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Drumroll, please! After polling some of Hollywood’s top fashion and beauty insiders, The Hollywood Reporter presents the Red Carpet Essentials Awards.
For Hollywood’s top hairstylists, using the right hair care products is just the first step toward red carpet-ready tresses. It’s also all about effective hair tools that dry, curl and style in record time — and here, celebrity beauty pros exclusively reveal the best hair dryers, curlers, straight irons, brushes and other must-haves that have earned a spot in their glam squad kits. Read on for recs from A-list hairstylists Mara Roszak (clients include Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and Zoe Saldaña) and Araxi Lindsey (Regina King, Zoë Kravitz and Zazie Beetz are all clients); hair extensionist Priscilla Valles (Christina Aguilera and Kylie Jenner); colorist Rita Hazan (Beyoncé and Jessica Simpson); and more.
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How We Chose the Winners of THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Awards
Hollywood fashion and beauty professionals have logged hundreds — if not thousands — of hours testing makeup, skincare, hair products and tools, and more on clients and themselves. That’s why we turned to them to share the products that have earned their professional personal seals of approval for use on clients on the red carpet, as well as every day.
THR‘s Red Carpet Essentials Awards Experts
- StylistsKrista Roser,Mickey Freeman,Amanda Lim
- Makeup artistsJennifer “JD” Daranyi,Jamie Greenberg(Jamie Makeupfounder),Hinako,Julia Jovone,Renée Loiz(Color May Varyfounder),Katie Mellinger,Robert Sesnek,Tisha Thompson(LYS Beautyco-founder/CEO)
- Hairstylists, colorists and extensionistsRita Hazan, Araxi Lindsey,Mara Roszak(Mare Salonco-founder,Rōzhaircare founder), Priscilla Valles,MJ Snyder
- Brow and lash artistsMelanie Marris(Brow Codefounder/CEO)
- Aestheticians and facialistsSarah Akram,Ian Michael Crumm(BeautyCuriouspodcast co-host)
Read More: THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Award Winners
- The Best Foundations and Face Powders, According to Hollywood Insiders
- The 12+ Best Concealers Approved by Celebrity Makeup Artists
- The Best Waterproof Mascaras, Eyeliners and Brow Products, According to Star Makeup Artists
- The Best Haircare Products Loved by Celebrity Hairstylists
- The Best Fashion Fixes According to Celebrity Stylists, From Lint Rollers to Steamers
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Red Carpet Essentials Awards: Best Haircare and Hairstyling Tools
GHD Platinum+ Styler 1-Inch Flat Iron
Buy Now at GHD $216.75
$245.65$28915% off
Buy Now at Amazon
$289 AT SEPHORA
$289 at Ulta
Both MJ Snyder and Mara Roszak love GHD’s flat iron.
“The GHD Pro Flat Iron is super versatile and I can use this to create really nice texture and waves.” — MJ Snyder
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
$600 AT dyson
$599.00
$599 at Amazon
Priscilla Valles and Rita Hazan praise the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler.
“The Dyson Airwrap is perfect for any hairstyle. I use it for straightening, curling, blowouts, etc.” — Priscilla Valles
“My favorite hairstyling tool would have to be the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long. It is the quickest and easiest way to blow out hair at home. I love trying all the different attachments and people always think I had my hair professionally done.” — Rita Hazan
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
$430 AT DYSON
$429 at Amazon
Melanie Marris, MJ Snyder, Priscilla Valles and Araxi Lindsey all have rave reviews for the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, including the professional version.
Marris calls it “elite for a professional blowout at home,” while Snyder calls it “a staple [for] tylists working long hours on red carpet days.”
“I love my Dyson professional hair dryer,” says Lindsey. “The marriage between air and heat is consistent. The comb attachment is a huge bonus. I’m able to complete a hairstyle in half the time it takes to use a paddle brush.”
GHD Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer
$279 AT ULTA
$279 at Amazon
Mara Roszak vouches for GHD’s Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer, which is an award-winning dryer and features ionic technology that reduces frizz for smoother results.
FHI Heat Stylus Thermal Styling Hair Dryer Brush
$120 at Amazon
$120 at FHI
“The FHI hair drying brush has truly been a lifesaver for me. This incredible tool not only dries my hair quickly and efficiently, but it also styles it beautifully at the same time. With its innovative design and powerful airflow, I can achieve a salon-worthy blowout in a fraction of the time it used to take me. The brush bristles are gentle on my hair, preventing any damage or tangles, and the adjustable heat settings allow me to customize the drying experience to my liking. The FHI hair drying brush has become an essential part of my hair care routine, saving me precious time and ensuring that my hair looks fabulous every day.” — Julia Jovone
Rusk Engineering W8less Professional 2000 Watt Dryer
$92.50$135.9532% off
Buy Now at Amazon
“My all-time favorite hair dryer is the Rusk W8less Professional 2000 Watt Dryer. This is the quickest hairdryer and is great for when in a hurry. It is lightweight and blows super hot air which allows for a smooth finish.” — Rita Hazan
Bio Ionic 1.5-inch Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
$126.60$14915% off
Buy now at Amazon
$149 AT SEPHORA
“The Bio Ionic extra long 1.5-inch curling iron makes it so easy to curl hair especially if your client has extra long hair.” — MJ Snyder
GHD Classic 1-Inch Curl Hair Curling Iron
Buy Now at GHD $156.75
$205 at Amazon
$209 AT SEPHORA
Mara Roszak recommends the GHD Classic Curl Hair Curling Iron, which features ultra-zone technology that monitors temperature across the entire barrel to adapt to your hair.
