When it comes to ‘plugging in,’ our cellphones aren’t top of mind — it’s our hair tools. Because time is money, a styling tool should serve as a solution, not an extra step. The best hair styling tool cuts our styling time in half, minimizes damage and replicates salon results at-home.
For Shop TODAY’s second annual Hair Awards, we spent the past few months curling, brushing and styling with hundreds of hair styling tools to find just that. Our team of editors, moms and testers came with an array of hair types, textures and densities to truly narrow down the best hair tools for everyone. We also set our list of winners to our expert panel for verification and to share their best tips for optimal hair health.
From travel-friendly flat irons to viral multi-stylers, keep reading to discover the best hair styling tools of 2026, according to extensive testing and expert insight. Plus, discover more of our winners here.
Shop TODAY Hair Awards 2026: The best hair styling tools, tested by editors
“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp because that’s where every hair follicle grows,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, especially when it comes to combating hair thinning or loss. To stimulate circulation to this area for better product penetration, trichologist Mandy Buechner says this is a great tool to use.
“It helps to reduce tension and stress while also helping to promote healthier hair growth,” she explains. “Circulation to the scalp not only helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the follicles, but it also helps reduce inflammation and clear out stagnant DHT (hormone responsible for androgenic hair loss). [This is] one of the best budget-friendly tools you can quickly add to your routine, no matter what hair type you have or how advanced your hair loss has become.”
The best tip to achieving long-lasting curls is following your heat styling with some old school hair rollers. This set from The Hair Edit has a ceramic core to evenly distribute heat, lift roots, set curls and boost volume. You can also use them as you blow dry your hair to quickly heat and create extra bounce.
For those with waves or curls, we all know the brush you use is critical to your styling routine. According to Bouncecurl, their Volume Edgelift Brush offers five benefits in one: It smoothes, separates and defines curls, all while doubling as a curling tool via the handle to part and shape your strands.
“It delivers exactly what it promised: An extra oomph to really make sure your curls are defined, shaped and springy,” raves special projects associate Jordan Murray. “It’s super easy to use, doesn’t add frizz and helps add more volume when brought all the way up to the root. The side ridges do a great job of separating out the curls while the mix of boar and plastic bristles keep your curls tangle free and eliminate frizz”
Our testers also noted that the brush isn’t for detangling, so rely on it sole for your styling routine.
Should you use a silk scrunchie for your hair? Similar to the benefits of using a silk pillowcase, a silk scrunchie is a gentle alternative to your average ponytail (or however you prefer to call it!) to minimize the risk of damage to your locks, including the pick above.
“[It’s] a great choice for protecting the hair as these are made with 100% pure silk, creating less friction against the hair,” approves board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “This helps to reduce pulling, tangling and mechanical breakage, which can be especially important for those with chemically treated, weak or damaged hair prone to breakage. I especially love that they are fashionable while still being functional.”
I totally get it — spending nearly $60 on a hair towel seems absurd. I’ve plopped, twisted and dried my hair with most of the popular brands on the market (and used my fair share of cotton tees and hotel towels), but Crown Affair’s The Hair Towel reigns on top.
Here’s why it delivers more: The knitted towel is made from a custom microfiber blend that gently absorbs water from wet strands, all while reducing friction, breakage and other damage. It’s also uniquely shaped with a rounded curve on one side to accommodate all hair types and lengths. My hair is just below my bra line, and this hair towel manages to scoop it all in.
Compared to a competitor, I noticed the towel dries my hair in a significantly shorter time. While this will vary per hair type and density, my hair is about 60 to 70% dry once I remove. My styling routine has even been cut short, going from an hour to just around 40 minutes to fully dry and style.
Plus, “I also love that the elastic band helps keep the towel securely in place,” shares Garshick, which you can use to tuck the whole tail of the towel.
If you struggle with heat styling your hair, associate social media editor Dani Musacchio says the Wavytalk Blowout Boost Grande is perfectly beginner-friendly.
