✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
If you need high heat and digital control to straighten coarse or resistant hair, the Drybar Brush Crush delivers. With 26 settings ranging from 200–450°F, it offers one of the widest adjustable ranges on the market. Its ceramic paddle provides even heat distribution, and the longer heated teeth grip thick textures well. The tradeoff is that it runs hotter than average, which can feel harsh on fine or color-treated strands, and it lacks travel features like dual voltage.
✅ Best for: Coarse, thick, or textured hair that needs strong tension and high heat
❌ Skip if: You have fine, fragile strands or want a travel-ready tool with dual voltage
👉 Want more options? See our Best Hair Straightening Brushes of 2025 roundup.
👍 What We Like
- Strong heat output for coarse or frizz-prone hair
- Long heated bristles improve speed and penetration
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Digital temp control with quick heat-up
- Smoothes large sections in one pass
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Not dual voltage—U.S. use only
- No ion generator (relies on ceramic coating for ions)
- No temperature lock—buttons can be pressed accidentally
- Less effective on very short hair or precise areas
- Lacks grip-enhancing surface
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- One of the hottest straightening brushes available (up to 450°F)
- 26 heat settings in 10°F increments for customized use
- Extra-long 1.9″ heated ceramic bristles for better root reach
- LED display with simple digital +/- buttons
- Ceramic + ionic technology for a smoother finish
- Cool-touch outer bristles for added safety
🔍 Key Specs: Drybar The Brush Crush at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Heat Settings | 26 (200–450°F), 10°F increments |
| Head / Plate | Paddle, 1.80″ × 3.96″ |
| Heated Teeth | ~1.9″ |
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Ionic | Yes (ceramic + ionic) |
| Voltage | Single (not dual) |
| Model | 900-1595-4 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush – Hair Dryer Straightener for Smooth, Frizz-Free... | 672 Reviews | Check Price |
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
🎯 Who Should Buy the GHD Glide
- ✅ Thick, coarse, or curly hair that resists lower heat
- ✅ Frizz-prone hair needing fast smoothing
- ✅ Users who want precise temperature control
- ✅ Long hair needing wide paddle coverage
- ✅ Fans of digital tools with a clear display
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
- ❌ Very short hair or styles needing root precision
- ❌ Frequent travelers (not dual voltage)
- ❌ Users wanting multi-function (e.g., curl + straighten)
- ❌ Those who prefer tools under $100
✨ Design & Build
Drybar The Brush Crush uses a paddle-style ceramic design engineered specifically for high-tension straightening. Its 3.96″ × 1.8″ heated surface balances section coverage with control, allowing effective smoothing on medium-to-long hair while maintaining precision near the roots and hairline.
The bristle system is built for penetration: 1.9 cm heated teeth paired with 1.8 cm detangling bristles create firm tension that reaches into dense, curly, or coarse sections. This deeper tooth profile helps stretch hair more effectively than shorter designs, mimicking the tension of a flat iron without clamping. The absence of detangler bristles between heated teeth means sectioning technique matters for even results.
Safety is handled by cool-touch outer bristles, which allow close-to-scalp passes without burn risk. The overall construction reflects Drybar’s goal of blending paddle-brush ease with flat-iron-like tension.
Build Verdict: Purpose-built for penetration and tension. Excellent for coarse, curly, or resistant hair; less forgiving for fine hair or users who prefer lighter tension.
👉 If you’d prefer a sleeker paddle with a fixed-temperature design for gentler, low-maintenance smoothing, see the GHD Glide review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Brush Crush offers 26 digital heat settings from 200°F to 450°F, adjustable in 10°F increments, providing unusually fine control over styling temperature. In testing, it reached ~420°F, delivering the high heat needed to efficiently smooth thick, coarse, or tightly textured hair. This level of output aligns with material-science explanations from Phys.org, which note that higher temperatures more effectively break and reform hydrogen bonds in keratin—necessary for reshaping resistant hair, but increasingly aggressive as temperatures rise.
The brush uses ionic ceramic technology (without a dedicated ion generator), relying on even heat distribution to help reduce frizz and improve surface smoothness. From a chemistry standpoint, this is relevant because ceramic coatings promote more uniform heat transfer, reducing localized hot spots that can accelerate cuticle disruption—a mechanism commonly discussed in hair-chemistry research.
Handle temperature remained near 90°F, keeping it comfortable during extended sessions, and a 60-minute auto shut-offprovides standard safety coverage. However, it’s worth noting that very high styling temperatures combined with leave-in products can increase chemical emissions, as shown in recent ACS Environmental Science & Technologystudies examining heat-based hair styling. Research indicates that upper temperature ranges substantially increase volatilization of product ingredients, reinforcing that extreme heat should be reserved for hair types that genuinely require it.
