The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hair Tools of 2025
Expert reviews and comprehensive picks for top hair tools to perfect every style, texture, and budget in 2025.
The 15 Best Hair Tools of 2025: Expert Picks for Every Style, Type & Budget
From high-tech multi-stylers to cult-favorite hot brushes, 2025 brings a wave of innovative hair tools promising salon-level results at home. Cosmopolitan editors and beauty experts have rigorously tested and reviewed the top contenders, covering every styling need and hair texture. Whether you’re seeking sleek straight hair, bouncy curls, voluminous blowouts, or on-the-go options, this comprehensive guide delivers the best hair tools—complete with essential context, pros, cons, and tips for flawless results.
Table of Contents
- What to Look For in a Hair Tool
- Best Multi-Stylers
- Top Hot Brushes & Blow Dryer Brushes
- Leading Blow Dryers
- Best Curling Irons and Wands
- Best Straighteners & Flat Irons
- Innovative & Specialty Hair Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Hair Tool Truly the Best?
There are countless styling tools on the market, but only a few deliver consistently impressive results across hair types. Cosmopolitan’s editorial team evaluates tools based on:
- Styling Versatility: Can the tool create multiple looks—straight, curly, wavy, voluminous?
- Heat Control: Multiple heat settings to prevent damage and accommodate fine to thick hair.
- Attachments & Accessories: Brush heads, barrels, diffusers for precise results.
- Ease of Use: Lightweight, ergonomic design for comfortable styling.
- Damage Prevention: Ionic tech, ceramic coating, or airflow technology for smooth, healthy hair.
- Price & Value: Balance of performance, durability, and affordability.
Below, discover the standout picks that excel in these criteria.
Best Multi-Stylers and Airwrap Alternatives
Multi-stylers are all-in-one devices designed to dry, curl, straighten, and smooth hair with interchangeable attachments. These tools have revolutionized at-home styling—especially Dyson’s iconic Airwrap and its best tested alternatives.
Shark Beauty FlexStyle
- Attachments: Two curling barrels, blow dryer concentrator, round brush, paddle brush
- Heat Settings: Three
- Speed Settings: One
- Editor Insights: “With this one tool, you’re able to create bouncy curls and waves as well as silky-smooth straight hair. It dries and styles simultaneously, leaving hair soft, shiny, and smooth—results akin to a professional salon blowout.”
- Pros: Lightweight; creates salon-level curls and waves; minimal heat damage
- Cons: Only one size curling barrel; require switching barrels for each side
BondiBoost Everlast Airstyler
- Attachments: Four (round brush, two curling barrels, blow dryer)
- Heat Settings: Three, plus cold shot
- Speed Settings: Three
- Editor Insights: “The quickest, most voluminous looks. The round brush offers tension without tugging, and curling barrels give bouncy, silky waves.”
- Pros: Fast styling; adds serious volume; multiple attachments
- Cons: Curls may not last long; must use styling products and techniques for hold
Comparison Table: Multi-Stylers
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark FlexStyle | Five attachments, quick styling | $$$ | All-in-one styling; traveling |
| BondiBoost Everlast | Four attachments, voluminous finish | $$ | Fast blowouts, big volume |
Top Hot Brushes & Blow Dryer Brushes
Hot brushes combine a brush and dryer in one tool, allowing easy at-home blowouts and smooth styling without masterful technique.
What others are reading
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser
- Design: Dry and style with a single hot brush
- Key Benefits: Simple to use; works on all hair types (up to 3b curl)
- Social Proof: Viral on TikTok for DIY blowouts and the coveted ’90s volume look
- Pros: Affordable; effortless styling; great volume
- Cons: Bulkier size; limited styling variability
Editors praise the Revlon brush for its ability to replicate professional blowouts, especially for those who struggle with traditional dryer and brush techniques. If you want the ‘Rachel’ look, this brush delivers.
Best Blow Dryers for Salon-Quality Results
Efficient drying, frizz control, and heat protection are key for a top-rated blow dryer.
RevAir Reverse Air Dryer
- Unique Feature: Uses reverse airflow to stretch and dry hair quickly
- Best For: Textured, thick, or curly hair that’s hard to smooth out
- Editor’s Review: “RevAir dries and stretches hair in record time. Its suction design means less manual handling, reducing damage and breakage.”
- Pros: Quick drying; great for minimizing breakage; suitable for challenging textures
- Cons: Bulky design; higher price point
Best Curling Irons & Wands
For defined waves and curls, reliable curling tools offer adjustable heat, smooth barrels, and long-lasting hold. The multi-stylers above often serve dual purpose—see their curling attachments—but standalone irons or specialty wands excel for focused looks.
