Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hair multistyler?
A hair multistyler is essentially several hot tools rolled into one, using interchangeable attachments to dry, smooth, straighten, curl, or add volume without requiring a bathroom drawer full of devices. Depending on the model, it may rely primarily on airflow, heated surfaces, or a combination of the two to create different styles. In reference to versatile Shark Beauty tools like the Shark Glam, “If you want one tool that does it all, this is a great way to cut down on clutter while getting the versatility of multiple styling tools,” New Jersey-based hairstylist Michele Joseph previously told Allure.
Do you need to use a heat protectant with a multistyler?
Even if your multistyler uses airflow or lower temperatures than a traditional curling iron or straightener, heat is still heat, so it’s worth adding a protectant before you style. “I tell all my clients to think of it as a lightweight shield that keeps the cuticle sealed while the heat does its work,” New York City-based hairstylist Kaprisha Gipson previously told Allure. Heat protectants create a barrier over the hair that helps limit moisture loss and damage, making them especially important if a multistyler is part of your regular routine.
Are multistylers good for fine hair?
Yes, multistylers can be a great option for fine hair, especially if they have adjustable heat and airflow settings that let you customize your styling session. “Fine hair generally needs much less heat than coarse hair or curly textures,” New York City-based hairstylist Eddie Parra previously told Allure. Start with a lower temperature and work your way up only if needed, and pay attention to the attachments, too: Some are particularly helpful for giving fine hair a boost of volume at the roots. The Conical Co-anda2x curling barrel included with the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler & Dryer, for example, has a tapered shape that lets you curl closer to the root for more definition and lift from root to tip.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our list of the best multi-stylers, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Done reading? Check out how our fave celebs get ready in our 10-Minute Beauty Routine series:
