The Best Hot Tools You Can Buy For Perfectly Styled Hair

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For some of us, styling our hair isn't quite as effortless as it is for others. The grass always seems greener on the other side, and many with straight locks long for waves, while curly-haired folks favor flat irons instead. Hot tools hold the key to achieving certain styles, from perfect beachy waves to fairytale curls. But even if you prefer to wear your natural hair texture, the right hot tool can make all the difference in your styling routine. For instance, a top-notch hair dryer can slash your drying time in half, and a luxury diffuser can define your curls while destroying frizz.

Hot tools have come a long way since our mothers and grandmothers used their clothing irons to smooth their strands. From budget buys to luxury tools, there are incredible options out there for every hair type. Still, no matter how much you're willing to spend, you want to ensure you're choosing the right device for the job. After all, there's nothing worse than battling with a blow-dryer that takes hours or a dud of a straightener. As such, Glam searched high and low for the best hot tools to transform every hair type, finding winners from the drugstore to the department store. So, let's leave the bad hair days in the past — these quick and easy tools will have you looking picture-perfect in no time.

Much has been said about the Shark FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler, which draws comparisons to the cult-favorite Dyson Multi-Styler tool at roughly half its price. This futuristic-looking device took our top spot for two reasons: It's more versatile for those with curly or wavy hair types, and it's a better value than Dyson's. Plus, it's great at preventing heat damage. The FlexStyle performs almost identically to Dyson's product and is a significant step up from entry-level brush dryers and multi-stylers. 

"I have tried so many different products, but [the Shark FlexStyle] is by far the best. It's strong, and I am able to straighten and style my hair with no problem!" writes one reviewer. Moreover, you can customize your FlexStyle experience with different attachments to suit curly, coily, and straight hair types.

Purchase the Shark FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler for All Hair Types at Sephora for $349.

Working with a tighter budget but still wanting a hair dryer that delivers professional results? Check out the Infinitipro SmoothWrap Hair Dryer by Conair. Don't let its reasonable price fool you — Conair's dryers are some of the most durable builds that we've ever used, and the Infinitipro is an excellent example of the brand's craftsmanship.

Unlike ordinary dryers, the Infinitipro uses Advanced Plasma and ceramic tech to smooth and moisturize strands. You can use the concentrator attachment for ultra-sleek blowouts or pop on the diffuser to build beautiful curls in an instant. "This dryer gets my hair fully dry on the lowest heat setting and blowing power in the same amount of time it takes my previous dryers to get my hair halfway done," said one Conair user.

‌Purchase the Infinitipro by Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer on Amazon for $59.99.

There are those of us who can maneuver curling irons in our sleep, and then there are those who prefer curling wands instead. By using a curling wand, you can style gorgeous ringlets or waves without having to toy with unwieldy clamps. The Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic Flipperless Tapered Curling Wand is an excellent choice if you can't be bothered with traditional curling irons. Its thermal glove protects your hand, and reviewers can't get over how easy it is to use. "My hair has a hard time holding curls, [and the Hot Tools Tapered Curling Wand] works perfectly! My hair looks great as the day goes on," said one.

‌Purchase Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic 1-1/4" Flipperless Tapered Curling Wand at Ulta for $64.99.

After comparing boatloads of beach wave curling irons, only one hot tool emerged victorious. The Hairitage Catch the Wave Curling & Crimping Iron is the undefeated champion of soft, summery styles, as evidenced by endless positive reviews and social media demonstrations. It works wonderfully on a variety of hair types and textures, and the beachy waves it creates can last for ages. "This crimping iron is one of the best hot tools that I have purchased in recent years," wrote one Hairitage enthusiast. "Now, it's my go to hot tool."

Purchase the Hairitage Catch the Wave Curling & Crimping Iron at Walmart for $33.94.

We've never seen another curly hair styling hot tool quite like the Curlsmith Hair Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser. If you have naturally curly or coily hair, you'll definitely want to give this one a try. While other diffusers can take eons to dry and define curls, the Curlsmith covers more hair than you could possibly imagine. Its "XXL" name is no joke, and because its diffuser is so large, it can dry even the densest curls in record time. However, our favorite feature (aside from its genius built-in stand) is how soft it leaves your curls once it's done. "This is hands down the best blow dryer I have ever used," a Curlsmith reviewer raved. "I couldn't believe how [the Curlsmith] brought my curls back to life."

Purchase the Curlsmith Hair Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser at Sephora for $189.

‌A hot comb is always useful to have on hand for straightening purposes, whether styling your own hair or arranging wigs and other hair pieces. To us, few tools in this category come close to the Andis 38300 Professional Ceramic Press Comb, which can reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, you don't need to use its maximum temp. to tame unruly tresses, as it features multiple heat settings for you to choose from. "This is what I use on my wigs and it gets the job done. Flat as flat can be," noted one Andis aficionado.

Purchase Andis 38300 Professional Ceramic Press Comb on Amazon for $14.99.

Given the demand for travel-friendly styling tools, we thought that finding the perfect mini dryer would be a relatively easy task — yet it took some time to track down the Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer, our pick for the best travel hair dryer you can buy. Stylish, ergonomically friendly, and powerful enough to contend with dryers twice its size, the Nanoe can satisfy the needs of any globetrotting beauty lover. But don't just take our word for it: Reviewers are clearly head over heels for this unique hot tool, too. "I have to say this is the best hair dryer I've ever owned. This little gem is compact and folds to a convenient size for travel or storage," one wrote.

‌Purchase the Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer on Amazon for $74.56.

Some of us are old enough to recall Remington's electric razor commercials of the 1980s, while others grew up with its wet-to-dry straighteners popularized in the 2000s. Now, the brand makes another affordable flat iron: The Remington Pearl Pro Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener touts floating ceramic plates that are infused with real pearls. Quick heating with accessible controls and a clear digital display, this versatile piece is perfect for those seeking a daily driver at an attractive price point.

Thanks to its pearly finish, Remington's iron smooths frizz and flyaways gently and effectively. "I'm a hairstylist, and I love the way it curls...it leaves the hair silky and shiny," wrote one Remington reviewer.

Purchase the Remington Pearl Pro Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener on Amazon for $34.99.

There are dozens of vented hair straighteners on the market today, but the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Vented Straightening Iron takes the cake as far as we're concerned. Just like BaBylissPRO's Nano Hair Dryer, this elegant hot tool comes with a respectable four-year warranty — not to mention scores of glowing reviews.

Wondering why you should use a vented hair straightener? According to BaBylissPRO, vents can help "eliminate excess heat," sparing your hair from unnecessary damage. Beyond that, the vented straightener sports patented Nano Titanium plates, providing incredible shine and softness with each pass. "I have waist-length thick hair that has a slight wave and tends to frizz, and I can have my whole head pin straight within ten minutes," said one user.

‌Purchase the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Vented Straightening Iron at Ulta for $159.99.

If you struggle to replicate your stylist's touch at home, Drybar's Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush could be just the thing for you. This buttercup-colored, 2.25" dryer brush is perfect for curling bangs, adding waves, or simply giving one's hair a dose of body and shine. "What a game-changer! I have a lot of fine hair, and the hottest setting isn't too hot to burn my scalp or hair," wrote one reviewer. Many Single Shot users note how Drybar's brush outperforms other dryer brushes on the market, providing salon-worthy blowouts without ever leaving home.

Purchase The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush at Drybar for $155.