I Tried 5 of the Most TikTok-Viral Hot Tools: My Review

Navigating the endless options of curlers and straighteners to find the right hot tools for your hair can feel like a wild ride. I’ve been experimenting with hair styling tools since fifth grade, starting with straighteners before transitioning to curling irons by middle school. Since then, I’ve experienced countless trials and tribulations with various tools. Social media has only added to the frenzy, with hyped-up viral hot tools promising salon-quality results from the comfort of your bathroom.

In this review, I’m diving into five of the hottest tools that have been blown up online. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or just mastering the art of using a curling iron without burning yourself (we’ve all been there!), I aim to guide you toward the right tool for achieving your desired style.

The Beachwaver Pro

With its rotating barrel designed to create perfect waves effortlessly, the Beachwaver PRO is a game-changer. I tried the 1″ barrel, which was fantastic for creating various curl styles. The sleek, professional packaging and clear instructions set the stage for a great experience. This curler is incredibly user-friendly, with straightforward controls and easily adjustable heat settings.

What makes the Beachwaver PRO stand out is how it essentially curls your hair for you, taking the hard work out of the process. As someone experienced with curling irons, I found this one perfect for pros and novices alike. It works wonders on my long, thick hair with long layers, allowing me to section and curl efficiently. The curls lasted all day, even in the summer heat, and they still look great on day two if you opt for a casual, brushed-out look. (But you can also easily retouch to redefine the curls if needed.) The 1.25″ barrel is an excellent choice for those seeking looser curls.

The Mane Hot Brush

Mane’s hot brushes combine the simplicity of hair brushes and the styling power of straighteners. I tried the “It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Round Brush 1.5,'” and was impressed with how easily it handled small to medium sections of my long hair. Packaged in a sturdy box with detailed instructions, this brush heats up quickly and operates at a consistent temperature of 355 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gliding smoothly through the hair, this brush makes adding volume a breeze. My hair ended up with volume and a slight curl, though it took a few passes to achieve my desired look. While it won’t give you tight, long-lasting curls, it excels at smoothing frizz, adding shine, and giving your hair a nice boost of body and volume. This tool effortlessly refreshes and styles your hair for a quick, chic look.

The WavyTalk Thermal Brush

The WavyTalk Thermal Brush is designed to create loose waves and add volume. It heats up quickly (there are two heat settings) and I love that it’s silent, which makes the experience more pleasant.

With a ceramic coating to protect your hair, the WavyTalk Thermal Brush is easy to use, creating soft, natural-looking waves. It’s fantastic for adding that extra oomph to your hair. However, while the brush excels at creating waves, they didn’t hold as long as I would have liked. So, you might want to keep a hairspray on hand for extra hold.

L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod

The L’Oréal Steampod takes hair straightening to the next level with its steam technology, which infuses moisture while straightening. It arrives in a high-quality package, which includes a step-by-step picture manual that makes the process easy to follow. The device is sturdy, well-made, and not overly heavy, which is a plus. I appreciate the larger straightening plates because, as someone with long, thick hair, they make the process much more efficient. The built-in comb inside the plates is a game-changer, helping to grip and smooth the hair as you go.

The process is a bit time-consuming because you need to fill the water tank (I used distilled water), but the Steampod heats up quickly. The key is to pass over your hair slowly; if you rush, you’ll need multiple passes, but with a slow pass, my hair was very straight after one go and perfectly straight after two. Plus, you can create curls! At one point (not pictured), I added a super loose curl to the front of my hair for a little extra flair.

It left my hair smooth, hydrated, and significantly less frizzy. Best of all, it didn’t feel burned or have that unpleasant burned smell. It remained straight and shiny for days, showcasing the lasting effects of this tool. Overall, the Steampod is an impressive tool that delivers salon-quality results at home.

Conair Ceramic Hot Rollers

Conair Hot Rollers are the go-to classic for achieving voluminous curls or adding that extra volume to your hair. The compact, easy-to-store case includes four 1.75″ rollers and eight 1.5″ rollers. As someone with long, thick hair, I would have loved more of the larger 1.75″ rollers.

The process is straightforward—it takes about 10-15 minutes for the rollers to heat up (one small gripe: I wish there were an easier way to tell when the rollers are ready), and another 30 minutes for the curls to set if you have thick hair.

Overall, these rollers are fantastic for achieving that retro, voluminous look. After leaving them in for about 30 minutes, I was thrilled with the bouncy, loose curls that looked like I had just stepped out of the salon with a fresh blowout. The longer you keep them in, the more defined the curls will be. Just remember to add some hairspray to keep them intact all day.