Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Wavytalk 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Wavytalk 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set
“I really like that this curling iron doesn’t have a clamp—those always seem to leave weird creases in my hair and fry the ends, so that’s a big plus. I also appreciate that it’s interchangeable. I tend to reach for the standard barrel most often, but I’m intrigued by the bubble and tapered options, too. The inclusion of a blow-dry brush is another nice touch, making it a surprisingly versatile tool. My only gripe is that it only offers two heat settings, and it’s not super clear what temperature each one is.”—Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor
- Best for styling: Thin and medium-to-thick hair types
- Material: Tourmaline ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 410°F
- Attachments: 5 (a curling barrel, a hair straightener and curler, a tapered curling wand, a small curling wand, and a thermal brush)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best multi-styler hair tool?
The hairstylists we spoke with share that the best multi-styler tools are ones that allow you to create multiple different looks without damaging your hair. Diaz is also a fan of multi-stylers because they have interchangeable attachments, like curling barrels, round brushes, and concentrator pieces that could be used in place of your typical straightener, diffuser, or curling iron. “This is especially valuable for people who want salon-quality results at home without investing in multiple hot tools,” he says.
What is the least damaging multi-styler tool?
The truth is, every hot tool will damage hair to a certain degree, says Rogerio Cavalcante, a New York City based hair stylist. But, there are ways to mitigate this, depending on the temperature you use and your hair type.
- For fine or fragile hair: Opt for tools with adjustable heat settings and always stick to the lower range (around 250–300°F). Look for ceramic plates or barrels, which distribute heat more evenly and gently.
- For thick or coarse hair: To be effective, you’ll likely need tools that reach higher temperatures (up to 400°F). However, it’s not just about the heat. Look for wider plates or larger barrels to cover more hair at once, and always work in smaller sections so the heat can reach all strands evenly.
- Texture or curly hair: Higher temperatures can help reshape curls or coils, but you must be extra cautious. Use heat protectants and avoid going over the same section multiple times. Detachable comb or brush attachments on blow dryers can help stretch the hair before styling.
How to avoid damage when using a multi-styler
In addition to using the right temperature for your hair type, a heat protectant spray can make a massive difference. Bianca Hillier, a master colorist and hairstylist based in Los Angeles, says that the biggest misconception is that thermal styling only affects the outside of the hair. “Most people focus on protecting the hair shaft/exterior, but the reality is that thermal styling negatively impacts what’s happening inside the hair as well,” she says. A heat protectant thoroughly applied from the roots to tips will help shield strands. We like the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection Spray or the Mane Temp Check Heat Protection Spray for this.
Glamour editors and contributors have been testing the best styling tools for years, including the best multi-stylers. When researching products for this story, we tapped celebrity hairstylists to share their favorite tools and asked editors to share the ones they rely on time and time again. We then evaluated the tools based on three criteria: the tool’s material, temperature, and results. The ones that made our final list were made of ceramic or steel to effectively shape hair while still being gentle. We also kept options that had gentle and easily adjustable temperature settings to prevent damage. The multi-stylers that made the cut also gave us waves, curls, and frizz-free blowouts that lasted all day.
