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Home / Hair Styling Tools / 11 Best Hot Air Brush Reviews of 2024

11 Best Hot Air Brush Reviews of 2024

 

From budget to feature-rich, we’ve tested and picked this year’s top hot air brushes for different hair types and styling needs!

Best-Hot-Air-Brush-Reviews-featured

We’re all tired of holding a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other, spending a lot of time in front of a mirror. Don’t you think we deserve something better?

Hot air brushes make life easier by combining a hair dryer with a brush. A proper hot air brush provides a fast styling session while boosting volume and shine. It smooths down frizz and tames unruly strands, without damaging the hair.

Here are our top picks of 2024, which run from the budget-friendly model to the most luxurious one. Below you’ll find a detailed analysis of which item suits your hair type.

Don’t forget to check our buying guide below the picks and the comparison table for extra details with numeric measurements you won’t find anywhere else.


Top Picks


1. Best Overall:
Drybar The Double Shot

Drybar The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush
Model name/ number: 900-2225-4
Barrel size: 2.4″
Barrel shape: Oval
Min. / Max. heat: 125°F / 150°F
Weight: 14.9 oz
Best for: Suitable for all hair textures, from fine to thick/ shoulder length or longer
Pros: Durable, high-quality material, great grip, gentle low-heat setting
Cons:  It may be overpriced for some people, not the most travel-friendly tool
How it stands out: High-quality bristles create more tension when pulling the hair, which helps to straighten hair

The most significant feature that separates Drybar hot air brushes from the others is their densely packed, high-quality bristles. The Double Shot have long, dense, and stiff but flexible bristles. It is better at creating tension compared to the others on the list, resulting in smoother and more voluminous hair, and this is what we expect from the best hot air brush.

When it comes to heat settings, The Double Shot’s low heat setting works below the market average at around 130°F. This is safe for super-fine and chemically treated hair if you want to keep the temperature on the lower side to prevent fading and damage. And the high setting is powerful enough to style thick hair without excessive heat exposure. The tool also has ionic technology, which reduces frizz with its negative ions.

The Double Shot’s large and oval barrel covers more area at one go which makes it perfect for medium to long hair, providing a fast and smooth styling session. The oval shape gives great volume and loose waves rather than defined curls.

It’s light to hold for long sessions, and the handle is comfortable on your hand. It has excellent material quality that will last for many years.

Drybar has 3 different hot air brushes in the market. The difference between them is mainly their barrel size and shape. While The Double Shot is oval-shaped at 2.4″, The Single Shot is round-shaped at 2.25″ and finally, The Half Shot is round-shaped at 1.5″. The decision you make will depend on your hair type and styling preference.

The Double Shot may be considered bulky as the head doesn’t detach, which is not ideal for traveling. But its most obvious drawback is its cost. It’s hard to justify spending $150 on it considering it’s triple the price of its biggest competitor, Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0.

Read more: Drybar The Double Shot review

You may also like: Drybar Double Shot vs. Single Shot vs. Half Shot comparison


2. Best Budget:
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Review featured
Model name/ number: RVDR5298N/ULT
Barrel size: 2.4″
Barrel shape: Oval
Min. / Max. heat: 145°F / 150°F / 170°F
Weight: 14.8 oz
Best for: Normal to medium hair texture, neck length to long hair
Pros: Affordable, detachable, more temperature choices, will not snag or pull hair
Cons: Not the best material quality, gives off a strange smell, can not provide a strong grip on thick and/or dense hair
How it stands out: It is a product that saves you money and delivers results

Revlon’s original One-Step Volumizer hot air brush has been among our top picks for years, especially in the budget category. Their latest model “Plus” is no different, staying on the winning side.

The brush is slimmer than its previous model, at 2.4″ instead of 2.8″. This size is perfect for almost every hair length (except very short hairstyles).

It is important to note that Revlon has the shortest tufted bristles on our list for now, which can be a good or bad thing according to your needs. It can gently loosen knots without snagging or pulling on fine hair but cannot grip thick hair enough to pull it taut and straighten.

For the ones that like to keep their beauty routine to a minimum, it offers a fast session backed up by its ionic technology. It comes with a detachable head, making it compact and easy to travel with.

