From R250 Curlers To High-Tech Splurges: The 13 Hair Tools The WH Team Swears By

Best For: Budget curls

“I first got one of these as a Christmas present in my teens. It carried my friends and me through university, my first job and countless nights out. Since then, it’s been an MVP for weddings, big life events and plenty in between – basically a curly-haired companion through most major moments. From family to best friends to colleagues, so many of the women close to me now own one thanks to my influence. It’s simple, budget-friendly and once you get the hang of it (the first few tries can feel a little confusing), it delivers salon-level curls in minutes. Clip a section of hair in and follow the barrel’s cage as you wrap – it guides your hair into soft, defined curls. It works best on medium-to-long hair. If your hair is very short, you probably won’t get the same results. But it truly is a tool that has stood the test of time and for R250 you can’t do better.” – Kelleigh Korevaar, Deputy Editor

Best For: Beach waves

“Not one, not two, but three barrels create uniform waves in minutes. On longer hair, the finish feels relaxed and textured. On shorter cuts, it leans more polished with a subtle 1920s influence. It can look intimidating at first, but after a couple of sections, the technique becomes surprisingly easy to manage. The tool maintains a consistent 185°C to help create long-lasting waves without unnecessary heat exposure. The result is defined texture with a natural-looking sheen that holds throughout the day.” – Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor

Best For: Straight, sleek hair in record time

“The best thing ever invented; hot air dries and straightens in one fell swoop. It gets the roots with blow action and straightens the body with tongs. Plus, it uses intelligent technology to make sure the tool doesn’t get too hot. I get super-straight results, but it might be different depending on your hair type.” – Michelle October, Features Editor

Best For: Effortless at-home blowouts with volume

“A normal blowdryer leaves my hair looking like a giant ball of frizz and fuzz, but I also don’t have the time or effort to style my hair after every wash. The Moyoko Blowbrush combines drying and styling in one and helps me look like I put in a lot of time and effort!” – Steff van Niekerk, Freelance Videographer

Best For: Loose waves

“There are two types of curling tools: the ones that give you tight, pageant-style curls and the ones that create that effortless, “I woke up like this” wave. This sits firmly in the second camp. With its extra-large 38mm barrel – the biggest in the Chronos range – this wand is designed for loose, glossy waves rather than structured curls. It’s particularly well suited to medium-to-long hair and great for creating those soft bends that look polished but not overly styled. Like all ghd tools, it heats to the brand’s signature 185°C styling temperature, which helps deliver shine and smoothness while minimising unnecessary heat exposure. Practical details like the cool tip, safety stand and automatic sleep mode after 20 minutes make it easy to use, even if you’re styling in a rush. What stood out during testing is how quickly you can style larger sections of hair thanks to the oversized barrel – ideal if you want a full head of waves without spending ages sectioning tiny pieces.” – Kelleigh Korevaar, Deputy Editor

Best For: Straightening, smoothing and frizz-reduction

“This hair tool was previously my mom’s, and it has lasted such a long time. I’d like to call this tool a girls’ girl, I don’t really have the patience for running a straightening iron through my hair for longer than 15 minutes. When I tell you this tool has saved me so much time while still getting my hair straight and smooth. I love it so much, I don’t think it can be replaced unless it gives in, and then I’ll have to face reality. But 10/10 would definitely recommend!” – Ifeoma Okobi, Editorial Intern

Best For: Heat-free styling

“Ok hear me out, this is really good. Bendy rollers (aka flexi rods) come in different sizes, depending on your hair thickness. When using this tool all you need is a little patience – and you’ll get major payoff. No heat, no damage, just soft foam rods. The exact technique is basic: simply spritz your hair with a bit of water, then roll each section in, twist, twirl the hair and then bend the roller so the hair doesn’t slip out. The result? A borderline 90s supermodel blowout. How long do your curls last? Two to three days depending on your hair type. Oooobsessed.” – Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor

Best For: Bouncy blowouts

“We all remember trying to give ourselves a bouncy blowout with a hairdryer and a round brush – usually our mom’s, or one we naively bought ourselves. The result? A brush so tangled in your hair that when you let go, it hangs there like a proud Christmas decoration. Thankfully, tools have come a long way. ghd essentially combines a hairdryer and round brush into one easy-to-use device that takes hair from wet to blow-dried while delivering that glossy, Hollywood-style blowout – minus the tears and tangles. It comes with a clear instruction manual and helps boost volume while reducing frizz and adding shine. Start with a rough blow-dry to remove excess moisture, then go back in to shape and lift the hair for that bouncy, salon-style finish. Hack: When twisting sections through the brush, aim to wrap your hair around the silver ring between the brush barrel and the handle. I picked this up from a tutorial online and found it helps create more tension, which results in a smoother, more defined bounce.” – Kelleigh Korevaar, Deputy Editor

Best For: Detangling hair

“Yes, it’s glittery. Yes, it’s pink. But this brush means business. Designed with DuoFlex anti-static bristles, it flexes as it moves through the hair, easing out knots with less tugging and reduced breakage. It works just as well on wet strands as it does on dry, making it a smart addition to your gym bag. The lightweight design sits comfortably in your hand and cleaning it takes seconds.” – Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor

Best For: Frizziness, breakage, and protecting your hair whilst you sleep

“As someone that tosses and turns all night, every night, using a satin pillowcase has been a game changer for my hair. I wake up with fewer knots, tangles and mess!” – Steff van Niekerk, Freelance Videographer

Best For: Blow-dries and straightens, only one hand needed

“A giant brush that allows you to get close to the root while blow drying and straightening, all while requiring only one hand. It adds va-va-volume and has lasted me many years.” – Michelle October, Features Editor

Best For: Quick drying

“If smooth, glossy hair is what you’re after, this dryer delivers – without dragging out your routine. Its high-speed brushless motor helps reduce drying time compared to many traditional dryers. Ionic Boost technology releases negative ions to help minimise static and smooth the hair’s surface, leaving it looking shinier and feeling softer. Whether you prefer a sleek blow-dry or diffused curls, it handles both well.” – Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor

Want to know more? Check out our full review here.

Best For: Tight, small and natural-looking bouncy curls

“This long, slender stick is remarkable. I find that while it’s made for creating tighter curls, it works just as well for bigger curls when you use more hair per curl. I used it to create tighter curls with my natural hair when some strands were “wayward”. Now, I use it to create body – I curl my bob, then allow it to settle into waves. It works for natural curls and fairytale locks and curls last very long; longer than standard curlers” – Michelle October, Features Editor