We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An affordable Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer which will make styling your own hair a cinch. If you're new to this whole blowout at home thing, it'll be a wallet-friendly way to dip your toe in. PS: Reviewers say this brush/dryer combo works well on all hair types including textured 4c curls and coils.
Promising review: "I have NEVER been able to give myself a nice blowout until I got this! I would dry, then straighten, then use a curling iron. On my first try with this tool, I was able to get gorgeous, soft hair in about 20 minutes. Amazing!" —Rachel S.
Get it from Amazon for $34.88+ (available in nine styles).
2. Or a similar tool — The Knot Dr. by Conair — just in a more compact package so you can bring along on all of your travels/sleepovers. (Idc if you're in your 30s, sleepovers are still fun AF!)
Promising review: "Exactly what I needed and works great. I have a large brush dryer and took too much room when traveling. I was hesitant about buying a smaller one because my hair is very curly and didn’t think it would work because of the lower watts. But it did! It’s light, smaller, and will take up less room in my suitcase. I highly recommend it. Love it!" —Ana Estrella
Get it from Amazon for $29 (also available in two other styles, and as attachments).
3. If it's been on your wishlist for a year at this point and you're ready to just cave and get it, a Dyson AirWrap! The six-in-one hair dryer and styler basically works magic (if you've seen the TikToks, you know) on any mane. It comes with a pre-styling dryer, two smoothing brushes, and two sizes of curling barrels — all which use hot air to dry *and* style your hair in one.
Believe the hype! This baby is loved by reviewers with all different types of hair from fine and stick-straight to thick, dense curls.
Promising review: "The Dyson Airwrap is a revolutionary styling tool that has completely transformed my routine. What sets it apart is its innovative design, which uses air to style hair without extreme heat. This means I can achieve beautiful curls, waves, or smooth styles without worrying about damaging my hair. The multiple attachments cater to different hair types and styles, ensuring that everyone can achieve their desired look effortlessly. Not only does it style my hair impeccably, but it also saves me time. The powerful airflow dries and styles my hair simultaneously, leaving me with salon-quality results in a fraction of the time. Additionally, the ease of use is unparalleled. While the Airwrap is an investment, it's worth every penny for the quality, performance, and convenience it delivers." —cdezdez
Get it from Amazon for $599.99 (available in three versions).
Want more info? Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Dyson Airwrap Styler!
4. Or a happy-medium Shark Flex Style Hair Drying System (basically the brand's very own version of the Dyson AirWrap) with attachments for drying, diffusing, straightening, and curling your hair.
This set comes with 1.25" auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush, a diffuser, a paddle brush, and a styling concentrator. It also gets rave reviews from user with all different hair types.
Promising review: "I watched a lot of video reviews of this product before purchasing it, specifically comparisons with the Dyson AirWrap. Having used the AirWrap once, I always wanted one but couldn't justify the price. As such, this product by Shark is perfect. It allows me to style my hair faster and easier than ever so I can always look polished and put-together even when I am crunched for time. I have taken this with me on multiple trips, vacations, professional conferences, and weddings. It has not disappointed me at all. It is super easy to learn to use. I love the rotating head for blowdrying. I don't even use my normal blowdryer anymore and love that this tool can do it all. The blowout and straightening brushes reduce my natural frizz and smooth down my hair." —Kermeka
Get it from Amazon for $357.97.
5. A Kitsch microfiber hair towel which absorbs water five times faster than a regular towel so when you're ready to dive into your blowout, you'll have perfectly damp (as opposed to soaking wet) locks.
Kitsch is a woman-owned small accessory brand that was founded in 2010. They also sell cute scrunchies, cloth face masks, satin pillowcases, and more.
Here's more from BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly:
"I own this beaut in this pattern, a polka dot print, and a tropical leafy print. I swore by the Turbie Twist for a while (which is closer to an actual towel) but this microfiber fabric is far gentler on hair. Plus it feels lighter on my head/neck, which is great news for someone like me taking lunchtime showers while working from home and putting off blow drying my hair for as long as possible. It has elastic along the edges that helps it wrap around my head comfortably, and a stretchy loop at the front that I can twist back and put on a large button at the back of my head. Suffice it to say, it's super user-friendly. I can easily throw it in the wash with the rest of my towels and hang it up on a bathroom door hook to let it dry between uses. I wish I bought three of these years ago."
