Next-Gen Styling Tools That Are Worth the Hype

Written by SalonCentric TeamFeb 19, 2025

Read time 6 min

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Styling Tool Innovations

It’s been said that hair tools are an extension of your hand. They extend your hands’ capabilities for styling and manipulating hair more effectively. So, to achieve optimal results for your clients, it’s essential to keep your kit updated with the latest innovations. Investing in high quality tools for your business not only saves you money in the long run, but also helps to preserve the health and integrity of hair while ensuring a more enjoyable experience in the salon for your guests, and for yourself.  

Plus, using the latest and greatest is also an excellent way for salon professionals to showcase their expertise, stay competitive, and attract clients who want the best results. From flat irons to hair dryers, we’ve rounded up the latest tool innovations that need to be on your radar … and in your toolkit

Hair Dryers

Dyson r Professional Hair Dryer

Dyson Supersonic r Professional Hair Dryer  

Designed exclusively for pros, this impressive hair dryer is 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than any of Dyson’s other tools. It delivers optimal airflow and temperature (thanks to the Dyson Hyperdymium motor) and features intelligent Radio Frequency Identification sensors in each attachment that communicate with the dryer. The new Dyson r is more maneuverable and supports superior styling results, delivering frizz-free hair that is smoother and shinier without any heat damage.

“The new Dyson r dries hair faster than ever,” says Karen Miller, Director of Styling, Spoke & Weal Salons. “I work with a variety of hair textures, and even on clients with dense coily hair, this dryer enables me to cut my drying time in half. It protects the hair from mechanical damage via the comb attachment and heat damage—plus, time and temps. The Dyson r is a must-have for my silk press services and we use them exclusively at Spoke & Weal. It is so light and ergonomic, which is a game changer for body positioning and longevity.” 

AirLight Pro Hair Dryer

L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro  

This next-generation hair-drying tool was developed in partnership with Zuvi, a hardware startup company established by leading scientists and drone engineers. It uses a combination of patented infrared-light technology powered by tungsten-halogen bulbs and wind to smooth and hydrate hair while optimized heat flow dries hair faster without excessive heat. The AirLight Pro is equipped with a special 17-blade, high-speed motor and dries water on the hair's surface, leaving internal moisture within strands for smoother and shinier hair.  

ghd Helios 1875W Hair Dryer

ghd Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer 

Take blow-outs to the next level with this premium ghd hair dryer—it's lighter, faster, and provides smoother results with 30 percent more shine. The powerful airflow and contoured nozzle allow precise styling with more focused airflow. Enjoy maximum styling comfort with the lightweight and ergonomically balanced dryer, which includes a bespoke acoustic system to ensure low sound levels.  

T3 Aire iQ Hair Dryer

T3 Aire iQ  

This new innovation from the brand T3 elevates the hair drying experience for beauty pros with its smart, powerful design. Featuring Heat ID Technology, the T3 Aire iQ adjusts heat and airflow according to the hair’s unique needs while SoftAire Technology preserves moisture for smooth, shiny results. With a BLDC motor for faster drying, a volume boost switch, and a built-in cool shot, it's a top pick for even the pickiest of hairstylists. 

BaBylissPRO Nano Light Ionic Hair Dryer

BaBylissPRO Nano Light Ionic Hair Dryer 

The Nano Light Ionic Hair Dryer by BaBylissPRO is a game-changer when it comes to creating smooth, shiny styles for your clients. Weighing under one pound, its Nano Titanium and Ionic Technology work to reduce frizz and boost shine. With a powerful 1400-watt motor, nine heat and speed settings, and a cold shot button, it's the total package—delivering impressive results in record time. 

Curling Irons

Beachwaver Co. B1.5 Curling Iron

The Beachwaver Co. B1.5 

The B1.5 is Beachwaver Co.'s newest curling iron and biggest barrel size—a 1.5-inch barrel that can create everything from gentle waves to defined curls. The patented-rotating curling iron includes a lightweight 5.5-inch ceramic barrel, three heat settings, and additional settings that allow you to rotate the barrel in both directions.