In contrast to all the other models in the market, it has 4 heat settings, allowing it to work perfectly for all hair types without causing heat damage. The new “medium” heat setting makes this tool truly unique since there are barely any hot air brushes that offer it.

Like most budget-oriented products, it does come with a few compromises. The material quality is not the best and it may not last you as long as Drybar The Double Shot would. The handle isn’t very sturdy, and some users report that the bristles start coming off after some time.

It might not be the most durable model in the market, but it’s extremely affordable at only $70. With its rich features and ergonomic design, it’s definitely a good value for money.

Read more: Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 review

You may also like: Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 vs 1.0 Original comparison

You may also like: Drybar The Double Shot Vs Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus comparison


3. Best Feature-Rich:
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush Review featured
Model Name/ Number: CA7557 or CA7569
Barrel Size: 2.3″ (oval)
Barrel Shape: Versatile
Min. / Max. Heat: 150°F / 180°F
Weight: 13 oz
Best for: Fine to medium hair texture/ neck length to long hair
Pros: Versatile, will not snag or pull hair
Cons: Handle not ergonomically designed, can not hold thick hair with a firm grip
How it stands out: It has versatility in styling your hair because it comes with 4 attachments

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 offers something a little different. It comes with 4 different attachments that cover all sorts of styling needs.

The attachments are easy to change and the brush is lightweight at only 13 oz (one of the lightest on our list).

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 is a great everyday tool that is safe in terms of heat damage. It has a mild maximum heat at around 180°F that can be used safely by fine hair while being effective enough for thick hair types.

This tool has the shortest nylon pin (detangler) bristles and the second-shortest tufted bristles on our list as of today. This means it can gently detangle normal, fine, or damaged hair without tugging, snagging, or breaking. But short bristles cannot penetrate thick or dense hair with ease to help smooth it.

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 may be perceived as an overpriced tool at $100, but with all the extra attachments you get we honestly think it’s a bargain (especially the nozzle that saves you from buying an extra blow drier). If you can’t afford this price but still want different attachments on your hot air brush, Conair The Knot Dr. All-in-One is a less pricy option at only $60 (excluding the extra attachment options that you can pick and choose).

All that said, there are some notable design issues regarding the handle. First of all, it’s very thick at the bottom, making it difficult to grasp, especially for small hands. And it gets skinnier toward the top which may cause your hand to slide and accidentally touch the buttons on the top. But it’s a small sacrifice to make if your priority is versatility.

Read more: CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush review


4. Best for Fine/ Processed Hair:
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step

Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Blowout And Volumizer Review featured
Model name/ number: HT1076
Barrel size: 2.8″
Barrel shape: Oval
Min. / Max. heat: 130°F / 150°F
Weight: 16.8 oz
Best for: Fine to normal texture / medium length to long hair
Pros: Gentle session with equal heat distribution, a very gentle low heat setting for fine, damaged hair
Cons: Heavy and not detachable, below-average high heat setting
How it stands out: it works at lower temperatures compared to the other models and is ideal to style fine or processed hair

We need to take care of fine or processed hair because it’s so easy to damage with excessive heat. The trick is to choose the right tool with the right temperature settings.

Hot Tools hot air brushes are known to offer products for specific needs. And if you require a hot air brush that is gentle enough for fine hair, Hot Tools 24K Gold is what you need.

The maximum heat level of this tool is as low as 150°F and only 130.5°F on low setting. Both of these numbers are below average. This means the tool’s temperature settings are safe and enough to style fine or damaged hair but the high heat setting is not enough to tame very thick, coarse, unruly hair.

If you have thick hair but don’t want to expose it to high temperatures or dense hair that is prone to tangling, Hot Tools 24K Gold will serve you well with its long enough bristles.

It also has a golden barrel that distributes heat evenly, which means no cold or hot spots that can cause heat damage.

Its 2.8″ oval barrel can tame large surfaces at one go, preventing prolonged exposure to heat, while the ionic technology eliminates frizz.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a detachable head. This is a downside if you travel often and you need a compact tool or if you want different-sized heads for different purposes. But keep in mind that non-detachable hot air brushes are sturdier, and Hot Tools 24K Gold is a durable and long-lasting hot air brush with its quality material.