Another colleague, Kayla Boyd (pictured above!), also owns and loves this towel:
"I love this hair towel! It’s so easy to use and my hair dries so much faster than normal air drying. I haven’t touched my blow-dryer since I got this. My only recommendation is to wring out as much excess water from your hair as possible before putting the hair towel on, there’s only so much water it can handle. Other than that it’s cute, easy to use and super soft I highly recommend this!" —kathryn
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 11 colors).
6. And a detangling brush so you can work through knots with ease and head into your styling session with a positive mindset. 🧘♀️
Reviewers with all different hair types and textures have found this brush helpful for pain-free detangling. From people with curls and coils to people with straight hair, this brush has been a winner for them all!
Promising Review: "I'm a single dad of a 6-year-old girl, and combing her hair is the hardest part of taking care of her. She gets really bad knots in her hair. This brush is the only thing that has ever worked. Thank you so much. She even likes to comb her own hair now." —Eric Phan
Get it from Amazon for $10.79 (available in 11 colors and two-packs).
7. An Xtava hair diffuser which evenly distributes heat with the aid of 90 different air vents! This allows your curls to ✨ pop✨ without any added frizz.
Whether you have slightly wavy hair or a mop of tight curls, reviewers say this is a godsend.
Promising review: "The BEST diffuser on the market! I have naturally wavy hair and have struggled with finding the right diffuser to keep my tresses curly while drying my hair. Using the Black Orchid Hair Diffuser is what you need if you have wavy to curly hair! You'll still have your curl and won't have frizz after using the Black Orchid!" —BMRGirl
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
8. A round brush — the most basic tool in any at-home stylist's arsenal. The ceramic- and ion-infused brush is designed to be used in tandem with your dryer of choice as it can withstand heat, maximize shine, and give you big, bold volume that'll last all day. Reviewers also say it eliminates static and reduces tangles which is a win-win!
PS: Osenia is a cruelty-free small biz with all sorts of brushes and haircare products if you're in the market for other options as well.
Promising review: "I was excited to try this brush as boar-bristle brushes are too thick for my fine but voluminous and long hair. I am using the brush for my high top hair rollers. I love the way this brush feels and how it distributes the heat while blow drying! My hair feels super soft and shines better because my hair looks less frizzy. This is much better than the brush I was using. I definitely gave myself a cheeky wink in the mirror! I'm obsessed!" —Tamera Christensen
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six sizes or in two different sets).
9. A long barrel curling iron with a tangle-proof eight-foot-long cord so you can dramatically dance around your bathroom to Ariana Grande's "We Can't Be Friends" without getting tripped in the process.
Promising review: "This is a fantastic curling iron. I love that it has an extra-long rod. I also really like the temperature settings. I think it’s great it tells you what degree you are heating it to instead of just a 1–10 setting. Highly recommend." —Hastings
Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three styles).
10. Or a Chi Spin N Curl if you've watched countless YouTube tutorials on how to use a traditional curling iron and there's just a disconnect between your brain and your hand. This tool draws your hair into its heating chamber and times how long it's in there, too, so even if you're half paying attention while listening to a podcast or scrolling TikTok, you'll get a perfect curl every time.
This curling tool is *ideal* for people with hair between 6–16 inches long and it includes pre-set temperatures for fine hair (370°F), medium density hair (390-degrees F), and coarse hair (410-degrees F) so you don't have to worry about damage.
Promising review: "This thing is awesome! Works great! Took a few tries to get used to, but now that I know how to use it, I use it almost daily!! It curls perfectly and I can do all of my hair in under 15 minutes! Get it!" —TheGFamily
Get it from Amazon for $69.74+ (available in six colors).
11. A RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer — it's an investment, no doubt, but the results speak for themselves. No matter the length, porosity, or type of hair (naturally curly, coily, frizzy, textured, dense, or coarse) you have, this baller device can help dry and stretch your 'do if you're looking for a protective hairstyle or even replace your straightener.
Promising review: "I am amazed at the results of my hair after using my RevAir. I have always had the worst shrinkage and couldn't find a way to stretch out my hair when I did a twist. This is revolutionary; not only did it stretch my hair but my twist-out was popping!" —Marquet S.
Get it from RevAir for $399.
And check it out on TikTok by here!
12. A clamp-free curling wand so you don't have to worry about creases or marks ruining your soft curls.
Reviewers especially love using this tool to create loose, beachy waves. Many also mention using it to style wigs!
Promising review: "This is a cute curler that really packs a punch. I love Bed Head curlers because they last so long. I am still using one that I got years ago in high school. This one surprised me because I thought it would be a bit awkward to use, but it was quite easy! Wear a glove for sure if you are worried about burning your fingers, but I found that I didn't need one because the curling iron is so easy to hold. It's pretty lightweight and heats up very quickly!" —Maddie
Get it from Amazon for $17.06.
