15 Best Hair Tools for Effortless Styling and Salon-Worthy Results

Everyone is unique, and so are their beauty needs. And while many women understand that choosing the right foundation requires time and effort, there are plenty of folks who think that a paddle brush is suitable for big bouncy curls and others who think curling irons are acceptable for straight hair — both false.

The fact is, if you’re looking for salon-worthy results that don’t test the limits of your patience every morning, you have to start with the best hair tools for the job. The best hair styling tools are the ones that work for your style, your hair texture, and your abilities. We curated a list of the top hair styling tools worthy of any shortlist.

Best hair tools overview:

• Best blow dryer: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer
• Best flat iron: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Straightener 
• Best blowout brush: Drybar The Double Shot Blow dryer Brush
• Best round brush: It’s A 10 Miracle Round Brush
• Best curling iron: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron
• Best straightening brush: Amika iRed Polished Perfection Straightening Brush 2.0
• Best paddle brush: Raincry Condition Pure Natural Bristle Paddle Brush
• Best detangler: Wet Brush Original Detangler 
• Best brush: Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush 
• Best hot rollers: T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe 
• Best comb: Oribe Italian Resin Wide Tooth Comb 
• Best multitool: Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
• Best heatless hair curler: Kitsch Heatless Hair Curler in Satin
• Best styling clips: Kitsch Styling Hair Clips
• Best diffuser: Ouidad 3-in-1 Universal Diffuser

Our picks for the best hair styling tools

BaBylissPRO’s Nano Titanium Hair Dryer does everything its competitors do for a fraction of the price. Equipped with ionic technology, it dries your hair without frying it, distributes heat is evenly, and maintains a consistent temperature. This hair dryer features six heat and speed settings, a concentrator nozzle, and a cool shot button to set your style. All of the above translates to far less frizz and a sleek, shiny blowout.

And if you can think of better things to do with your time than standing in front of your mirror for upwards of an hour drying your hair, BaBylissPRO’s Nano Titanium Hair Dryer packs a powerful punch with 2000 watts for faster drying. This unit is lightweight and ergonomically designed for easier handling, and cleaning and maintenance are a breeze courtesy of the removable filter. 

While you can certainly grab a hairdryer for less than $30, BaBylissPRO is worth the investment at just under $100. The brand’s hair tools are built to last — so much so that many reviewers have noted they’ve had their BaBylissPRO for five years or more.

Speeds: 3 | Settings: 3 heat and cold shot to set style

If you like a sleek blowout, then a flat iron is a must, and BaBylissPRO does it again with their Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Straightener.  With this flat iron, the brand delivers every bell and whistle you need in an elegant package. But its powers don’t stop at straightening. BaBylissPRO’s hair straightener is designed with a stainless steel housing, so it heats up on both sides. That means you can wave and curl in addition to straightening. 

The Nano floating Titanium™ plates with dual ceramic heating system deliver efficient heat transfer, which translates to smooth, conditioned hair and plenty of shine. It has five LED heat settings, heats up to 465° Fahrenheit, and offers frizz-free shine thanks to its ion generator. This flat iron heats up quickly and holds a consistent temperature, which reduces hot spots and the potential for damage. But the best part may be that you can achieve a sleek style without multiple passes.

Speeds: 3 | Volatage: Dual

It takes a lot of skill to manage a hair dryer in one hand and a brush in the other. So if you’re a little behind the curve, blowout brushes are a pretty good life hack. This clever tool combines two essential styling tools in one unit and is incredibly easy to handle, even for newbies. 

Built with ionic technology, Drybar’s Double Shot Blow dryer Brush helps seal the cuticle for less frizz and lots of shine while styling. Ideal for all hair types, this round brush delivers a fab blowout with plenty of volume in one smooth pass. It’s ergonomic, lightweight, and the combination of nylon and tufted bristles allows for exceptional tension and control. While users can choose between 3 temperature settings, they’ll also find that ceramic and tourmaline materials do plenty of the heavy lifting to protect hair from heat damage.

Hair types: All | Temperature settings: 3

Round brushes are a must for anyone seeking soft curls with tons of bounce, body, and volume. This elegant tool from It’s A 10 is designed with a sleek combo of nylon bristles for exceptional control and boar bristles for smoothness and shine. 

The ergonomically designed handle means you’ll avoid hand fatigue and can style your hair with ease. The ceramic-coated barrel heats up evenly and the tourmaline-coated barrel adds shine and smoothness. Users will also find that drying time is significantly faster courtesy of the aerated cap that boosts airflow.

Hair types: Curly and wavy | Bristle material: Nylon and boar | Handle material: Rubber

If you’re looking for healthy, voluminous curls that make it to your last meeting of the day, a curling iron is non-negotiable. Bio Ionic’s Long Barrel Curling Iron effortlessly creates loose curls and beachy waves, and users will find that the extended-length barrel makes it that much easier to get the back sections of a short do. 

