Call me superficial, but I always look forward to that first cool, crisp day in the fall where I can actually spend a little time styling my hair and actually enjoy the results of my handiwork throughout the day—rather than having my locks descend into a frizzy mess as they do all. Summer. Long. Something related that I need to address this year? Upgrading my styling tools. I have a tendency (with both beauty and technology—looking at you, cracked, ancient iPhone 6) to hold on and use items that have definitely already passed their prime, but now I’m determined to invest in quality styling tools that will really go the distance.
Of course, if you have an old-faithful curling iron that works perfectly well, I’m not saying that you have to toss it. But, if you are similarly in the position of needing (or wanting!) to upgrade your styling tools, there has truly never been a better time to do so. Yes, these tools have hefty price tags, but that price tag comes with serious styling efficiency and speed, all with way less damage to your hair. Check out my picks ahead for the best elite, high-tech stylers that will whip your hair into shape without stressing you (and your locks) out!
featured image from chronicles of her
The engineering geniuses at Dyson gave the humble hair dryer a totally high-tech makeover by making it faster, quieter, more lightweight, more efficient, and—yes—way cooler-looking. Choose between three settings for fast drying, regular drying, and a styling setting; any way you use it, it’s much more ergonomic than the dryers of the past, thanks to the motor being in the handle, rather than in the head of the appliance.
Platinum Professional Performance Styler
So, here’s the thing. With the right techniques, a flat iron is the only styling tool you need. You can straighten, curl, wave—heck, even iron your clothes!—with this one handy tool. However, I’ve learned that if you’re not simply pressing your hair stick-straight, the quality of your iron really matters. To be able to curl or wave your hair with a flat iron, you need potent, even heat, a slim design, and super-smooth plates that won’t catch or snag hair. This ingenious flat iron has all of these features and more—it’ll serve you and your locks very well indeed.
Polished Perfection Straightening Brush from Amika
The “hot air brush” of the ’90s/early aughts has gotten a makeover! If you, like me, have a very hard time approximating anything close to a professional blowout at home, this tool will rock your world. This brush straightens and de-frizzes as you simply glide it through your hair dry—no extra tools, no fancy wrist-flicking moves, nada. (Especially amazing if you shower at night and prefer to dry-style your hair in the morning!)
The Tiny Tress Press Detailing Iron from Dry Bar
Travel irons can be so weak that they’re pretty much pointless—but not this cute little yellow guy, who heats up to 400 degrees to smooth your whole head, touch up your bangs, or style your roots or cowlicks. Plus, who doesn’t love mini things?!
Harry Josh Pro Hair Dryer 2000
The hair dryer that every model, celebrity and “it girl” is obsessed with, this compact mint-green cutie cuts drying time in half with a super-strength, energy-efficient motor that also smooths strands with dual-ion functionality to smooth as it dries.
T3 Featherweight Compact and SinglePass Luxe Lavender Styling Set
Be totally prepared for travel with this lovely lavender duo, featuring a powerful dryer with a folding handle for easy stashing and a tourmaline-plated flat iron to create any style you can dream up.
This self-twirling curling iron has a cult following, and for good reason: the brainchild of celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, it creates polished-yet-beachy waves with just the press of a button. You really have to try it to believe it!
T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe
You heard it here first: I’m declaring that 2017/2018 is going to be the year that hot rollers returned (my mother, a life-long hot rollers devotee, would agree). Seriously, there’s no easier way to fake a voluminous and bouncy pro blowout than to simply roll your hair around these nifty little cylinders (created with a CoolGrip design so that the rollers heat your hair rather than burning your fingers), letting them cool for 10-20 minutes, removing them, and heading out the door. A perfect “blowout” that doesn’t require a stylist’s precision and killer bicep strength? Sign me up!