“I love how easy this heated brush is to use and how quickly it heats up,” she boasts. “I was worried that this product would make my hair shed a ton, but I actually didn’t notice much fallout while using it...I have pin straight hair, so I love how this product gave my hair a little more bounce.”
Tired of tweezing? This award-winning epilator claims to effectively remove hair in one stroke. It comes with two interchangeable heads, can be used wet or dry and promises for more comfort and less painful hair removal.
Instead of relying on a salon visit for a bouncy blow out, tester Emily Alek shares that Revlon’s VersaStyler gives you the look at home.
“I’m somewhat of a hair styling novice, so whenever I try to achieve a similar look with a separate brush and blow dryer, I find it very difficult and often end up getting the brush stuck in my hair with the blow dryer creating a chaotic, tangled mess,” she reveals. “This all-in-one tool didn’t get tangled or stuck at all, and it dried and styled my hair quickly and efficiently.”
It might look tiny, but this mini styler from Chi is certainly mighty. At just a few inches long with 1.5” floating plates, the travel-friendly flat iron impressively goes up to 410°F even with its small size to deliver silky, long-lasting results. Plus, it’s compatible for international travel thank to its dual voltage system.
You’ll often find me grabbing my curling iron first thing in the morning. I’ve used the same brand of curling iron for three years now, but have since leaned on Ghd’s Chronos Curve Max Wand after testing it for our Hair Awards.
With a 1.5” barrel, it is an optimal size for loose, voluminous waves. Although there is no button to adjust the heat (only one to turn the device on/off), the curler has what the brand calls an ‘intelligent algorithm’ that maintains a 365°F across the full barrel length to effectively curl without increasing damage. The barrel itself is made with an anodized coating (an electrochemical finish), which helps enhance shine and reduce frizz as it styles.
But importantly, I appreciate the safety settings the most: From a quick heat-up time, safety stand and a 20-minute auto sleep mode, these ‘minor’ details offer styling with a piece of mind.
“This hair dryer has become my new favorite hair tool to style my hair for its lightweight, ergonomic and sleek design,” boasts writer Jannely Espinal. “In the beginning, I didn’t have many expectations due to its small design. However, it does perform amazing and reduces my freeze. While it doesn’t dry my hair faster than other hair dryers, it does protect my strands and makes my hands less tired. It’s so lightweight and can hold it for over an hour without feeling pain on my wrists.”
She continues, “The best part? You can fold it, making it more compact and travel with it. I did use the diffuser as well and it left my curls more defined and less frizzy than other previous tools.”
No matter if you use it on wet or dry hair, Shark Beauty’s Glam Hot Tool Air Styling Drying System has an ultra-fast dry time and hair-smoothing attachments to create a glossy bounce for all hair types. It uses heat-controlled ceramic plates and a high-speed air flow system to style without the damage, regardless of what attachment you opt for (the straightener and curlers included).
“They’re [the attachments] just what I would want from a multi-styler as somebody who likes to play around with curls and straight hair,” editor Vivien Moon says, who rates them “at the top” compared to competitors. “I especially love the round brush because it has the perfect bristles that I prefer: sturdy and easy to brush out any knots. I found that each attachment worked great with my thin, long hair and left it feeling frizz-free, smooth and shiny.”
Frequently asked questions
"The most common cause of hair loss or thinning, also known as telogen effluvium, is our daily lifestyle," explains Buechner, which includes our stress, nutrition, exercise and sleep patterns. When one of these elements are disrupted, you might notice some changes in your overall hair and skin health (think a increase in shedding or acne).
"Stress, combined with nutrition and lifestyle, is why we continue to see evolution happening in real time," the trichologist further shares. "We are actively 'turning on' the gene for androgenic alopecia with these things. We have to learn to simplify our lives, choose healthy, nutrient-dense options on our plates, use clean beauty and hygiene products, and pay attention to our sleep patterns and hormone levels. All key important factors in retaining your hair longer as you age."
