“Okay, this is my non-negotiable. I’ve had it for two years and still rave about it like it’s new. It dries fast, doesn’t fry my hair and makes my blowouts look way more professional than they are. Also, the diffuser is magic for my waves.” — Pragati Namdev, Studio

The Supersonic is built differently — literally. The motor sits in the handle rather than the head which shifts the balance and makes longer drying sessions a lot less tiring. It uses controlled heat to dry hair faster while keeping damage in check, measuring and adjusting the temperature 40 times per second. The result is hair that dries quicker, looks smoother and holds more shine than it would with a standard dryer. Dyson is at 35% off during the Tira Turns Three sale and for a brand that discounts rarely, that's worth noting.

A strong style starts with strong prep, and this is the hair dryer Nidhi counts on to get it right. The Dyson Supersonic combines a high-velocity jet of controlled air with intelligent heat control, which measures and regulates air temperature to help prevent extreme heat damage. Its precise airflow also comes in handy when you want to shape, smooth or add volume as you dry. “The prep of the hair should be really strong, as it sets the foundation of my hairstyle,” says Nidhi. For him, the Supersonic delivers the heat and airflow needed to give hair the desired shape and hold, making it a dependable first step before the rest of the styling begins.

If your mood board regularly jumps between bouncy curls, vintage waves and more natural-looking texture, a versatile curler earns its keep. The 25mm barrel gives you enough definition to create curls while still allowing them to be loosened or brushed out for a softer finish. It’s exactly this flexibility that makes Alan Truman’s curlers a favourite for Nidhi. “I love Alan Truman Curlers for creating big hair, vintage looks or natural hair texture,” he says, also calling out the shine they lend the hair. One tool, several possible plot twists for your hairstyle.

A good blow-dry isn’t all about the dryer; your choice of brush does plenty of the heavy lifting too. Thermal round brushes help you create tension and shape while drying, making them useful for lifting the roots, adding movement through the lengths and turning the ends in or out depending on the finish you want. For Nidhi, IKONIC’s version has a clear job in his kit: it’s “perfect for creating bounce and curls in the hair”. In other words, reach for this when a quick rough-dry simply won’t cut it.

This one earns points for being a multitasker. The Dyson Corrale uses flexing copper plates that gather the hair as you style, providing greater control with less reliance on heat. Its curved outer body also allows it to move beyond pin-straight hair to create curls and waves. Nidhi uses his flat iron to “remove frizz, tame the hair and straighten it”, but adds that he can create iron curls with the same tool. And because the Corrale offers up to 30 minutes of cordless styling, he finds it particularly handy for quick on-set touch-ups when a plug point is nowhere to be found.

Hot tools may get most of the attention, but a reliable brush can see you through almost every stage of styling. Designed with flexible bristles, the Alan Truman Detangler can be used on wet or dry hair to work through knots and can also help distribute haircare products before doubling up as a finishing brush. Nidhi similarly uses his paddle brush for “pre- and post-styling touch-ups”. It’s an unfussy, everyday addition that can take you from getting hair ready for styling to neatening everything once the look is done.

Consider this the tool for all the little sections that a full-sized straightener can make surprisingly awkward. Its compact format makes a mini iron useful for more precise styling around areas such as the hairline, temples and nape, as well as for quick touch-ups when needed. That’s exactly how it fits into Nidhi’s kit. “With the Mini Iron, I straighten the temple and nape areas for a cleaner, frizz-free look,” he says. Small enough to slip into your kit, but useful when those stubborn baby hairs have other plans.