✨ 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. Although it lacks digital features or an ion generator, its high heat (up to 225°F) and thoughtful design make it a favorite for controlled styling with polished results.
✅ Best for: Layered, textured, or shoulder-length hair that needs volume and wave definition
❌ Skip if: You have coarse or very short hair — consider the Hot Tools Black Gold or CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush instead.
👍 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 | $155 |
| 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.
The Single Shot 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. It offers better maneuverability than larger 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 among the brushes we’ve tested, while remaining flexible and firm. This combo provides the strongest grip and tension among the brushes we tested — 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. In contrast, the InfinitiPRO Hot Air Spin Brush includes two interchangeable barrels — a 1.5″ and a 2″ round brush — allowing for more versatile styling, from tighter curls to loose volume. While the Single Shot delivers better grip and smoothing performance, the Spin Brush’s dual-barrel system and rotating feature offer a more flexible, hands-free experience.
💡 Performance & Technology: Focused Heat & Quiet Power
The Single Shot runs on a powerful 1140W motor — stronger than most hot air brushes we tested — and offers three temperature settings: cool, low (~200°F), and high (~225°F). The low setting, while gentler than the high, is still hotter than many tools’ high settings, making it effective for smoothing medium-density hair — but it may be too warm for fragile or damaged strands. The high setting delivers enough heat for styling thick or textured hair efficiently.
For ultra-thick hair, the Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step runs hotter and offers more aggressive airflow, though it’s heavier and less refined in tension. Meanwhile, the CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush is a better fit for fine or delicate hair, with a low setting of just 170°F for gentler styling.
The brush uses ionic ceramic coating but does not have an ion generator. Still, frizz reduction is effective for most hair types — especially in combo with heat-protectant sprays.
In testing, the handle temperature reached 90°F, keeping it safe and comfortable even during longer sessions.
📊 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 daily use. Noise output during testing was 91 dBA — quieter than average, making it more comfortable for prolonged sessions or shared spaces. Its 1.55″ handle diameter is slim, and the matte finish provides a secure grip.
The 9-ft swivel cord — the longest in our test group — ensures excellent range of motion. While it lacks dual voltage and a detachable filter, the build feels sturdy and salon-quality.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | Single Shot | CHI 3-in-1 Blowout | Hot Tools Black Gold | InfinitiPRO Spin Brush |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Barrel Width | 2″ | 1″ /1.25″/ 1.7 | 2.8″ | 1.5″/ 2″ (rotating) |
| Best For | Textured layers | Interchangeable use | Thick/coarse hair | Hands-free smoothing |
| Ion Generator | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Heat Level | 225°F | ~215°F | ~260°F | ~180°F |
| Standout Feature | Dense bristles | Swappable heads | High heat | Auto-rotate paddle |
💛 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.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush – Smooth, Shiny Hair with Volume and Less Frizz –... | Check Price |
💬 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
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5
Compare all the best options in our Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 roundup.
Read how we test: Our Methodology
