Hair Styling Tools for Beginners: 8 Essentials You’ll Actually Use

What are the best hair styling tools for beginners, and which ones do you even need? Good question! I’m assuming you’re tired of unruly curls, flat waves, or want to see some shape in that pin-straight hair of yours. Either way, you’ve finally decided to level up your hair game, and I’ve got the best guide to beginner-friendly hair styling tools right here!

These aren’t the overwhelming, pro-level kind that require a license, several TikTok tutorials, a YouTube video, and three hands to use. We’re diving into the best hair styling tools for beginners or people who’ve never really cared about their hair game until now.

And trust me, with the right tools in your hands, you can become that effortlessly put-together version of yourself who can rock curls, volume, or a sleek ‘do on a random Tuesday.

Bottom Line Up Front: Ella Bella is Your Beginner BFF

If I had to pick one brand to carry me through the awkward “learning to style my hair” phase, it’s Ella Bella.

Their tools are designed with beginners in mind because they’re easy to hold, gentle on hair, and budget-friendly without skimping on quality. My top pick? The Ella Bella Ionic Blowout Brush. It’s the hair tool equivalent of training wheels (in the best way). It dries, smooths, and volumizes in one go, which is perfect for anyone who wants salon-style results without the salon.

Now let’s dig into the tools you’ll want in your beginner kit.

The Low Down

Here are the seven products I rounded up for you to choose from. I’ll go into detail for each, noting all the best features, costs, and why it’s such a great pick!

1. Ella Bella Blowout Brush: Wavy/frizzy/thick hair, all-in-one drying/styling
2. Revlon Volumizer Plus: Big volume on a budget
3. Ella Bella Curling Wand: Easy curls with less heat
4. Conair Flat Iron: Sleek looks on any hair type
5. Dyson Airwrap: Multi-style, low-damage splurge
6. Hot Tools Curling Iron: Clamp-style curls without hand gymnastics
7. T3 Dryer: Gentle, quick, and beginner-proof drying

What to Look for in Beginner-Friendly Hair Tools

But before we get into the good stuff, let’s quickly cover what actually makes a hair styling tool beginner-friendly and why I chose these seven products.

• Ease of Use: If it has 27 settings, it’s probably not for you (yet).
• Safety Features: Automatic shut-off, heat control, and ceramic or tourmaline plates/coating to protect your hair.
• Hair Type Compatibility: Not all tools work for all hair types. Look for ones that mention straight, curly, thick, or fine hair.
• Multi-Functionality: Especially when you’re just starting out, it’s nice when one tool can do more than one job.
• Affordability: You don’t have to drop $400 to get a great tool that actually works.

The 8 Best Hair Styling Tools for Beginners

Okay! You ready? You won’t find a bunch of fluff here. Just straight facts, pros and cons, and prices. Have your pick!

1. Ella Bella Ionic Blowout Brush

This one rings up for less than $40, which is pretty impressive, if you ask me. The Ella Bella blowout brush is the holy grail for beginners. It’s a blow dryer and round brush in one, which means no more fumbling with two tools while trying to recreate a sweet salon blowout. It uses negative ion technology to dry hair faster while reducing frizz at the same time—bless.

The oval shape makes it super easy to curl under your ends or add volume at the roots. I think this is great for straight to wavy hair types, and even textured hair if you start with detangled, damp strands.

Pro tip: Let your hair air dry 60% first, then go in with this for max volume and minimal damage. *finger guns*

Pros:

• Blow-drying and styling in one (saving time and a second hand).
• Ionic technology helps reduce frizz and boost shine, ideal for smoothing out wild textures.
• Lightweight and ergonomic, no arm cramps after a full head of volume.
• Gentler to strands versus traditional round brushes and high-heat dryers.

Cons:

• Bulky enough that it may not fit easily in smaller bathroom spaces or travel bags.
• Not as quick as a traditional hair dryer if you only care about drying (without styling).
• Results can vary if you start on wet hair. You’ll want to air-dry to around 60% before styling.

2. Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0

This one costs less than $50, making it an affordable classic. I’ve seen this tool all over social media and for good reason. Yes, it’s a smidge bulkier than the Ella Bella brush, but the Revlon delivers pretty close voluminous results, especially if you’re going for that ’90s blowout look. And who isn’t these days?

It now comes with a smaller barrel for shorter hair and more control, too! So, I deem it perfect for beginners who want an inexpensive intro to the blow-dry brush world.

Watch out: It gets hot, so start on low and work your way up.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available, great starter pick for experimenting without a big wallet commitment.
• Smaller barrel in the “PLUS 2.0” version adds control, especially for shorter hair or beginners.
• Produces noticeable volume and body (the kind that makes your hair feel like legit hair).

Cons:

• Gets hot quickly; there’s a learning curve on how fast to pass through each section.
• Wide paddle brush isn’t great for precise styling or tight curls, more toward “blowout” looks.
• Heavy for smaller hands, which can be tiring with longer styling sessions.

3. Ella Bella Ceramic 1-inch Curling Wand

Keeping the cost options as low as possible, this tool costs less than $60 from a great brand name. So, if you want to try some curly looks, this curl wand is perfection.

And don’t be scared of curling wands! This one is made with ceramic, which distributes heat more evenly than metals and helps protect your strands from serious damage. It’s got a gentle learning curve (perfect for beginners) and comes with a heat glove, so you don’t burn your fingers (been there, done that, cried about it).

This curl wand works well for medium to long hair, and can create loose waves or tighter curls depending on how long you hold it.

Curl tip: Curl away from your face for a more natural look. Always.

