From budget to feature-rich, we’ve tested and picked up this year’s favorite hot air brushes for different hair types and styling needs
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’s our top picks of 2023, which run from the budget-friendly model to the most luxurious one. Below you’ll find a detailed analysis of which item is better suited for your hair type. Don’t forget to check our buying advice below the picks and the comparison table for extra details with numeric measurements you won’t find anywhere else.
Model Name/ Number: 900-2225-4 Barrel size: 2.4” Barrel shape: Oval Maximum heat: 151.2 °F Weight: 14.9 oz For which hair type: All hair types Hair length: Medium to long hair Pros: Fast and sleek results with durable material Cons: Overpriced
For most home stylists, the ideal hot air brush is the one that dries and styles the hair while creating fast and sleek results. It also is comfortable to hold and durable. Drybar The Double Shot ticks all these boxes.
The ionic technology eliminates frizz with its negative ions. The large and oval barrel can cover more areas at one go which makes it perfect for long hair, providing a fast and smooth styling session. The oval shape gives great volume and loose waves rather than tight curls. The handle is designed intelligently for maximum comfort and it’s pretty light to hold for longer sessions. It has excellent material quality that lasts for long years.
DRYBAR has 3 different hot air brushes in the market. The difference between them is mostly their barrel size and shape. While The Double Shot is oval-shaped with 2.4 inches, The Single Shot is round-shaped with 2.25 inches and finally, The Half Shot is round-shaped with 1.5 inches. The decision you make will depend on your hair type and styling choice. The Double shot is perfect for thick and long hair, while The Single Shot is better for medium-to-short hairstyles and bangs. And The Half Shot can reach the roots better, making it perfect for short hair and defined curls. All these different options make this product quite unique as one of them will definitely satisfy your needs.
The Double Shot‘s most obvious drawback is 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. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider choosing this option. Although The Double Shot is considerably gentler on the hair and its material quality is far superior. It’s important to note that The Double Shot can also be considered bulky as the handle does not detach from the head, making it not ideal for traveling. Although the upside is that the non-detachable design makes it much sturdier. There are options in the market such as CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 with a detachable handle if a compact tool is your priority.
2. Best Budget:
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0
Model Name/ Number: RVDR5298N/ULT Barrel size: 2.4” Barrel shape: Oval Maximum heat: 170 °F Weight: 14.8 oz For which hair type: Normal to thick hair Hair Length: Medium to long hair Pros: Fast and sleek results with detachable design Cons: Not the best material quality
Revlon’s original one-step volumizer hot air brush has been amongst our top picks for years, especially for the budget option. Their latest model “plus 2.0” is no different, staying on the winning side. The brush slimmer than its previous model with 2.4 inches instead of 2.8”. This size is quite perfect for almost every hair length (instead of very short hairstyles.)
Its oval shape is gentle yet firm on the strands creating voluminous results. 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. This new “medium” heat setting makes this tool truly unique since there are barely any hot air brushes that offers it.
Revlon One-Step PLUS offers ceramic and titanium technology that ensures that your hair is protected against heat damage and reduces frizz. With charcoal activated bristles protect the perfect style even the second and third day. If you’re a daily hair styler on a budget that seeks speedy results, you just won’t find a better deal.
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 45 USD. With its rich features and ergonomic design, it’s definitely a good value for money.
Model Name/ Number: CA7557 Barrel Size: 2.8” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum Heat: 150 °F Weight: 16.8 oz For Which Hair Type: Fine to normal hair Hair Length: Medium to long Hair Pros: Gentle session with equal heat distribution Cons: Heavy and not detachable
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 offers something a little different. It comes with 4 different attachments that covers all sorts of styling needs. This tool is the most versatile hot air brush on our list for good reason. The oval shaped brush gives voluminous curls. It has a size of 2.3”, which is large enough to provide fast styling for long hair while still slim enough to provide good grip by the roots. The paddle brush smooths out and detangles the hair. The compact diffuser boosts the volume of the roots and also seals the defined curls with a gentle blow. And finally, the nozzle concentrator helps focus the airflow for faster drying and styling. The nozzle attachment basically serves as a blow dryer, saving you space and money. The attachments are easy to change and the brush is lightweight with only 13oz (one of the lightest on our list).