- Key Features to Look For:
- Barrel size for desired curl type
- Ceramic or tourmaline coatings for shine and smoothness
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Comfortable grip and cord length
Best Straighteners & Flat Irons
Modern flat irons protect hair from heat damage while delivering sleek, straight styles or gentle bends.
- Ceramic/ionic plates for frizz reduction
- Adjustable heat settings for hair type specificity
- Rapid heat-up & even heat distribution
Expert Tips on Using Straighteners:
- Always use heat protectant spray
- Section hair for even straightening
- Opt for lower temperatures on fine or damaged hair
Innovative & Specialty Hair Tools
As technology evolves, so does the hair tool market. In 2025, several unique gadgets have caught editors’ attention:
- LED & Cryo Devices: Designed to maintain scalp health, reduce frizz, and boost shine.
- Ionic Styling Brushes: Minimize static and smooth cuticles for ultra-glossy results.
- Travel-Sized Multi-Tools: Compact versions of multi-stylers and mini straighteners for on-the-go touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which hair tool is best for thick, textured, or curly hair?
A: The RevAir Reverse Air Dryer excels for thick or curly textures, using suction airflow to gently stretch and dry hair fast without heat damage or breakage.
Q: How do I make curls last longer with blow-dryer brushes or airwraps?
A: Prepare hair with volumizing mousse, hold curls on the barrel longer (10-15 seconds), then set with the cold shot for several seconds. Finish with lightweight hairspray or texturizing spray.
Q: Can hot brushes damage fine or fragile hair?
A: Use the lowest heat setting, apply heat protectant, and avoid daily heat styling. Ceramic and ionic technology minimize damage and keep fine hair shiny.
Q: What features matter most for buying a hair tool in 2025?
A: Focus on adjustable heat and speed, ergonomic grip, compatible attachments, reputable brand, and user reviews for true performance insight.
Q: Do all-in-one stylers replace individual dryers, curling irons, and straighteners?
A: Multi-stylers like Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap come very close, offering versatile styling in one package. Still, standalone devices remain best for specialized or intricate looks—like tight curls or ultra-smooth, pin-straight hair.
Editor-Approved Buying Checklist
- Prioritize heat control: always look for multiple settings and a cold shot.
- Choose attachments that suit your styling habits—brushes for volume, barrels for curls, paddles for straightening.
- Read real user reviews for comfort, reliability, and durability insights.
- Consider professional pro/con lists, not just influencer hype.
- Factor in size, weight, and cord length—especially if you travel frequently.
Quick Recap Table: Standout Hair Tools
| Name | Best For | Main Benefit | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark FlexStyle | Travel, volume, curls | Lightweight, versatile | Barrel swapping for sides |
| BondiBoost Airstyler | Fast volume | Quick blowouts | Curls may not last |
| Revlon One-Step | DIY blowouts | Ease, affordability | Bulky brush size |
| RevAir | Curly, thick hair | Damage-reducing drying | Bulky, expensive |
Final Thoughts
Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors agree: The best hair tools of 2025 combine innovative engineering, styling versatility, and hair health features with real-world ease and lasting results. Whether you’re transforming your look daily or just want to refresh your styling kit, investing in trusted tools is the secret to beautiful, healthy hair—at home or on the go.
Shop the Editor’s Hair Tool Edit
- Multi-Stylers: For versatility and efficiency
- Hot Brushes: For effortless blowouts and volume
- Classic Tools: Curling irons and straighteners for precision styling
- Specialty Devices: For unique hair concerns and advanced results
Evaluate your hair goals, texture needs, and styling habits, then choose from the top-tested picks above for salon-worthy confidence every day. Stay tuned for more expert-guided recommendations and hair tool trends as tech—and beauty—evolve through 2025 and beyond.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g42911813/best-dyson-airwrap-dupes/
- https://myrevair.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan-calls-revair-a-must-have-for-textured-hair-care
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a32495020/revlon-hot-brush-tool-tiktok/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vAJc2yW6vw
- https://rizoscurls.com/blogs/press/12-best-hair-brushes-on-amazon-for-every-hair-type-in-cosmopolitan
- https://www.lolavie.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan-s-2025-clean-beauty-awards-the-best-hair-products
- https://www.sazan.me/blog/7-genius-hair-hacks-with-cosmopolitan-mag
- https://maxinesalon.com/cosmopolitan_august_23_2023/
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