13. Or a Beachwaver Co. rotating curling iron with three simplified heat settings and an automatic wand that spins in both directions. Reviewers who say they've had terrible luck with traditional curling irons LOVE this one for its ease of use!
PS: Reviewers with limited mobility love this tool for its ease of use.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:
"I've used about every kind of hair styling tool on the planet and had given up on curling irons with clamps. I was fully a curling wand girlie because I'm adept at heat styling and it gave me covetable mermaid waves I wanted. Then I tried a Beachwaver and haven't looked back since. I have them in two barrel sizes and now can zone out while I do my hair. The directional buttons for the tool are easy to use and if I accidentally press the button for the opposite way of which I'd like the barrel to spin, it's a quick and easy correction. I try all sorts of products for my job but this has quickly become one that I talk about all the time, whether or not I'm asked about it."
Promising review: "The hot tool is amazing!! I’ve never really learned how to curl my hair because I just couldn’t get down how to rotate the iron with my hair. I’ve only been straightening my hair for years. I was tired of it! And decided to get this because it LOOKED easy enough….it is easy enough!! Literally just put you hair in the clamp and push the button for the wand to rotate. Right side of your hair: rotate the right, left side of hair: rotate to the left. When/if this wand breaks down I’m buying another one!!" —Danielle
Get this 1-inch barrel one from Amazon for $88.71 (and check out lots more varieties and barrel sizes; FYI, the smaller the barrel the tighter curl you'll get).
14. A pair of heat-protectant gloves with durable silicone bumps so you don't suffer third degree burns just trying to curl your money pieces.
15. A Wavytalk 5-in-1 tool with a blow drying brush and four interchangeable ceramic curling wands which basically = infinite ways to style your hair.
PS: Reviewers say it also works wonderfully on wigs!
Promising review: "The Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set has truly been a game-changer in my routine. From the moment I started using it, I've been blown away by the results. It's like having a professional stylist at your fingertips! The various barrel sizes allow for endless styling possibilities, whether you prefer loose waves, tight curls, or anything in between. No matter the look I'm going for, this set delivers flawlessly every time. What's even better is how easy it is to use. Even if you're a beginner, you'll have no trouble achieving salon-worthy results with this set. The barrels heat up quickly and evenly, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver. Plus, the temperature control feature gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can adjust it to suit my hair type and desired style. If you're looking to elevate your hair styling game, look no further — this set is all you need!" —shawnice williams
Get it from Amazon for $42.49 (available in four combinations).
16. A Dyson Airstrait — a tool that dries and straightens hair (of any type or texture, btw) simultaneously without the use of hot plates, so you don't have to worry about heat damaging your luscious locks.
My colleague Heather Braga has and loves it:
"I've had the pleasure of testing out the Dyson Airstrait and, OMG, what an incredible piece of technology. Yes, I called this 'tech' instead of a beauty tool. While it is both of these things, I was amazed by the gadget-ness of it right off the bat. I literally had to select on an LCD screen what language MY STRAIGHTENER should be set to...wild. Anyways! The Airstrait has the ability to straighten both wet or dry hair — and does without the use of damaging hot plates. It uses directional airflow to smooth and straighten hair and, honestly, it is a pretty magical experience. The biggest learning curve for me was realizing the copper pieces (where the fan lives) need to face outward so you're not blowing your hair all over the place. The fan increases when you clamp the Airstrait around your hair (HOW DOES IT KNOW!?) and pauses entirely when you set it down (seen in the GIF to the left). Additionally, I have a toddler and am very limited on time. With this gadget, I was able to take my hair from directly-from-the-shower wet to natural-looking straight hair in only 10 minutes! This is going to be such a game-changer for my life!!! It's definitely worth the splurge. Add this to your holiday wish list or, you know, get it now."
Get it from Sephora for $499.
17. A triple-barrel curling wand that'll give you mermaid-like locks in a matter of minutes.
It's beloved by reviewers with super straight, thick hair that otherwise won't hold a curl as well as those with 4b and 4c hair.
