The 16 Best Hair Styling Tools, Tested and Reviewed by Editors

$129.99

$129.99

Buy Now At Shark

There’s more than meets the eye with Shark’s SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush — it offers two styling results in one: A drying and 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 do editors deem the Shark SmoothStyle one of the best Shark Beauty hair tools and hair dryer brushes overall, it’s far more affordable compared to competitors, 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $79

Editor’s Choice

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

Best for: Damaged or healing hair
Includes: 1 8.5″ satin rod, 2 satin scrunchies

$15.98 $18 11% off

$16

With these best heatless curlers, 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 349 millions 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.” — Former WWD Shop writer Olivia Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $15.98

Ghd Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver

Best for: Effortless beach waves
Special features: Cool touch points, lengthy 8.8 foot cord, anodized coated barrels for improved shine

$199

With beach waves trending on red carpets and runways, a great hair waver is a tool worth investing in — particularly when it delivers results as flawless as those from this Ghd tool. Oval barrels are its defining feature (most other tools rely on round ones). The shape creates a shallower wave, creating texture that reads believable rather than crimped. Like all Ghd tools, it has just one hair-safe heat setting.

Editor testing and review notes: “I regularly bleach my hair, so I have to be very careful about selecting hair tools that won’t cause breakage or brittleness. I’ve been a longtime fan of Ghd’s flat iron — it hasn’t caused any of the aforementioned signs of heat damage in years of use — and I was happy to see that the brand’s hair waver features the same gentle effectiveness with styling. Compared to other hair wavers I tested, this one created the most natural wave pattern thanks to its oval-shaped barrel that reads more natural than the deeper waves that round barrels create.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set

Best for: All hair types, curly styling variety
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

$39.18 $46.99 17% off

Buy Now at AMazon

Wavytalk’s hair styling tools are among some of the most popular beauty products on TikTok, with views and searches garnering hundreds of millions of 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $39.18

Mane It’s Giving Body Thermal Brush

Best for: Refreshing face-framing pieces in between washes, adding volume to the root, and creating soft curls
Special features: Features one hair-safe heat setting of 355 degrees

$98

Buy Now at sephora

Since launching in May 2024, Mane’s thermal brush has amassed over 30,000 hearts on Sephora and millions of views on TikTok. In its debut year, one brush sold every nine minutes at the retailer and, at one point, the hot hair tool fully sold out. That success is just one reason why it’s earned a spot on WWD’s list of the Greatest Hair Products of All Time. As an under-$100 purchase perfect for imparting volume and soft waves, it beats out many other hair stylers via sheer value (not to mention functionality).

Editor testing and review notes: As a beauty editor, I’m always excited to find emerging hair tool categories that could change the game for everyday shoppers. After noticing an uptick in interest on TikTok for thermal brushes, I got to testing every option I could get my hands on. Most had me underwhelmed with the results — there’s a learning curve with these tools and often the results don’t hold for long. Not the case with Mane’s thermal brush! This one outperformed every other one I tested in the category with how quickly it smoothed and curled my hair, and how long lasting those results lasted. I love using it on my curtain bangs to give them a quick lift and Sabrina Carpenter-style curl.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $98

Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer

Best for: All hair types
Settings: 3 airflow settings, 4 heat settings, cold shot
Attachments: Wave+Curl diffuser, flyaway smoother, styling concentrator, wide tooth comb, gentle air attachment
Special features: Scalp protection, fast-drying

$499.99

Buy Now at Nordstrom

Consider this styling tool the smartphone of hair dryers. Dyson always takes hair tools one step further than you ever thought was possible, and this tool that homes in on scalp health is proof positive. It features all the powerful airflow settings with seriously low heat damage that’s beloved in the original Supersonic, with an additional scalp protection mode that allows you to get close to the root without the risk of hot spots.

It works like this: When you move it close to your scalp, infrared beams measure the distance between the nozzle and scalp to automatically activate the mode, where sensors intuitively alter heat levels to 131 degrees (the safest temperature for the scalp). Not only is this supremely gently on hair, it also promotes optimal hair growth in the long run and allows you to freely style without worry.