GHD Soft Curl 1.25-Inch Hair Curling Iron
Buy Now at GHD $156.75
$205 at Amazon
$205 at ulta
“If I’m not using the Dyson, I grab the GHD Soft Curl Barrel 1.25-inch Curling Iron. It heats up quickly, adapts to hair for heat protection and creates voluminous curls.” — Priscilla Valles
Hair Are Us 5-in-1 Hot Hair Styling Tool Set
“Hair Are Us has truly outdone themselves with their 5-in-1 luxe ceramic interchangeable styling set. This versatile tool allows you to create a wide range of stunning curls for any hair type or occasion. From tight, bouncy curls to loose, beachy waves, this set has it all. As a hairstylist working on set, I have found this styling set to be an absolute game-changer. It not only provides exceptional results but also saves me time and effort. The ceramic barrels heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring long-lasting curls that hold their shape all day. I am constantly amazed by the endless possibilities this styling set offers, and my clients are always thrilled with the beautiful curls it creates. The brand has truly created a must-have tool for any hairstylist or hair enthusiast.” — Julia Jovone
Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers
$13.99$15.409% off
Buy Now On Amazon
$14 at ulta
$14 at Kitsch
“My favorite thing to curl my hair recently has been the Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers. These provide my hair with great volume that lasts throughout the entire day. I like the ability to pick which size curls with the various sizes of rollers.” — Rita Hazan
CHI Professional 1-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Hairstyling Flat Iron
$65.87$99.99
Buy Now at Amazon
$86 at Target
$90 at CHI
“I enjoy curling hair with a flat iron for a more updated look. The ceramic plates allow hair to glide through with ease while adding shine.” — Araxi Lindsey
Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion 1 3/4-Inch Round Thermal Hair Brush
$25 at Ulta
$28 Amazon
“Olivia Garden’s round brush with nano-technologies acts like a hot tool when it warms up and gives the hair extra shine.” — MJ Snyder
Sheila Stotts Untangle Brush
$43 at Amazon
Mara Roszak and Priscilla Valles love the Sheila Stotts Untangle Brush.
“I swear by Sheila Stotts’ Untangle Brush. It works perfectly for untangling hair and makes adding extensions 10 times easier. Pricey but worth it.” — Priscilla Valles
Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush
$52 at Amazon
Mara Roszak also vouches for the Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush which features a high-performance blend of natural boar and heat-resistant carbon fiber bristles.
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush
$95 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
$95 at neiman marcus
$95 at nordstrom
“The Radiance Brush provides gentle detangling for soft hair.” — Jamie Greenberg
Dae Vegan Detangle + Style Brush
$24 at sephora
“My favorite hair brush is the Vegan Detangle + Style Brush by Dae Hair. This brush glides through the hair effortlessly while also massaging the scalp. In addition, it works for both wet and dry hair.” — Rita Hazan
Goody Detangle It Paddle Hair Brush
$9.56$11.91
Buy Now On Amazon
“I use Goody’s detangler brush to remove knots before shampooing and breaking up finished curls for a flowing tousled look.” — Araxi Lindsey
Emi Jay Hair Clips
$12 and up at Emi Jay
$12 and up at Revolve
“Emi Jay makes the cutest hair accessories. I love their claw clips to pin hair back while doing my glam.” — Melanie Marris
Lelet NYC Hair Accessories
$68 and up AT NET-A-PORTER
“I’m all about hair cuffs, bows and statement headbands. Lelet NYC makes really unique pieces and I’m currently obsessed with their gold/ silver globe hair cuff.” — MJ Snyder
Day Rate Petite Power Pin
$26 at Amazon
Mara Roszak likes Day Rate’s Petite Power Pin, which is a French-style hairpin that works great to secure high and low buns.
Slip Silk Scrunchies (6 Pack)
$39 Amazon
$39 AT SEPHORA
“I like the Slip hair ties. The silk is good for hair health and doesn’t leave an indent.” — Priscilla Valles
Dae Agave Dry Heat Limited Edition Styling Kit
$42 AT DAE
“My favorite hair clip comes in the Dae Agave Dry Heat Limited Edition Styling Kit. I always use this when I am blowing out my hair. These clips really keep my hair up tight and out of the way.” — Rita Hazan
Goody Hair Women’s Braided Hair Elastics, 32 count
$5.46 at Amazon
“Goody has historically never failed me. I haven’t met a broken Goody elastic tie. They’re super stretchy.” — Araxi Lindsey
