Achieving salon-quality hair at home is no longer a dream but a reality, thanks to the innovations in hair care tools. Just like the editors at Allure, we understand the difference the right tools can make. Some days, styling hair feels like second nature, while other times, it feels like a task best left to the professionals. Bridging this gap in expertise is where the Best of Beauty Awards come in, highlighting the most effective and user-friendly tools on the market. For the 2023 awards, Allure editors rigorously tested a plethora of hair tools to find those that deliver exceptional results, regardless of your styling prowess. These aren’t just any tools; they are meticulously engineered to simplify your hair routine and enhance your hair’s health and appearance.
This curated list focuses on the best hair care tools recognized by Allure in their prestigious Best of Beauty Awards 2023. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth blowout, bouncy curls, or simply damage-free drying, these award-winning tools are designed to elevate your hair game. Discover the must-have hair dryers, styling irons, brushes, and accessories that have earned the coveted Allure seal of approval, ensuring you achieve flawless hair every time. Get ready to meet the tools that will transform your daily hair routine from a chore into an enjoyable part of your day.
Best Hot Tools for Hairstyling
When it comes to hot tools, performance and hair health are paramount. Allure’s top picks in this category balance innovative technology with ease of use, ensuring you can achieve your desired styles without compromising the integrity of your hair.
Blowdryer, At-Home: Dyson Supersonic Origin
Why it won: The Dyson Supersonic Origin stands out for its ability to deliver incredibly smooth blowouts in record time. Its digital motor and axial flow impeller work in harmony to expel 13 liters of air per second, significantly reducing drying time compared to conventional hair dryers. This powerful yet controlled airflow not only speeds up the process but also minimizes heat damage, making it a top choice for maintaining healthy hair while achieving a professional finish at home.
Blowdryer, At-Home: BondiBoost Sonic Hair Dryer
Why it won: The BondiBoost Sonic Hair Dryer is perfect for those seeking salon-quality results without breaking the bank. Priced at $199, it effectively combats frizz and delivers a sleek finish that rivals professional salon blowouts. This dryer proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious consumers who still desire high performance.
Blowdryer, Travel: T3 Afar Travel Size Hair Dryer
Why it won: Say goodbye to subpar hotel hair dryers with the T3 Afar Travel Size Hair Dryer. This compact dryer packs a punch, incorporating features like a powerful motor and ion settings typically found in full-sized models. It ensures you can achieve speedy blowouts while traveling, freeing up more time to focus on enjoying your trip rather than struggling with your hair. Its portability and performance make it an essential travel companion.
Diffuser Attachment: Ceremonia Diffuser de Rizos
Why it won: The Ceremonia Diffuser de Rizos is crafted from soft silicone to evenly distribute heat, resulting in defined and bouncy curls. Its unique collapsible design adds to its appeal, making it incredibly convenient for storage and travel. This diffuser is a game-changer for curly hair, enhancing natural texture while being easy to store and bring along wherever you go.
Brush Dryer: Revlon One-Step Volumizer
Why it won: The Revlon One-Step Volumizer simplifies blowouts, allowing you to achieve salon-perfect hair using just one hand. This tool combines a hair dryer and a round brush in one, streamlining the styling process and making it accessible for even beginners. It’s perfect for creating volume and smooth, frizz-free styles effortlessly at home.
Flatiron, Dry Hair Styling: Gussi Mane Squeeze 1″ Titanium & Ceramic Flat Iron
Why it won: The Gussi Mane Squeeze 1″ Titanium & Ceramic Flat Iron utilizes titanium plates and a ceramic heater to ensure even heat distribution and a consistent temperature. This combination results in reliably sleek and smooth hair with every use. The even heating technology minimizes hot spots, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring consistent styling results.
Flatiron, Wet Hair Styling: GHD Duet Style
Why it won: The GHD Duet Style revolutionizes hair styling by allowing you to straighten damp hair without the sizzling and damage typically associated with wet-to-dry styling. Its low-temperature plates and concentrated airflow work together to dry and straighten hair simultaneously, offering a damage-free way to achieve sleek, straight styles directly from wet hair.
Curling Iron: T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
Why it won: The T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio is all about convenience and versatility. It features three interchangeable barrels that easily lock into place, enabling you to create a variety of curls, from full-bodied waves to tight spirals, with just one tool. This kit provides the flexibility to switch up your style effortlessly, making it a valuable addition to any hair styling toolkit.
Waver: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X
Why it won: Crimped waves are making a comeback, and the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X is leading the charge. This waver quickly sculpts perfect beach waves exactly where you want them, and in record time. It eliminates the need for sun, salt, or advanced styling skills, offering an easy way to achieve trendy, textured waves.
