Hair · Hair Care Guide
5 Expensive Hair Tools That Are Actually Worth It
Splurge-worthy dryers and stylers that replace multiple tools, cut styling time, or give mature hair a noticeably smoother result.
Premium hair tools can cost several hundred dollars, but a higher price does not always mean better hair. The best splurge-worthy tools should either replace several devices, shorten styling time, provide more control over heat or produce noticeably smoother results with fewer passes.
This can be especially important for women over 50. Mature hair is often drier, finer or more fragile, making repeated exposure to excessive heat and aggressive styling more likely to cause breakage.
These five trending hair tools are expensive, but each offers a practical benefit that may justify the investment.
01
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer
Best Luxury All-in-One Styling Tool
The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is one of the most recognizable premium hair tools. It uses high-speed airflow to dry, curl, smooth and add volume without relying on the extreme temperatures associated with traditional curling irons.
The current Airwrap i.d. has three heat settings, three speed settings and negative-ion technology to help reduce static. Certain versions also connect to the MyDyson app for a personalized curling sequence.
Pros
- Replaces a dryer, curling wand and smoothing brush
- Creates curls and volume with airflow
- Useful for fine, dry or color-treated hair
- Multiple attachments provide styling versatility
- Lightweight main unit
- Produces polished blowouts at home
Cons
- One of the most expensive styling tools
- Requires practice
- Curls may not hold well on every hair type
- Attachments take up storage space
- Not the best value when you only wear your hair straight
Rita’s Tip
The Airwrap is most worthwhile when you regularly create several different styles. It is difficult to justify when you only need a basic dryer or curling iron.
Price Range
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02
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System
Best Alternative to the Dyson Airwrap
The Shark FlexStyle transforms from a traditional hair dryer into a multi-styler. Depending on the bundle, attachments can include auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush, a paddle brush, a concentrator or a diffuser.
It is designed to curl, volumize, smooth and dry with one system. Shark lists the FlexStyle at 1,600 watts and includes several versions for different hair textures.
Pros
- Less expensive than the Dyson Airwrap
- Combines drying and styling
- Strong airflow
- Useful attachments for volume and smoothing
- Auto-wrap barrels simplify curling
- Good value for someone replacing several tools
Cons
- Still expensive compared with a regular dryer brush
- Can be loud
- The handle may feel bulky
- Strong airflow can create tangles in very fine hair
- Results depend heavily on the attachment and technique
Rita’s Tip
Use a lower airflow and heat setting around fragile ends. Roughly dry the roots first and begin styling only when the hair is mostly dry.
Price Range
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03
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler
Best Trending Air Styler for Soft, Glossy Curls
The T3 Aire 360 is a viral air-styling system featuring ceramic curling attachments, an oval brush and a drying concentrator. Unlike many plastic air-styling barrels, the ceramic attachments distribute heat evenly to help smooth the hair and create longer-lasting curls.
T3 describes the Aire 360 as one of its best-selling tools. The latest version has a shorter, lighter design and dual voltage for easier travel.
Pros
- Ceramic curling attachments
- Creates smooth, bouncy blowouts
- Helps reduce frizz
- Lighter and more compact than earlier versions
- Dual voltage makes it useful for travel
- Suitable for several hair textures
Cons
- Expensive for an air styler
- Requires partially dried hair
- Learning the barrels takes practice
- May not replace a traditional flat iron
- Curls may need clips or rollers to set properly
Rita’s Tip
Let each curl cool before brushing it out. Pinning warm curls against the scalp for several minutes can improve volume and staying power.
Price Range
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04
ghd Platinum+ Professional Smart Flat Iron
Best Premium Flat Iron for Controlled Heat
The ghd Platinum+ is designed for women who want sleek, polished hair without repeatedly adjusting the temperature.
Its predictive technology monitors heat 250 times per second and maintains a preset temperature of 365°F. The rounded barrel also allows the tool to create waves and curls as well as straight styles.
Pros
- Maintains a consistent styling temperature
- Smooth ceramic floating plates
- Requires fewer decisions and adjustments
- Creates straight styles, curls and waves
- Heats quickly
- Useful for color-treated or frizz-prone hair
Cons
- No manual temperature adjustment
- 365°F may still be too hot for extremely fragile hair
- Expensive for a flat iron
- Very fine hair may not need such a powerful tool
- Heat protectant is still necessary
Rita’s Tip
Work with small, completely dry sections. One slow, controlled pass is usually better than repeatedly running the iron over the same hair.
Price Range
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05
Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron
Best Premium Flat Iron for Speed and Shine
The Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron uses vibrating plates designed to distribute the hair evenly and reduce the time needed to create a smooth finish.
The rounded body can be used for straight styles, bends and loose waves. Bio Ionic also promotes its moisturizing-heat technology as a way to help seal the cuticle and create a glossy result.
Pros
- Vibrating plates help hair glide through smoothly
- Designed for faster styling
- Adjustable heat
- Rounded barrel creates curls and waves
- Helps smooth frizz and flyaways
- Useful for thick, coarse or difficult-to-smooth hair
Cons
- Expensive
- Vibration may feel unusual at first
- High settings can damage fine or fragile hair
- Not necessary for someone who rarely straightens
- Requires a heat protectant
Rita’s Tip
Begin at a lower temperature and increase it only when necessary. Mature or highlighted hair rarely needs the highest available setting.
Price Range
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Our Take
The Final Verdict
The Shark FlexStyle offers the best overall value because it replaces several tools while costing less than the Dyson Airwrap.
The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is the best luxury splurge for someone who enjoys creating different styles and wants to rely more on airflow than extreme heat.
For straightening, the ghd Platinum+ is the best choice for simplicity and consistent temperature, while the Bio Ionic 10X Pro is ideal for faster smoothing.
The T3 Aire 360 is the most appealing option for women who love soft, voluminous blowouts and want a travel-friendly premium styling system.
An expensive tool is worthwhile when you use it regularly, it replaces several other tools or it helps you avoid repeated passes and excessive heat. Otherwise, even the trendiest device may end up becoming a very costly bathroom-counter decoration.