This curling iron features a combination of Nanonioc MX and Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat™ Technology — both of which work together to lock in moisture, seal the hair cuticle, and ensure the longevity (and integrity) of your curls. Beyond beautiful bouncy curls, this curling iron is easy to handle; it has a high temperature of 430° Fahrenheit and comes equipped with an automatic shut-off function.

Barrel length: Extra long | Heat settings: Adjustable up to 430 degrees

Amika’s iRed Polished Perfection Straightening Brush 2.0 is an all-in-one tool for sleek, straight styles. This styling tool combines a flat iron and a hairbrush to cut your styling time in half. 

Equipped with an ion-generating projector, it seals cuticles, locks in moisture, and uses iRed beam technology preserves moisture for smooth hair, leaving less damage on each pass. 

The digital temperature control allows you to style the finest strands to the thickest mane with a precise amount of heat, and the temperature lock function maintains a consistent temperature throughout your style session. A 60-minute auto shut-off feature gives you some peace of mind, and a 9ft, 360° swivel cord helps you control the tool while you work.

Display: Digital | Auto shut-off: Yes, after 60-minutes

Daily maintenance and a good brush are the keys to a gorgeous mane and healthy scalp, so get it right with Raincry’s Condition Pure Natural Bristle Paddle Brush. By pulling natural oils from the roots of your hair to the ends, this brush conditions your hair every time your brush — no expensive products needed. The boar bristles close your hair cuticle with each pass, and the pneumatic cushion stimulates blood flow as it gently massages your scalp. Recommend for all hair types, this brush is heirloom-quality and hand painted. 

Benefits: Prevents damage, conditions hair

With the brand’s exclusive Intelliflex® bristles, Wet Brush’s Original Detangler is a tried and true favorite, and for good reason. According to the Wet Brush, this must-have hair tool glides through tangles with 45% less damage and 55% less effort. 

While this brush does some pretty heavy lifting to minimize pain, it also protects against split ends and unnecessary breakage. This brush works on all hair types and is gentle enough to use on wet or dry hair. It comes in several colors and styles, and parents, take note — this brush works wonders to end hair battles with the little ones.

Benefits: Detangles | Color options: 4

While a brush that costs just over $100 may sound a bit rich for your budget, hear us out on this one. But this is no ordinary hair brush. 

Mason Pearson has been in business for 130 years. The brush maker created a product that elegantly checks every box for daily haircare. It marries boar bristles with nylon tufts that work in concert to detangle hair and distribute natural oils, leaving you with a silky, healthy finish. And if that weren’t plenty, the brand’s iconic orange rubber cushion (that many have tried to copy over the years) massages your scalp with each pass. And for a few final feathers in its cap, the Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush is hand finished and perfectly weighted.

Warranty: 12-month limited | Color options: 4

Anyone who prefers a set-it-and-forget-it method to achieve bouncy curls should consider T3’s Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe. Designed with HeatCore technology, these hot rollers heat up quickly and consistently. 

Dual temperature settings accommodate all hair types, and the CoolGrip rollers have velvet flocking, which makes them super easy to handle and wrap. Each roller set comes with eight rollers in two sizes and eight crease-free clips to hold rollers in place. We should note that while eight may be enough for those with short hairstyles, it may not cut it for those with longer locks.

Benefits: Volume, body, and shine | Rollers included: 8 total in 2 sizes

If you’ve read the owner’s manual for your hair, then you probably know that wide-tooth combs are essential for detangling wet hair without pulling, stretching, or damaging your strands. So if you’re in the market for one, try Oribe’s Italian Resin Wide Tooth Comb. This comb can be used on wet or dry hair, it effortlessly detangles, and it’s one of the best hair tools for perfecting your part. 

It may seem like a splurge, but this comb is artisanally crafted with Italian resin and hand-finished, so it’s a one-and-done purchase that will go the distance. You can rinse Oribe’s Wide Tooth Comb as much as you want to keep it in tip-top shape and even soak it in disinfectant as needed.

Hair type: All | Material: Resin

If your daily hairstyle vacillates between loose waves, tight curls, or sleek and straight, a multitool may be in order. The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron from Drybar is a modular styling tool that comes with three interchangeable attachments, all of which snap easily into the handle to create whichever look you’re in the mood for. 

This styling iron heats up quickly, Infrared Technology delivers uniform heat throughout each attachment head, and the unit heats hair from the inside out (so the outer cuticle layer of your hair doesn’t get fried every time you use it). Attachments for The Mixologist feature a ceramic coating that tames frizz while adding tons of shine, and the Waver has a creaseless edge so you can skip the bumps. 

While this 3-in-1 hair tool might seem bulky, users have noted that’s not the case at all. Speaking of cases, The Mixologist comes with Drybar’s signature heatproof storage and travel case. A 60-minute automatic safety shut-off gives you some peace of mind, and the swivel cord makes it easy to use and maneuver.

Hair type: All | Attachments: 3 | Warranty: 2-year limited

If your criteria for the best hair styling tools doesn’t include heat, then Kitsch’s Heatless Hair Curler should probably top your shortlist. This heatless curler has made some pretty big waves on TikTok, and rightly so. It creates perfect waves and curls without heat damage while you sleep. It keeps frizz and breakage to a minimum and is incredibly easy to use. 