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 is a great everyday tool that is on the safe side in terms of heat damage. With 182.4°F, it has a mild maximum heat that can be used safely by fine hair, while still being effective enough for thick hair types. CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 may be perceived as an overpriced tool with $102, 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 much less pricy option with only $39 (excluding the extra attachment options that you can pick and choose)
All that said, there some notable design issues regarding the handle. First of all, it’s thick at the bottom, making it difficult to grip especially for small hands. And it gets skinnier toward the top which makes your hand slide and touch the bottoms on the top. But it’s overall a small sacrifice to make if your priority is versatility.
4. Best for Fine Hair:
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step
Model Name/ Number: HT1076 Barrel Size: 2.8” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum Heat: 150 °F Weight: 16.8 oz For Which Hair Type: Fine to normal hair Hair Length: Medium to long hair Pros: Gentle session with equal heat distribution Cons: Heavy and not detachable
We know that we needed to take care of our fine-haired readers since it’s so easy to damage the hair with too much heat. The trick seems to be able to choose the right tool with the right temperature. Hot tools hot air brushes are known to offer tools for specific needs. If you’re in need of a hot air brush that is gentle enough for fine hair, Hot Tools 24K Gold is what you need. Not only the maximum heat level of this tool is as low as 150F and only 130.5F on low setting, it also has a golden barrel that distributes heat evenly. This means no cold or hot spots that can cause heat damage. Its 2.8 inches oval barrel can tame large surfaces at one go, preventing too much contact with heat while ionic technology eliminates frizz.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a detachable head. This is quite a big downside if you travel with your tool and you want a compact tool or 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.
5. Best for Thick Hair:
Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step
Model Name/ Number: HT1096BG Barrel Size: 2.8” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum Heat: 214 °F Weight: 15 oz For Which Hair Type: Thick hair Hair Length: Medium to long hair Pros: Detachable design, lifetime guarantee Cons: Gets really hot
It’s a known fact that thick and unruly hair types need high temperatures to straighten. While high heat can damage fine hair, it can be very beneficial for the ones that have trouble taming their strands. If you fit in this category, Hot Tools Black Gold is to your rescue.
This tool is not joking with its surface getting as hot as 214F. Even in low heat setting, it’s hotter than most hot air brushes with 173F. This tool is recommended for medium to long hair since its barrel is 2.8” (one of the largest on our list). Its oval shape is great for creating volume and ionic technology and charcoal bristles does an incredible job eliminating frizz.
With the lifetime limited guarantee that it offers, Hot tools black gold pushes the boundaries of market standards. Like all Hot Tools products, it doesn’t fail to provide 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 to stick with “24K Gold”, or another gentle option like Drybar The Double Shot.
6. Best for Very Long Hair:
Conair The Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval Dryer Brush
Model Name/ Number: BC116 Barrel Size: 3” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum Heat: 180.8 °F Weight: 16.2 oz For Which Hair Type: All hair types Hair Length: Medium to long hair Pros: Very large barrel for fast drying Cons: Not very sturdy
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. This tool uses ionic technology to reduce frizz and it has a special tangle free styling technology, combined with wide-spaced, flexible bristles that is gentle on the hair while detangling it effectively. While we recommend this tool for long hair thanks to its very large barrel, it also comes with different attachments that makes it a versatile tool for other styling needs as well. The bottom part detaches for cleaning the filter, making it a long-lasting product. The maximum heat (180.8°F) is strong enough to style long hair fast while still being gentle enough to protect fine hair types.
While it’s a desirable option specifically for long hair, it’s not the most durable one. Some users complain about he 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. But it‘s much more pricy with $150 and The Knot Dr. Oval will do the trick just fine if you’re on a budget.
7. Best for Short Hair: Drybar The Half Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
Model Name/ Number: 900-3425-4 Barrel Size: 1.5” Barrel Shape: Round Maximum Heat: 151.2 °F Weight: 12.3 oz For Which Hair Type: All hair types Hair Length: Short hair Pros: Great grip and precise styling Cons: Not detachable, overpriced
Drybar shot series have been our favorite hot air brushes for years. We’ve tested and reviewed then again and again and they proved themselves to be the best quality tools with the most ergonomic design. Drybar The Double Shot is our favorite overall hot airbrush and they’ve come up with a little sister called “The Half Shot” specifically designed for shorter hair styles.