Read more: Hot Tools 24k Gold One-Step Blowout review

You may also like: Hot Tools Black Gold vs 24K Gold One-Step comparison


5. Best for Very Thick and Stubborn Hair:
Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step

Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step Blowout And Volumizer Review featured
Model name/ number: HT1096BG
Barrel size: 2.8″
Barrel shape: Oval
Min. / Max. heat: 175°F / 215°F
Weight: 15 oz
Best for: Thick hair / Medium to long hair
Pros: Detachable design, lifetime guarantee
Cons: Gets really hot
How it stands out: If your hair can hold up well against high heat, it will speed up your styling routine due to the high temperatures

It’s a known fact that thick and unruly hair types need higher temperatures to straighten. While high heat can damage fine hair, it’s beneficial for those that have trouble taming their strands. If you fit in this category, Hot Tools Black Gold is here for your rescue.

This tool means business with its surface that gets as hot as 215°F. Even in low heat setting, it’s hotter than most hot air brushes at 175°F.

Black Gold is recommended for medium to long hair as its barrel is 2.8″ (one of the largest on our list). Its oval shape is great for creating volume. The length of the bristles is above average, which means it can easily penetrate dense hair. The ionic technology and charcoal bristles do an incredible job of eliminating frizz.

With the lifetime limited guarantee it offers, Hot Tools Black Gold pushes the boundaries of market standards. Like all Hot Tools products, it provides sturdy and long-lasting material.

“Black Gold”, not only is detachable, but it also offers different-sized 4 attachments. If your priority is being compact and versatile styling options, we recommend considering this option.

But we can’t stress enough that this tool is not for the faint-hearted. It gets really hot and it will damage your fine hair. If your hair is fragile, we recommend sticking with “24K Gold”, or another gentle option like Drybar The Double Shot.

Read more: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold One Step review


6. Best for Very Long Hair:
Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval Dryer Brush

Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval Dryer Brush Review Featured
Model name/ number: BC116
Barrel size: 3″
Barrel shape: Oval
Min. / Max. heat: 130°F / 180°F
Weight: 16.2 oz
Best for: All hair types
Hair length: Long hair / fine to thick texture
Pros: Very large barrel for fast drying, gentle low heat setting, easy hair brushing, different attachments to buy separately
Cons: Not very sturdy, can not stretch the hair straight
How it stands out: With the largest barrel size in the market, it is a great hair dryer & detangler both for fine and thick long hair

Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval Dryer Brush is a winner when it comes to fast and effective styling very long hair with its 3″ oval barrel (the largest on our top list!).

It has sparsely placed, long nylon pin bristles for easy hair brushing. The flexible bristles are gentle on the hair as they effortlessly glide through the tangles, making the detangling process painless. But this tool compromises smoothening hair because its tufted bristles are short and they cannot create enough tension to stretch the hair straight.

With the 6 different attachments available to buy separately, The Knot Dr. is a versatile tool for other styling needs as well. The bottom part also detaches for cleaning the filter, making it a long-lasting product.

This tool uses ionic technology to reduce frizz. The maximum heat (180°F) is strong enough to style long hair fast while still being gentle enough to protect processed hair.  And the low heat setting at around 130 °F, will treat very fine hair with care.

While it’s a desirable option specifically for long hair, it’s not the most durable one. Some users complain about the bristles coming off after some time, and the tool itself is not very sturdy. If you’re looking for a high-quality hot air brush that will last you long years and you don’t mind paying the price for it, Drybar The Double Shot may be a more suitable option for you. However, it‘s much more pricy at $150 and The Knot Dr. Oval will do the trick just fine if you’re on a budget.

Read more: Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval Dryer Brush review


7. Best for Short Hair:
Drybar The Half Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

Drybar The Half Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush Review featured
Model name/ number: 900-3425-4
Barrel size: 1.5″
Barrel shape: Round
Min. / Max. heat: 130°F / 150°F
Weight: 12.3 oz
For which hair type: Fine to thick hair textures / medium-long hair length
Pros: Great grip, root volume, helps straighten hair, very lightweight
Cons: Not detachable, overpriced, not for thick and long hair
How it stands out: It offers great grip. Adds volume, helps straighten short to medium hair, and creates waves in longer hair

Drybar Shot series has been our favorite for years. We’ve tested and reviewed all models and they’ve proven to have the best quality tools with the most ergonomic design.

