With a brand new haircare tool taking over the market almost every week claiming to be better than the last one, many of us might feel the majority of our haircare tools are past their prime and outdated. As a consequence, you may not be getting the results you are looking for. Sound familiar? Then it might be time to upgrade your beauty arsenal with the best hair tools, rated and reviewed by the Yours team.
Best hair tools at a glance
Are you looking to upgrade your old styler with something more effective, like a hair waver? Or want a smarter hair straightener that adapts to your hair type? Technological advances mean there are new types of hair tools to explore. For example, a hair dryer brush smooths and dries your hair in half the time compared to a standard appliance. Here are some of the best hair tools if you are looking to make a quick decision.
We've put together a list of the latest hair tools on the market along with ultra-high tech options, such as the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, as well as cheaper alternatives that can give you similar results, if you're looking to save a few pounds. Furthermore, we have addressed the most common questions when it comes to choosing the right hair tools. We have also made sure to answer your burning questions about how to store your gadgets, as well as celebrity recommendations for haircare.
Best hair tools to add to your collection
Best multi-styler hair tools
Best multi-styling hair tool
www.boots.com
The Airwrap uses the innovational Coanda effect, which creates "a spinning vortex of air around the cylindrical shaped barrels of the tool" and "attracts the hair through the airflow, encouraging hair to wrap itself around the barrel and curling it through the use of the air vortex." This would essentially save you the effort and time of taking and wrapping each section of your hair around the tool to style it. You will also get a hairdryer and styler in one with the Airwrap.
The Dyson Airwrap was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Emily Gilbert: "I was really impressed with the curls both barrels produced, personally favouring the 30mm barrel for voluminous results. I loved the final look and was chuffed at how effortless it had been to produce.
Research quickly told me that getting the curls to hold was a common problem people experienced with the Airwrap. While the type and condition of hair you have is naturally going to have an impact on how long your curl is going to last, the people that were finding success with their curls were using pre-styling products before using their Dyson Airwrap, which I had not been. The products used will entirely depend on each individual and it can take some time to figure it out but I personally found applying a hair mousse really helped my curls to stay in longer."
Read the full Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Review.
Pros
- Dries and styles hair at once
- Attachments mean you can create a variety of looks
Cons
- Curls can fall out soon without the use of extra hair products
Power: | 1,300 W, 220V-240V |
Cord: | 2.675 m |
Temperature: | Three precise heat settings under 150°C |
- Enhanced Coanda airflow attracts and self-wraps hair
- Multi-directional barrel
- Reduced heat damage
Best Dyson alternative hair tool
sharkclean.co.uk
Rather not fork out £300 for the Dyson Supersonic? Turn then instead to the Shark FlexStyle 5-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, the perfect affordable dupe for the Supersonic. Used in the ITV reality show Love Island to get gorgeous waves for the contestants, we love that it comes in a stylish carry case that you can use for storing the Auto-Wrap Curlers, Paddle Brush, Oval Brush, Diffuser, Styling Concentrator and the device itself when you're not using it.
The Shark FlexStyle 5-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Rosie Floyd: "Just like other popular hair stylers on the market, the Shark FlexStyle comes with a whole host of attachments. What I liked about it is the variety of attachments available to achieve different styles. Each one slots into the main styling wand with a click, and then you can choose to rotate the styler if you're drying or keep it upright for styling. Overall, this is a beautiful-looking styler that has helped transform my styling routine by cutting the time down by over 50 per cent. It's lightweight but it's still powerful."
Read the full Shark FlexStyle Air Styler + Hair Dryer Review.
Pros
- Choice of three-speed settings and four heat settings
- Five attachments for different styles
Cons
- Certain attachments work better on certain hair types and lengths
Power: | 1400 W |
Cord: | 2.44 m |
Temperature: | 4 settings (no heat, low, medium, high), plus the Cool Shot |
- Lightweight (just under 700g)
- Brushes have actual bristles on them
- Two-year guarantee for your peace of mind
Best hairdryer brush
If you're looking for the best hair dryer brush, this popular Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser produces amazing results in record time. As a tool that provides the power of a dryer as well as the volume of a styling device, this hair tool is an essential that will save you time and money. Both tools feature Ionic Technology to help condition, smooth and make hair shinier while reducing frizz and static.
A customer with thin shoulder-length hair has shared that she has been on the lookout for a device to help volumize her hair with minimal effort and no damage. “I was not disappointed. The Revlon One-Step Dryer allows you to style and dry your hair giving it a salon -quality volume and shine. The ‘round head’ hairbrush also allows the hair to glide off without getting tangled. I prefer to use it on wet/damp hair to get beautiful curls. This product is very user-friendly with two speeds and with the high power, I'm done in five minutes,” she adds. However, for thicker hair that requires more heat and power, this device may not work best as the setting controls are fairly standard. But for medium to long hair which is not very dense, this tool works seamlessly.
