Hair Styling Tools & Products You Should Have In Your Arsenal
Your hair can make or break your entire outfit. There’s a growing trend of certain outfits being considered curly hair or straight hair outfits. But learning to style your hair can be difficult, especially when there are so many trends and products available. From styling tools, to the right brushes, to products that will protect your hair or hold a style, and so many more! The range of hair products and styling tools on the market is always growing. Thankfully, there has also been an increase in products specifically made for certain hair types. Rather leave you searching through all the products available, we’re bringing you a deep dive in the best hairstyling tools and products you should have to effortless create looks that will take your outfits to the next level.
Heat Styling Essentials
When it comes to heat styling essentials, it will come down to your hair type. Depending on your hair type, for instance, if it's thin, thick, curly, or coily, you will need a different type of tool. This can include tools with adjustable or higher settings and the plat material. For thin and fair hair, you’ll require lower heat settings and ceramic tools will be gently and effective. For thick and coarse hair, you’ll require a higher heat. For this hair type, titanium and tourmaline tools can help distribute heat evenly. For curly and coily hair, look for tools with adjustable heat and smoothing technology, which include ionic and tourmaline plates.
In general, we recommend tools with adjustable settings, auto shut-off, swivel cords, and fast heat-up times. Avoid tools with heat settings like “low, medium, and high”. Instead, go for products that show the exact temperature, which should ideally be from 250 to 450 °F, but the amount of heat you need will depend on your hair type.
If you’re unsure about different plate materials and what they do, here is a quick breakdown:
Ceramic: provides even heat; can be gentle enough for daily use
Titanium: heats fast, has a high temperature; best for thick hair
Tourmaline: reduces frizz; best for curly hair
Ionic: reduces frizz, smoothes the hair cuticle; leaves hair shiny and soft
Best Tools On The Market
Flat Irons: Best for straightening, but can also be used to create waves and curls. Look for ceramic and titanium plates. Ceramic flat irons are gentler, but titanium flat irons allow for even and high heat.
Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron 1” $99.99
T3 Lucea 1 ½” Professional Straightening and Styling Iron $199.99
ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler $399.00
Mane The Three Way Multi-Use Flat Iron $98.00
Curling Irons & Wands: Great for making defined curls or beachy waves. Curling wands are better for creating natural looking waves. Curling irons are better for creating structured curls.
Dyson Airwap ID™ Multi-Styler and Dryer for Curly to Coily Hair $599.99
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Interchangeable Curling Iron $249.00
Hot Tools Pro Signature Gold Curling Iron $23.99
L’ange Hair Le Curl Titanium Curling Wand $39.00
Blow Dryer: Look for ionic technology. For curly hair, look for a blow-dryer that comes with a diffuser or allows for one to be attached.
Dyson Special Edition Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer $499.00
Shark Beauty FlexStyle Sparkle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi Styler $349.00
Revlon Perfect Heat Volumizing Turbo Hair Dryer $19.99
Rusk W8less 2000 Watt Dryer $94.99
Hot Brushes & Air Stylers: These tools are best for volume and quick styling.
L'ange Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer $69.00
Ghd Glide Hot Brush $209.00
CALISTA Perfecter Pro Heated Round Brush $109.00
amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush $100.00
Styling Tools
Styling tools are essential to creating your overall hair look. From brushes that minimize frizz to detanglers, these tools will help you keep every hair in place and limit damage and breakage. These heatless styling tools are highly underrated. Just like hot tools, you’ll want to take your hair type into consideration when purchasing a brush. Fine and straight hair require gentle and lightweight brushes. Thick hair will need a sturdy brush with firm bristles. Curly and coily hair requires wide-tooth combs, detanglers, and tools that won’t snag the hair. Wavy and frizzy hair need brushes that will smooth, such as boar bristle combs.
The material of your combs and brushes matter. Boar bristles are good for smoothness. Nylon bristles are beneficial for detangling. Ceramic barrels allow for fast heat styling and drying. Remember to also take into account the comfort of the brushes handle, whether you want soft tips or cushioned bases to avoid scalp irritation, and how long you’d like your brush to last. Some brushes are expensive, but these are top tier brushes, known for their quality, durability, and lasting-capability.
Paddle Brushes: This brush is good for detangling, straightening, and blow-drying long hair. Best for straight to wavy hair that is medium to long length. Look for ceramic and cushioned bases with flexible bristles.
Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush $25.50
EMI Jay Bamboo Paddle Hair Brush $48.00
L'ange Professional Siena Paddle Brush $25.00
Philip B Paddle Hair Brush $210.00
Round Brush: This brush is best for blowouts and creating curls or waves with hair dryers. The barrel size is based on your hair length and the desired look. Bigger barrels are good for looser waves, but might not work on short hair due to the size. Ceramic brushes with venter barrels will allow for faster drying.
Revlon Perfect Style Porcupine Round Brush $9.82
Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush $30.00
GHD Ceramic Vented Radial Brush $40.00
Oribe Large Round Brush $125.00
Boar Bristle Brush: This brush is good for distributing oils, smoothing, and adding shine to your hair. This is good for fine to normal hair. Since it evenly distributes oil, this might not be beneficial to thick hair, and may cause it to look greasy.
Mason Pearson Handy Boar Bristle Hair Brush $325.00
Crown Affair Women's Brush No. 003 $98.00
Ion Golden Wood Boar/ Porcupine Round Brush $12.00
Drybar Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush $85.00
Denman Brush: This brush is good for creating defined curls and smoothing hair while blow-drying. Best for curly and coily hair. The brushes adjustable rows allow you to customize the brush for your curl type by adjusting the tension.
