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Curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons — oh my! One-Step Hair Dryer Brush

The best part about doing your hair is seeing the final curls fall alongside your face or the feeling of your perfectly layered strands bouncing with every step following a blowout. Of course, the worst part is the actual process of curling, straightening, and styling your hair, but beauty is pain, right? Not all styling sessions need to be painful or tiresome, especially if you invest in quality tools that take the guesswork out of the dreaded experience. Your beauty arsenal should at least have the basics: curling iron, blow dryer, flat iron, and styling tools (combs, brushes, clips, etc.). If you find yourself missing one of the staples mentioned, we curated a guide to the 15 absolute best hair styling tools to grab now. Happy styling!

A must-have tool for novices and professionals alike, the Dyson has built a rabid fanbase for its exceptional technology. You can create various styles using its different attachments, and it works for all hair types, but consistency is the main reason celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena—who counts Mindy Kaling, Madelaine Petsch, and Jennifer Coolidge as clients—loves this investment tool. “It gives consistent heat to the hair and it’s easy for anyone at any skill level to use,” he says.

What reviewers are saying: “Absolutely OBSESSED! I bought this after seeing all my friends loving theirs. It takes a few times to understand the best way for it to work - after you get the hang of it, it’s super easy. I’ve worked in the hair industry for years and always hated on these types of products since it takes away from the “blowout experience,” but it truly is a huge time saver. It also is so easy for anyone to use. So you can get that “after-salon look” at home. Definitely an investment, but worth it IMO.”

Perfect for braiders, this set of rat tail combs and hair clips allows for expert precision. These specific clips have spacing at the top to make sure parting is easy and clean, while the clips are durable enough to hold the thickest of hairs.

What reviewers are saying: “These combs and clips are good for sectioning when doing hair. I regularly do twists in my boyfriends hair and these are a must-have. Good price for good stuff. Recommend!”

You get the best of both worlds with Drybar’s Blow Drying Flat Iron. The clamp design ensures your hair is straight without needing to follow up with another tool because, err, heat damage.

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! It cut my hair styling time by half and is so easy to use. The effect was very shiny smooth hair [that] still retained good volume. This will be my go-to styling tool from now on. Plus the colors are so cute!”

If you prefer to go the traditional route and do your own blow-out, this round brush allows you to control your hair’s volume, designed specifically for those with thicker, coarse hair.

What reviewers are saying: “The size of the brush is very good. It grabs my hair without tangling it. Finally a brush that works!”

The viral TikTok beauty gadgets world is chock full of hits and misses. This Shark styling system is one of the many hits—coming with four interchangeable attachments to help you create voluminous curls or sleek, straight styles frizz-free.

What reviewers are saying: “Prior to purchasing the FlexStyle, I was always looking for a hair tool and something that wouldn’t hurt my hair immensely. When I saw this release, I got extremely excited and purchased it without even second-guessing. My hair is fine and frizzy, and struggles to hold volume. Using the shark, I’ve found that it not only holds volume but has found new life and so much more shine than I have ever seen it have before. If you are even debating this, just get it, 100%!”

Getting your hair as close to straight as possible is a crucial step when trying to achieve a sleek look. This Amika brush helps you reach your goal faster with three different thermal settings (including a no-heat option) and a ceramic base to reduce frizz.

What reviewers are saying: “Worth the hype and $$$! I use this in the morning to quickly get ready or to freshen up my hair if I’m going out. 10/10”

Smooth and slick your baby hairs down with this 3-in-1 tool from Baby Tress. One side has comb bristles to set the hairs in place, and the other side features a brush to mold and morph your baby hairs into whatever style you choose. Use the tail end to create intricate detailing. Of course, good edge control is needed to seal the deal.

What reviewers are saying: “happy to support a black-owned startup, and I love the design of this product. It feels solid in the hand -- I used a similar product in the past that snapped in half because it was made of thin plastic. It works well, the silicone bristles are easy to clean, and the protective cap keeps product residue out of my toiletry bag as well.”