Pros
- Oval brush designed to create volume at roots and beautifully curled ends
- Detangling bristles help dry, smooth, and style hair in up to half the time
Cons
- Has lower power and heat than other drying tools on the market
Power: | 800 w |
Cord: | 2.5 m tangle-free swivel cord |
Temperature: | Cool, Low and High up to around 79ºC |
- Ionic technology for less frizz and shiny, healthy-looking hair
- Ceramic coating helps reduce heat damage from over-styling
- Tangle-free Combination Mix Bristles to detangle, smooth and create shine
Best hair straightener hair tools
Best hair straightener
www.ghdhair.com
ghd is a world-trusted brand, so it's no surprise that the Platinum+ tool tops our list of the best hair straighteners to buy in 2024. Featuring groundbreaking new innovations (ultrazone with predictive technology), the ghd Platinum+ responds to your hair and the way you style, controlling heat more effectively and predicting your personal hair needs.
This was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Sam Hendley who used the sleek and stylish straightener on the full, curly locks of her daughter and her own fine, frizzy locks. “The effect on curly hair was instant – perfectly straight and smooth hair with no static or frizz in a matter of seconds. Her hair can be hard to tame, but she didn't need any extra styling sprays to achieve the final look. She just used a heat protection spray before straightening,” she said.
“As for my fine and frizzy hair, I wasn't expecting miracles, but my main issue with using straighteners is that it tends to make my hair look limp rather than fabulous. This is perhaps where the new Platinum+ straighteners come into their own and achieve their price tag. The sensors adjust to the kind of hair you have and I was able to achieve a smooth glossy look without making the frizz worse," she added.
Read the full ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener Review.
Pros
- Ready to heat in 20 seconds
- The temperature never exceeds 185ºC
- Wishbone hinge means you can create curls and waves as well as straighten
Cons
- Elevated plates may catch on your hair
Power: | Unknown |
Cord: | 2.7m swivel cord |
Temperature: | 185ºC |
- Ultra-zone™ with predictive technology
- 185ºC temperature for optimum styling
- Advanced, precision-milled, floating plates
- Wishbone hinge
- Heat-resistant protective plate guard
- Automatic sleep mode
- Universal voltage
Best cordless hair straightener
www.sephora.co.uk
The Dyson Corrale™ straightener can create a variety of different styles – from curls and waves to smooth and sleek with half the damage and the option to go wireless if you want the option of roaming around whilst styling.
The Dyson Corrale™ straightener was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Lorna White: "I have naturally curly and frizzy hair that is quite thick as well, so I always believed I needed the highest temperature straighteners in order to achieve that silky smooth straightened style. However, this straightener allowed me to straighten my hair at a much lower temperature, so it is great if you're keen to reduce the temperature you expose your hair to.
If you're limited when it comes to plugs or you work in a salon where you'd prefer to go wire-free then I can totally see why this product would be more suited to you than other straighteners. However, if you're just wanting a pair of straighteners for at-home use, they're quite expensive compared to others on the market which perform just as well."
Read the full Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener Review.
Pros
- The curved outer body is engineered to support curl and wave structure
- Up to 30 minutes of cordless styling
Cons
- A little on the heavy side
Power: | 4-cell lithium-ion battery (fully recharges in 70 minutes) |
Cord: | 4.34 m length |
Temperature: | Three precise heat settings (165°C, 185°C and 210°C) |
Includes: | Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener, charging dock |
- OLED screen
- Suitable for all hair types
- Delivers the thermal performance of a corded straightener
- Auto shut-off and Safety lock
- Universal voltage and a Flight-ready feature
- Weight: 0.561 kg
Best smart hair straightener
www.sephora.co.uk
If you never expected the words 'Bluetooth' and 'smart' to be included in a description of a hair straightener, then we've got some news for you. The Glamoriser isn't just any old straightener - this one can work with your phone. Simply download the Glamoriser app to take advantage of personalised heat settings to suit how you style your hair. From your phone, you can also set the straightener to switch off automatically between five to 20 minutes after you have finished with them**.**
The Glamoriser was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Karen Booth who said: "The plates heat up very swiftly and the temperature control on the device is very pleasing to use as it's touch-sensitive, the heat being easily adjusted with an up/down swipe. The target temperature is also displayed digitally and subtly beeps when it reaches the chosen heat.”
