What is the best hair styler?

At a glance: what should you look for in a hair styler?

When comparing styling tools, consider:

• Your hair type and length.
• The styles you create most often.
• The attachments included.
• Whether you want to dry and style with the same machine.
• The level of styling versatility available.
• How easily the tool fits into your daily routine.

The most common hair styling goals

Different styling tools are designed to help achieve different outcomes, including:

• Soft curls and defined curls.
• Waves and texture.
• Smooth, polished finishes.
• Volume at the roots.
• Blowout-inspired styles.
• Everyday drying and styling.

Read on to discover which styling features, attachments and styling formats are best suited to your hair type, routine and styling goals.

What is a multi-styler and who does it suit?

A multi-styler is a styling device designed to perform several styling tasks from a single machine. Instead of switching between a hair dryer, curling iron, smoothing brush and volumising tool, a multi-styler uses interchangeable attachments to create a variety of looks.

For many people, a multi-styler offers greater flexibility because it can support different styling goals without requiring multiple devices.

Who benefits most from a multi-styler?

A multi-styler may suit people who:

• Like changing their hairstyle frequently.
• Want to curl, smooth and volumise with one device.
• Prefer a streamlined styling routine.
• Have limited storage space.
• Want one styling system that adapts to different occasions.

Common styling goals a multi-styler can help support

A multi-styler is designed to support a variety of styling goals through different attachments. Whether you're looking to create curls, boost volume or achieve a smoother finish, each attachment is designed for a specific styling outcome.

Curls and waves

Many people choose a multi-styler for the ability to create soft waves, loose curls or more defined curl patterns using dedicated curling attachments.

Smooth and aligned styles

Brush and smoothing attachments can help create polished finishes while reducing the need to switch between multiple styling tools.

Volume and bounce

Round volumising brushes can add lift at the roots and create fuller-looking styles.

Drying and pre-styling

Many multi-stylers can take hair from wet to damp or dry before styling, simplifying the styling process.

Why multi-stylers are increasingly popular

The growing popularity of multi-stylers reflects a shift towards versatility. Instead of buying separate tools for each styling goal, users can create a personalised routine around one device and a selection of attachments.

What is a multi-styler and who does it suit?

A multi-styler is a styling device designed to perform several styling tasks from a single machine. Instead of switching between a hair dryer, curling iron, smoothing brush and volumising tool, a multi-styler uses interchangeable attachments to create a variety of looks.

For many people, a multi-styler offers greater flexibility because it can support different styling goals without requiring multiple devices.

Look beyond the number of attachments

When comparing a multi-function styler, it's worth focusing not only on the number of attachments included, but also on the styling possibilities they unlock.
 

A versatile styling system should help support a range of styling goals, including:

• Drying.
• Curling.
• Waving.
• Smoothing.
• Straightening.
• Volumising.

For curls and waves

If curls are your priority, look for:

• Curling barrel attachments.
• Different barrel sizes for varied curl results.
• Automated or guided curl features.
• Air-powered styling approaches.

Smaller barrels typically create tighter curls, while larger barrels produce softer curls and looser waves.

For smooth styles

If you prefer sleek everyday styling, consider:

• Smoothing brushes.
• Straightening attachments.
• Attachments that create tension through airflow.
• Features that help align hair during styling.

For volume

For blowout-inspired looks, look for:

• Round volumising brushes.
• Attachments designed for root lift.
• Styling tools that combine airflow with shaping.

For curly and coily hair

Look for attachments designed to:

• Stretch and lengthen.
• Define curls.
• Diffuse airflow.
• Shape natural curl patterns.

For faster routines

If efficiency is a priority, consider a multi-styler that combines drying and styling functions to reduce the number of tools used throughout your routine.

A practical attachment checklist

When comparing products, ask:

• Does the attachment selection match my styling goals?
• Will I realistically use all included attachments?
• Is there support for multiple hairstyles?
• Can the tool adapt to changing hair lengths or preferences?
• Does it suit my hair type?

Hair styler comparison for fine, long, curly and short hair

A useful hair styler comparison begins with hair type. Different features and attachments can deliver different benefits depending on your texture, density and length.

Fine hair

Long hair may benefit from:

• Larger barrel sizes.
• Attachments designed to style larger sections.
• Efficient drying performance.
• Flexible styling options that create multiple looks.

Because there is more hair to style, versatility and efficiency become increasingly important.

Curly and coily hair

Curly hair styling often centres around:

• Enhancing natural curl patterns.
• Diffusing airflow.
• Stretching and shaping techniques.
• Managing drying and styling in one routine.

Look for stylers with dedicated diffuser or tension-focused attachments developed for textured hair.

Short hair

Those with shorter hairstyles often benefit from:

• Precision styling attachments.
• Compact styling routines.
• Flexible brushing tools.
• Volume-focused options.

Smaller styling sections can offer greater control for shaping and finishing.

Which hair styler is best for all hair types?

No single machine is universally the best for every person. The best choice depends on:

• Hair type.
• Hair length.
• Desired style.
• Time available for styling.
• Preferred routine.

Many people therefore choose adaptable styling systems that can support different looks across changing hair goals.

Hair styler vs hair dryer brush: which is better for your routine?

The question of hair styler vs hair dryer brush comes down to versatility versus simplicity.
 

A hair dryer brush is often best for people who primarily want to dry, smooth and add volume using a single attachment.
 

A hair styler is often preferable for people who want to create a wider variety of styles, including curls, waves, smooth finishes and volume using multiple specialised attachments.

What is a hair dryer brush?

A hair dryer brush combines:

• Drying airflow.
• Brush styling.
• Smoothing.
• Volumising.

It is often used to recreate a salon-inspired blowout effect at home.

Advantages of a hair dryer brush

• Straightforward to use.
• Familiar brush format.
• Suitable for everyday blow-dry styling.
• Often ideal for smoothing and volume.

What is a hair styler?

A hair styler is typically a broader styling system that can include attachments for:

• Curling.
• Waving.
• Smoothing.
• Straightening.
• Diffusing.
• Volumising.
• Drying.

Advantages of a multi-styler

• More styling flexibility.
• One device for multiple looks.
• Adaptable attachments.
• Better suited to people who frequently change hairstyles.

Which is better?

Choose a hair dryer brush if:

• Your main goal is blow-dry styling.
• You mostly create smooth or volumised looks.
• You want a simpler accessory set.

Choose a hair styler if:

• You regularly switch between curls, waves and smooth styles.
• You want more versatility.
• You prefer specialised attachments for different finishes.

Find the right Dyson hair styler for your routine

Choosing a hair styler becomes easier when you start with the looks you create most often. 
 

If your routine moves between curls, waves, smooth finishes, straighter styles and volume, the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer gives you a flexible styling system built around dedicated attachments. Depending on the variant selected, these attachments help support different styling goals, from pre-styling and drying to curling, smoothing, straightening, volumising, stretching or diffusing.
 

If your everyday routine is more focused on brush-led styling, the Dyson Airsmooth™ styling brush offers a more streamlined approach. Its brush design is made for drying and shaping from root to tip, helping you create smoothness, movement, volume, bends or flicks with a familiar styling action.
 

Both machines are relevant to anyone comparing hair stylers because they answer different needs. The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer is suited to people who want variety from one styling system. The Dyson Airsmooth™ styling brush is suited to people who want a simpler way to dry, stretch, smooth and shape. 

Explore Dyson hair stylers to find the approach that best matches your hair type, styling goals and daily routine.