It has a round 1.5 inch barrel which does magic especially with pixie and bob cuts. Managing to come close to roots and provide great grip even with shortest hair, Drybar The Half Shot is considerably superior if you have short strands. Not only it provides great style, it also is nice to hold with a slim handle. It’s the most lightweight hot air brush on our list with only 12.3oz, making it comfortable to hold even for long periods of time.
Drybar hot air brushes are not the most budget friendly hot tools, and “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 don’t want to spend that much, Even though it doesn’t offer the same durability, Conair The Knot Dr. also offers an extra attachment option with a same sized barrel of 1.5 inches. It’s a more budget friendly option with only $39 plus $15 for the extra head.
8. Best for Detangling:
InfinitiPRO by Conair The Knot Dr. Smoothing Brush
Model Name/ Number: BC120 Barrel Shape: Paddle brush Maximum Heat: 156 °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: Doesn’t create super straight and sleek results
People look for different things in a hot air brush, and 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. All told, this hot air brush, with its paddle shape, can cover a large surface area of your head and can dry your head much faster than a blow dryer and brush combination. You can use this tool even right after getting out of shower, which is usually not the case in most hot air brushes. The nylon bristles of this smoothing brush are extremely flexible and have epoxy tips that can glide your hair without snagging and pulling. With only 13oz, this brush is a lightweight option and with only 156F maximum heat it’s gentle for even the most fragile strands. These qualities make it a perfect for everyday use. Finally, at around $50 and often less on sale, it has great value.
Keep in mind that ınfınıtıpro 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. But if you’re looking to keep your natural curl pattern intact, this tool is perfect for you.
Model Name/ Number: 900-2840-4 Barrel Size: 2.2.5” Barrel Shape: Round Maximum Heat: 189.8 °F Weight: 15.1 oz For Which Hair Type: All hair types Hair Length: All hair Length Pros: Beautiful curls, fast and sleek results with durable material Cons: Overpriced
The second generation of the “The Shot” Collection Drybar The Single Shot should be on your shortlist if creating beautiful and healthy curls is your priority. This is one of the sturdiest and most durable hot air brushes in the market and with 189.8 °F maximum heat, it provides safe yet effective styling. While the high heat setting is strong enough to tame the unruly hair types, the low heat setting (151.5 °F), as much as being gentle enough for fine and fragile strands, is still strong enough to create smooth and sleek results. The ionic technology eliminates frizz while reducing the time of the session, up to by half. 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 be able to curl your hair instead of boosting volume. It’s also quite versatile; with its 2.25” barrel, it fits almost all hair lengths. It’s large enough to cover enough hair at one go, for long hair, yet slim enough to come close to the roots and style even shorter hairstyles.
Keep in mind that this is a luxury tool that is not for every budget. With a price of $150, it’s more expensive that many other hot air brushes. It also doesn’t have a detachable design, sacrificing on 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 cost, options like Revlon One-Step Plus might be worth checking out.
Model Name/ Number: Barrel Size: 2.85” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum Heat: 193 °F Weight: 18.56 oz For Which Hair Type: All hair types Hair Length: Medium to long hair Pros: Fast and sleek results with detachable design Cons: Not durable material
If you’re in the hunt for a hot air brush that provides soft and sleek results and you want these results fast, Amica may be the perfect choice for you. 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 thick and fine hair both. With its oval and 2.85” barrel (one of the largest on our list) brings voluminous results and beach waves to longer hair but it’s absolutely not suitable for short hairstyles as it can’t come 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.
Amica is a practical everyday tool but it sacrifices on durability. The users report that its material is not very sturdy and the motor is not very long-lasting. It’s also the heaviest hot air brush on our list and with 18.56oz, 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 with a price of $100.
