Do you hate spending hours in the bathroom while using different appliances to dry and style your hair? What if we tell you that there is a solution that can accelerate the process, and secure the style you wanted?
The answer lies in finding the best hot air brush, and we are here to help you with that. These versatile appliances are perfect for both damp and dry hair, and they can deliver drying and styling effects at the same time.
If it is your first-time hearing about hot air stylers, don’t worry because we prepared a detailed buying guide for these appliances. Our team aimed to answer any question you might have, and we hope you will become an expert on stylers once you finish reading the article!
Before you check out the guide, take a look at our hot air brush reviews, and get to know potential solutions for styling your hair quickly and effectively.
Table of Contents
Best Hot Air Brushes
1. HOT TOOLS Professional Charcoal Infused One Step Blowout
Everything revolves around the word “hot” for this brush. It was designed by Hot Tools, it can get very hot, and it is a hot option among the customers.
Joking aside, the manufacturer managed to develop a professional-grade styler that can deliver beautiful and volumizing results. Direct ion technology helps to reduce frizz, and the nine-feet long cord allows easy maneuvering. The product seems a bit heavy, but the oval design and ergonomic handle help a lot.
Professional stylists participated in bristle design. It seems that bristles have boar hair and silk glide, and the manufacturer also infused them with activated charcoal. All that has the goal of delivering dependable performance and quick-drying and styling results.
You will also notice adjustable temperature, and an ALCI safety plug, which all US dryers need to have as a mandatory feature. The manufacturer offers a generous lifetime warranty, which is proof that they trust their product.
Read the full review → HOT TOOLS Professional
2. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
If you are tired of using classic hair dryers, Revlon’s hot air brush can be an exciting alternative. It features 1,100W of power, and you can choose between two different colors. Once you turn the product on, you can adjust the heat by picking one of three heat settings available.
The manufacturer went with the proven approach of using an ion generator to boost hair health and appearance, and speed up the drying process.
The brush features an oval design with curled ends, smooth body, and additional lift at the roots. The bristles are tangle-free, as the manufacturer used a combination of nylon pin and tufted bristles supported by boar technology.
The product seems light and compact-sized, but it can get a bit loud at the highest speed setting. Fortunately, it is quick in doing its job, which means you will spend minimal time listening to the noise.
Click to read more: Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer
3. MHD Professional Ionic Hot Air Brush & Volumizer
MHD Professional designed a tool that can save significant time in the process of styling your hair. You can utilize 1,000W of power to dry it quickly, and style it at the same time.
The product is suitable for fragile hair, especially if you use a low heat setting. At the same time, the high temperature can be suitable for styling coarse and thick hair. The only problem is that it seems the difference between two heat levels is a bit bigger than usual, but you will get used to that.
The hot airbrush is easy to use, and you can grab it in a single hand while placing the other at the cool tip for added control. It is also light and compact, and it can be your ideal travel companion. The barrel has a diameter of 1.25 inches, and the dual bristles can do a good job at lifting and separating the hair.
Read the full review → MHD Professional Ionic
4. Jinri Hot Air Brush, One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer
The classic design of this hot air brush will be appealing to most users out there. If you take a look under the surface, you will find a 1,000W motor that delivers an ample amount of power for volumizing and drying your hair. You get the necessary flexibility with low and high heat setting.
The 1 ¼-inch barrel is an excellent choice for short, medium, and long hair. You can put it under control, and dry it quickly thanks to the large diameter. The manufacturer used tourmaline ceramic coating for the barrel. The bristles are tangle-free, antistatic, and infused with ionic mineral to take better care of your hair.
When it comes to haircare appliances, with great power comes big noise. Although this hot air brush can be loud at the highest heat setting, you should still consider it because of its performance.
Read the full review → Jinri 3-in-1
5. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1875W 3-in-1 Ceramic Styler
Conair is a premium brand in the world of hairstyling, and they have taken this styler’s versatility to the next level.
You can use no less than three attachments with the appliance. The bristle brush is only one of them, and you can also try detangling and straightening combs. That way, you get an all-around product for styling your hair. You have a button that locks the attachments into place, which is quite convenient.