The best way to prevent is to begin general health habits before hair loss starts. "However, if you start to notice thinning or shedding, consult with a board-certified trichologist, like myself, or a board-certified dermatologist for further testing and therapy options," Buechner shares.
"Scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair," emphasizes Garshick. "A healthy scalp creates the optimal environment for hair follicles to function normally, while inflammation, excess oil, product buildup or certain scalp conditions can interfere with hair growth and contribute to shedding or worsened hair quality."
Spearman says the products you use for scalp health is dependent on what it really needs. "If your scalp is oily, look for products that help remove excess oil and buildup without leaving it stripped," she shares, such as a clarifying shampoo.
On the other hand, dry scalps benefit most from moisturizing ingredients to support the skin barrier, reveals Garshick, "while sensitive scalps often do best with fragrance-free, gentle formulas that minimize the risk of irritation." She adds, "Ultimately, it’s important to treat the scalp like an extension of the skin."
"Different hair types naturally have different needs, so there isn’t one product that’s right for everyone," mentions Spearman. "Fine hair is more easily weighed down, so lightweight products usually work best. Textured hair often needs more moisture because natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily, while wavy hair usually does well with products that add hydration without creating heavy buildup."
Our experts both emphasize that hair health isn't influenced about the products your use, rather, by everyday factors (like genetics, hormones or aging, for instance).
"While you can’t control every factor, taking care of your scalp, eating a balanced diet and limiting excessive heat or chemical treatments can all help support healthier hair," says Spearman. "If you notice a sudden change in your hair, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist to help identify the cause."
What are Shop TODAY’s 2026 Hair Awards?
Shop TODAY’s second annual Hair Awards touches on all the hair styling and care items that give our team and staffers their healthiest strands and best styles. They pitched the products they swear by in categories like shampoo, conditioner, styling cream, treatments and brushes, including picks that they’ve been loving and using for years on end.
We also combed through new launches and bestselling product submissions to complete our testing pool. Each product was evaluated through real-world testing to identify the formulas, tools and treatments that truly deliver on their claims. Our goal is to help readers discover products worth their time and money across every step of their hair routine.
What type of products do we test?
Our team of editors, writers and staffers sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor and expert recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to solidify our testing pool of 161 contenders.
To determine our list of 50 winners, we incorporated products into our hair routines over the span of two months to see if they meet requirements when it comes to quality, special features, value and overall satisfaction for styling, strengthening and hair health. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on criteria that make a quality hair product.
How do we test products?
Our editorial team and a group of trusted testers evaluate products over an extended testing period as part of their everyday routines. Rather than relying on a single impression, testers use products in real-life conditions to assess how they perform over time.
Each product is scored using a standardized evaluation that measures:
- Effectiveness at delivering its intended benefit
- Overall satisfaction
- Ease and enjoyment of use
- Product quality, including formula, ingredients, packaging and performance
- Likelihood of continued use or repurchase
- Likelihood of recommending it to others
- Performance compared to similar products
- How well it addressed specific concerns
- How well it improved hair’s look and feel
In addition to numerical scores, testers provide detailed written feedback describing what they loved, what could be improved and how the product fit into their routines.
How we chose the winners
Winning products consistently stood out across both quantitative scores and qualitative feedback. Our editorial team reviewed tester ratings alongside written reviews to identify products that delivered exceptional performance, lived up to their claims and offered meaningful value to consumers.
While high scores were important, editors also considered factors such as innovation, ease of use, consistency of results and how products compared with others in their category. The final winners represent the products our testers would genuinely continue using and confidently recommend to others.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the latest beauty products. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner is a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Has your product been featured?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers interview expert sources, try newly launched products and search the internet to find the best products out there. Based on personal experiences and expert recommendations, we aim to make shopping easier for our readers. With our rigorous methodology created to ensure every product is reviewed the same way, we stand by everything we recommend across our broadcast, digital and social platforms.