Drybar The Double Shot is our favorite overall hot air brush and they’ve come up with a little sister. “The Half Shot” has the smallest barrel size available as for now, specifically designed for shorter hairstyles. It has a round 1.5″ barrel which does magic, especially with pixie and bob cuts. Managing to come close to the roots to add volume and provide a great grip even with the shortest strands.

It’s also the most lightweight hot air brush on our list at only 12.3 oz, making it comfortable to hold even for long periods of time.

Drybar hot air brushes are not the most budget-friendly hot tools, and “The Half Shot” is not an exception. It’s hard to justify spending $150 on a hot air brush but you will not be disappointed if you want a quality product and feel like giving yourself a gift of luxury.

If you have short hair and a tight budget, Conair The Knot Dr. offers an extra attachment option with a same-sized barrel of 1.5″. Even though it doesn’t offer the same durability, it’s a more budget-friendly option at only $60 plus $15 for the extra head.

Read more: Drybar The Half Shot Small Round Blow Dryer Brush review


8. Best for Detangling:
InfinitiPRO by Conair The Knot Dr. Smoothing Brush

Conair The Knot Dr. All-in-One Smoothing Dryer Brush Review featured

Model Name/ Number: BC120
Barrel Shape: Paddle brush
Min. / Max. Heat: 125°F / 155°F
Weight: 13 oz
For Which Hair Type: All hair types
Hair Length: Medium to long hair
Pros: Fast and gentle smoothening and detangling
Cons: Noisy, doesn’t create super straight and sleek results
How it stands out: has the largest surface area and is perfect for drying long hair gently while detangling

People look for different things in a hot air brush. If a fast and gentle tool that can dry your hair while detangling it is your priority, Conair The Knot Dr. Smoothing Brush should be on your shortlist.

The nylon bristles of this smoothing brush are an above-average length and extremely flexible.  The epoxy tips can penetrate coarse hair and glide through it. The very short, tufted bristles work well without snagging, tugging, or painful pulling. You can even use it right after the shower, which is usually not the case with most hot air brushes.

Its paddle shape can cover a large surface area of your hair and can dry your head much faster than a blow dryer and brush combination. At only 13oz, this brush is a lightweight option. Its 155°F maximum heat setting is gentle enough for even the most fragile strands. These qualities make it perfect for everyday use. Finally, at around $50 and often less on sale, it has great value.

Keep in mind that InfinitiPRO paddle brush doesn’t give you bone-straight results. If this is what you’re looking for, you will need to pair it with a flat iron or go for another hot air brush option like Drybar The Double Shot or Revlon One-Step Plus which can create super sleek results. However, if you’re looking to keep your natural curl pattern intact, this tool is perfect for you.

Read more: Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Smoothing Dryer Brush review


9. Best for Waves & Movement
Drybar The Single Shot Blow Dryer Brush

Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush Review featuredModel Name/ Number: 900-2840-4
Barrel Size: 2.25″
Barrel Shape: Round
Min. / Max. Heat: 150°F / 190°F
Weight: 15 oz
For Which Hair Type: All hair types
Hair Length: All hair Length
Pros: effortless loose waves, durable material, versatile mid-size barrel
Cons: Overpriced
How it stands out: The mid-size barrel, adds texture and waves to your hair without the need for a complex beauty routine

The second generation of the “The Shot” Collection Drybar The Single Shot should be on your shortlist if adding body and movement to your hair is your priority.

Drybar Shot Series offers two other hot air brushes called “The Double Shot” and “The Half Shot”, and they all serve different purposes with differently shaped and sized barrels. “The Single Shot”, with its round shape, is the right one for you if you want to add some loose waves to remove bulk and add movement to the hair.

It’s also quite versatile; with its 2.25″ barrel, it suits almost all hair lengths. It’s large enough to cover more areas of long hair at one go, yet slim enough to come close to the roots and style even shorter hairstyles.

With its 190°F maximum heat, it provides safe yet effective styling. While the high heat setting is strong enough to tame unruly hair types, the low heat setting (150°F), is hot enough to create smooth and sleek results as much as being gentle to fine and fragile strands.

The ionic technology eliminates frizz while reducing the time of the session, up to by half.