The appliance delivers a great amount of power with the maximum set at 1,875W. The ceramic tourmaline mixture in combination with ionic technology serv to minimize frizz and hair damage. Two-speed settings are also available so that you can choose the one that fits your hair, and you can also utilize the Cool Shot button.
The product, however, doesn’t seem as durable as some others on our list. However, it still seems like an excellent investment and a smart value for the money.
Read the full review → INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 3-in-1
6. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler
You immediately notice the most specific thing about this hot air brush. Unlike some others on our list, it features a large paddle design. The pad is flexibles, and bristles are of high-quality, which helps with detangling your hair. The bristles seem gentle, and they have the required softness if you have sensitive hair and scalp.
The brush head is not detachable, which gives it the necessary strength to tackle even thick hair. The generous 1100W of power should help with that cause. You can adjust the heat, and even use the cool airflow settings for extra styling options.
The handle seems ergonomic, but it may be a bit big if you have particularly small hands. Fortunately, the cord is long, and that enables excellent maneuverability. The styler seems light and compact-sized, and both of the two color combinations combine pink and black color.
7. Conair 3-in-1 Tourmaline Ceramic Hot Air Brush Combo Kit
Once again, Conair proved that they are the right address if you are looking for a versatile styling tool. Allow us to present you a combo kit that gives you the complete styling control.
The appliance has three different attachments. The first one is a hot air brush with ceramic tourmaline coating and a barrel that has a diameter of 1 ¼-inch. The next attachment is a bristle brush made of nylon and natural boar hair, and the third is a concentrator. The only downside is that it may be tricky to switch between the attachments once the device is on because of the heat.
The styler is easy to use as it has a comfortable grip and a cool tip. You can pick between two different speed settings, but use the high one if you want to take full advantage of the 1,000W motor.
8. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush
The time has come to present the first rotating hot air brush on our list. BabyLissPRO is the company behind it, and the initial impression is that it is a powerful high-tech device. You can choose between reverse and forward direction with the simple push of a button.
The barrel has a two-inch diameter, and the rotation has the task of styling your hair quickly while promoting shine and volume. Ionic technology is there to minimize frizz and static, and you can choose from three temperature settings to suit your preference. The handle ergonomic, but it seems a bit thick. You may have to get used to that if you have small hands.
Nanotechnology is another characteristic that sets this product apart from the crowd. Apart from being an impressive heat conductor, it also ensures far-infrared heat, which has the task of styling your hair gently but efficiently. Read more about: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 2 Inch Rotating Hot Air Brush
9. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Wet/Dry Hot Air Brush Styler
Conair emphasizes that this styler has a Triple Action system that helps you achieve the desired look of your hair. It will assist in detangling and straightening your hair, and also promote its shine.
The controlling system is tension-based, which makes the unit versatile and suitable for all hair types. You can use the slide switch to alternate between low and high speeds. The product takes advantage of the tourmaline ceramic technology to protect your hair and minimize potential damage.
Another thing we noticed is that the product looks small and compact. That might make this unit an excellent option for your travels, especially since you can use it both dry and wet hair.
Since this is a compact styler, we understand the moderately-sized brush. However, keep in mind that means it will take a bit longer to dry and style your entire hair. Read more: Infiniti Pro by Conair Wet / Dry Hot Air Styler
10. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hot Air Spin Brush
Here is another rotating brush that you can use to polish your hair to perfection. You can choose between two different brushes, including a two-inch one for long and thick hair, and a 1 ¼-inch unit for small curls and short or medium hair.
Each of the brushes rotates in two available directions. You can pick the direction, as well as select from two different heat settings, or use the cool airflow to achieve the desired shape.
The handle is ergonomic, and it should be easy to use with a single hand. The ceramic tourmaline material mixture helps to protect your hair from damage caused by overheating. The bristles are a combination of nylon and boar, which is the most common choice in these products.
It is a shame that the cord isn’t a bit longer. Although that doesn’t affect the performance, you need to ensure that a power socket is nearby. Check out Infiniti Pro Conair hot air brush full review here!
