One thing I’ve learnt as a beauty editor is that there are always new things to try. Whether it’s a new skincare innovation, makeup trend, buzzy treatment …it’s never-ending. Over the years, this has made me quite sceptical, and I tend to stick to my old favourites that I know work. The only exception to this rule? Hair tools.
I’ve spent the best part of my career testing hair dryers, straighteners, hot brushes and multi-stylers, all in a bid to achieve a salon-worthy bouncy blow-dry on my long, thick, wavy strands. It’s been a challenge, but 2026 has delivered some of the best hair tools on the market, which have totally transformed my haircare routine (and put my ten-year-old straighteners to shame).
Below, you’ll find my tried-and-tested edit of the best new hair tools of 2026 (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot), but first, I want to talk about why these tools are so good. From AI technology to patented bristles, things have stepped up a notch this year. I reached out to Katherine Magowan, Dyson‘s head of beauty, to understand what’s driving these developments and how they can benefit us.
How Has Hair Styling Changed in 2026?
“One of the biggest breakthroughs [this year]has been the shift towards working with and protecting your natural hair texture, rather than fighting against it during the styling process,” Magowan tells me. “People want the freedom to transform their hair and experiment, but not at the expense of its natural texture or long-term health. For us, that means thinking carefully about the combination of heat, airflow, and mechanical tension used during styling.”
Alongside consumer demand, I was also keen to know whether AI had impacted the hair tool industry. “I think that’s where the real opportunity lies,” Magowan says. “Technology that better understands the individual, their hair, and the result they’re trying to achieve, then adapts to help deliver a more personalised and consistent experience while continuing to protect hair health. AI will undoubtedly elevate this experience in the future, but for us it’s really important that every piece of technology within our devices has a clear purpose, making styling easier and more intuitive rather than adding complexity for the sake of it.”
The Best Hair Tools of 2026
- Best Hot Brush: Dyson Airsmooth, £200
- Best Straightener: GHD Sculpt, £369
- Best Multi-Styler: T3 Aire 360 2.0, £300
- Best Wet-to-Dry Tool: Shark Silkipro, £250
1. Dyson Airsmooth
Best Hot Brush
Key specifications: Teardrop shaped barrel, dual bristle technology, 4 heat and 3 speed settings
Pros
- Teardrop shape makes it easier to style the roots
- Adds volume and bounce
- Style lasts all day
Cons
- Needs cleaning regularly, as hair can get tangled around the base of the tool
My favourite hair launch of the entire year (and possibly one of my favourites of all time), this Dyson hot brush is a stellar example of just how far hair tools have come. “We’ve noticed the continued popularity of hot air brushes, despite the compromises that can come with conventional designs, such as snagging, breakage and scalp discomfort. Rather than simply creating another hot air brush to add to the market, we set out to re-engineer the round brush styling experience as a whole, creating our own patented dual bristle technology to speak to and solve those compromises,” says Magowan, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s like Dyson heard everything I disliked about my old hot brush and created a tool to answer all my prayers.
First up, the teardrop shape. I used to get annoyed with my hot brush, as the bulky design made it hard to style my roots. However, this shape means I can get right into the roots for a smoother, sleeker finish. The dual-bristle technology lets the tool glide through my ends without causing lots of breakage, and the controlled airflow creates a polished finish. Trust me, my hair has never looked so bouncy. The best bit? The results last for days.
2. GHD Sculpt
Best Straightener
Key specifications: GHD Heat-Adapt technology, super slim infinity™ plate, automatic sleep mode
Pros
- Super lightweight design
- Glides through the hair
- Straightens and curls
- Adapts to your hair to minimise damage
Cons
- A lot more expensive than the original GHD straightener, however, the design and technology make it a worthwhile investment
Next up, GHD’s latest hair straightener. At first I thought, another hair straightener? I mean, how different can it be from my old GHD? But after testing it out, I realised just how good this tool is. First of all, it’s so lightweight, and its sleek design glides through your hair. However, the coolest thing is how this tool utilises AI technology. In short, the straightener adapts to your hair and measures the hair’s temperature (rather than the plate temperature) to minimise damage.
It also senses things such as how much hair is between the plates, how fast you’re using the tool and even the angle you are styling your hair to get the best results. I use these to straighten and curl my hair, and the finished look is always 10/10.
3. T3 Aire 360 2.0
Best Multi-Styler
Key specifications: 4 attachments, carry case, dual voltage, 3 heat and 3 speed settings
Pros
- Creates long-lasting bouncy hairstyles
- Comes in a chic carry case
- Dual voltage
Cons
- The hot setting can get very hot!
If a bouncy blow-dry is your end goal, and you don’t want to spend hours on your hair every morning, then this is the tool for you. A new and improved version of T3’s Aire 360, this upgraded design comes with four attachments (all stored in a cute pink pouch), including my personal favourite: the ceramic barrels. The tool itself is quick and easy to use. Just clip on your attachment, select from three heat 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 always get compliments whenever I use them.
Another big plus is that the new version has dual voltage, so you can take it on your travels and recreate all your favourite styles.
4. Shark Silkipro
Best Wet-to-Dry Tool
Key specifications: Wet-to-dry styling, 3 interchangeable combs, carry case, 3 heat settings
Pros
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
- Comes with different combs for all hair types
- Cuts down styling time
Cons
- Might want to go over the hair once dry on the dry hair setting for a super sleek result
Last but not least, the Shark Silkipro. This tool is for those of you who want a sleek, straight finish. I love it because it offers wet-to-dry styling, meaning getting ready in the morning is so much quicker. It combines ceramic plates with powerful airflow and heat sensors that adjust to your hair to minimise damage. It also comes with three interchangeable combs, such as a wide-tooth comb and a precision comb, making it suitable for all hair types.
I’m a big fan of the fact that you can use it on dry hair too, so when I’m going away, I don’t have to pack a separate straightener. Honestly, this ticks all the boxes for me.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