This is one of the sturdiest and most durable hot air brushes on the market. But, keep in mind that this is a luxury tool that is not for every budget. At a price of $150, it’s more expensive than many other hot air brushes.

It also doesn’t have a detachable design, sacrificing being compact. Don’t get us wrong: it’s a luxury hot air brush and you will feel the difference with its high-quality material and ergonomic design. But if you’re looking to cut costs, options like Revlon One-Step Plus might be worth checking out.

Read more: Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer review


10. Best for Dense and/or Coarse Hair
Amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0

Amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 Review featured
Model Name/ Number:
Barrel Size: 2.85″
Barrel Shape: Oval
Min. / Max. Heat: 150°F / 195°F
Weight: 18.5 oz
For Which Hair Type: All hair types
Hair Length: Medium to long hair
Pros: Fast and sleek results, easily penetrates hair
Cons: Not durable material, noisy, harsh low-heat setting
How it stands out: Long bristles easily penetrate very dense hair, while high heat capacity leaves you with a smooth, sleek finish

If you’re on the hunt for a hot air brush that provides soft and sleek results for thick and coarse hair and you want these results fast, Amika may be the perfect choice for you.

It has very long nylon pin bristles, which can penetrate and detangle even the coarsest, thickest hair. Besides, its tufted bristles are above average length, resulting in a great grip to stretch out the hair and create a smoother, straighter look.

The second generation of the line features a tourmaline-infused barrel and successfully banishes unwanted frizz. It also is serious about making the hair super shiny while being as fast as possible. With 193°F on high setting and 152°F on low, this tool fits the needs of both thick and fine hair.

With its oval and 2.85” barrel (the second largest on our list!) it provides voluminous results and beach waves to longer hair. However, it’s not suitable for short hairstyles as it can’t get close to the roots. If you have short hair, a much slimmer barrel such as Drybar The Half Shot would be a greater option to consider.

Amika is a practical everyday tool but it sacrifices durability. The users report that its material is not very sturdy and the motor is not long-lasting.

It’s also the heaviest hot air brush on our list and at 18.5 oz, it may cause arm fatigue if you use it for long periods of time. While the tool is much safer on the hair than the other budget tools such as Revlon, it is more expensive at the price of $100.

Read more: Amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 review

You may also like: Amika Blow Dry Brush 2.0 vs Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS comparison


11. Best Luxurious Hot Air Brush: Dyson Airwrap

Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Complete LongBarrel Size: 1.2″, 1.6″
Barrel Shape: Oval
Min. / Max. Heat: 182.4°F
Weight: 1.5 lb
For Which Hair Type: All hair types
Hair Length: Medium to long hair
Pros: Durable material, fast salon quality results, versatile styling for all hair types
Cons: Very expensive

The hot air brush market ranges from budget to luxury and everything in between, and Dyson Airwrap is definitely the most luxurious tool you can find.

It comes in a fancy case with 6 attachments in it and none compares to any other in the market.

  • First of all, it comes with a blow-drying attachment which also has a smoothening part that helps manage frizz.
  • It comes with 2 smoothening brushes; one flatter for fine hair and the other one rounder for thick hair. These attachments create beautiful voluminous results.
  • It also includes 2 curling barrels for those that want to curl their hair (30mm for defined curls and 40mm for larger waves). It directs the airflow towards one side of the barrel, which helps grab the hair and wraps it around to give you perfect curls. The new generation of Dyson Airwrap also gives you the option of choosing from longer or shorter barrels according to your hair length.
  • Another attachment is a round hair brush which is great for bangs and provides bounce and volume.
  • And last but not least, it comes with a cleaner brush attachment that makes sure your precious tool stays as good as new.

On top of that, it comes with 4 heat settings whereas most brands have 3. But what makes it truly unique is the 4 airflow settings that it provides (if all the other features already haven’t).

The results you get are amazingly healthy-looking hair and the tool is highly convenient for everyday use for most hairstyles. It truly brings salon-quality results.

But let’s be honest, it’s ridiculously expensive compared to any other hot air brush in the market and it surely isn’t for every budget. If you have the funds to spare for this kind of luxury product though, you won’t regret it as there’s nothing else that comes close to its quality and it will satisfy your every styling need successfully. But if you’re looking for a little more affordable product that is still high quality, Drybar The Double Shot is a good alternative.


Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Check out Best Hair Straightening Brushes


Hot Air Brush Buying Advice:

1. Shape

It can be confusing when it comes to selecting the right-shaped hot air brush as there are many different options available. And honestly, it’s the most important part of the decision.

Different hot air brush shapes have different purposes. While some are best for detangling and fast drying, others are great for boosting volume and straightening. So, it’s crucial to be aware of your hair type and styling needs to make the right decision.

But don’t worry, with the right guidance we will get you there easily. In this section, you’ll find detailed information about oval, round, and paddle-shaped hot air brushes.

  • Round Brushes

    Best For: Medium to thick, wavy or curly hair
    Suitable For: Creating waves, straightening

    Round brushes are best if you’re looking to add more body and shape to your hair. The design allows you to get closer to the roots to add volume with ease.

    They can really stretch and straighten curly hair. The fully circular shape allows them to spin more easily and curl the hair as well.

    They are great for short to medium-length and wavy or curly hair.

    Drybar Single and Half Shot are great examples of round brushes. The Single Shot is perfect for medium to long hair with its larger barrel, while The Half Shot creates perfect results in short haircuts like bobs and pixie cuts.

    If you have fine to normal hair, you should go for an oval brush because round shape creates too much tension and pull on the hair that can cause damage.

  • Oval Brushes

    Best For: Curly or wavy, fine to thick hair
    Suitable For: Volume boost, smoothing hair

    Oval brushes are best for maximizing volume.

    This is the most popular type and most of the hot air brushes on our list have an oval shape. This is because oval brushes dry hair evenly and faster in a more gentle way compared to round brushes. They can be used on most hair textures.

    They are very similar to round brushes but they’re wider in shape. The narrow ends of the oval brush grab the hair, lift at the scalp, and create volume better than a round brush.

    Its larger surface area stretches hair easier and straightens curly hair without pulling out like a round brush does. This makes them a safer option for fine and damaged hair. However, they’re not great at curling.

  • Paddle Brushes

    Best For: Long and thick hair
    Suitable For: Detangling and drying hair quickly

    Paddle brushes are best for creating straight styles and detangling. Their wide and flat surface is much larger compared to other brush types. This allows them to cover more surface at one go and dry the hair much faster than other brushes. Paddle brushes are superior at detangling knots without tugging the hair.

    These qualities make them particularly good for long and thick hair. They also tend to be much gentler on the hair than round brushes which allows them to brush curly hair without breaking the curls.
    Conair All-in-One Dryer Brush will suit your needs perfectly if smoothing out your hair while speeding up the drying process is your priority. Even though they are fast and convenient for straightening, they aren’t the best for adding volume or waves due to their flat shape.

  • Interchangeable Brush Heads:

    Some detachable hot air brushes come with additional attachments or allow you to buy different attachments separately. This option is highly convenient if you’re looking for styling flexibility, as it allows you to create many different hairstyles without having to spend money on different tools. And as these attachments don’t take much space to store, you can keep several on hand without worrying about crowding. They are also ideal and convenient for traveling.

    While Hot Tools One Step, Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step, and Hot Tools One-Step V2 have several different brush heads that you can buy separately, Infiniti Pro Conair The Knot Dr. and CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 take things to the next level with different attachments for versatile styling options. InfinitiPro also allows you to purchase different heads separately, giving you the luxury to gather exactly what you need for your session.

    But, it’s important to note that the detachable attachments bring the risk of becoming loose over time due to forceful or careless use.

2. Barrel Size

Let’s assume you decided on a round or oval brush rather than a paddle brush. The next important decision waiting for you is the diameter of the brush. Your choice should depend on two things; the length of your hair and the hairstyle you’re aiming for.

  • The first rule is; the bigger the brush you use, the more volume you’ll create. Larger barrels are also ideal for creating loose, large waves and curving the hair ends. However, if you are looking for defined curls, go for a smaller barrel.
  • The second rule goes; the shorter your hair, the smaller the diameter you need. A smaller barrel can grab the hair closer to the roots and create more root lift on shorter hair. Larger barrels, on the other hand, can cover more hair at one go, making them convenient for longer styles. So, if you’re aiming for straightening, base the barrel size on the length of your hair.

