In Need of a New 'Do? These Are the Best Hair Styling Tools (2024)

Whether dealing with your tresses on a daily basis is a pleasure or a hassle, we all do something with our hair. For some, that might be as minimal as mindlessly throwing it into a top knot. For others, it can be a laborious, multi-step styling process. Regardless of where you fall on the haircare spectrum, your strands are a part of your body and thus, very worthy of taking good care of.

When styling your mane, you shouldn't be using any random products. And especially if heat is involved, the tool really needs to be reputable. So it's crucial your hair toolbox is stocked only with high-quality devices that you know you can entrust with your luscious locks. Thankfully, all of our advances in science and technology have rightfully been put to use towards making the very best versions of blow dryers, curling irons, hair straightening brushes, and beyond. Whether your signature look is pin-straight locks or a full head of 4c coils (or perhaps bombshell waves too), here are the best hair styling tools for achieving the healthy, gorgeous 'do of your dreams.

The Corrale Straightener, though not as famous as the Airwrap, is equally worthy of your attention. In fact, it turned one T&C editor with less-than-favorable opinions on flat irons into a full-blown believer. The device features a larger stature and wide plates, allowing for greater control at lower temperatures. It's easy to use and can be used without a cord, making it ideal for travel. Intelligent heating technology enables it to respond to your specific hair type and adapt to the temperature accordingly. Translation: no matter what your locks are like, this is a straightener that won't leave them limp and fried.

When heated styling tools disguised as hair brushes first popped up in commercial ads, they seemed pretty gimmicky. But as it turns out, they're actually quite useful. And this model from Revlon is one of the best. Ideal for refreshing second-day hair, consider this your ticket to an easy at-home blow-out. It'll help give your hair volume, lifting it at the roots while detangling and improving shine.

Some trends are short-lived and thank goodness for it. Hair feathers, faux-hawks, and fishtails—we weren't sad to see you go. But some styles come into fashion and never really leave. Case in point, beachy waves. Who doesn't envy the look of effortless, loose waves? With the right tool, you too can embody the mermaid-inspired look. This wand, with an LCD temperature display and 1-inch barrels, is one of the top-rated wave wands available.

If you're looking to score vacation-like waves but aren't sold on the S-shaped waver tools, celebrity hair stylist Sarah Potempa has got you covered. She designed the Beachwaver to make the perfect loose curls wildly easy to achieve. The barrel rotates itself, meaning you just have to section and clamp your hair, then stand there while it works its magic. With more powerful heating technology, this tool will work on even the thickest, coarsest strands.

For natural haired beauties, hair steaming can be a serious game-changer, so this handheld steamer is doubly fabulous. Steaming moisturizes and stretches curls without applying damaging high heat directly to the strands. The hydrating effect also allows your hair shaft to better absorb your deep conditioning products of choice. A tool that promotes long-term hair health while giving you your best head of hair in the moment? Yes, please.

Also by Dyson, this blow dryer doesn't look like any you've seen before, which is fitting because it doesn't work like any you've used before, either. It's better, and most notably, much faster. The Supersonic has cemented itself as a favorite among professional and celebrity hair stylists because of its speed, heat protection, and efficiency. It comes with a variety of attachments designed to serve all hair types. Many reviewers say it leaves their hair looking smoother and shiner than other dryers do, too.

For those partial to clamp-less curling wands, this sleek model from Drybar is top-notch. The no-slip barrel prevents sections from slipping, eliminating the issue most clamp-free wands face. It heats up to 450 degrees with infrared technology to heat the strand from the inside out. Negative ions ensure your hair is left with little to no frizz and maximal shine. The wand is molded in a reverse taper shape, with the base of the barrel measuring in at 1 inch and widening out to 1.5 inches at the top, which means you can use this wand for loose waves, bouncy curls, or anything in between.

We have come a long way from the flatirons of the past that used to fry hair to a crisp. GHD's Platinum+ Styler is among the latest generation of straighteners that not only beautifully sleeks out strands, but also protects them from extreme heat damage all thanks to a special ultra-zone technology that guarantees even and consistent heat across the plate.

Creating a faux blowout has never been easier thanks to hair straightening brushes. T3's ceramic version features a Rapid HeatIQ technology that ensures heat precision with each and every stroke, as well as innovative PrecisionEdge Design that tames strands, volumizes roots, and leaves ends looking polished. Also cool: the smart microchip that monitors heat fluctuations for temperature consistency

This cucumber green blow dryer is another professional favorite due to its low heat regulation. It caps off at 315 degrees, so as far as hot tools go, this will do as little damage as possible to your strands. Although it's lightweight (it weighs less than a pound!), this model packs a fast-drying punch. The Pro Dryer 2000 is well-suited for those with fine, thin, or natural hair types.

Are you a classicist? While clamp-less wands have been more popular in the last decade or so, some people still prefer a clamp on their curling rods. And for that, we can't fault you. This gold wand is ultra easy to use, even for those who traditionally struggle to curl their locks or who have particularly thick hair. Plus, Its reasonable price point makes this one hard to beat.

Whether you think it looks like an outstretched hand, or a leaf that's illegal depending on the state you live in, the fact remains that this is one darn beloved diffuser. If you have curly hair and you want to blow it dry, the right diffuser is absolutely key. The unique shape and design allow for 360-degree airflow to surround each curl while reducing frizz and optimizing shine. With the accompanying blow dryer, the DevaCurl diffuser is a dream come true for any type of curly girl, natural hair included. Plus, its universal size and fit mean it's compatible with almost any hair dryer.

Gone are the days of spending hours on end trying to blow out hair. This handy device by Amika can dry damp strands while simultaneously straightening them into a silky-smooth style at a supersonic speed.

An oldie but a goodie. Whether you're using velcro rollers as a stand-alone heatless way to achieve curls or soft bounce, or you're using them in conjunction with hot tools, some classics just shouldn't be messed with. Hair rollers, although you might associate them with your grandmother, are an effective way to give your hair volume and body. These rollers from Drybar are super secure and don't require clips (or a bonnet) to hold them in place.

If you want bombshell waves that will last and last, your best bet is T3's hot rollers. The heated device can achieve a stunning voluminous 'do that stays put, is ultra-bouncy, and oh-so-shiny.

As far as hair brushes go, Mason Pearson's are a splurge—but they're worth every penny. Made of a mixture of boar bristles and nylon tufts, the English brand's cult-favorite tool distributes natural oils throughout the mane and detangles knots without yanking and pulling strands for a silky-smooth finish.

Don't underestimate the power of a good round brush. When used with one of the aforementioned blow dryers, the Olivia Garden brush works wonders at achieving a salon-quality blowout at home. We love that this one comes in various barrel sizes for all hair types and lengths, how lightweight it is (no more tired arms!), and how fast it works at drying and styling.