11. John Frieda Hot Air Brush
The metallic silver color seems to be a nice choice if you are looking for a neutral brush that fits the overall design of any salon or bathroom.
The product features 500W of power, which is quite modest if you compare it to some other products on the list. Regardless, the appliance can do a good job at styling your hair, although it might take a bit more time.
You get more control thanks to the multiple heat settings, including a cool shot that will prolong the styling results. The diameter of the barrel is 1 1/2-inch, which should be the optimal size to fit various types of hair, including short, medium, and long.
The appliance is compact and light, but it seems quite loud, especially for a 500W unit. Despite that, it can be a fine solution for at-home or travel use. Read more: John Frieda Hot Air Brush
What Is a Hot Air Styler or Hot Air Brush?
Do you know how it can be tricky to hold a blow dryer in one hand and use your brush to style your hair with another?
Hot air brushes aim to make that process easier. They are essentially 2-in-1 tools that combine the functions of a brush and a hairdryer.
A hot air styler blows hot air, and it is equipped with a brush that allows you to style your hair. With a bit of exercise, you will be able not only to straighten your hair but also create curls or get creative.
These tools are great for those who change hairstyles frequently, but also those who need to look perfect for a special occasion.
Hot Air Brush Buying Guide
If you want to find the perfect hot air brush for your needs, it is important to dig deep. You should never buy the first styler you come across, even if you like it. Instead, you want your decision to be thorough and based on research.
You need to consider all the relevant factors and features, and we are here to help. Check out our buying guide, and find out more about the things you need to keep in mind when buying a hot air brush.
How to Choose the Best Hot Air Brush
A hot air brush has a simple working process – the device blows air while you style your hair. However, the performance depends on many factors, and we are listing them below.
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Barrel Size
Your search starts with checking out the barrel size. The majority of hot air stylers have the diameter of the barrel set between one and two inches, but you might find smaller or bigger. As always, you should consider your needs before making a choice.
If you have thick and voluminous hair, you need a big barrel to style it optimally. That is why you should look for a diameter of at least 1 ½ inches, although it can even be bigger than two inches.
On the other hand, if your hair is of standard strength and size (not too long), you can use brushes with 1” – 1 ½” of barrel size. You should stick to the same size if you have hair that goes above the shoulders or shorter. -
Type
The next thing to consider is the type of the barrel. In other words, you want to keep in mind the material used for making it.
The majority of manufacturers uses ceramic as the material of choice. Ceramic is an excellent heat conductor, and it can secure the necessary heat.
Many stylers also have tourmaline elements, and you will often find the mixture of the two. It is an optimal combination because it ensures even heat distribution, adequate temperature, and minimizes potential hair damage. -
Heat Settings
The heat amount you require will depend on the specifics of your hair. If it is fragile, you want to go with a low temperature to minimize damage risk. On the other hand, coarse and thick hair will require a high level of heat. That will require looking for brushes that can reach adequate temperature, and perform up to expectations.
The good news is that most stylers out there offer variable heat settings. That means you can choose the desired temperature, depending on your preference. Temperature control usually involves choosing between two or more settings.
Some units will also have a small screen showing the current temperature. That reduces the chance of choosing wrong heat settings and potentially damaging your hair.
In some cases, you will encounter hot air brushes with preset temperature settings. That means you can’t choose the desired heat level, which might limit the versatility of the product. You might consider going for it if the temperature fits your hair, and you are certain that the appliance can maintain the heat well. -
Bristles
Those who used standard hair brushes know that bristles are their crucial component. It is nothing different from hot air stylers. The task of the bristles is to utilize the heat that the barrel produces and transfer it to your hair.
That is why it is important to choose a material that is heat-resistant for your bristles. The chances are that the bristles will suffer from wear and tear, or get destroyed by the heat over time, but the idea is to choose ones that will last as long as possible.
When it comes to the type you should choose, go for fine and short bristles if you have short hair. You may also want to consider the softness of bristles, but that depends on your taste. Some prefer a coarse bristle that will help them avoid any tangles, but others would do anything for a soft item that will be gentle on their hair.