Editor testing and review notes: “This hair dryer polishes my strands in lightning speed, but one of my favorite features, is actually its bowl diffuser: It’s groundbreaking for those with wavy or type 2 or 3 curls — rather than sending your hair up and out of the diffuser, it draws it into the bowl to set the hair pattern without creating frizz. I love to rough dry my hair with the dryer, tie the lengths into a few loose braids, then feed the plaits into the Wave + Curl diffuser set in Dome mode to get perfectly undone waves. My previous Supersonic hair dryer has lasted me three years without issue, so I know I can expect this dryer to outlast other options I’ve tested. It’s amazing for a French girl, lived-in hair look.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $499.99

T3 Singlepass Curl X Curling Iron

Best for: Creating large curls; suitable for all hair types
Barrel size: 1.25”
Settings: 5 adjustable heat settings from 260 to 410 degrees
Special features: Ceramic-coated barrel

$149.99

$149.99

Buy Now at ulta

“T3 Singlepass 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 1-inch 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $149.99

Pattern The Blow Dryer

Best for: Drying curly hair
Settings: 2 speed, 3 heat, and cold shot
Attachments: Diffuser, brush, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle
Special features: AC motor and ionic technology

$189

$189

Buy Now at Sephora

Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair care line, Pattern, offers one of the best hair dryers for curly hair, as it’s specially designed with curly girl-friendly attachments and features a powerful airflow motor that 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 hair types. The dryer also includes a setting to activate cuticle-smoothing ionic 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1-inch Flat Iron

Best for: Fine and color-treated hair
Plate size: 1″
Special features: Ultra-zone predictive technology

$289

$179 $289 38% off

$289

Ghd’s Platinum+ Styler is our favorite flat iron because it simplifies sleek styling with one set hair-safe temperature — 365 degrees. “You don’t need anything higher than that to achieve smooth hairstyles,” explains 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 degrees, which is warm enough to quickly style my hair but not so hot that it scorches my strands.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $289

Fhi Heat Unbrush Wet & Dry Detangling Hairbrush

Best for: All hair types; detangling wet hair
Special features: 105 long and short bristles

$18

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. This top detangling brush is 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 hairbrushes 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $18

Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers

Best for: Adding volume and locking in curls
Includes: 6 velcro rollers in two sizes

$12

$12

Whether you’re locking in freshly-curled coils, heatless curling, 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.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $12

Mason Pearson Hairbrush

Best for: Smoothing hair, exfoliating the scalp, distributing natural oils

$325

When it comes to a tool you likely use multiple times a day, it’s important to invest in a high-quality hairbrush that is suited to your specific hair type and texture and promotes optimal scalp health. Britney Newville, the West Coast Manager of Education at Bumble and Bumble, always recommends Mason Pearson’s cult-favorite brushes. “I like the idea of boar bristles mixed with nylon in this brush because they help detangle and smooth,” she previously told WWD. “Boar bristles will help de-frizz as you’re blow drying and it encourages shine.”

Editor testing and review notes: “Yes, it’s a lot to spend on a hairbrush, but they are designed to last a lifetime (I’ve been using mine since high school). The boar bristles are bendy to move with hair but still stiff enough to detangle knots. My hair looks noticeably shinier when I use it and the bristles also offer a nice scalp massage while you brush.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $325

Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron

Best for: Precise styling; straight to wavy hair
Plate size: 1.25″
Special features: Moisturizing Heat technology, three styling functions

$149

Buy Now at Nordstrom

If a curling iron and a flat iron had a baby, it would be the Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron. This top hair tool for travel 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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $149

Emi Jay Popstar Clips

Best for: Securing strands and velcro rollers while styling
Special features: Holds hair in place without creasing

$34

Buy Now at emi Jay

If you’re working with a lot of hair, these adorable crease-free clips from celeb-loved brand Emi Jay 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. The Popstar Clips are available in a wide assortment of fun and flirty colorways to match your vanity’s vibe, like this Crème Brulee option that comes decorated with diamonds.

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.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $22.95

Sweet View Slick Back Hairbrush Set

Best for: Parting hair and smoothing flyaways
Includes: Edge brush, bristle brush, rat tail comb

$3.99