10 Luxe & Essential Hair Tools Every Black Woman Should Own
Let’s not pretend. Some hair tools deserve awards, and others are just along for the ride. That’s why I’ve pulled together what I truly consider essential natural hair tools that actually earn their spot in your routine, whether you are balling on a budget or treating yourself.
A few of these are in my stash, and a few are on my wish list but either way they all bring something good to the table.
Some of these hair styling tools I personally own, and some are on my wish list because…coins. Yet, I still wanted to share them all because:
- I can testify to at least half of these and
- Editors and review sites like Birdie, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar frequently recommend and feature many of these hair care tools.
For example, check out this article where advanced blow dryers, straightening irons, curling wands, heated brushes, and even combs are curated.
Now, I’m aware that most of these sites cater to curating for those with straight hair textures, but even then, we can glean inspiration from them.
I personally, use hair tools that ladies with straight hair use because during the cooler months, I straighten my natural hair.
Without further ado, here are 10 beauty must haves in the hair care category (the essential natural hair tools) that every lady who wants to pamper (and invest in) her hair care should own:
1. A High-Quality Blow Dryer (with ionic + ceramic technology)
When I had my last professional hair cut, the master stylist who cared for my hair informed me that air drying slowly damages hair. Apparently, allowing the water to remain in the shaft puts “stress” on it. Multiply the number of times you do it, and damage can be cumulative even though it’s not readily noticeable.
So, blow drying is a must. Only, you want to use a blow dryer with the technology that’s needed to:
- Reduce heat damage
- Dry hair quickly and evenly
- Leave hair smooth and frizz-free
The recommendations:
- Dyson Supersonic™ Origin Dryer (this luxe hair tool was toward the top of my wish list, but I grabbed this dupe https://amzn.to/4k8aBFa and it works fantastically alongside #5 below.
- Shark SpeedStyle – Delivering super fast wet to dry results, this dryer is made with advanced technology that also protects hair from heat damage
2. Professional-Grade Flat Iron
Now, if you don’t ever straighten your own hair, this may not be one of the essential hair tools you need. But, if you straighten even just a couple times a year, you need a really good quality flat iron that:
- Maintains consistent heat
- Protects hair from hot spots
- Can also be used to curl or wave hair
Flat irons have certain technology that protects your hair from damage. The most popular technology is:
Tourmaline – Emits negative ions to counteract frizz and seal the hair cuticle
Ceramic – Distributes heat evenly and reduces hot spots
Titanium – Heats up quickly and stays super hot. Not ideal for those of us with fine hair
Ionic – Typically combined with the other tech, a flat iron with ionic technology releases negative ions that break down water molecules. This helps the hair to dry faster while also sealing in moisture. The result is frizz free hair that wows.
For fine hair that’s prone to frizz, you definitely want a flat iron that has the ionic + tourmaline combinations, which is the most naturally synergistic.
There are many good choices out there, and I don’t truly believe you need to spend a lot of money to find a good one. The brands below meet each of the 3 criteria above.
The Recommendations:
Paul Mitchell Ceramic Flat Iron – The ceramic plates are curved, making it easier to add waves or curls without snagging
Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Flat Iron – this professional grade flat iron provides very sleek results and even lets out an audible tone when the desired temperature is reached.
3. A Heating Cap
A heating cap that’s also portable is a game changer for when it’s time to deep condition.
These are not pricey at all. While some of the other hair tools on this list are definitely splurges that qualify as investing in your hair care, a heat cap is more of a low key necessity.
However, it does a big job – opening up your hair cuticles gently so that the inner structure of your hair can receive all of the nutrients from your deep conditioner.
A good quality heating cap will:
- Heat your hair evenly
- Hold a moderate amount of heat for at least 30 minutes
The Recommendations:
Flaxseed Deep Conditioning Cap –microwavable version – reusable and sustainable
Ingeware Heating Cap – plug in – comes with two reusable plastic caps; after fulling heating, you can unplug the unit and the cap is now portable
4. Standing or Table Top Hooded Dryer
While you’ll likely use a handheld dryer on wash day, if you want to set your curls to last for a longer period of time, it’s best to dry your hair in rollers under a dryer.
I prefer table top hair dryers because they take up less space, but regardless of whether you choose a tabletop or standing hooded dryer, it should accomplish these top 3 hair care tasks:
- Facilitating your deep conditioning (as an alternative to the heating cap)
- Set styles like roller sets or flexi rod sets
- Help you stick to low-manipulation hairstyling
The Recommendations:
Pibbs Kwik Dri Dryer – this is a professional salon quality hair dryer that stands up. You sit under it just like at the salon. It has a timer and it’s temperature controlled.