You do have to go for some coarseness if you have thick hair. Additionally, aim for bristles of adequate length and wide spacing. That may help you tackle thick and highly-textured hair. -
Grip
The grip is a major component of comfort, which is the next factor you want to consider. Hot air brushes usually have an ergonomic design, but you may find a twist or two occasionally.
Your goal is for the handle to be comfortable and provide anti-slip gripping. You don’t want to risk the styler falling out of your hands while you are styling your hair. That can lead to mishaps, and constant slipping can be annoying, too.
Make sure that you can fully grab the handle. If your hands are small, you may want to look for a compact-sized brush. It may take a bit more time to style your hair, but the results will be better. -
Other Features to Consider
Let’s take a look at some other features that you will want to consider when picking your hot air brush:
- Cord length – you should plug the styler in a power socket nearby. Despite that, you want the cord to be long enough so that you don’t have any problem in maneuvering the appliance. If you go with particularly long cords, a tangle-free feature can be very helpful.
- Portability – hot air brushes are portable, but their size and weight are different. If you are considering taking the styler with you during travels, you want a unit that you can easily pack in your luggage or suitcase.
- Price – premium stylers can be somewhat expensive, but they are usually a long-term investment. On the other hand, you can also find affordable units with a budget-friendly price.
- Brand – you want to stick to reputable brands because the company’s name is a guarantee that you will get all the promised features.
- Warranty – warranty can also be a fine indicator of the product’s quality. The higher the warranty is, the more trust the manufacturer has in their appliance.
What Is the Best Hot Air Styler for Your Hair Type?
Have you ever thought about the suitability of your hair for using a hot air brush? The good news is that these stylers are versatile, and you can use them on any hair type.
Take a look at some comparisons, and see how hot air brushes perform when compared with other hair care appliances.
Rotating vs. Non-Rotating Hot Air Brushes
The crucial difference between these appliances is in their rotation capabilities. Rotating units utilize a circular brush, and their advantage is that they can go in multiple directions. Unlike that, non-rotating brush only moves in a single direction, and it takes a bit more effort on your side to control it.
While rotating brushes might seem easier to use, keep in mind that there is still a learning curve. If you don’t have previous experience with rotating hair appliances, you will need time to figure out how to get the most from your brush. Once you do that, it will be easy to get the desired hair shape in no time.
We could explain non-rotating stylers as more of manual than automatic appliances. That is not necessarily a bad thing because you have a lot more control over every move you make with the tool.
Ultimately, it all depends on your preference. You want to analyze the rotating feature together with other characteristics and choose a suitable unit accordingly.
Hot Air Brushes VS Curling Irons
If you take a look at hot air brushes and curling irons, you will realize that they look completely different. Curling irons will remind you of wands with some attachments on it. On the other hand, a hot air styler reminds most of a round brush.
We can also notice some differences in terms of performance. For starters, curling irons utilize a high level of heat. Unlike that, stylers blow hot air from their barrels, which might remind of how a hairdryer works.
If you ever used a curling iron, you know how it works. You put your hair between the clamps and connect them shut for several seconds. Once you release, you should notice that your hair turned into curls. That is the main difference between the two appliances.
Curling irons are more suitable for curls. That doesn’t mean you can’t achieve them with a hot air brush, but irons allow you to define them better.
Unlike that, you can glide the brush through the hair, blow-dry it and curl, all depending on your needs. It is quite a versatile tool, which has another convenience. You can use it on hair you dried only with a towel. Unlike that, you need to make sure your hair is dry before using a curling iron.
Hot Air Stylers VS Straighteners
The other name for a hair straightener is flat iron, which means those are the same tools. They have the same perk as curling irons because they require hair to be completely dry before you can use them.
The waiting process can be tiring, especially if you are in a rush, which is why many users resort to the hot air brush. It is enough to dry your hair with a towel to use this styler, and there lies a big benefit when compared to flat irons.
As the name suggests, the main purpose of a straightener is to straighten your hair. It does that by heating the plates and using the power of heat for straightening. Since those are specifically oriented tools, the chances are it will probably do a better job at straightening.