Pros:

• Ceramic barrel ensures even heat distribution, less chance of hot spots or fried strands.
• Includes a heat-resistant glove, safer for novices who haven’t perfected the wrist flick yet.
• Easy to create soft, natural-looking curls; twist and hold, then release.

Cons:

• No clamp, so hair can slip or wrap unevenly if you’re not careful.
• Beginners may accidentally burn their fingers without the glove.
• Can feel awkward for super-long or very thick hair; sectioning is a must.

4. INFINITIPRO by Conair Flat Iron

Looking at a few pricier, but still affordable, options, this flat iron rings up for about $70. I wish we had a good flat iron like this when I was in my teens, instead of having to resort to a literal clothing iron, a paper bag, and a towel on the floor!

But, if you’re looking for a flat iron that doesn’t fry your hair (and your wallet), this is a great entry-level pick. It fully heats up in about 15 seconds, has adjustable temps, and the ceramic plates glide nicely and smoothly.

It’s a solid straightener that also works well for curling with a twist of the wrist. Bonus points for the floating plate design because it keeps the pressure even and reduces tugging.

Pros:

• Fast heat-up (15 seconds!) Great for busy mornings.
• Flexible temperature controls (including lower heat options) make it safer for fine or treated hair.
• Ceramic plates glide smoothly, reducing tugging and potential breakage.

Cons:

• Flat irons risk creating that pin-straight ‘helmet head’ look if not angled correctly by beginners.
• Quick heat-up means you’ll want to be fully ready before turning it on; hot irons on the counter can be a chaos hazard.
• No automatic shut-off feature, so avoid leaving it plugged in.

5. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler

Okay, you ready for the big guns? Just take a deep breath and hear me out. Yes, this beginner-friendly styling tool is about $800, but a) it’s Dyson and b) it’s not just a single tool.

There are three options to choose from: one for straight-wavy, curly-coily, or a universal one for all hair types and styles.

I know. This is definitely a splurge. But if you’ve got the budget and you want something beginner-proof, the Dyson Airwrap is like having a team of professional stylists built into one sleek gadget.

It dries and styles at the same time using air—not extreme heat—which means it’s much gentler on your strands. Comes with multiple attachments for different styles (waves, curls, straight, smooth) and works beautifully on most hair types.

Downside: Pricey. Very. But if you’re serious about learning to style your hair at home, this tool’s versatility and damage-free results are worth every penny.

Pros:

• Innovatively styles using airflow with less damaging heat.
• Multiple attachments for curling, smoothing, and volumizing seriously cover every styling need.
• Built-in heat control helps protect hair from damage.
• Fast drying plus styling makes it a one-stop tool.

Cons:

• Premium price tag, major investment for beginners.
• Requires a learning curve to master the styling technique (especially the auto-wrap attachments).
• Bulky storage and travel case; not for minimalist bathroom setups.

6. Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver

Coming back down to earth, this waver tool costs less than $50. And, if you want those dreamy, mermaid waves with minimal effort, this tool is your new best friend. Clamp it down section by section and voila! You’ve got instant waves without needing to master a curling technique.

It’s super forgiving and works on pretty much all hair types. I think it’s great for adding texture and volume without a ton of styling know-how.

Pro tip: Start mid-shaft and work your way down. Don’t crimp the roots or you’ll end up with triangle hair. No one wants that.

Pros:

• Creates effortless beachy or mermaid waves with minimal practice.
• Quick, clamp-and-go usage is beginner-friendly and dramatically cuts styling time.
• Usually results in uniform, long-lasting texture.

Cons:

• Waves can look repetitive or “zig-zag” if not randomized by flipping sections or changing angle.
• Not great for workdays when you want sleek or straight looks.
• Somewhat bulky, less travel-friendly.

7. T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer

I just love this brand. I know it’s pricier than most hair dryers at $200, but only one use will prove that it’s worth even more.

If you want a powerful, fast-drying tool that’s also lightweight and beginner-friendly, this is it. It automatically adjusts the heat and speed based on your hair’s moisture level and styling goals. You literally can’t mess it up. It’s the epitome of a beginner-friendly hair dryer.

If you can get past the cost, then you’ll get results that are silky, smooth, with less frizz and faster drying time. Plus, it looks stunning on your vanity, not all clunky and ugly like basic drugstore dryers.

Pros:

• Lightweight design means less arm fatigue, a godsend if you have long hair or style daily.
• Adapts heat and airflow according to hair thickness, beautiful control for beginners.
• Result: smooth, frizz-controlled drying that looks polished and lasts.

Cons:

• Pricey compared to budget dryers, worth it for the performance, but a noticeable upgrade.
• Extra features and controls can overwhelm a total newbie; stick to basics and build from there.
• Compact grip feels kind of small if you’re used to bulky salon dryers.

A Few Beginner Styling Tips While I’ve Got You

1. Don’t go full heat right away. Start with medium settings until you know how your hair reacts.
2. Use heat protectant spray. Always. No exceptions. Your hair will thank you.
3. Work in sections. Trying to style all your hair at once leads to frustration (and frizz).
4. Let curls cool before touching. That’s how they set and last all day.
5. Practice makes better. You won’t nail it the first time, and that’s okay.

Take Your Pick of Beginner-Friendly Hair Styling Tools

Getting into hair styling can feel intimidating, especially with all the influencers making it look so effortless. But with beginner-friendly tools like these, it becomes way more doable, and even kind of fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a bouncy blowout, beachy waves, or just trying to tame the chaos; the right tools make all the difference.

Start with one or two from this list and build your skills (and confidence) over time. And if you’re still unsure? Stick with Ella Bella. They’ve got everything you need and more to start strong. And for more awesome tips and guides like this, check out our site!