Checklist · 13 picks · 6 categories
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Building a hair tool kit is easier when you start with the basics and add the fun stuff later.
The essentials are a good hair dryer, a detangling brush that works on wet hair, and a heat protectant you spray on before any hot tool touches your hair. From there, pick your style: a flat iron for sleek and straight, a curling iron or wand for curls and waves, or heatless curlers if you'd rather sleep your way to bouncy hair with zero heat. Every pick won a named award from NBC Select or Reviewed, from budget-friendly to full splurge, and each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out, so you know what you're getting before you buy.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a relaxing pamper night rather than styling tools; our spa night at home list covers sheet masks, robes and scalp massagers.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer | budget | $25-50 | a first good dryer that covers the basics | 1 outlet |
| Shark HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer | mid | $200-300 | letting the dryer pick the right airflow | 1 outlet |
| Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | splurge | $300-500 | a splurge dryer for every hair type | 2 outlets agree |
Best hair dryerbudget pick · 1.45 lb
Best for a first good dryer that covers the basics
NBC Select's best ionic hair dryer: designed for all hair types, with nearly all of the features its experts recommend.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. NBC Select best ionic hair dryer.
$25-50
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mid pick · Full size
Best for letting the dryer pick the right airflow
NBC Select's best smart hair dryer: dual optical sensors read your hair's thickness and texture and set the airflow for you.
Heads up. Diffuser not included.
1 outlet. NBC Select best smart hair dryer.
$200-300
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splurge pick · Full size
Best for a splurge dryer for every hair type
NBC Select's best overall hair dryer: it tops the list for fast drying that minimizes heat damage and frizz.
Heads up. Higher price point.
2 outlets agree. NBC Select best overall hair dryer. The Strategist best-in-class blow-dryer.
$300-500
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Best flat ironbudget pick · About 4.5 in plates
Best for sleek, straight hair on a small budget
Reviewed's best value flat iron: a bargain iron with extra-long plates that gives a salon-quality smooth style.
Heads up. It feels cheaply made and the cord is short.
1 outlet. Reviewed best value flat iron.
$25-50
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mid pick · About 4.25 in plates
Best for a flat iron you'll use for years
Reviewed's best overall flat iron: a high-quality, durable tool for sleek styles that chimes when it's ready.
Heads up. Reviewed gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. Reviewed best overall flat iron.
$50-100
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Best curling ironmid pick · 1.25 in barrel
Best for quick curls before you head out
NBC Select's best fast styling curling iron: it heats evenly up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit for uniform curls.
Heads up. NBC Select notes it's best for tousled curls.
1 outlet. NBC Select best fast styling curling iron.
$25-50
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splurge pick · 1 in to 0.9 in tapered barrel
Best for waves with a wand
Reviewed's best overall curling iron: a clear winner in its tests that heats up quickly, with a well-placed kickstand.
Heads up. The heat isn't adjustable, and it comes in one barrel size.
1 outlet. Reviewed best overall curling iron.
$200-300
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Best heatless curlersbudget pick · Rod + 2 scrunchies
Best for overnight curls with zero heat
NBC Select's best overall heatless curlers: you wrap 2-inch sections around a satin tube worn like a headband, and an editor calls the satin soft and easy to use.
Heads up. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it.
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall heatless curlers.
$15-25
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splurge pick · Long rod
Best for long hair that needs a longer rod
NBC Select's best splurge heatless curlers: a stylist notes the rod is longer than most, which suits long hair.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. NBC Select best splurge heatless curlers.
$50-100
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Best heat protectantmid pick · Spray
Best for frizz control plus heat protection
NBC Select's best overall heat protectant: a writer says it keeps frizz under control while protecting her fine, wavy hair from heat.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall heat protectant.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Spray
Best for adding shine and moisture to second-day hair
NBC Select's best heat protectant spray: an oil-based spray that's great for day-two hair when you want a little more moisture.
Heads up. It can be greasy if you use too much.
1 outlet. NBC Select best heat protectant spray.
$25-50
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Best detangling brushbudget pick · Standard
Best for getting knots out right after the shower
NBC Select's best detangling brush: a popular detangler made for wet hair that works for all hair types.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. NBC Select best detangling brush.
under $15
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budget pick · Standard
Best for fine or thinning hair that tangles easily
NBC Select's best brush overall: a favorite of several NBC Select editors, with flexible bristles for wet or dry hair.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one.
1 outlet. NBC Select best brush overall.
under $15
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Start with a hair dryer, a detangling brush and a heat protectant. Add a flat iron, a curling iron or heatless curlers once you know which styles you actually wear.
If you use a dryer, flat iron or curling iron, yes. The heat protectants NBC Select recommends protect against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so spray it on before styling.
They can. NBC Select notes most heatless curlers work best worn overnight, and they're a good option if your hair is damaged or chemically treated and more prone to breakage.