The brilliant Dyson Airwrap alternative – that's half the price
The Multi-Tasker, £195, Hershesons
I've tried my fair share. The one I keep going back to at the moment is The Multi-Tasker by Hershesons, which is really handy if you want one tool to do lots of different things and if you like a bit of texture in your hair. In the kit, which costs £195, you get a main handle and three attachments. If you have medium to longer hair like me, this includes a heated brush, a classic tong and a waver (there's a set for short hair too). The heated brush is excellent for adding root lift into limp hair (you can watch an easy tutorial to recreate this on hershesons.com).
The attachment I've been using the most is the waver, which looks like a wider version of an Eighties crimper – except it gives a really modern, cool wave in a matter of minutes. (Honestly, I can do my full head of long hair in around five minutes.) You can adjust the temperature on the dial, too, so if you have fine hair like me I'd start off on a lower heat.
If you like your hair straight, I don't think you can beat Ghd straighteners. I am yet to use another set that offer as much smoothness and shine. The brand's newest creation, the Chronos Max (£299, Ghd), has wider plates so is particularly brilliant if you have thick or very long hair that you want to straighten. Just one pass on each section of hair works wonders; I'd just make sure your hair is completely dry before using it.
Of course, if you'd rather a tool that takes you from damp hair to styled without needing a hairdryer, Dyson is the market leader on stylers that use air flow, not heat. I am asked so often about Dyson gadgets – and if they're really worth the steep price tag.
I think the Airwrap (£479.99, Dyson) is very good: it has lots of different attachments to add body, curl and volume in the hair, although in my experience the curl doesn't last beyond an afternoon or evening (which, for much of the time, is no problem). It takes a little practice but once you get the hang of it, you can go from damp to styled hair in around 10 minutes.
The Airstrait is Dyson's alternative to hair straighteners that use heat (from £379.99, Dyson). I think these are excellent, but as the straighteners can't reach your roots, you will need to dry your roots first before using it on your damp mid-lengths and ends. Because they are so light to use, much of the tech is in the plug socket which is quite bulky, so do bear that in mind.
With any of these tools (even the Dysons), I think it's essential you prep the hair properly with a heat-protecting spray (I've included some of my favourites here).
Three of the best… heat-protecting products
The Prologue Hair Primer by Arkive
£13, Boots
Not only does this smell uplifting and zesty, it's a brilliant styling product, too. Spray it into damp hair and the clever heat-activated formula means it will hold the shape whatever styling tool you use – whether a straightener or a tong. An excellent option for anyone with finer hair.
Extra Strength Dream Coat by Color Wow
£32, Space NK
If you have very coarse, curly or frizzy hair, this best-selling conditioning heat protectant spray is for you. Apply to damp hair and it adds hydration which will last until you next wash it, with the sort of shine and gloss you only really get after a salon blow-dry. A friend with curly hair has been committed to this for years!
Almost Everything Cream by Hershesons
From £14, Hershesons
As the name suggests, this has lots of different uses. Most useful is to spread a pump or two in your hands, then smooth it into freshly washed, damp hair. It takes away frizz and adds a protective layer, ready for any tools. You can also use it to calm any finer baby hairs around the hairline.
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