“The function to use the straighteners connected by Bluetooth did at first appear a bit gimmicky, but it does have a few useful functions. Using my smartphone with its associated app, after inputting a few basic facts about the condition of my hair, the app recommended an optimum temperature. I particularly liked being able to set a short auto-switch off time, as I always worry about accidentally leaving straighteners on."
Read the full Glamoriser Bluetooth Smart Straightener Review.
Pros
- Connect to the Glamoriser app for personalisation settings
- Hair glides through the hot plates with ease with no snagging
Cons
- If you don't fancy using an app when straightening your hair, this won't be for you
Power: | Unknown |
Cord: | 3m salon-length swivel cord |
Temperature: | Adjustable (80 - 235°C) |
Includes: | Glamoriser Bluetooth Smart Straightener, silicone protective heat mat and tip case |
- Floating Ceramic Plates
- Black Diamond Oil induced ionic system
- App guides you through a personalised selection process
- Global Voltage
- Auto shut-off
- Digital variable heat control
Best budget hair straightener
www.very.co.uk
The Revlon Smoothstay Coconut Oil Straightener comes with triple-coated ceramic plates infused with coconut oil that makes hair look visibly smoother and shinier. This tool helps to style your hair for a sleek straight look as well as loose curls. The floating plates with rounded edges makes styling easy, leaving no crease marks. The results are long-lasting and you can also customise the temperature according to your requirements. This feature was a hit among several reviewers who mentioned how helpful it was in styling different kinds of hair.
The tool provided effective results to customers with thick, fine, straight or curly hair. However, one issue raised by a reviewer was that although the tool was quick to heat up, it was not as hot as they expected. Another customer also raised concern about the plates being small for long, thick hair as they had to style their hair in lots of small sections. However, if you do not mind spending a few extra minutes styling, this device can be a handy addition to your collection. The cherry on top is that the tool also comes with a travel bag.
Pros
- Can adjust the temperature according to your requirements
- The triple-coated ceramic plates infused with coconut oil reduces hair damage
- Comes with a travel bag
Cons
- One reviewer found that the plates did not heat up as much as she expected
- The plates are small for long, thick hair and you have to style your hair in lots of small sections
Power: | 50KW, 240v dual voltage |
Cord: | 1.8m |
Temperature: | Variable |
Best curling and waving hair tools
Best hair curler
www.ghdhair.com
The ghd Curve Thin Curling Wand is a device suitable for all hair types, whether you are looking to add definition to your natural curls or transform straight or wavy locks into beautiful curls that last long. The wand is finished with an advanced ceramic coating for extra shine and protection to prevent hair damage. The glowing reviews are a reflection of how well it works with a range of hair types.
One customer with fine straight hair mentioned that this wand works fast to give curls that last and go from tight to loose waves for two days. It also works effectively on really long and thick hair according to another reviewer. However several customers mention that it is easy to burn yourself, so using a glove is recommended. But otherwise, this device with its 30 second heat up time can make you look glamorous even on the days when you are in a hurry. People were also happy with how light and easy it is to use with the swivel cord as well.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Has an advanced ceramic coating for extra shine and protection
- Heats up in 30 seconds
Cons
- Easy to burn yourself, so using a glove is recommended while using this tool
Power: | Unknown |
Temperature: | 185ºC styling temperature: |
Cord: | 2.7m cable with 360º swivel |
Best curling tongs for short hair
www.salonsdirect.com
The Babyliss PRO Ceramic Dial-a-Heat Tong comes with a mid-sized ceramic barrel which can give you shiny and smooth curls with minimum hair damage. It is quick to heat up and it spreads evenly through the tool which helps to style with maximum efficiency. It also comes with 25 different temperature settings between 100°C - 210°C which makes it perfect for a wide range of hair textures.
One factor that is much loved by most of the reviewers is that the tool comes with a cool tip that is really handy to protect yourself from being burned, especially while styling the hair at the back. The machine also comes with a built-in spring lever safety stand. With a 2.7m swivel cord, this tool can definitely make your hair routine easier and faster to give fabulous results.
Pros
- Comes with 25 different temperature settings between 100°C - 210°C
- Has a cool tip that is really handy to protect yourself from being burned
- Has a built-in spring lever safety stand
Cons
- Might not be suitable for long or very thick hair
Power: | Unknown |
Cord: | 2.7m swivel cord |
Temperature: | 25 different settings between 100°C - 210°C |
Best hair waver
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Whether you're looking for loose curls, trendy mermaid hair or a classic beach wave look, a hair waver tool will help you achieve the perfect style. Amika's Deep Waver is super easy to use, and thanks to the triple barrel design, you won't get any kinks in your hair. A customer who used this tool shared that she had tried several other wavers which made her fall flat with creases. “It takes my fine, thin, pencil-straight hair, to big, voluminous and bouncy waves that I never knew my hair was capable of,” she added. Most users also shared that the tool was great at making waves and crimping that lasts all day.
