4 Best New Hair Tools of 2026, Tried & Examined
One factor I’ve learnt as a magnificence editor is that there are all the time new issues to strive. Whether it is a new skincare innovation, make-up pattern, buzzy remedy …it is unending. Over the years, this has made me fairly sceptical, and I have a tendency to stay to my previous favourites that I do know work. The solely exception to this rule? Hair tools.
I’ve spent one of the best a part of my profession testing hair dryers, straighteners, hot brushes and multi-stylers, all in a bid to realize a salon-worthy bouncy blow-dry on my lengthy, thick, wavy strands. It’s been a problem, however 2026 has delivered a number of the finest hair instruments in the marketplace, which have completely remodeled my haircare routine (and put my ten-year-old straighteners to disgrace).
Below, you will discover my tried-and-tested edit of one of the best new hair instruments of 2026 (and belief me, I’ve tried loads), however first, I wish to speak about why these instruments are so good. From AI know-how to patented bristles, issues have stepped up a notch this yr. I reached out to Katherine Magowan, Dyson‘s head of magnificence, to grasp what’s driving these developments and the way they’ll profit us.
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How Has Hair Styling Changed in 2026?
“One of the most important breakthroughs [this year] has been the shift in direction of working with and defending your pure hair texture, relatively than preventing towards it throughout the styling course of,” Magowan tells me. “People need the liberty to rework their hair and experiment, however not on the expense of its pure texture or long-term well being. For us, which means pondering fastidiously concerning the mixture of warmth, airflow, and mechanical pressure used throughout styling.”
Alongside shopper demand, I used to be additionally eager to know whether or not AI had impacted the hair device trade. “I believe that is the place the true alternative lies,” Magowan says. “Technology that higher understands the person, their hair, and the consequence they’re making an attempt to realize, then adapts to assist ship a extra personalised and constant expertise whereas persevering with to guard hair health. AI will undoubtedly elevate this expertise sooner or later, however for us it is actually essential that each piece of know-how inside our units has a transparent objective, making styling simpler and extra intuitive relatively than including complexity for the sake of it.”
The Best Hair Tools of 2026
1. Dyson Airsmooth
Dyson
Airsmooth™ Styling Brush (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)
Key specs: Teardrop formed barrel, twin bristle know-how, 4 warmth and three velocity settings
Pros
- Teardrop form makes it simpler to fashion the roots
- Adds quantity and bounce
- Style lasts all day
Cons
- Needs cleansing repeatedly, as hair can get tangled across the base of the device
My favorite hair launch of all the yr (and presumably one among my favourites of all time), this Dyson scorching brush is a stellar instance of simply how far hair instruments have come. “We’ve seen the continued recognition of scorching air brushes, regardless of the compromises that may include standard designs, reminiscent of snagging, breakage and scalp discomfort. Rather than merely creating one other scorching air brush so as to add to the market, we got down to re-engineer the round brush styling expertise as an entire, creating our personal patented twin bristle know-how to talk to and resolve these compromises,” says Magowan, and I could not agree extra. It’s like Dyson heard every little thing I disliked about my previous scorching brush and created a device to reply all my prayers.
First up, the teardrop form. I used to get irritated with my scorching brush, because the cumbersome design made it arduous to fashion my roots. However, this form means I can get proper into the roots for a smoother, sleeker end. The dual-bristle know-how lets the device glide by way of my ends with out inflicting numerous breakage, and the managed airflow creates a cultured end. Trust me, my hair has by no means seemed so bouncy. The finest bit? The outcomes final for days.
2. GHD Sculpt
GHD
Sculpt Interactive Hair Straightener
Key specs: GHD Heat-Adapt know-how, tremendous slim infinity™ plate, computerized sleep mode
Pros
- Super light-weight design
- Glides by way of the hair
- Straightens and curls
- Adapts to your hair to minimise harm
Cons
- Much more costly than the unique GHD straightener, nevertheless, the design and know-how make it a worthwhile funding
Next up, GHD’s newest hair straightener. At first I assumed, one other hair straightener? I imply, how totally different can or not it’s from my previous GHD? But after testing it out, I realised simply how good this device is. First of all, it is so light-weight, and its smooth design glides by way of your hair. However, the best factor is how this device utilises AI know-how. In brief, the straightener adapts to your hair and measures the hair’s temperature (relatively than the plate temperature) to minimise harm.
It additionally senses issues reminiscent of how a lot hair is between the plates, how briskly you are utilizing the device and even the angle you might be styling your hair to get one of the best outcomes. I exploit these to straighten and curl my hair, and the completed look is all the time 10/10.
3. T3 Aire 360 2.0
Key specs: 4 attachments, carry case, twin voltage, 3 warmth and three velocity settings
Pros
- Creates long-lasting bouncy hairstyles
- Comes in an elegant carry case
- Dual voltage
Cons
- The scorching setting can get very popular!
If a bouncy blow-dry is your finish aim, and you do not wish to spend hours in your hair each morning, then that is the device for you. A brand new and improved model of T3’s Aire 360, this upgraded design comes with 4 attachments (all saved in a cute pink pouch), together with my private favorite: the ceramic barrels. The device itself is fast and straightforward to make use of. Just clip in your attachment, choose from three warmth settings and three airflow settings, then get to work. The barrels are coated in a custom-blend ceramic which smooths strands and boosts shine, and I all the time get compliments at any time when I exploit them.
Another large plus is that the brand new model has twin voltage, so you may take it in your travels and recreate all of your favorite kinds.
4. Shark Silkipro
Shark
Silkipro Hair Straightener & Dryer With Storage Case
Key specs: Wet-to-dry styling, 3 interchangeable combs, carry case, 3 warmth settings
Pros
- Can be used on moist or dry hair
- Comes with totally different combs for all hair sorts
- Cuts down styling time
Cons
- Might wish to go over the hair as soon as dry on the dry hair setting for a brilliant smooth consequence
Last however not least, the Shark Silkipro. This device is for these of you who desire a smooth, straight end. I find it irresistible as a result of it gives wet-to-dry styling, which means preparing within the morning is a lot faster. It combines ceramic plates with highly effective airflow and warmth sensors that modify to your hair to minimise harm. It additionally comes with three interchangeable combs, reminiscent of a wide-tooth comb and a precision comb, making it appropriate for all hair sorts.
I’m a giant fan of the truth that you should use it on dry hair too, so when I’m going away, I haven’t got to pack a separate straightener. Honestly, this ticks all of the packing containers for me.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we all know that magnificence isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have examined hundreds of merchandise through the years—spanning skincare, make-up, hair and nails—and work intently with trusted consultants together with dermatologists, make-up artists and main trade insiders to make sure each information is well-researched, inclusive and related to you.
We deal with formulation that ship, whether or not they’re reasonably priced favourites or luxurious investments. Our product choice relies on tangible outcomes, ingredient know-how and what we’d actually suggest to a buddy.