Hot air brushes have the advantage of flexibility and versatility. You can use them on all hair types, and you can style your hair any way you want. They will give you the body and lift you were looking for in no time, and allow you to shape your hair exactly how you want it to look.
How to Use a Hot Air Styler Correctly
For optimal hair shape and style, you will need to use your air brush properly. Check out this guide to learn how to make the most out of this appliance.
- Don’t dry your hair completely. It is enough to use a towel and leave your hair a bit damp. You do not have to dry it completely, but keep in mind that you should detangle it. While it is not imperative, it will make the use of the styler far easier.
- Heat the tool. You will need to allow the brush to heat up first. The good news is that it shouldn’t take a lot of time, but make sure it is properly heated before you use it.
- Section your hair. You want to work in sections because it will minimize the risk of damaging your hair if you come across a thin strand. Additionally, it will help you to get the result you wanted.
- Brushing time! You want to begin at the root of your hair and move toward the top. Once you complete the first section, proceed to the next one. Make sure to be gentle throughout the process.
- Use Cool Shot if needed. That feature will help when styling your hair. It assists in maintaining the style you want for longer.
- Allow the brush to cool down. Once you complete taking care of your hair, make sure to allow the styler to cool down. Beware where you place it during that time because you want to avoid burning marks on furniture or other items, and potential mishaps.
Hot Air Brush Tips
Here are some additional tips you can apply when using a hot brush:
- Know when to use Cool Shot – the best time is after you used your brush to wrap a portion of hair for about five seconds. Activate Cool Shot, and start pulling the tool out to promote longevity of your hairstyle.
- Feel free to use hair care products – a hair protection spray might help to minimize the potential damage. You can also use voluminous spray to promote shine and quality of your hair.
- Clean the appliance regularly – you should clean the product at least once a week, or whenever you use it. Removing excess hair can help to optimize the performance. Consult the instruction manual for other cleaning and maintenance tips for your unit.
Common Mistakes When Using a Hot Air Brush
You now know which things you should do when using your hot air styler. However, there are also mistakes to avoid, and we listed some of them below:
- Always wait for the appliance to warm up – you shouldn’t plug the brush in, and start working on your hair immediately. Instead, give the product enough time to achieve the desired temperature. That will enable optimal brushing results.
- Not using the right air brush – using a two-inch barrel on short hair might result in feeling like that the appliance is too rough on your hair and head. On the other hand, a small barrel size cannot handle long and thick hair, or it will take too long to achieve the desired lifestyle. Make sure always to choose a hot air brush with features that correspond to your hair.
- Leaving it out in the open – it’s not a major mistake, but if you are not using your styler, you should place it in a storage case, or box of any kind. You want to avoid dust and other particles falling onto it as it may affect durability and performance.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: Do hot air brushes damage hair?
A: No, but you should make sure to use them properly. The only way hot air brushes can damage your hair is improper use. As long as you choose heat and other settings that fit your hair type and length, you have nothing to worry about when using the appliance. - Q: How to maintain and clean a hot air styler?
A: After your styler has cooled down, you want to remove any hair from the appliance, especially the bristles. You can use a damp cloth to wipe bristles’ channels. Devices with filters will also require you to wipe them. Make sure to clean your appliance after every use. - Q: Can I use hot air brushes for short and long hair?
A: Yes, these appliances are suitable for all hair lengths. However, you may want to consider a unit that fits your hair type.
Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the high-quality hair straightening brush reviews.
Wrap Up
We hope that you know feel like you know all the relevant details about hot air stylers. Our article aimed to reveal the difference in features of different brushes, as well as their comparison with other hairstyling tools.
That should provide enough information to help you identify the best hot air brush out there. You want to be thorough and ensure that the characteristics fit your preference. Hair length and type are only some things you should consider when choosing the right styler.
The good news is that it won’t take a lot of effort to learn how these appliances work. Take a look at our hot air brush reviews, and choose a unit that fits you. As long as you pick a suitable styler, using it will be a piece of cake. Furthermore, the tool will probably become an essential piece of your hairstyling equipment.
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