Pros
- 3 tourmaline ceramic barrels in 18.5 mm deliver gorgeous, beachy waves
- Works on all hair types, textures, and thicknesses
Cons
- Takes getting used to how big the tool is, expect a bit of arm ache at first
Power: | Dual voltage 110-240v - 50-60Hz |
Cord: | 2.75 m cord with 360° swivel |
Temperature: | Adjustable (50°C - 198°C) |
Includes: | Amika High Tide Deep Waver |
- Custom-mold leaves no-marks
- Negative ion technology seals cuticle to smooth hair
- 30-minute auto shut-off option – for extra safety + peace of mind
- Heat-resistant, no-slip handle – delivers styling comfort
- Kickstand – to rest safely on vanity or countertop cool tip for easy control + safety
- 1-year warranty
Best curl clips
The 'duckbill' or 'alligator' wave clip is a vintage technique that has gained popularity in recent years, as they're used to create classic, old Hollywood waves. These clips are made of stainless steel and high-quality plastic making them rust-proof and durable, so you don't have to worry about water or sweat getting on them.
Several reviewers have mentioned that these clips help in getting natural waves if left on for 20 minutes in the case of thin hair. One customer with thick hair mentioned that the clips do a good job holding her hair as well. They are also used to hold hair back during make-up or skincare routines. One user has noted that since the clips don't come with sawtooth, they leave no crease on your hair even after wearing them for a long time. Most reviews also mention that the clips are lightweight, easy to use, wear and they don't get tangled in long hair as shared by one reviewer by one reviewer.
Pros
- Works on thick and thin hair
- The clips don't come with sawtooth, so they leave no crease on your hair
Cons
- They can break if too much pressure is put on them like trying to hold too much hair
Best hair rollers for fine hair
www.lookfantastic.com
These Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Rollers come in a pack of eight and are designed to create bouncy, full-bodied curls. The best way to use them would be to blow out your hair and put in the rollers while the hair is still warm. It is perfect to use on almost-dried strands, and with the curlers in place, do one last shot with a blow dryer to warm the rollers and allow them to cool. Once your hair is completely dry, you can take off the rollers and style as you wish. Most reviewers found that these rollers do not pull or get stuck in hair as is the case with most similar products. However, one downside that most customers mentioned was that the rollers need clips to be held in place. So this is something to keep in mind while considering this tool.
Pros
- Allows styling without heat
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Need clips for the rollers to be held in place
Best hair dryers
Best hair dryer
www.dyson.co.uk
If you're willing to splash out a bit more cash to get something that is guaranteed to be life-changing, then buying a Dyson hair tool is a no-brainer. By measuring air temperature readings over 40 times a second and regulating the heat, the Supersonic Hair Dryer ensures there is no extreme heat damage to hair.
The Supersonic Hair Dryer was tested and reviewed by Yours writer Emily Gilbert: "The first thing I noticed when unpacking my Supersonic was how sleek, attractive and how almost futuristic it looks, not something I ever thought I'd say about a hairdryer. It's also relatively compact and lightweight, weighing just 650g without any attachments added.
When used to dry hair, there's no denying that even without any attachments, the Dyson Supersonic is brilliant. I tend to stick to the highest temperature and the fastest speed and the result is that my super-thick hair is dried quickly and effectively, at half the time of our standard hair dryer. It's no doubt an investment but if you're someone who regularly styles their hair, the cost is absolutely justifiable."
Read the full Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review.
Pros
- Dries hair quicker than standard hair dryers
- Stylish and lightweight design
Cons
- You will need to find storage for all the pieces it comes with
Power: | 1600 W, 220-240V |
Cord: | 2.62m |
Temperature: | 100°C fast drying and styling, 80°C regular drying, 60°C cooler drying |
<br> |
- Can be used with included magnetic attachments for different hair types
- 3 precise speed settings
- The heat-control system prevents hair damage
- Reduces frizz and static
- Weight: 0.697kg
Best hair tool organiser
Best hair tools organiser
This styling tool organiser has space not only for your heat-styling hair tools like hair dryer, flat irons, curling iron, combs, brushes, but also smaller compartments, perfect for styling products such as heat-protectant sprays and gels. The organiser itself is wooden, whilst the three stainless steel cups allow you to store tools even when hot. You can either wall-mount it or use it free-standing.
