✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The Drybar Single Shot is a standout for creating soft waves, root lift, and smoothed ends — especially on layered or textured hair. Its unique 2″ round ceramic barrel is mid-sized and easy to maneuver, while the densely packed bristles deliver superior grip and tension. The drawback is that it lacks digital features and an ion generator, so it’s less high-tech than premium alternatives.
✅ Best for: Layered, textured, or shoulder-length hair that needs volume and wave definition
❌ Skip if: You have coarse or very short hair that requires stronger airflow or higher heat
👉 Want more options? See the Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 reviews.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
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|---|---|---|---|
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Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush – Smooth, Shiny Hair with Volume and Less Frizz –... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Unique mid-sized 2″ round barrel for styling control
- Long, dense bristles offer excellent grip on textured hair
- Reaches 225°F — great for thick or curly hair
- Adds body and soft waves with root access
- Quiet, lightweight, and easy to handle
👎 What We Don’t Like
- No ion generator (just ionic ceramic coating)
- No interchangeable heads or attachments
- Not dual voltage
- Lacks digital temperature control
🔍 Key Specs: Drybar The Single Shot at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $131 |
| Model | 900-2840-4 |
| Attachments | None |
| Heat Settings | cool / 200°F / 225°F |
| Wattage | 1140W |
| Weight | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Voltage | 125V (single) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the Drybar Single Shot
Perfect for:
- ✅ Layered and shoulder-length styles
- ✅ Smoothing and stretching textured or curly hair
- ✅ Those who want loose waves with polished volume
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
- ❌ Extra-long or coarse hair (may need more heat or barrel width)
- ❌ Desire for interchangeable or rotating attachments
- ❌ Need for global voltage compatibility
✨ Design & Build: Ceramic Base Built for Tension & Control
The Single Shot features Drybar’s signature matte yellow finish — cheerful, professional, and easy to grip.
It uses a 2″ mid-sized round ceramic barrel, a shape and size that’s ideal for root lift, smoothing ends, and creating soft, loose waves. Ceramic coatings are valued for even heat distribution and fewer hot spots, protecting delicate strands while still delivering enough strength to style textured hair. The mid-size makes it more maneuverable than oversized barrels while still giving body and bend.
Its 3.9″ brush section is long enough to handle medium-length styles efficiently. The bristles measure 1.1 cm (tufted) and 1.7 cm (nylon pins) — the densest configuration we’ve tested. Flexible yet firm, this setup provides excellent grip and tension, ideal for stretching curly or frizz-prone hair smooth, especially near the roots.
The Single Shot is a fixed-barrel tool with no detachable heads or attachments, which limits its styling range — but its focus on grip and control makes it stand out for reliable smoothing.
👉 If you prefer a paddle brush for faster smoothing over larger sections, see the Drybar Smooth Shot review.
💡 Performance & Technology: Focused Heat & Quiet Power
The 1140W motor is stronger than most hot air brushes, supporting faster drying and styling. It offers three temperature settings: cool, low (~200°F), and high (~225°F). The low setting, while gentler than high, is still hotter than many tools’ high settings, making it effective for smoothing medium-density hair but potentially too warm for fragile or damaged strands.
It uses ionic ceramic coating but not a dedicated ion generator. Even so, frizz reduction was effective on most hair types, especially when paired with heat-protectant sprays and healthy hair care practices.
Scientific research confirms that repeated heat exposure weakens cuticles and alters fiber structure, underscoring the importance of heat protectants when using tools above 200°F.
In testing, the handle temperature reached 90°F, keeping it safe and comfortable during extended sessions.
👉 If you want a mid-sized oval barrel that balances root lift with volume, check the Drybar Double Shot review.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Reaches 225°F — good for thick hair |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ionic ceramic coating only |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Loose waves, smoothing, root volume |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Lightweight, easy control |
| Noise Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Quiet at 91 dBA |
| Temp Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Consistent heat delivery |
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience: Lightweight, Comfortable Styling
At 13.75 inches long and 15 oz, the Single Shot is compact and light enough for everyday use. Noise output measured 91 dBA, which is quieter than average, making it more comfortable for prolonged styling or shared spaces.
Its 1.55″ handle diameter is slim and, combined with the matte finish, provides a secure grip. The 9-ft swivel cord — longer than the 7.6 ft average — ensures excellent range of motion. While it lacks dual voltage and a detachable filter, the overall build feels sturdy and salon-quality.
👉 If you need higher heat and stiffer bristles for coarse textures, the Hot Tools Black Gold review is a stronger fit.
🔄 How It Compares
| Product | Barrel Shape & Size | Heat Range (°F) | Weight | Cord Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drybar Single Shot | 2″ Round | 200–225 | 15 oz | 9 ft | Short–medium hair, waves, layered cuts |
| Drybar Smooth Shot | 2.2″ Paddle | 210–250 | 15 oz | 9 ft | Straightening thick/frizz-prone strands |
| Drybar Double Shot | 2.4″ Oval | 180–210 | 15.5 oz | 9 ft | Root lift, volume, soft polished ends |
| Hot Tools Black Gold | 2.8″ Oval | 210–260 | 16 oz | 9 ft | Coarse or textured hair needing max tension |
💛 Other Drybar Models: How the Single Shot Compares
Drybar offers several hot air brush models — each tailored to different needs:
Drybar The Smooth Shot: Paddle-style design ideal for straight, sleek styles. Offers higher heat (~250°F) and the longest barrel (4.5″) but has fewer bristles and less grip.
Drybar The Half Shot: A smaller 2″ oval version of the Double Shot — better for short hair, layers, or fringe detailing.
Drybar The Double Shot: Oval-shaped barrel with strong airflow and dense bristles. Ideal for medium to long hair seeking both volume and smoothness in one step.
Curious how they all compare? Check out our detailed comparison here: Double vs. Single vs. Half Shot showdown.
The Single Shot stands out for curl definition, control, and bounce — particularly on short or layered hair.
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
- Great for adding body to layers
- Helps stretch curls smooth at the roots
- Lightweight and easier to use than larger round brushes
User Quotes:
“Best brush for smoothing my short layers.” – Tina P.
“Glides close to the scalp, even on textured hair.” – Naomi J.
“No ion generator, but my hair still comes out sleek.” – Lianne C.
💬 FAQ: Drybar The Single Shot
Q: Does it work on short or layered hair?
A: Yes — the 2″ barrel is ideal for volume and shaping layers.
Q: Can it create curls?
A: It creates soft waves and bends, not tight curls.
Q: Is it dual voltage?
A: No — it’s single voltage (125V).
Q: Is the barrel detachable?
A: No, unlike CHI or Revlon tools, it’s fixed.
Q: What’s the bristle grip like?
A: Excellent — among the best for textured or curly hair.
🏁 Final Verdict: Ideal for Smoothing, Shaping, and Volume
The Drybar Single Shot combines strong heat, a compact round barrel, and superior bristle grip to deliver smooth, voluminous styles with root lift and soft wave. It’s ideal for users with textured or layered hair who want tension, control, and polished results without the bulk of oversized brushes.
🏆 Best For:
- ✅ Smoothing textured or curly hair
- ✅ Shaping short to medium layers
- ✅ Users who want polished waves and volume