Brushes with 1″ to 1 ½” diameter barrel size should be your go-to if you’re styling pixie cuts and bobs. Drybar The Half Shot is one of a kind with the smallest barrel size in the market, at ONLY 1,5″.
On the other hand, a large-barreled brush in the 2″ to 3″ range is much better if your hair is below the shoulders. The Knot Dr. has the largest available size with its 3″ diameter barrel.

  • 1″: Tight curls-short hair
  • 1,5″: Relaxed curls-short to mid length hair
  • 2-3″: Straighter style with more volume – longer hair

3. Bristles

Once you’ve determined the right size brush for your hair, it’s time to consider bristles.

Hot air brush bristles are always nylon. If you are looking for natural bristles, unfortunately, you’re in for some bad news. The manufacturers don’t prefer to use boar bristles on hot air brushes because boar doesn’t hold heat like nylon.

There are two different bristles on hot air brushes; ball tip bristles (nylon pin) and short bristles (tufted).

  • The denser the tufted bristles, the more tension it will create and stretch the hair.
  • The longer the nylon pin bristles, the easier it can penetrate the hair.
  • Flexible bristles are gentler on the hair, they make detangling easier.

Always choose wide-spaced bristles for detangling and denser bristles for styling.

  • Best type of bristles for thick hairIf you have long or thick hair, firmer bristles should be your choice.
    Thick hair is difficult to manage and control. Bristles should be tough enough to penetrate thick hair to detangle without harsh pulling. They also need to create enough tension to stretch your hair to smooth out curl and frizz while giving it more volume and lift at the roots.
  • Best type of bristles for fine hairSofter, flexible bristles are a good choice for people with fine, thinning, damaged, or aging hair that is constantly knotty.
    Bristles should gently grip hair and apply the right amount of tension needed to style and detangle.
    But, they also need to bend and flex through hair to prevent pulling and snagging – so you don’t have to worry about damage.

4. Wattage

Don’t forget to pay attention to wattage. It is not the high heat temp that dries hair quickly but the wattage that powers the hot air brush.

Simply, the higher the wattage, the faster the blow-dry.

Ideally, a hot air brush should be between 900 and 1200 watts. This is enough power to dry the hair without damaging it.

Wattage is particularly crucial in case you have thick, coarse, or long hair. You can cut down on drying time with a more powerful hot air brush. A higher wattage also means you’ll avoid excessive heat exposure.

5. Heat Settings:

Wattage is the measure of a hair dryer’s maximum power, and that particular “maximum” might be too much for delicate hair. Variable settings allow the user to have control over the heat.
Hot air brushes typically heat to between 130 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit. And, they usually come with 2 or 3 different preset temperature settings as low, medium, and high.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to set the exact temperature you want.

If you have fine or damaged hair, then one of the most important things you can do to protect your hair is to learn the preset low-setting temperature.

Thick, curly hair tends to need a higher heat setting to save time and prevent prolonged heat contact. You should also note that straightening your hair requires more heat than curling or drying.

So, if you are into straightening your thick hair, Hot Tools One Step, Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step, and Hot Tools One-Step V2 are good choices. This is because they can reach the highest temperatures among other hot air brushes on the list (as high as 225°F).

And these 3 hot tools should be out of the question if you have fine, thin, or delicate hair.

This is because they heat up to 170°F even on the low power setting. If the heat remains high when the fan speed gets low, then this increases the chances that you’ll get damaged hair due to heat.

Those with fine, thin hair should go for one of these choices: InfinitiPro Conair The Knot Dr., Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step, Drybar The Double Shot, or Drybar The Half Shot because their low power setting is around 130°F.

6. Cool Shot Option:

Even though each of the options on our list already has a cool shot feature, we really value mentioning the importance of using this function.

Though a lot of people ignore it, the cool shot function has a crucial role to play in setting the style for a more long-lasting hold.

Using the cool setting after heat styling helps to quickly cool down the hair. This helps to close the cuticle and set the hair in place for longer-lasting results.

It is there for good reason. Why not use it?

7. Detachable Design

Detachable Design example

Hot air brushes generally don’t come with many different design options, but a detachable design is one feature that can be really handy. There are two main benefits of choosing a detachable hot air brush.

First of all, this option makes a huge difference when it comes to cleaning.