The super-thin titanium plates get close to the root to flat iron the hair straight with one swipe and reduce frizz. Plus, the flat design allows you to create fluffy flat iron curls thanks to its extended plate design.

What reviewers are saying: “I have a short bob haircut with thick, naturally curly hair that I blow out. This straightener is definitely high quality and only requires one pass to get it straight.”

This blow dryer may be light in weight, but it packs a powerful punch. Designed by the hair pro himself, the Harry Josh dryer has 12 heat and speed settings, adjustable temperature control, and a lightweight design for seamless drying.

What reviewers are saying: “This is hands down the best dryer ever!!! It cuts down my dry time significantly and leaves me with the best blow out. You have to buy this!”

One pass is all you need to get the curl of your dream. In a time crunch? This curling iron heats up super fast and glides on your hair seamlessly, so you don’t experience painful tugging or snagging.

What reviewers are saying: “Excellent quality. My dry, coarse hair just glides around the tube - very smooth. Curls are pretty. Multiple options for heat. Small but good benefit - there is a velcro tape attached to the cord, which makes it easy to fold up the cord when not in use. I recommend.”

Here’s a hardworking curling iron that does all the work, so you don’t have to. Beachwaver’s fan-favorite curling iron does exactly what its title says—rotate. Yes, all you have to do is wrap your hair around the barrel, hold it firmly and allow the smart gadget to do its job.

What reviewers are saying: “I had my doubts. It looks too easy, and I am notorious for not being able [to] use tools correctly. And I thought for sure my hair would get stuck. But holy cow, was this simple to use! I’ve had it for two days, and everyone says how great my hair looks. Highly recommend!”

T3 created the perfect travel companion for those who like to pack their entire hair care routine. Hotel dryers are gross, so this compact tool fits perfectly in your carry-on thanks to its foldable design. Even better, it’s designed with dual voltage in case you frequent the EU.

What reviewers are saying: “I absolutely love the T3 AFAR Blowdryer! I am having my destination wedding in a few months & wanted to get a travel-size blowdryer that actually works. The T3 Afar is 25% lighter & 30% smaller than a full-size T3 hair dryer, so it is perfect to pack in your suitcase or carry on! I love that it has two-speed settings and three heat settings, so it is super versatile. It dries my hair super quick, while leaving it looking smooth & shiny. It uses T3 IonAir Technology to smooth the hair cuticle to minimize frizz & enhance the shine!”

If you recently got a pixie cut, purchase this mini flat iron to keep your soft waves crisp until your next salon visit.

What people are saying: “I was not sure that they would work for my hair, but needless to say that I love them 😍 They have great heat control and [are] easy to use.”

Whether you’re looking to achieve tight, spring curls or old Hollywood waves, Kiss’s curling iron set gives you five different barrel attachments to choose from.

What people are saying: “Love these. Very convenient and it stays heated for a full set. I wish it came with a bag and the wires were longer.”

Marc Mena, LA-based celebrity hairstylist.

Ultimately, the hairstyle you’re trying to achieve is what helps you determine what tool to use. A heated curling iron is the best option if you want long-lasting curls. Celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena says when choosing a hot tool, pay attention to the heat settings. “The most important thing to look for with any hot tool is temperature control. Hair’s threshold for heat varies from person to person, so setting the temperature and administering the right amount of heat for your hair is really the key,” he explains.

You should continually assess your hair’s needs to determine what tools to use and how much heat to apply to your hair. Protection is key. “A heat-protecting spray is a must-have item for anyone regularly styling their hair with heat. Also, a great conditioner that locks moisture into the hair,” Mena adds. Deep conditioning should also be a part of pre-heat styling to strengthen the hair.

Automatic Rotating Curling Iron “A great blow dryer is the most essential tool to have in your arsenal because they are so versatile. You can create bouncy, voluminous curls with just your dryer and a ceramic metal brush or just blow out straight. If you’re looking for sexy curls and waves without heat, setting your hair with rollers works just as well as curling irons,” Mena says.