The Best Hair Tools Every Hair Routine Needs
Editor: BRUSH Amsterdam | Updated: 2026 | Reading time: 7 min
What are the best hair tools to have at home?
The best hair tools are the ones that help you style your hair efficiently without causing unnecessary damage. For most people, that means a high-quality brush, a reliable hairdryer, one good styling tool, and heat-conscious tools that protect the hair’s condition over time.
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we believe great hair at home starts with better tools—not more tools. The right brush, hairdryer, or styling tool can make daily styling easier, improve shine, reduce breakage, and help maintain your salon result for longer.
Why the right hair tools matter
Hair tools affect more than styling. They also influence hair health, shine, frizz, breakage, and how long your look lasts.
Low-quality tools often expose the hair to uneven heat, unnecessary pulling, or poor airflow. High-quality tools work faster, more precisely, and with less stress on the hair.
If you regularly color, style, or wear extensions, this matters even more.
The best hair tools every routine needs
1. A gentle detangling brush
A good brush is the foundation of every routine. It should detangle without pulling, reduce breakage, and work with the hair rather than against it.
The MANE MAVEN ZigZag Brush is one of our preferred options because it detangles gently and helps maintain smooth, healthy hair without putting unnecessary stress on the strands.
2. A round brush for shape and volume
If you want movement, bend, or a polished blowout, a good round brush is essential. It helps create shape while smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz.
The BaByliss PRO Lightning Round Brush is useful for creating volume and a cleaner, more salon-finished blow-dry at home.
3. A professional-quality hairdryer
A high-performance hairdryer makes one of the biggest differences in both styling speed and hair condition. Faster drying with better airflow means less time under heat and better control over the final result.
The Dyson Supersonic stands out because it dries efficiently while helping reduce unnecessary heat exposure.
4. A curling tool that creates lasting shape
If you like waves or soft curls, one well-made curling tool is more useful than several average ones. The right tool should create even heat, consistent shape, and results that last.
The GHD Curve Soft Curl Tong is a strong option for soft, brushed-out curls and more polished waves.
5. A straighter that respects hair condition
If you regularly smooth or straighten your hair, the goal should be sleekness with as little damage as possible. Tools that overheat or require repeated passes tend to create more long-term damage.
The Dyson Airstrait is interesting because it straightens using airflow rather than traditional hot plates, which can help reduce some of the stress on the hair.
Which hair tools matter most for healthy hair?
If hair health is the priority, focus on these first:
- A gentle brush
- A high-quality hairdryer
- One controlled heat styling tool
- Heat protection in every routine
Most hair damage comes from repeated friction, poor heat control, and over-styling—not from one single styling moment.
Why we do not recommend every trending hair tool
Not every viral hair tool performs equally well across different hair types. Some tools are heavily marketed but deliver inconsistent results depending on hair density, texture, or styling skill.
For example, while the Dyson AirWrap is innovative, we have found that it does not consistently create the hold, smoothness, or longevity many clients expect—especially for hair that is heavier, frizz-prone, or resistant to styling.
In practice, traditional high-performance tools often create more reliable results.
How to choose the right hair tools for your hair type
For fine hair
Choose lightweight tools that create shape and volume without overheating the hair.
For thick or frizz-prone hair
Prioritize stronger airflow, better heat control, and tools that smooth the cuticle efficiently.
For curly hair
Use tools that support the natural pattern and avoid rough handling. A diffuser and gentle detangling brush matter more than aggressive hot tools.
For extensions
Choose tools that minimize pulling and distribute heat evenly. Brushes and styling tools should protect both the extensions and your natural hair.
Read more in our How to Care for Hair Extensions guide.
How to maintain your hair tools
Good tools only stay effective if they are cared for properly.
Clean them regularly
Remove hair, dust, and product buildup often. This improves performance and extends lifespan.
Store them properly
Keep tools in a dry place and avoid wrapping cords too tightly, which can damage them over time.
Watch for wear
Damaged brushes, dirty filters, and overheated tools can negatively affect both performance and hair condition.
FAQ: Best hair tools
What are the most important hair tools to own?
The essentials are a gentle brush, a reliable hairdryer, and one styling tool that suits your routine.
Do expensive hair tools make a difference?
Often, yes. Better tools usually offer more even heat, better airflow, and less damage over time.
What is the best brush for preventing breakage?
A flexible detangling brush that glides through the hair gently is usually the best option for reducing breakage.
What hair tool causes the most damage?
Any tool can cause damage if it overheats the hair or is used too often without protection. Poor-quality straighteners and curling tools are common causes.
Do I need multiple styling tools?
No. Most people only need a few high-quality essentials rather than many average tools.
Better tools create better hair days
The best hair tools are not about having more products at home—they are about making styling easier, protecting hair health, and maintaining better results between salon visits.
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we always recommend tools that support healthy, beautiful hair first. If you want a more tailored routine, explore our blow dry services or read our Hair Treatments guide.