Denman Paddle Brush $27.95
Denman D3 Original 7 Row Styler $25.00
Amika Denman Tangle Tamer Ultra Brush $34.00
Denman D90L Tangle Tamer Ultra Hairbrush $34.00
Wide-Tooth Comb: This brush is good for detangling wet hair without breaking it. Best for all hair types, but especially good for curly and coily hair. We recommend using this type of brush with a leave-in conditioner or while in the shower.
Tangle Teezer Wide Tooth Comb $13.00
PATTERN Wide Tooth Comb $15.00
Kitsch Wide Tooth Comb $12.00
ORIBE Wide Tooth Comb $50.00
Tail Comb: This comb is good for precision parting, sectioning, and teasing hair. It can be good for all hair types and is typically used for up dos and sleek looks.
Bone Super Rattail Comb $2.19
YS Park 102 Tail Comb $35.89
Glam Seamless Fine Tooth Tail Comb $9.99
Cécred Parting Tail Comb $18.00
Teasing Brush or Comb: This tool is used for adding volume to the roots. Best for flat or fine hair.
Mason Pearson Tail Comb $34.00
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna The Sidestick 3-in-1 Edge Styling Tool $18.00
Drybar Texas Tease Tease Brush $18.00
Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Tease Hair Brush $12.00
Finishing Products
Finishing products are one of the final touches that can perfect your hairdo and allow it to last all day and night. Hair serums and oils can add shine or reduce frizz, while texturizing sprays help create beach waves or hold styles. Like brushes, combs, and hot tools, your hair type is going to come into play when picking serums, oils, and sprays. Fine hair will need lightweight products that won't weigh the hair down. Thick hair requires rich and heavy products to control the hair and minimize frizz. Curly, wavy, and coily hair will want to use products that moisturize, define curls, and fight frizz. Straight hair will want to use products that add texture and volume if desired.
When choosing a finishing product, think about what kind of look you’re going for. Sleek and polished looks may require serums, creams, and pomades for shine. Textured looks may need sea salt sprays, texturizing sprays, and dry wax. Voluminous styles might benefit from volumizing sprays, mousses, and root lifters. For defined curls, use curl creams, gels, and mousses.
You will also want to consider what kind of hold you want from your product. Lighter products will give natural movement and better for everyday wear. These might be light sprays, creams, and leave-in conditioners. Medium hold will have more control while still being flexible. This can include pomades, mousses, and light gels. Strong holds will allow styles to last all day and night, are great for up-dos and slick looks. This can be strong gels, waxes, and hair sprays.
Finally, also consider if you’d like a matte or shiny finish. Matte finishes can be more natural. This is good for texture or short styles. For this look, use clays, pastes, or dry shades. Shiny looks are better for sleek, glossy, and polished looks. You’ll want to use serums, oils, and shine sprays.
Here are some bonus tips for trying to pick the best finishing product for your hair:
Use an anti-frizz or humidity resistant product if your hair is frizzy or you’re somewhere with high humidity.
Use a finishing oil or cream with nourishing ingredients, like argan oil, for damaged hair.
Use products without alcohol and heavy fragrances if you have a sensitive scalp.
Serums & Oils: These products will add shine and reduce frizz.
StyldLife Nourish Hair Oil $24.00
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil $46.00
Olaplex Bonding Oil No.7 $30.00
Texturizing Sprays: This kind of spray is good for beach waves and adding grit.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray $26.00
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray $8.34
Full Dry Volume Texture Spray Living Proof $21.00
Color Wow Style On Steroids Spray $17.00
Dry Shampoos: This kind of spray is good for refreshing hair and extending your style.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo $28.00
Crown Affair Women's The Refillable Dry Shampoo $42.00
Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo $18.00
Kitsch Volumizing Rice Protein Dry Shampoo $15.00
Hair Spray: This spray will help hold a style. There are many options available depending on if you’d like a flexible hold, no crunch, or a strong hold so your style doesn’t budge.
Kenra 25 Volume Spray $37.00
TRESemme Extra Hold Hair Spray $7.00
Davines Hairspray for Long-Lasting Styles $42.00
Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Super Clean Spray $23.00
Shine Sprays: These lightweight mists will add a glossy finish, perfect for sleek looks, like buns and pulled back ponytails.
COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Treatment Spray for Frizzy Hair $28.00
Pattern Shine Spray $23.00
CHI Shine Infusion Spray $23.00
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Oil Mist $21.00
Must Have Styling Accessories
Section Clips: Allows for easy parting and sectioning of hair while drying, straightening, or curling.
L'ange Hair Narrow-Tipped Rubber Hair Clips $15.00
Mermade Hair Jumbo No-Crease Hair Clips $12.00
DryBar Hold Me Hair Clips $19.00
Kitsch Alligator Clips for Hair $6.99
Heat Protectant Spray: This can be one of the most important products you use when doing a style that uses heat. Use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from heat damage.
COLOR WOW Dream Coat Spray $16.00
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer $16.00
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray $32.00
Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal Heat Protectant Spray $9.99
Maintenance Is Essential
When it comes to hot tools and brushes, you always want to remember to clean and properly store your tools. Remember to remove hair and lint from hot tools. This will prevent tools from overheating and tangling your hair. Most products will come with a storage bag or case for the tool. Not only is this great for when you’re traveling with your tool, but this can be an easy way to store a tool. This can help prevent damaging and tangling cords. Not only will your tools last longer, but they will work effectively.
When it comes to hair, always remember, taking care of your hair is the first and most essential step to any form of styling. Healthy hair can enhance every look, regardless of the style. Not only can it boost your confidence, but it can enhance and elevate your look. If you’re looking for more personalized hair care and styling advice, explore our hair styling sessions. If you’re on your natural hair care journey, check out StyldLife’s Crown Club, a virtual community for anyone who wants to learn how to grow, style, & care for natural, healthy curls.