Barrel Size: 1.2”, 1.6” Barrel Shape: Oval Maximum 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, 4 airflow speeds 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, not only it comes with a blow-drying attachment, this attachment also has a smoothening part that helps managing frizz while you dry your hair. It comes with 2 smoothening brushes, one flatter for fine hair and other one rounder for thick hair. These attachments create beautiful voluminous results. It also includes 2 curling barrels for the ones that want to curl their hair. (30mm for tight curls and 40mm for larger waves). It directs the air flow towards one side of the barrel, which helps grab the hair and wrap it around the barrel and give you perfect curls. The new generation of Dyson Airwrap also gives you the option from 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 (most brands have 3). But what makes it truly unique is the 4 airflow settings that it provides. This feature truly makes it unique if all the rest already haven’t.
The results you get is amazingly healthy-looking and shiny hair and the tool is highly convenient to use every day and for many different 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 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.
It can be confusing when it comes to selecting the right shaped 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 you worry, with the right guidance we will get you there easily.
In this section, you’ll find detailed information about oval, round and paddle brushes.
Round Brushes
Best For: Medium to thick, wavy or curly hair Suitable For: Styling, 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 large barrel, while The Half Shot creates perfect results in short haircuts like bob 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 and 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 than 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 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, making 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 having to worry about extra storage space. 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 by coming up with different attachments for versatile styling options. Infiniti pro 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 forcefully or carelessly putting the parts together.
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 tighter curls, go with 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, ONLY 1,5 inches. 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 inch: Tight curls-short hair 1,5 inches: Relaxed curls-short hair 2-3 inch: 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 hair
If 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 hair
Softer, 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, an 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.
5. Heat Settings:
Wattage is a measure of a hair dryer’s maximum power, and the “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. Because they can reach the highest temperatures among other hot air brushes on the list (as high as 225F).
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 experience damaged hair from heat.
Those with fine, thin hair should go for one of these choices: Infiniti Pro Conair the knot dr, Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step, Drybar Oval -Doble Shot, or Drybar Oval -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 have a cool shot feature, and there is no escape from having it, I really matter mentioning the importance of using this function.
Though a lot of people ignore it, cool shot function has a crucial role to play in setting the style for 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 a reason. Why not use it?
7. Detachable Design
Hot air brushes generally don’t come with many different design options, but 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 choose this option 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 can put a smile on your face.
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS, Hot Tools One Step, Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step, Hot Tools One-Step V2, and Infiniti Pro Conair oval are great options for traveling and being compact, yet they don’t have 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, Revlon and Drybar Double Shot (14.9 oz.) and Revlon (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. However, hair dryers perform normally at 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, as 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 half shot is the winner with only 89 dBA on the highest setting, while hot tools can go up to 94.7 dBA.
We measured as many products as we could with our decibel meter and listed all the measurements on our comparison table.
Handle
Hand sizes vary, and especially for small hands, it can be a challenge to hold a hair tool. If the handle isn’t made well, it can slip and slide, and you might press the wrong buttons by accident. We measured the thickness and the length of the handles, as the details can make a difference.
All the options on our list have ergonomically designed handles. While all Drybars and Revlons have quite slim handles (5 inches), INFINITI PRO is slightly larger by 5.5 inches and longer by 1 inch. It’s important to mention that CHI Volumiser has some design issues regarding the handle. It’s thick at the bottom and skinnier on top, making it difficult to grip.
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).
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.
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
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.
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
Model Name/ Number: 900-2840-4
Barrel Size: 1.2”, 1.6”
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.
Hot air brushes generally don’t come with many different design options, but detachable design is one feature that can be really handy. There are two main benefits of choosing a detachable hot air brush.
Which of these hot air brushes come with dual voltaje? I live in Chile where the voltaje is 220-240.
Hi Eileen,
Sorry, none of these are dual voltage. but i suggest you to check Conair Supreme 2-in-1 Hot Air Styling Brush
Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RON8M1K/?tag=thblab-20
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).
Hi Sandra,
Please find the links below, hope you enjoy it!
Helen of Troy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0018CBBPM/?tag=thblab-20
New John Frieda: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PHL3EFA/?tag=thblab-20
Loves,
Isabel
Hello which hot air brush are you using in the How to Use a Hot Air Brush photo?
Hi Jeannie,
It is John Frieda Salon Shape 1.5 Inch Hot Air Brush!
here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0056GDG90/?tag=thblab-20
Hi I have very thick frizzy hair. Which is the best hot air brush for me?
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
Sorry to hear that. Did you contact the company?
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.
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
Seem like it’s worth its value
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.
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