Users have noted that it takes less than 10 minutes to do, and while sleeping with a roll of foam around your head may top the list of things you’d rather not do, many users have said that it’s not as uncomfortable as it looks — even for side sleepers. But the best part may be that it skips the heat treatment, and you can wake up to naturally gorgeous curls that hold all day. 

Hair type: All | Material: Satin | Benefits: Prevents breakage

Whether you’re flat ironing on Tuesday, curling on Thursday, or giving yourself a bang trim Saturday, you’ll need some assistance to keep rogue hair sections in place. To that end, you might want to grab a set of Kitsch’s Styling Hair Clips and keep them on hand. 

Infinitely helpful to help you nail any look, these clips are pro-grade, crease-free, and lightweight. They’re useful on wet or dry hair, and if you’ve wished for another set on hands during any part of your beauty routine, this is it.

Number of clips: 6 | Length: 3.5 inches | Color options: 2

Anyone looking for a little more definition in their curls might find the answer with the curl experts at Ouidad. This multi-functional diffuser attachment comes with three customizable pieces that help you create volume, shape, and definition when you need it. By delivering concentrated heat to your hair, this lightweight diffuser cuts your drying time in half. It works on all hair lengths and curl textures and is designed to be compatible with most hair dryers. 

Understandably, you might feel the high price tag on this product that often comes standard with any hair dryer isn’t worth it, but some users have said that Ouidad’s 3-in-1 Universal Diffuser really makes a difference in their curls, while others say their curls are frizz-free and noticeably better looking. On the flip side, some users have noted that the oval-shaped diffuser requires frequent adjustments, which could be annoying.

Attachments: 3 | Benefits: Decreased drying time, anti-frizz

Your hair is only as good as the tools you choose

If you’re not trained as a stylist (and most of us aren’t), salon-worthy results can be hard to come by on any given Monday. The good news is that a good hair tool or three can help you get the results you want without frustration. The best hair styling tools are the ones that work with your style preference, budget, and ability. 

Anyone looking for a good one-and-done investment that works for multiple styles and looks will find it with BaBylissPRO’s Nano Titanium Hair Dryer — our pick for the best hair dryer. This hair dryer evenly distributes heat and keeps the temperature constant, so there’s no chance of frying your hair 20 minutes into your blowout. Users can choose from six heat and speed settings, use a cool shot button to set the style, and get a shiny, frizz-free blowout. 

How to pick the right hair styling tools for you

When you’re shopping for the best hair styling tools, it’s a good idea to keep your hair type, style aspirations, and tool functionality in mind. 

Hair type

While your favorite beauty influencers may end their videos with an incredible look courtesy of whatever hair styling tool they’re promoting, it’s important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. This means that your hair type matters — what works for your favorite Tik Tokker may not work for you.

More often than not, hair tools are designed to work with what you’ve got. They’re intended to enhance, not create miracles. So when shopping for hair tools, be sure to keep your hair type in mind. If you’re a 1C hair type, bouncy curls are probably not in the cards for you, no matter what hair tool you try. So instead of investing in a curling iron only to get lackluster results, you might consider a flat iron that works with what you’ve got. 

Style aspirations

Beyond minding what you’re working with, it’s also a good idea to think about what you’re trying to accomplish. If big bouncy curls are on your Pinterest hair boards, then you probably know that a hair dryer is non-negotiable. What you may not have realized is that you should swap out your beloved paddle brush for a big round brush to achieve the look. 

The TLDR: If you have a new do in mind, do some research to figure out what hair styling tools you’ll need to get the look and maintain it. 

Functionality

When shopping for hair tools, don’t forget to consider functionality. Some tools are a one-trick pony, and if your style doesn’t change much from one day to the next, those types of tools are probably fine. However, if you like a little flexibility in your hairstyle, choosing hair tools that pull double (or even triple) duty might be a good idea. For maximum flexibility, tools like BaBylissPRO’s Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Straightener, which also curls hair, and Drybar’s The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron, which does loose waves, tight curls, or straight styles, are great investments. 

FAQ

What’s the most damaging hair tool? 

Flat irons are the most damaging hair tool you can use. Not only do they damage your hair with high heat, but they also require a lot of pulling and tugging, which can further harm your hair. 

What hair tool is least damaging?

The least damaging hair tools are the ones that skip the heat and tugging. If you’re after great curls without the damage, you could try, Kitsch’s Heatless Hair Curler. This foam roller sits in your hair overnight, and if all goes as planned, you’ll wake up with bouncy curls that last throughout the day. 

What’s the best tool for frizzy hair?

If you’re looking to tame frizzy hair, your going to need a combination of heat and mechanical smoothing — AKA a hair dryer and a brush. To keep the heat damage to a minimum, look for a hair dryer with ionic tech that dries your hair without frying it, delivering consistent, evenly distributed heat.