The Best Budget-Friendly Hair Styling Tools Under $100

In the well-stocked world of hair styling products there are efficacious formulas available at every potential price point.

There are hair serums we save up for and dole out with care every time we apply them. But there are also haircare products that you can cop for less than $15 (shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, you name it) from the supermarket, if you know your way around the shelves.

Similarly, we’ve learned how to adapt our hair colouring rituals to meet an inflexible budget to avoid forking over $400 every time we visit the salon. But when it comes to hair styling tools, there is a general consensus that the best hot tools are always the most expensive, which is just categorically untrue.

So, we’ve tapped the best hair styling tools under $100 on the market to help change the minds of any non-believers out there. Keep scrolling for our recommendations…

Best Hairdryer Under $100: VS Sassoon Nourishology 2200 Dryer

VS Sassoon’s newest hairdryer uses micro-conditioning technology to infuse hair with argan, coconut and aloe vera oils during styling. Plus, it is equipped with keratin ceramic-ionic technology, which helps to smooth hair too. The high torque fan system dries strands in light speed, while the concentrator attachment allows you to be more precise. As for the curl diffuser? Well, it defines, enhances and volumises your natural curl pattern from the root of the hair to the tip.

$49 at JB Hi-Fi

Best Blow Dry Brush Under $100: Remington Hydraluxe Blow Dry Brush

Blow dry brushes are the hottest hair tool at the moment thanks to the Dyson Airwrap, but for those of us who don’t have $900 to spend on an air styler this is the next best thing. The Remington Hydraluxe has a moisture lock ceramic coating that distributes micro-conditioners into the hair during styling, while the hydracare setting ensures your hair remains healthy during styling and uses low temperatures only. There are three heat settings and the styler can be operated at two different speeds.

$69.95 at Priceline

Best Hair Straightener Under $100: Muk Style Stick Black

This hair straightener is the sure and steady boyfriend of the hair tool world. It’s reliable, simple, and good for your hair. It features tourmaline ceramic plates that emit negative ions, which reduce frizz and static during styling. Plus, the ion technology seals the hair cuticle, helping to lock in moisture and prevent damage to the hair. It also has adjustable heat settings (80°C – 210°C) and infra-red heat technology, which promotes longer-lasting hair styles.

$79.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Best Hair Curler Under $100

We’re firmly opposed to any hair curler that gives us tight, Shirley Temple curls, which is why we love this larger 38mm barrel for creating voluminous beachy waves. The curling tong heats up quickly and utilises ceramic technology to ensure your curls look smooth, shiny and stay in place all day.

$74.96 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Best Wave Wand Under $100: Bondi Boost Wave Wand 32mm Barrel

Prefer the finish of a mermaid waver over a traditional hair curler? This is the best hair tool for the job. It comes equipped with three large 32mm waving barrels coated in a high-grade crystal powder tourmaline ceramic glaze, an adjustable temperature gauge (80°C to 210°C), and safety features like a non slip handle and insulated barrel tips.

$59.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Best Hair Crimper Under $100: Mermade Hair Double Waver

While this double waver isn’t going to give you the crisp-edged crimped hair that was so popular in the ’90s and early ’00s, it will give you an updated (and in our opinion, a more wearable) version of the hairstyle. The lightweight waver features two 25mm ionic ceramic plated barrels that create a soft, S-wave pattern in the hair. Plus, it heats up in just 60 seconds and turns off automatically after an hour to prevent any accidents.

$99 at Adore Beauty

Best Mini Travel Hair Straightener: Glister Mini Travel Tourmaline Straightener 13mm

We have a real bone to pick with whoever decided that most hair styling tools have to be bulky, heavy and hard to pack, which is why we love this travel-friendly mini straightening tong. The 13mm tong comes with it’s own travel pouch and can be used to create smooth, silky styles with the same ease as a full-sized hair tool.

$49 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Best Manual Tool: Toni&Guy Tools Styling Brush

Because not all hair styling needs to be totally electronic. Okay sure, you might be using your handy hair dryer to assist this tool, but that doesn’t totally matter. This one’s for the clever folk among us that have learnt (and nailed) the at-home blowout. And boy is that one mean feat! This radial brush has been designed with scalp-stimulating pin-like bristles, and a cushioned-contouring pad. Creating big bouncy waves is only a wash and dry away with the help of this styling tool.

$19 at Woolworths

Image credit: Getty

What’s your favourite budget-friendly hair tool?