Styling your hair can be an art form in and of itself, but for true professional results, you need professional hair styling tools. Many folks get great results with hair dryers, flat irons, and curling wands, giving them all sorts of chic styles.
When asked, 52% of Highlight survey respondents said they bought a detangling comb or brush in the last six months. Even if you have no experience with styling your hair, there are a ton of online video tutorials teaching you everything from how to do a simple fishtail braid to how to curl your hair with a curling iron. In this blog, we aim to empower you with the knowledge of the best hair styling tools for great results.
How to Choose a Hairstylist?
If doing your own hair is too complicated for you (no shame in that!), then finding the right hairstylist can make a huge difference. However, not all great hairstylists are easy to find, so knowing a few tricks can help you find the one who’s best for you, no matter your hair type.
Check Social Media
In today’s digital world, one of the first ways to find a great hairstylist is to search online, and for many, that means scrolling social media. Instagram is one of the best platforms to use because it’s where many hairstylists showcase their best work. You get to see videos that include “before and after” results, letting you see the customer’s full transformation and hear their opinions without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth is also a great avenue because it lets you hear about other people’s experiences. If you know anyone who’s been to a hairstylist recently, ask them where they went and whether they’re planning to go back. Unfortunately, people who haven’t had a great experience typically never go back, but they’ll also give you a full, honest review, helping you avoid an unpleasant experience.
Check Reviews
If you can’t ask someone for a recommendation, or you’ve found a salon and want to know more, then reviews are going to be your best friend. Find the salons you’re considering online, and check for reviews. While you might not see their results if they don’t post images, people are usually happy to give a four- or five-star rating on a salon they had a great experience with.
Knowing how to read a review is also important. Try to ignore anonymous reviews, and don’t bother with ones made over a year ago. Management and staff change, so a negative review left two years ago might not hold the same weight now if that particular stylist has left.
Book a Consultation
Finally, when you’ve found a salon you’re interested in, book a consultation. A consultation with a new hairstylist is invaluable because it allows you to discuss:
- Your hair goals and aspirations
- Your haircare routine
- Any styling products that you should or shouldn’t be using
- What styles will suit your face shape
What Are the Different Types of Professional Hair Styling Tools?
If you prefer to style your own hair from the comfort of your own home, there are some must-have professional hair styling tools that you need to get the best results. Here are our top hair tools you should consider.
Flat Irons/Straighteners
Flat irons and hair straighteners are popular with those who don’t want to manage unruly curls or who prefer a sleek look. When buying one, it must have either titanium plates, which are ideal for thick/coarse hair, or tourmaline ceramic plates, ideal for fragile or damaged hair. It should also have a temperature dial so you can select a lower heat if you prefer.
Hair Dryers
Many top professional hairstyling techniques are achieved with a professional-grade hair dryer and round brush. To reduce drying time and frizz, choose a high-velocity, lightweight one, so it’s easy to manage for the duration it’ll take to style your hair. For best results, try to find one with ion technology, which reduces frizz.
Brushes and Combs
Brushes and combs are also essential styling equipment, especially when you’re conditioning or blow-drying your hair. Consider options like professional cutting combs from Japan to achieve a smooth and even tension, which is essential if you’re cutting your own hair at home. Round brushes are great for styling your hair in waves or straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the 2.25-Inch Rule For Hair?
The 2.25-inch rule is a measurement technique that can help you determine whether you’ll look better with short or long hair. Stylist Giles Robinson developed it for John Frieda, and it works on the idea that if the distance between your earlobe and your chin is less than 2.25 inches, you will look better with shorter styles, and if it’s greater, then longer styles may work better for your face shape.
How Do You Know If a Hairstylist Is Good?
A good hairstylist listens to what you want and takes the time to discuss your hair history and daily routine. A good professional is also one who can tell you candidly if your style goals are not ideal for you and offers alternatives that will complement your face shape.
Watch out for stylists who don’t listen or seem distracted throughout the initial consultation. A good hairstylist should also be forthcoming with the cost of their services, so you’re not unpleasantly surprised at the end of the appointment.
Unlocking Salon Quality at Home
With so many professional hair styling tools on the market, your perfect hairstyle is always within reach. Consider purchasing a high-velocity hair dryer with ion technology, along with round brushes and top-quality combs for the best results.
To get perfectly smooth hair every time, ensure your flat-iron has titanium or tourmaline ceramic plates. If you’re not comfortable doing your own styling, find a hairstylist with great reviews and ensure you spend time detailing exactly what you’re looking for.
If this guide helped you upgrade your kit, discover the latest 2026 styling trends and tool reviews in our Lifestyle section.