Promising review: "I love this three-barrel hair curler/ waver! I have super straight, thick hair that doesn't curl easily. The temperature on this goes high enough to get mine to wave. It heats up quickly, gets the job done, and makes it easy to throw some cute waves in my hair before going somewhere. The barrels are huge! I like where the buttons are because I don't randomly turn it off while doing my hair. This has happened with other heat tools and it's so frustrating! The stand is a little flimsy, but that's just the nature of that type of stand — it's not specific to this tool — but that's literally only the only thing I don't like about it. I would buy it again." —Randon Leavitt
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in five colors).
18. Some Conair heatless curlers you can pop in after you're done with your blowout to really lock in all of the volume you've cultivated. Since they're self gripping and don't require any clips to stay in place, they'll keep your style crease-free!
Promising review: "Baby-fine, thin, straight root-to-tip hair here. All I’ve been looking for is something to give my hair some oomph and these 'magnetic' rollers fit the bill!!! I have no idea what’s magnetic about them since they’re plastic, but who cares when I have root lift. No hair was shed (like with Velcro rollers), either. All the wins!" —Pamela
Get a 31-piece set from Amazon for $8.74.
19. A Bed Head deep waver hot tool that could not be easier to use. Just start at your roots and work your way down, clamping for a few seconds on each section of hair, and voila! You've got long-lasting waves!
This tool was designed with all hair types in mind and reviewers attest to the fact that it works on thin, fine hair, coarse 4c hair, and everything in between.
Promising review: "Ok so I found out about this life-changing device on TikTok. I've always wanted this kind of beach wave curls but no matter what I did or what I tried, my hair would never look how I wanted. Well, let me tell you, this thang does exactly what it should. It is seriously the best hair tool ever, so if you're looking for the absolute perfect beach waves, then do yourself a favor and just get it." —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in three colors).
20. Some nonslip alligator clips so you can can section off your mop and work with more manageable chunks. Each pack comes with 10, so even if you have a TON of hair, there should be enough to go around.
Promising review: "I've always had problems with clips staying in my hair while styling. I saw these, and instantly had to have them as the 'gripper' bottoms sold me. Ordered them and I have not been disappointed. In fact, I wonder how I have lived without them for so long. Sturdy hold, non slip, and gentle on my curls. Highly recommend them to everyone." —annajean
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
21. And some no-crease clips so you can keep your blowout in tip-top shape but also out of the way as you finish off your makeup.
Promising review: "I love doing my hair and wearing these clips until right before I get out of car. They train your hair to stay right where you intended!" —Elaine Romera
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $4.60+ (available in three color combinations).
22. A L'ange 2-in-1 straightening comb that'll get your tresses as straight as a flat iron, but without the frizz and static that so often accompanies it. This bebe uses negative ion technology to lock-in shine and reduce flyaways.
Promising reviews: "I have 3b/3c hair, as well as mobility issues in my hands/wrists. I was able to use this and get my hair straight-ish within 5–10 minutes on dry hair. For pin straight, I imagine it would take closer to 30 minutes, but that's still faster than even my best straightener. Just make sure your hair is well moisturized and detangled before use. I set it to 350 degrees F and it worked like a charm. Another thing I liked was the fact that it doesn't get hot on the top of the 'brush' part—only inside where your hair passes through, so I had no fear of burns like with my flat irons. Definitely a must-try — especially for the price point." —Nyxy
"My once straight and shiny long hair is now thin, wavy, and frizzy with no bounce. It takes forever to make it look like something…until now! I used to flat iron it once in awhile but it made my hair so dry and brittle, now I can just run it quickly through this handy little brush without fear of being burned, and my hair comes out perfect every time! No more worrying if I'm going to have a bad hair day or be late for something! This delivers as promised, which for busy moms, college students, business women, and seniors alike who don't like to take the time to fool around with their hair; it will be a plus! Best money I've spent in a long time!!!" —Ulta Reviewer
Get it from Ulta for $69.
23. And if you managed to read this whole list and still be certain of the fact that 1. You'd never wake up early enough to actually style your hair and/or 2. You don't trust yourself with a hot tool... some heatless, satin-covered Kitsch curlers. Just pop them in before you go to bed and wake up with wow-worthy curls that require nothing more than a quick shake or brush out.
They also come in an XL version if you've got a whole lot of hair!
Promising reviews: "Easy effortless blowout overnight! I love how chunky they are, definitely more of a blow out than a curl but I prefer it." —Shan
"I have naturally curly hair 3b/c hair. I blowdried my hair to stretch it and then rolled them in. I used two packs because I have thick hair. I slept with them in with a satin bonnet on. I took them out the next day and brushed them with a Mason Pearson brush. I loved the result." —Brandy Edwards
Get a set of six from Amazon for $15.99.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.