One thing I’ve learnt as a beauty editor is that there are always new things to try. Whether it’s a new skincare innovation, makeup trend, buzzy treatment …it’s never-ending. Over the years, this has made me quite sceptical, and I tend to stick to my old favourites that I know work. The only exception to this rule? Hair tools.
I’ve spent the best part of my career testing hair dryers, straighteners, hot brushes and multi-stylers, all in a bid to achieve a salon-worthy bouncy blow-dry on my long, thick, wavy strands. It’s been a challenge, but 2026 has delivered some of the best hair tools on the market, which have totally transformed my haircare routine (and put my ten-year-old straighteners to shame).
Below, you’ll find my tried-and-tested edit of the best new hair tools of 2026 (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot), but first, I want to talk about why these tools are so good. From AI technology to patented bristles, things have stepped up a notch this year. I reached out to Katherine Magowan, Dyson‘s head of beauty, to understand what’s driving these developments and how they can benefit us.
How Has Hair Styling Changed in 2026?
“One of the biggest breakthroughs [this year] has been the shift towards working with and protecting your natural hair texture, rather than fighting against it during the styling process,” Magowan tells me. “People want the freedom to transform their hair and experiment, but not at the expense of its natural texture or long-term health. For us, that means thinking carefully about the combination of heat, airflow, and mechanical tension used during styling.”
Alongside consumer demand, I was also keen to know whether AI had impacted the hair tool industry. “I think that’s where the real opportunity lies,” Magowan says. “Technology that better understands the individual, their hair, and the result they’re trying to achieve, then adapts to help deliver a more personalised and consistent experience while continuing to protect hair health. AI will undoubtedly elevate this experience in the future, but for us it’s really important that every piece of technology within our devices has a clear purpose, making styling easier and more intuitive rather than adding complexity for the sake of it.”
The Best Hair Tools of 2026
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
See More
