Smoothens the hair
- Combats frizz
- Heat capacity up to 400°F
- 30 heat settings
- Auto shut-off feature
Cons
- Not long-lasting results
No one goes out with unstyled hair anymore! Whether it’s the perfect cascade of curls or super sleek straight hair, you need to get your hair presentable. However, if you don’t choose the right tools, you may end up irrevocably frying your hair. Here is a list of things to keep in mind before buying a hair styling tool.
What You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Hair Styling Tool
- Material
When it comes to hair dryers, tourmaline styling tools are the ideal for coarse, unruly, and difficult-to-dry hair. However, it is mediocre at producing volume. So if you want to style curly, voluminous hair, this tool should be your go-to.
Ceramic or porcelain styling tools are ideal for swiftly drying thin or difficult-to-dry hair. Nonetheless, this product is suitable for all hair types. In general, it is less destructive since the heat is less severe. Titanium is a fantastic option if you have a lot of hair since it reduces drying time, becomes extremely hot, and is lightweight. Titanium styling tools also feature consistent heat distribution, smooth surfaces that avoid snagging and sticking, and rapid heating. However, avoid it if you have fine or damaged hair.
- Usage
As far as hair dryers are concerned, look at the dryer’s wattage. The higher the wattage, the more quickly the hair dryer will dry your hair. The blow dryer is less expensive when the wattage is low. Consider a wattage of 1500 for use at home. If you have really thick hair, aim for 1800-2000 watts, as this is the standard range for salons. Ensure that there are many heat settings, preferably low, medium, hot, and cool.
You should opt for a brush that is heat-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures for an extended period of time. If you have short hair, you may use bristles of a shorter length, but if your hair is medium to long, a regular length will be enough. Regarding coarseness, this is a matter of personal choice, but you should avoid using coarse bristles on severely damaged hair.
- Hair Type
If you can adjust the heat setting, you can use any straightener on any hair type. Simply use a lower temperature if your hair is thin or fine and a higher temperature if it is thick or coarse. Beware of ceramic-coated plates alone. Once the ceramic gets removed, it will expose the iron and cease to function. Tourmaline plates, also known as ionic plates, are the most effective flat iron for damaged hair.
Now that you know about some of the best hair styling tools and appliances, it’s time to know about the steps of using each of these tools. Let’s look at the process of using different hair styling tools!
How To Use Hair Styling Tools And Devices
Using hair styling tools at home does not involve many complications. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can use different hair tools at home easily. Use the devices on clean and dry hair and always apply a heat protectant before using.
- Divide your hair into smaller sections and suspend them using clips.
- Adjust the temperature and straighten your hair leaving an inch from the roots.
- Repeat the process for each section.
- Enjoy the sleek and straight hair look.
- Clip your hair into 2 or 3 horizontally stacked layers depending on your hair thickness.
- Switch on the curling iron and set it to the appropriate temperature.
- Wrap one strand at a time around the curling iron.
- Hold it for 5-10 seconds and then release. Repeat with each section.
- Flip your hair and give it a good shake for a more natural-looking finish.
- Set your curls with a hair spray for a long-lasting effect.
- Brush your clean and wet hair to get rid of all the tangles.
- Clip your hair into separate sections.
- Turn the dryer on, adjust the heat setting.
- Run the dryer through each section from the roots to the tip.
- Once done, flip your hair back.
- Run the brush through each hair section starting from root to tip
- Follow up with a hair serum to tackle the frizz and flyaways.
- Clip the damp hair sections.
- Turn on the brush, adjust temperature and place the brush at the hair ends.
- Roll the brush, wrapping your hair until the barrel is at your roots.
- Wait for 10-20 seconds, then slowly wind the brush downwards, unwrapping your hair section.
- Repeat the process with all the sections.
- Use a volume spray on the roots of your hair for some extra lift.
The key to gorgeous-looking hairstyles is using the best hair styling tools and appliances. With these tools in your arsenal, you do not have to worry about sporting the same hairstyle every day. Whether you want twists, waves, curls, or sleek and straight hair, these styling tools will serve the purpose. “However, use a heat protectant when using styling tools that produce heat such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers,” says hairstylist Alicia Igess Jones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do hairstylists use?
Hairstylists use a wide range of styling tools to create different hair textures. They have blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons of all sizes and types in their arsenal.
What is the best styling tool for waves?
The Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler is an all-in-one hairstyling kit that creates the perfect beachy waves.
What is the most accessible tool to curl hair?
INFINITI PRO by Conair Curl Secret is one of the most convenient tools to create voluminous and bouncy curls.
What is the best styling tool for short hair?
The ion Titanium Platinum Pro Curling Iron is a perfect styling tool for short hair.
What is the best hair styling tool for thick hair?
The Bed Head Deep Artist Beach Waver is the best hair styling tool for thick hair.
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