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."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: One reader claims this low-priced iron works just as well as more expensive models. "This iron will take your hair from flat or frizzy to fabulous in less than 15 minutes," she raves. Reviewers love that it's "easy to use" and report that it "glides through your hair without pulling out any stands."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Our readers call this styling tool "the best flat iron you can get," saying it's "worth the investment."
"All I can say is that it's simply amazing," raves one reviewer. "It heats up ridiculously fast, makes my hair look pin straight ... and it doesn't leave my hair looking fried or dried-out, either." If the price is still too high to sway you, one reader says the results last for days: "Your hair stays straight, even until the second day. It drastically reduces frizz and leaves your hair feeling silky smooth."
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.