Most reviews shared that the product was quite sturdy and suitable for storing a lot of things in small spaces making it perfect for cramped dressing tables or small bathrooms. Some people felt that the product could have been better if the cup were a little more deeper so it had more space to hold the cables and cords of the tools.
Pros
- Can be wall-mounted or used as free-standing
- Comes with small compartments as well
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- The cups are not very deep according to some reviews
Dimensions | 12“ W x 7” D x 6“ H inch (30.5cm x 17.8cm x 15.2cm) |
Best hair straightener holder
Are you prone to melting plastic containers or burning bedsheets and rugs because you left a hot hair styling device on next to it? This stand-alone storage system from mDesign holds everything from your blow-dry brush to your hair dryer. The best bit is that it is completely made with heat-resistant material so it is safe for you to keep hot straighteners or curlers on the racks without worry. It is available in six different finishes – from rose gold to matt white so that you can pick a style that suits your décor.
Most customers were happy with the way it kept their tools and accessories organised and arranged without the cords getting tangled or any going missing. However, some reviews highlighted that the feet of the basket were not even and it was not standing upright. But most who purchased the product were happy with the result and use.
Pros
- Heat-resistant material that can hold hot devices without damage
- Lots of space to keep several tools organised and without their cords getting tangled
Cons
- Some found that the feet of the basket were not even and it was not standing upright
What to consider before buying a hair styling tool?
Before splurging on a high-end tool, it is important to think about the styles you usually go for and what kind of tools would help achieve this look with less time and effort. If you have fine hair, it would be worth investing in rollers, a smaller curling wand along with a dryer and brush that contributes volume. However, if you have natural curls, if would be worth investing in a good straightener if you often opt for a sleek look along with a trusty curling wand to define your curls.
What is the least damaging hair tool?
If you are looking for a styling that causes the least hair damage, it is important to look at the material with which the plates or wand are made of. The most common materials we see in styling tools are ceramic, titanium and tourmaline.
Titanium - As a material that heats up quickly and to very temperatures, Titanium is often preferred by professionals and for heavy styling requirements. However, it exposes the hair to a lot of heat and it is not recommended for beginners.
Ceramic - This material can reach temperatures as high as Titanium and provides a shiny effects with less damage. This is why ceramic has become a household favourite when it comes to styling tools. However, it is worth noting that ceramic ‘plated’ tools are not going to be as efficient as ‘pure’ ceramic ones when it comes to even heat distribution and protecting the hair.
Tourmaline - This is another material often paired with ceramic to increase the smoothing effect by emitting negative ions as the mineral becomes electrically charged when heated.
Information about what kind of hair tools you are looking for and understanding your styling requirements will help in choosing the perfect tool for you.
FAQs
What is the difference between Dyson Supersonic and Dyson Airwrap?
While the Supersonic aims to dry wet hair fast, the Dyson Airwrap is primarily used to style damp hair. However, the Airwrap does come with a blow dryer attachment, so it's not necessary to own both.
What hair tool does Holly Willoughby use?
Looking for youthful hairstyle ideas? Holly Willoughby has cracked the case, although she has never officially confirmed what styling tool she uses to achieve her wavy bob look on This Morning and Dancing on Ice. However, in a recent Instagram post, her hairstylist Ciler Peksha tagged three haircare brands which she used on Holly's hair for an episode of DOI. These were BondiBoost, Living Proof and Amika.
Therefore, Holly's hair could be styled by the Amika Hair Waver listed above or the equally fabulous BondiBoost Wand, reviewed by Grazia in a recent deep-dive. Living Proof's FullDry Volume & Texture Spray is most likely behind Holly's voluminous locks, though they have plenty of haircare products to choose from.
If there's one thing, Holly has explicitly spilt about her haircare routine, on Wyldemoon, Holly and her stylist shared a secret accessory to effortless, enviable 1920s-style ringlets. They're a staple in a styling kit, and they're used to keep heat-styled waves in place - creaseless hair clips.
"My ultimate tip for a look like this is to build as much product as you can that will help hold the wave and flick. My secret is to use creaseless clips – get them on Amazon!" It creates the ideal short hairstyle for women over 50.
How to organise my hair tools?
How you want to organise your tools depends on two factors. Factor A - do you want to show them off or not? And factor B - how reliant are you when it comes to heat tool safety? We've listed two top options. These organisers will display your styling tools beautifully whilst making sure they're safely stored away (in case they're still hot).
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Yours, specialising in fashion and beauty. She loves finding dupes for dresses worn by celebs such as Kate Middleton. Saving money whilst looking fabulous is her prerogative.