On hair, performance leans toward a sleek blowout finish rather than a pressed-flat result. Many users find it can replace a blow-dry plus flat-iron routine, delivering smoothness in a single step. Roots may retain slight texture—typical of paddle designs—while ends smooth quickly. Those seeking an ultra-glass finish may still add a brief flat-iron pass on the ends.
Performance Verdict: A high-heat, tension-driven straightener well suited to thick, coarse, curly, or resistant hair. Upper temperature ranges are unnecessary—and potentially excessive—for fine, fragile, or product-heavy hair routines.
👉 If you want a comb-style brush with long heated teeth that provide stronger tension and better penetration on dense textures, check the TYMO Ring review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 10.2 oz, the Brush Crush is light enough to reduce fatigue during full-head styling. Its 10.75″ length keeps the tool compact while offering enough reach for longer hair. The 9 ft swivel cord provides generous freedom of movement, making it well suited for larger bathrooms or studio setups.
The 1.1″ handle width feels slim and easy to maneuver, though the smooth housing lacks ribbing or a soft-touch finish, so grip security depends on hand dryness. Digital controls with an LED display make temperature adjustments precise and easy to read.
The brush does not support dual voltage, has no heat-memory function, and includes no Velcro strap or travel pouch, limiting travel convenience. A 2-year warranty provides solid coverage.
Usability Verdict: Lightweight, precise, and powerful with excellent thermal control. Best for home or studio use rather than travel, and for users comfortable with smooth handle surfaces.
👉 If you’d rather have a lighter, travel-friendly paddle brush with wide digital heat control, the L’ange Le Vite review is worth a look.
🔍 Performance Breakdown Table
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power & Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Tested at 420°F — one of the hottest in class. Consistent ceramic heat delivers strong straightening power for coarse hair. |
| Ease of Use & Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 10.2-oz weight feels balanced; digital controls and LED display make temperature selection intuitive. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | 3.96″ heated surface and longer teeth (1.9 cm) smooth wide sections quickly with salon-level tension. |
| Frizz & Finish Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ionic ceramic tech reduces static effectively, though lack of a dedicated ion generator keeps finish slightly less glossy. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | 26 settings (200–450°F) in 10°F increments offer superb control across all hair types. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Handle remains cool at 90°F; outer bristles shield scalp, though paddle edges can get warm at max heat. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Full-size paddle and single voltage limit portability despite 9-ft swivel cord. |
📣 User Experiences
Users appreciate how powerful and efficient the Brush Crush is, especially for thick or frizz-prone hair. Common praise includes:
“This tames my coarse curls better than any flat iron I’ve tried.”
“Love the long bristles—gets right into my roots and smooths fast.”
“The digital temp control makes it feel so precise and easy to use.”
However, some users note:
“Not ideal for shorter styles—too big to control near my scalp.”
“I wish it worked overseas. I can’t use it on international trips.”
“Accidentally hit the temp button while styling—would love a lock function.”
💬 FAQ
Q: Can it be used on wet or damp hair?
A: No. Only use on dry hair to avoid heat damage.
Q: Will it work abroad?
A: No. It’s 120V only. It won’t work in countries with 220–240V without a converter.
Q: Is it safe for color-treated hair?
A: Yes, but start with a lower temp (200–300°F) and use heat protectant.
Q: Does it replace a flat iron?
A: For many users, yes. It gives a smooth, polished look without clamp marks—but very coarse hair may still need an iron for full straightness.
🔄 How It Compares
| Spec | Drybar The Brush Crush | GHD Glide | TYMO Ring | L’ange Le Vite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Temp Tested | 420°F | 370°F | 365°F | 410°F |
| Heat Settings | 26 settings (200–450°F, 10°F steps) | Fixed 365°F | 5 presets (266–410°F) | 16 settings (170–450°F) |
| Handle Temp | 90°F | 90°F | 90°F | 90°F |
| Weight | 10.2 oz | 10.8 oz | 10.2 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft | 8 ft |
| Shape | Paddle | Oval Paddle | Comb | Paddle |
🏁 Final Verdict
The Drybar Brush Crush excels at straightening thick, coarse, or frizz-prone hair thanks to its powerful 420°F ceramic heat and long bristles that grab more hair per pass. While it’s less travel-friendly and lacks a true ion generator, its adjustable precision and pro-level tension make it one of the fastest, most effective smoothing brushes in BeautiLAB testing.