It ensures even heat distribution with simplified arrow buttons that allow for easy rotation control, and an ergonomic handle for maximum comfort during use. An 8-foot swivel cord enables free movement while a beveled, no-kink clamp secures hair without hassle. It also has a 30-minute automatic shut-off feature so you can style your clients with peace of mind.  

ghd Soft Curl Iron 1.25 Inch

ghd Soft Curl Iron 1.25” 

Create a wide range of soft curls on all lengths of hair with the ghd Soft Curl Iron, which features a 1.25-inch large barrel with an ergonomic clamp. Breakthrough ultra-zone technology detects each strand of hair and adapts to 365 degrees across the entire barrel to ensure safe, consistent heat that won’t damage hair. It includes a protective cool tip for safety while curling, a built-in safety stand, professional-length cord, 25-second heat-up time, and universal voltage. Plus, it even goes into automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes. 

T3 SinglePass Curl X Curling Iron

T3 SinglePass Curl X

With its extra-long CeraGloss ceramic barrel, the T3 SinglePass Curl X glides through even the longest strands, creating smooth, defined waves or curls in one quick pass. Thanks to its Digital SinglePass Technology and nine customizable heat settings, this sleek, lightweight tool has become a go-to pick for creating soft, healthy-looking curls and waves. 

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

When it comes to styling tools, efficiency and consistency are a must—and the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron delivers on both fronts. It's two inches longer than the average curling iron and features a protective cool touch tip, makes styling long hair and tricky back sections a breeze. Plus, the NanoIonic MX and Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat help ensure styles are long-lasting, hydrated, shiny, and full of volume. With lightweight handling, adjustable heat settings, universal voltage, and one-hour auto shutoff, this award-winning styler is the perfect travel companion for busy stylists on the go. 

Flat Irons

Dyson Corrale Professional Flat Iron 

Stylists are loving Dyson's new Corrale Professional Flat Iron, which blends precision and performance to create flawless, healthy-looking hairstyles. Its flexing plates help reduce frizz and flyaways with less heat while real-time temperature control and three precise heat settings ensure smooth results for all hair types. Standout features include its cord-free styling option (for up to 30 minutes) and hybrid charge mode, which gives beauty pros more flexibility when styling. 

ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler

ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler 

Transform hair from wet to styled in no time without damaging strands. The brand’s first 2-in-1 wet-to-dry hot air styler simplifies styling routines and delivers unbelievably soft hair with Airfusion Technology, which combines state-of-the-art internal aerodynamics with four smart heated styling plates. The low temperature plates are equipped with infinity sensors to predict hair’s needs and maintain an optimal low temperature.

When used in Shine Shot mode, it delivers frizz-free hair, twice the shine, and 3.5 times more hair alignment. It’s designed for a pleasant, low sound level experience with unique aerodynamics that reduce energy waste for up to 30 percent less energy consumption. 

T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron

T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron 

This T3 flat iron is a must-have for stylists looking to create ultra-sleek, glass hair looks. With its extra-long CeraGloss ceramic plates, it's designed to smooth frizz and boost shine with every glide. It features Digital T3 SinglePass Technology and CeraSync heaters to deliver flawless, one-pass results. With nine heat settings and a precision control hinge, this flat iron has quickly become beloved for its fast, snag-free styling for all hair types. 

Scissors/Shears

JW Shears JW Cobalt Force (CF2) Professional Haircutting Shears

JW Shears JW Cobalt Force (CF2) Professional Haircutting Shear

Crafted from VG10 Cobalt steel, the lightweight CF2 hair shear offers exceptional sharpness and durability. Ideal for precision cutting, it provides excellent control and accuracy for professionals who need comfort and cutting excellence. Its offset crane handle reduces hand and wrist strain during extended use and helps minimize the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional features include a convex edge, which delivers a smooth cutting experience, and a flat screw tension system, which allows you to fine-tune tension to your preference.  

Clippers/Trimmers

Wahl Peanut Li

Wahl Peanut Li  

A classic favorite, the Cordless Peanut Trimmer has been upgraded with a modern shape, new charging capabilities, and a more powerful motor. Lightweight yet powerful, the Peanut Li delivers compact performance with versatile cordless freedom for safe, comfortable bulk cutting and trimming head and beard hair.  

Andis Shaver Profoil Trimmer

Andis Shaver Profoil 

Perfect for finishing fades or achieving a smooth, ultra-close shave, the Andis ProFoil Lithium Plus Titanium Foil Shaver is all about precision. Thanks to its hypoallergenic gold titanium foil heads, it trims down to the skin without irritation or bumps—creating a flawless finish on every client. With 80 minutes of cordless runtime, a simple slide switch, and a cord/cordless option, this lightweight, sleek tool is built to keep up with back-to-back clients without sacrificing results.