Because your tool will get dirty over time with all the sticky hair products and leftover hair stuck in the brush. If you don’t clean your hot air brush, all that dirt, oil, and gunk can get back into your freshly washed hair. Product build-up also will ruin your tool and burn your hair.

Another important reason to go detachable is that they are easier to store and carry. Whether you just like your tools to be compact or want to travel with peace of mind, detachable heads are very pleasing to have.
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS, Hot Tools One Step, Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step, Hot Tools One-Step V2, and InfinitiPro Conair oval are great options for traveling and being compact, yet they fail to provide different attachment options.

8. Ergonomics

If you are a regular home stylist, you know that there are a few topics to consider to maximize your comfort. Weight, handle size, and noise are among the most important issues that can make your life much easier if chosen wisely.

  • Weight

    If you have a lot of hair to dry, the tool’s weight is a critical consideration. Because the longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes. Unless you have very strong biceps, your session will stop being enjoyable very quickly.

    While The Half Shot (12,5 oz) is the lightest option on our list, it’s mostly good for short hairstyles. If you have longer hair and still would love a lightweight option, Drybar The Double Shot (14.9 oz) and REVLON One-Step Plus (14.8 oz) will do the trick.

    It’s also worth mentioning that Amika (18.56 oz) is the heaviest hot air brush on our list, yet it’s still considered a pretty acceptable option in terms of weight.

  • Sound

    Hair tools can get loud, and we mean very loud. Extended exposure to noise levels above 85 dB is harmful. Caution is imperative because hot air brushes perform normally between 80–100 dB.

    The noise levels of the hot air brushes on our list are mostly the same, just with minor differences. Yet, small changes can often make a big difference. You will be holding the tool right next to your ear for a good amount of time, maybe even every day.

    So, it’s wise to consider noise levels when purchasing a hot air brush, too.

    And, Drybar The Half Shot is the winner with only 89 dB on the highest setting, while Hot Tools goes up to 95 dB.

    We measured as many products as we could with our decibel meter and listed all the measurements on our comparison table.

  • Handle

    Obviously, hand sizes vary, and it can be challenging to hold a thick hair tool for the small-handed. If the handle isn’t ergonomic, it can slip or slide, and you might press the wrong buttons by accident. We measured the thickness and the length of the handles, as details make a difference.

    All the options on our list have ergonomically designed handles. While all Drybars and Revlons have quite slim handles (5″), InfinitiPro is slightly larger by 5.5″ and longer by 1″. It’s important to mention that CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 has some design issues regarding the handle. It’s thick at the bottom and skinnier on top, making it difficult to grip.

Sources: How Hot Is Too Hot? Heat Index Guide For Hairstyling

High Decibel Levels

How To Use The Cool Shot

What is Dual Voltage?

Best-Hot-Air-Brush-Reviews-featured

14 thoughts on “11 Best Hot Air Brush Reviews of 2024”

  1. The Helen of Troy 1573 Tangle Free Hot Air Brush and the John Frieda Salon Shape 1.0 inch Hot Air Brush.
    Can the above be purchased in the U.K. and also work in the U.K.?
    If they can be purchased in the U.K. can you tell me where I can purchase them from please?
    Regards
    Sandra Orrock (Mrs).

    Reply
  2. Mine was working so well best for my tbick hair used it less than 10times started.smoking and now doesn’t work I an so disappointed

    Reply
  3. Thru illness I no longer have Curls. Which
    Is the best curling drying brush for me? I’m looking for 3/4 to 1 inch curls on hair that almost reaches my shoulders. Thanks so very much.

    Reply
  4. I have the infinity pro with bristles and my hair tangles and knots. Worries me that it’s damaging my hair. I prefer plastic bristles. Which product fits the bill? Thanks, Virginia

    Reply
  5. Hey. I bought today – Amika Blowout Babe Interchangeable Thermal Brush.
    Blowout Babe Interchangeable Thermal Brush includes 3 interchangeable brush barrels that lock into the base to create the blowout style of your dreams—without using a dryer or hot air.
    Cool thing, I liked it.

    Reply
  6. What is the best one that dries hair as well as curl and straighten hair that is above shoulders to really short? i am about to have surgery on my left arm and will not be able to use it. at present I wear it in an above shoulder bob but am thinking i need to cut it shorter to be able to manage it after surgery

    Reply

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