Hair Multitasker: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Why it won: The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is a true multitasker, functioning as a hair dryer, curling iron, and styling brush all in one. Its rotating design allows it to transform from a high-speed hair dryer to a self-winding curling iron, a frizz-smoothing paddle brush, or a volume-building oval brush. This versatility makes it an incredibly efficient and space-saving tool for various hair styling needs.
Best Hairbrushes & Combs
Beyond hot tools, the right brushes and combs are crucial for maintaining hair health and achieving polished styles. Allure’s best hairbrush and comb picks are designed to detangle, style, and enhance shine without causing damage.
Hairbrush, Paddle: Olivia Garden NewCycle Styling Large Paddle Brush
Why it won: The Olivia Garden NewCycle Styling Large Paddle Brush features heat-resistant ionic bristles that effectively eliminate frizz and boost shine as you style. Its lightweight ergonomic handle further enhances the styling experience, making it comfortable to use for extended periods without causing fatigue. This brush is designed for smooth, frizz-free results with minimal effort.
Hairbrush, Round: British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Why it won: The British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush utilizes a ceramic barrel that acts as a thermal conductor, evenly absorbing and distributing heat during blow-drying. This ensures consistent waves and bends without limpness or unevenness. This brush is engineered to help you achieve perfectly shaped styles with reliable consistency.
Hairbrush, Detangler: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush
Why it won: The Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush, made primarily from plant-derived materials, is incredibly effective at detangling hair. Its bendy bristles effortlessly undo knots without pulling, tugging, or causing breakage. It’s a gentle yet powerful tool for maintaining smooth, tangle-free hair, especially beneficial for fragile or easily damaged hair types.
Edge Styler: Red by Kiss Edge Cara Edge Brush & Edge Fixer
Why it won: The Red by Kiss Edge Cara Edge Brush & Edge Fixer is a versatile tool designed for styling edges and baby hairs. It features a dual-sided brush, a covert wax case in the handle, and a wand for precise product application. This all-in-one tool provides everything needed to create perfectly styled and laid edges.
Hair Pick: Pattern Beauty Hair Pick
Why it won: The Pattern Beauty Hair Pick is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Its exaggerated size and sleek design make it a stylish tool, while its elongated prongs are specifically designed to lift and volumize kinky and coily hair. It’s a statement piece that also delivers exceptional performance for textured hair.
Best Hair Accessories
Hair accessories are essential for completing any hairstyle, adding both functionality and flair. Allure’s top accessory picks for 2023 combine style with hair-friendly materials and designs.
Headband: The Hair Edit Tressé Band
Why it won: The Hair Edit Tressé Band, made of puffy satin in a soft champagne hue, comfortably holds hair back with added cushioning. Its plush satin material is gentle on the hair, preventing creases and breakage, while the braided design adds a touch of elegance suitable for various occasions. It’s both comfortable and stylish, perfect for everyday wear.
Hair Pin: Kristin Ess The French Pin Set
Why it won: The Kristin Ess The French Pin Set is a sophisticated tool for securing buns and updos. These pins transform a simple topknot into a chic French topknot, adding a touch of Parisian elegance to any hairstyle. They are as functional as they are fashionable, providing a secure hold with a stylish flair.
Scrunchie: Slip Small Slipsilk Scrunchies
Why it won: Inspired by the benefits of silk pillowcases for hair, Slip Small Slipsilk Scrunchies are designed to prevent breakage by reducing friction. These slim bands hold hair securely in place yet slide off effortlessly without pulling or leaving creases. They are a gentle alternative to traditional hair ties, especially for delicate hair.
Hair Clip: Kitsch Open Shape Claw Clip
Why it won: The Kitsch Open Shape Claw Clip combines functionality with high style. This gold claw clip effectively keeps hair off your face while also serving as a chic evening accessory. It elevates the everyday claw clip from a basic tool to a fashionable statement piece.
Hair Towel: Aquis Flip
Why it won: Recognizing that even a towel can impact hair health, the Aquis Flip is designed to minimize damage. It reduces friction and absorbs moisture without roughing up the hair cuticle, which helps prevent split ends, frayed cuticles, and frizz. It’s a simple switch that can significantly improve hair health and texture.
Bonnet: Glow by Daye Premium Satin Bonnet
Why it won: The Glow by Daye Premium Satin Bonnet goes beyond just sleep protection. With a satin border that gently secures to your hairline, this bonnet stays in place throughout the day or night, locking in moisture and preserving your hairstyle. It’s designed for both nighttime and daytime wear, offering continuous protection and style maintenance.
These best hair care tools from Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards 2023 represent the pinnacle of innovation and effectiveness in the beauty industry. Each tool has been rigorously tested and selected by experts to ensure they not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to the health and beauty of your hair. Whether you’re looking to invest in new hot tools, brushes, or accessories, this list offers trusted recommendations to guide your choices. For a complete overview of all beauty categories and winners, be sure to check out the full list of 391 winners in the 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Awards.
