Prices are estimates and change often. Amazon shows the current one.

Hair Tools comparison chart
Product Best for Est. price Biggest plus The catch Buy
ghd Platinum+ Styler Flat Ironghd Splurge Iron $287-$367 Brand-built heat control Very high price Amazon
Revlon One-Step Root Booster Round BrushRevlon Budget Volume $34-$45 Dries and lifts roots in one step Heat can be too high for fine hair Amazon
Revlon Infrared Ionic Hair Dryer with DiffuserRevlon Budget Ionic $23-$31 Includes a diffuser Can be loud Amazon
Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling IronBeachwaver Rotating Iron $89-$114 Rotating barrel Premium price Amazon
CHI Spin N Curl 1-InchCHI Spin Curl $89-$115 Automatic rotating barrel Can tangle hair Amazon
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring 1-Inch Curling IronBaBylissPRO Spring Curl $62-$81 Spring-clamp barrel Learning curve Amazon
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold 1-Inch Curling IronHot Tools Gold Curl $44-$58 Smooth barrel Premium price Amazon
Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling IronConair Budget Curl $19-$26 Double ceramic barrel Heat settings are limited Amazon
Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Evolve 1-Inch Flat IronHot Tools Black Gold Evolve $62-$80 Popular with salons Premium price Amazon
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin 1-Inch StraightenerBaBylissPRO Slim Titanium $113-$145 Slim plates for bangs and short hair Plates are narrow for long thick hair Amazon
CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling IronCHI Classic Ceramic Classic salon iron Premium price for a basic iron Amazon
Remington Shine Therapy 1-Inch StraightenerRemington Budget Straightener $30-$40 Heats up fast Plates may snag on thick hair Amazon
Hot Tools Pro Signature Ionic 1875W DryerHot Tools Ionic Dryer $44-$58 Pro-style ionic dryer Can be loud Amazon
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer BABNT5548BaBylissPRO Pro Dryer $89-$115 Powerful and lightweight Higher price Amazon
Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair DryerRemington Damage Protection Ionic dryer with ceramic technology Heavier than some Amazon
Conair InfinitiPRO 1875W AC Motor DryerConair Drugstore Pro $30-$40 Ionic AC motor Can be loud Amazon
L'ange Le Volume 2-in-1 Volumizing Brush DryerL'ange Volumizing Brush $44-$57 Salon-style round brush dryer Premium price Amazon
Conair Knot Dr. All-in-One Dryer BrushConair All-in-One Brush $49-$64 Dries and detangles at once Not for very thick hair Amazon
Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold One-Step Detachable BlowoutHot Tools Salon Blowout $60-$78 Detachable blowout brush Premium price Amazon
Revlon One-Step Volumizer PlusRevlon Budget Volumizer $40-$53 Dryer and volumizer in one Not the strongest dryer Amazon
Denman D38 Power PaddleDenman Pro Paddle Salon-grade paddle brush Bulky Amazon
FHI Heat UNbrushFHI Heat-Safe Brush $16-$21 Made for heat-styling Pricier for a brush Amazon
Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling BrushCrave Naturals Budget Glide $8-$11 Cheap and easy to find Bristles are less durable Amazon
Wet Brush Original DetanglerWet Brush Wet Hair Pick $8-$11 Works on wet hair Bristles can bend or shed Amazon
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate DetanglerTangle Teezer Cult Detangler $17-$23 Detangles fast without much pulling Plastic bristles may wear over time Amazon
What heat setting should I use?

Use the lowest setting that works. Fine or damaged hair often needs lower heat, thick or coarse hair can handle more. Use a heat protectant and do not hold a hot tool in one place.

Is a pricier hair dryer worth it?

It can be: stronger motors and better ergonomics dry hair faster and tire your arm less. If you style once a week, a budget model may be enough.

General information only, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or stylist about your situation.