Hair styling technology has progressed in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. We've seen more technological progression in hot styling tools than we have in smartphones, and rightly so, if you ask us. One of the most exciting hair styling technological advancements has been the arrival of the multi-styler. I'm here for anything that means fewer hot tools hogging precious bathroom real estate. But with so many options on the shelves, how do you know which multi-stylers are worth the splurge?
The best multi-stylers bundle several styling jobs into one device, using interchangeable attachments to curl, smooth, straighten, and create volume. Some can even take hair from wet to dry in a flash. These multi-tasking tools are particularly handy if you’re the type who loves to switch up your look, or you simply want to streamline your routine without sacrificing options.
Because life is hard enough without having to conduct endless hours of research on hot styling tools, I've narrowed the field to the three standouts I think are worth the investment. Here are my picks for the 3 best all-in-one hot hair styling tools.
Best high-tech styler: Dyson Airwrap Coanda2x Multi-Styler & Dryer
If you thought the original Airwrap was impressive, this latest version from Dyson somehow found room for upgrades. This new iteration of the six-in-one tool is lighter, more powerful, smarter about your styling preferences, and capable of taking on more of your routine with a single tool.
The styler features a new Hyperdymium 2 motor, which Dyson says is 30% more powerful than the previous generation and delivers twice the air pressure. That means faster drying, more tension for smoothing and straightening, and a stronger Coanda airflow (that's the technological phenomenon that uses fast-moving air to draw hair toward and around the attachment for easier curling).
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler & Dryer can dry, curl, wave, smooth, create volume — and now take hair from wet to straight with the new Air Straightener 2x attachment, which uses powerful airflow and smooth plates to pull hair taut as it dries rather than blasting it with the high heat of a traditional flat iron. The Airwrap recognises which attachment you’ve clicked into place, automatically adjusts the heat and airflow to the attachment, and remembers your preferred settings for next time. Plus, it automatically shuts off when you set it down for easier styling.
Best for beginners: Shark Beauty Shark Glam 5-in-1 Air Styler & Dryer
Shark Beauty’s Shark Glam 5-in-1 Air Styler and Dryer is a true all-in-one hot styling tool. The tool features an impressive combination of powerful airflow and heat-controlled ceramic, allowing you to bounce between air-powered styling and more traditional hot-tool territory without reaching for a separate flat iron or hot brush.
The tools attachments each feature an impressive styling experience. The Silki Hot Tool + Air Straightener works by sandwiching hair between powered ceramic plates while high-speed air dries it, taking strands from wet to straight in one step. The Glossi Hot Tool + Air Glosser attachment pairs airflow with a heated ceramic surface to stretch hair, smooth it, and build a bouncy, high-shine blowout. Then there are the Coanda Auto-Wrap Curlers that use airflow to automatically wrap hair around the barrels. The Shark FlexStyle is the easiest hair tool I’ve ever used, particularly when it comes to curling. There are two barrels included; each features an arrow detailing the direction in which the air will blow so you know which side of your head it's made for. For even more styling options, the Straight & Wavy set features the Styling Concentrator and FrizzFighter Finishing Tool.
There's plenty of tech in this styler, like the reassuring Heat Sense Technology that checks the temperature 1,000 times per second and regulates airflow so the styler never exceeds 150°C. Plus, Scalp Shield mode automatically lowers the temperature around the roots to limit extreme heat exposure on new growth.
Best for curling: WavyTalk Multi Curl 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set
Those less interested in blow-drying and more keen on heat-styling options for dry hair will appreciate this pick from Wavytalk. Designed specifically for dry styling, the Wavytalk Multi Curl 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set is an interchangeable traditional hot-tool system. This multi-styler offers five ceramic attachments that let you bounce between tight spirals, wavy bends, bouncy curls, and va-va-voom volume.
There’s a skinny 0.5-inch Micro Wand for tight spirals, a 0.5-to-1-inch Tapered Barrel for curls that vary in width, a 1-inch Bubble Barrel for more tousled, beachy texture, and a 1.25-inch Curling Wand for bigger curls and waves. There's also a 1.5-inch Thermal Brush for bouncy volume.
Instead of futuristic tech, this styling tool is all about giving you options. The styler heats up in 30 seconds, while ceramic coatings help distribute heat evenly as you style. There are two temperature settings— 180°C - 210°C for the curling attachments, with slightly lower heat options for the thermal brush.
I love this styler because it's compact, knows its audience, and is relatively inexpensive (compared to other multi-stylers).
