TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: Users can't stop raving about this affordable curling iron and claim they "simply can't live without it." In fact, one reader says she bought this model in every size due to the long-lasting curls it provides. "It works perfectly, has lots of settings, turns itself off, the handle doesn't get too hot and the cord moves freely," raves one user. "What more could you want?"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5*
Why it's great: "I like the fact that it doesn't feel like I'm drying my hair with hurricane force winds, yet it dries my hair faster than blow dryers that tend to get too hot," says one reader of this Conair dryer. Other users agree saying the blow-dryer "is easy to handle" and they love "mounting the hair dryer near the mirror so it's always convenient."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: This curling rod is a favorite among readers who like to create a variety of styles with one styling tool. One reader says this tool lets you "create your own style of curls." Another reader raves that this iron is "easy to use" and that her hair "holds a curl like no other when [she] uses this."
Why it's great: This flat iron is a hit among users who appreciate a styling tool that can provide multiple styles. Readers claim this flat iron makes "hair soft and shiny" and on top of "straightening hair in half the time it normally would take" it also "functions as a curling iron."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0*
Why it's great: The unique shape and design of this styling wand makes it a huge hit with our readers. "I love that you can achieve different curl sizes with one iron," raves one reviewer. "It was super quick to use." Readers warn that the wand takes practice at first, but "it soon becomes second nature."
Heat styling is a necessary evil in the world of hairstyles. With sleight of hand, a good curling iron can add volume to stick straight hair and a superior flat iron can take curly hair to superstraight, sleek new territory.
When you style your hair with these essential tools, you expect them to make your job easier, right? Well, that's why we've rounded up the best of the best straighteners, curling irons, blow-dryers and rollers, according to our readers.
Here are some hair care tips to help you maintain healthy hair no matter how many times you manipulate your God-given texture with heat.
Tip 1: Use high-quality shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. (Take this quiz to find the best duo for you.)
Tip 2: Use a deep conditioner like Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, $31, or Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner, $4.49, once or twice a month -- especially if you straighten your hair on the regular.
Tip 3: Use a heat-protecting hair serum such as Sally Hershberger Go With the Blow, $12.99, before and after blow-drying.
Tip 4: If you are going to use a flat iron, let hair air dry the night before or use the lowest setting on your blow-dryer if you didn't plan ahead.
Tip 5: When you straighten your hair, select the lowest temperature possible that will still give you the straightening effect you desire.
