Get Salon-Worthy Hair at Home With These Stylist-Approved Tools—Starting at Just $28 (2025)

TL;DR

Our favorite hair dryer, the Dyson Supersonic Nural, dries hair quickly, is lightweight, includes five attachments, and features a "scalp protect mode" to minimize heat damage. It is worth the splurge. For effortless, beachy waves, you can't beat the Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro 1, while the budget-friendly Revlon One-Step Hot Dryer and Volumizer dries and styles hair simultaneously.

Our Top Picks

Type: Flat iron | Material: Ceramic | Max Temp: 410 F | Attachments: None | Settings: 9 heat settings

This flat iron earned our pick for its customizable settings, long plates to grab more hair, and ability to straighten the hair in a single pass, as its name suggests. The settings allow you to adjust it according to hair texture, curl mode, and heat setting. "A ceramic flat iron, like the T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron, is great for controlled heat distribution," says celebrity hairstylist Castillo Bataille. "If you have fine to medium hair and want sleek, smooth results without frying your strands, this one’s a solid pick. The ceramic plates distribute heat evenly, so you don’t have to keep running over the same section multiple times."

Although some users initially found the multiple settings confusing, they allow you to customize your desired results. "Not only does it create a sleek, smooth finish, but it can also be used to craft effortless waves and curls," says hairstylist and Ogle School campus director Lindsay Worthen. "Thanks to its dual-sided heat, styles achieved with a flat iron also have a longer-lasting hold compared to a traditional curling iron."

Dyson is known for its top-rated hairstyling tools (case in point: theDyson AirWrap), and its Supersonic Nural hair dryer is no exception. "This dryer is like the luxury sports car of blow dryers—fast, efficient, and designed to minimize damage," says Bataille. "It’s a splurge, but if you want quick drying time and smoother hair with less frizz, it’s worth it."

Not only is it lightweight, but it dries hair quickly and has a "scalp protect mode," which detects how close the dryer is to your scalp and automatically adjusts the heat. It includes five attachments (including adiffuser, gentle air attachment, wide-tooth comb, styling concentrator, and flyaway attachment) and an "attachment learning" feature that remembers your preferred heat settings with each attachment. This Byrdie editor-approved hair dryer even has a "pause detect" feature, which means the heat and noise decrease when you sit it down.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor with long, thick hair: "This device dries my long, thick hair faster than any dryer I’ve ever used."

Type: Curling iron | Material: Ceramic | Max Temp: 410 F | Attachments: None | Settings: Adjustable heat, left and right rotation

This is our favoriterotating curling iron,giving beautiful ringlets at the push of a button. "The Beachwaver is a game-changer if curling your hair is usually a struggle," says Bataille. "It basically does the work for you, giving you effortless waves without the awkward wrist gymnastics." The curling iron can rotate right or left and has adjustable heat settings. It does have an extra-long barrel for long hair, although some users found the clamp too small.

Olympian Simone Biles achieved picture-perfect curls with this guy, and it can also be used on various hair textures. "The Beachwaver is one of the easiest tools I’ve ever used and gives a lot of bang for your buck," says hairstylist and founder of The Roslyn salon, Katelyn Ellsworth. "It’s also great for thin, fine hair to give it some mass, as well as the thick hair girls to even out texture."

Mary, tester with 2A hair: “The beauty of this tool is that you can create different kinds of curls depending on how you use the clamp, how long you keep the iron in your hair, and the direction it rotates."

Type: Curling wand | Material: Tourmaline ceramic | Max Temp: 400 F | Attachments: None, but thermal glove included | Settings: 30 heat settings

This curling wand's tapered barrel allows you to create waves without worrying about kinks or getting your hair stuck in a clamp. The tourmaline ceramic barrel helps distribute heat evenly with minimal damage, but Bataille says it is still important to use a heat protectant.

A curling wand takes some time to get used to, as you wrap your hair around the barrel rather than using a clamp, but the results are worth it. (A thermal glove is also included to protect your hand from burns.) Overall, this curling iron heats up quickly, has adjustable heat settings, and leaves perfect bouncy curls.

Type: Diffuser attachment | Material: Plastic, ceramic | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

This unique, hand-shaped diffuser is a must-have tool for defining curls, as we found when we tested the DevaFuser. "If you have curls, this attachment is a lifesaver. It evenly distributes airflow to help enhance your natural curl pattern without making hair frizzy or crunchy," says Bataille. The universal diffuser fits most hair dryers; however, check the requirements to ensure it will fit yours, or pick up the DevaCurl DevaDryer for a perfect fit.

Type: Dryer-brush combo | Material: Ceramic, nylon | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: 3 settings of cool, low, and high

This must-have hairstyling tool dries and styles your hair simultaneously (it's our top-performing, budget-friendly hair dryer brush). "The ultimate lazy-girl tool for getting a smooth, voluminous blowout in one step," says Bataille. We tested the Revlon One-Step and found that it dried hair quickly, was easy to use, and gave frizz-free results. We did find that it got quite hot, so make sure to use a heat protectant. "Be careful with the heat setting—if you have finer hair, stick to low or medium to avoid overdrying," advises Bataille.

Type: Heated brush | Material: Ceramic, nylon | Max Temp: 450 F | Attachments: None | Settings: Adjustable heat

A hair-straightening brush is the perfect tool for smooth and shiny hair, and the Drybar The Brush Crush is our top pick. "The straightening brush is superior, especially if you have thick curly hair and want to cut down on your styling time when straightening," says Worthen. The paddle-style brush and ionic technology help to eliminate frizz and smooth strands.

"This is perfect for those days when you want to smooth out your hair quickly without completely flat-ironing it. It won’t give you pin-straight hair, but it’s great for taming frizz and making your hair look polished with minimal effort," says Bataille.