Red by Kiss Hooded Dryer with 4 Heat Settings – this dryer takes up less space since it’s a tabletop design. The reason it’s an excellent buy is that it also includes ceramic technology.
Gold N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer – this dryer has that ionic technology we discussed earlier for frizz free hair. Since it doesn’t have that dome shaped design, it’s portable and takes up much less space. It can also take the place of your heating cap for deep conditioning.
5. RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer
This is my go-to hair dryer for natural hair for a number of reasons, with these being the top 3:
- Gently stretches and dries natural hair
- Cuts styling time down drastically
- Reduces the need to use blow-dry brushes
The RevAir is truly an investment, but the health of your hair is worth it. Discover more about this revolutionary dryer here. Should you choose to purchase one (and why not?!), they even have installment plans to help spread out the cost. I also secured a 10% discount code for you, should you decide to go with the whole package. It’s FINEHAIR10.
6. Scalp Massager or Scalp Brush
Another low key hair tool that’s not really pricey but definitely a luxe item to have in your arsenal of hair care essentials is a scalp massager.
You can go with a manual one, but the experience is that much more amazing when you use an electric model.
A scalp massager accomplishes:
- Boosting circulation which in turn stimulates hair growth
- Distributing oils and treatments evenly throughout your scalp and hair
- Giving you that mini spa moment
The Recommendations:
This Amazon pick is the one I regularly use and love. If you fancy one that can distribute your hair oils while massaging your scalp, check out this one from Hairkink.
Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Scalp Massager – if you really don’t want to use an electric scalp massager, this is the one I recommend.
7. Heatless Curling Set or Flexi Rods
You’ve heard the saying, “curls for the girls.” This is exactly what flexi rod sets and heatless curlers create!
A good set will:
- Not give you heat damage
- Is ideal for overnight styling
- Works well with natural or stretched hair
The Recommendations:
Heatless Curlers – these overnight satin rods are great for all hair types. Don’t bother with any of these that aren’t satin. You want to protect your hair’s moisture.
Heatless Headband Curler – this is such a fun, easy and luxe way to curly your hair! It gives you that beachy curl vibe, kind of like a bantu knot out, but much looser. However, it is best done on straightened hair
Posicurly has changed the game with their design, making “headband curls” much easier to do.
8. A Silk Hair Wrap
Yes, you could go with satin, but trust me when I tell you. For that luxury experience, silk is the way to go. Mulberry silk is amazing.
- Reduces breakage, dryness, and frizz
- Helps styles last longer overnight
- Feels luxurious and soft on the skin, too
The Recommendations:
Mulberry Silk Printed or Pattern Scarf – available in 29 different styles, it’s breathable, lightweight, and will help your hair hold onto moisture like nothing else.
22 Momme 100% Mulberry Silk Bonnet Hair Wrap – this is an adjustable bonnet and can be used to protect the hair while sleeping
9. High-End Hair Trimming Scissors
While you may opt to see a regular stylist to get your hair trimmed at given intervals throughout the year, you still need to have a quality pair of hair shears on hand for “emergencies.” A premium pair will:
- Maintain your ends between salon visits (single strand knots anyone???)
- Give you precision and control over what you trim
- Feel comfortable in your grasp
Also, unless you are a professional, you don’t need the most expensive premium pair you can find. These cost upwards of $100+. You can still buy a high quality pair that’s sufficient for at home use without breaking the bank.
The Recommendations:
Tweezerman Stainless Steel Hair Scissors – these are made of ice tempered stainless steel to provide extra sharp, long-lasting cutting blades
Sirabe HIGH-END Professional Hair Cutting Scissors – ultra sharp, these hair cutting scissors are made with premium stainless steel that’s been professionally processed.
10. A Protective Drape
Whenever you are doing your hair, it’s a good idea to have a protective drape to protect your clothing and your hair. And, for that, you want something made of satin.
The Recommendation:
Monii Beauty Cape – This is a super absorbent cape that protects your clothing from dripping hair. Also, because your hair will be laying on it, the satin material protects from snagging and breakage. You can also use this while putting on makeup to catch any fall out.
Lastly, what’s cool is if you want it to be personalized, they monogram. Mine isn’t monogrammed, but it’s still a nice thing to have and would make a great gift too.
Check out their full collection here and their bridal collection here. Use MS10 for 10% off when you buy directly.
If you want it in Prime Day fast mode, grab it here. https://amzn.to/4kY0iVy (no monogramming though boooo)
So, which of these essential natural hair tools do you think you need to add to YOUR hair care arsenal to take it up a notch?