Type: Vented blow-dry brush | Material: Ceramic | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

This brush features a vented ceramic barrel for a salon-worthy blowout. "If you want to add volume while blow-drying, this brush is a solid choice," says Bataille.

"Vented brushes are a great way to cut down your styling time because they allow the air to hit your hair while styling, letting you dry and shape the hair quicker," saysWorthen. This brush also has a soft, nonslip handle. However, some users said they wished it were a bit thicker for easier grasping.

Type: Hairbrush | Material: Boar hair and nylon | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

If you are looking for an investment brush that is worth the money, you can't go wrong with Mason Pearson. Made from premium boar bristle, their brushes were developed and patented over 100 years ago. "This is one of those classic brushes that hairstylists swear by. It’s gentle on the scalp, distributes natural oils beautifully, and is great for smoothing out second-day hair," says Bataille. The brand's Pocket hairbrush can be used on all hair types and is the perfect size for home and travel.

Type: Comb | Material: Plastic | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

We love this comb's design and durability. "It's a sturdy, all-purpose comb that’s great for detangling, styling, or even running through pomade for a polished look," says Bataille. The embossed gold lettering is a nice design touch, while the dual medium and fine teeth allow you to detangle or style hair or beards. Those with really thick hair may need a brush over a comb for detangling, but this is a high-quality styling tool.

Type: Comb | Material: Polycarbonate | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

This wide-tooth comb is designed to detangle and brush wet or dry hair with curls, coils, or tight-textured curl types. "Wide-tooth combs are great for detangling or combing out wave patterns," says Worthen.

"If you have curly hair, this is a must-have. It helps separate and define curls without breaking them up too much or causing frizz," says Bataille. While the small size is perfect for home or travel, some users wished it were a bit larger.

Type: Edge tool | Material: Plastic, boar hair | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

The Frontal Queen's Edges brush has a cool two-in-one design. One side has soft boar bristles to keep edges smooth, while the tiny comb side helps keep baby hairs (or even eyebrows!) in place. "This is a staple for slicking down edges or styling baby hairs with precision," says Bataille, who recommends using it with Matrix Controller Gel for a clean, polished finish. You can also use it with the brand's Baby Hair Control styling product for long-lasting slicked-back hair. Finding Frontal Queen's Edges Brush can be hard, so buying it online may be your best bet.

Type: Detangler brush | Material: Plastic | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

Fine-haired folks, if you need a serious detangling brush, there's no better one we've tried than this guy from Tangle Teezer. "This brush is a lifesaver for anyone who dreads detangling their hair," says Bataille. "It glides through knots with way less pulling, making wash days a little less painful." This brush has long, flexible teeth and short teeth on a large paddle surface that gently detangles long and short hair, helping to minimize breakage. You can use this on wet or dry hair, but avoid using it with a hairdryer as it is not made for heat.

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “I brought this brush with me to the beach. After taking a dip in salt water (with no styling or softening product at my disposal), this brush still slipped right through my knotty waves and tense crown.”

Type: Dryer attachment | Material: Plastic | Max Temp: N/A | Attachments: None | Settings: N/A

If you already own or plan on buying the Shark SpeedStyle hair dryer, this attachment is a must-have for those with natural or coily hair. "If you have thick or textured hair, this attachment helps distribute airflow evenly while blow-drying, so you don’t end up blasting all the heat in one spot," explains Bataille. The attachment minimizes heat damage and has two rows of angled teeth to stretch and lengthen natural curls.

Type: Hot wave iron | Material: Ionic ceramic | Max Temp: 360 F | Attachments: None | Settings: Adjustable heat

"Want that effortless, lived-in wave without the hassle? This tool gives you that 'I just left the beach' vibe in minutes," says Bataille. It features ionic ceramic plates that, when crimped together, give you soft waves in just two seconds per section. Dual barrels give you the perfect s-waves, while the ceramic plates minimize damage and frizz. It is suitable for all lengths. However, those with fine or thin hair should use a heat protectant to avoid drying the hair out.

Type: Curler-flat iron combo | Material: Not listed | Max Temp: 430 F | Attachments: None | Settings: 5 heat settings

This BondiBoost Airbust Styler is ideal for locking in curls and waves. "If you’re always in a rush but still want to style your hair, this one’s a great option. It works fast and doesn’t leave your hair feeling stiff or fried," says Bataille. The versatile tool can be used to straighten hair or create curls, and it blows out cool air as you style, reducing heat damage and setting your style for long-lasting results. Although it won't create tighter curls, it is perfect for soft waves. It also includes five heat settings, which work on all hair types. Keep in mind that this doesn't dry hair, so use it after you have blown your hair dry.

FAQ

• What are the best hairstyling tools for fine hair?

  "The best hairstyling tools for fine hair are those designed to help you achieve volume," says Worthen. "Tools that can lift, shape, and protect delicate strands are also essential! Look for tools with adjustable heat, as fine hair is more susceptible to damage and typically requires lower temperatures. A blow-dry brush is a great choice for achieving maximum volume and smoothness in one step."
  

• What are the best hair tools for thick hair?

  "Thick hair often requires tools with more power and higher heat," says Worthen. "Your tool size needs to be wider to handle a thicker hair strand or more hair per square inch. If you are looking to achieve a smooth, sleek finish, opt for a wider flat iron with high heat control. If you are going for a wavy or curly look, grab a curling iron with a barrel size of 1 inch or bigger."
  

• How do you prevent damage when styling hair?

  "Heat protectants ensure that your hair maintains its healthy condition. Think of it like putting sunscreen on before you are out in the sun all day," says Worthen. "It’s important to have a protective barrier before putting high heat directly on your hair. Also, the more products you layer, such as a blow dry lotion, volumizing spray, or mousse, the more protection you create for your hair!"