At BeautiLAB Studio, we tested both side by side, measuring heat levels, noise output, ergonomics, and real-world styling results. This review cuts straight to the differences, helping you decide which brush fits your hair type and budget.
👉 For deeper dives, you can also check our dedicated reviews of the Revlon PLUS 2.0 and the Original 1.0.
✨ Quick Verdict: Best Match for Your Hair
- REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer — Best for thick, coarse, or long hair that needs maximum volume and heat power on a budget.
- REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS — Best for fine-to-medium hair or anyone wanting a lighter, travel-friendly brush with refined control and quieter operation.
👉 For more tested picks, visit our Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 guide.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
🌟 Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0: Precision & Comfort
Best For: Short-to-medium hair, precise styling, and frizz control.
Standout Features:
- Slimmer 2.4” oval barrel for improved precision.
- Shorter bristles for gentler styling and better control.
- Four heat settings (185°F–225°F), safer heat levels for daily styling.
- Ionic Technology reduces frizz and enhances shine.
- Detachable barrel for easy cleaning and travel convenience.
👍 Pros:
- Lighter design (15 oz) for comfortable extended use.
- Reduced noise level (93 dBA) compared to Original.
- Ionic technology delivers smoother, shinier hair.
- Enhanced barrel materials (Ceramic, Titanium, Tourmaline).
👎 Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Short cord (6 ft).
👉 Read the full Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus Review
💎 Original Revlon One-Step Volumizer 1.0: Volume & Affordability
Best For: Long, thick hair types prioritizing volume.
Standout Features:
- Larger 2.8” oval barrel creates ample volume quickly.
- Longer bristles offer stronger grip on thick hair.
- Higher heat range (200°F–240°F) suitable for coarse hair.
- Budget-friendly price.
👍 Pros:
- Exceptional volume creation for thicker hair.
- Higher heat output suitable for stubborn textures.
- Very affordable.
👎 Cons:
- Louder operation (96 dBA).
- No ionic technology, resulting in more frizz.
- Slightly heavier (16 oz) may cause fatigue.
📋 Side-by-Side Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Revlon PLUS 2.0 | Original Revlon 1.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | |
| Barrel Size | 2.4” Oval | 2.8” Oval |
| Heat Settings | 185°F–225°F (4 settings) | 200°F–240°F (3 settings) |
| Weight | 15 oz (lighter) | 16 oz (heavier) |
| Ionic Technology | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Detachable Barrel | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Noise Level | 93 dBA (Quieter) | 96 dBA (Louder) |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Warranty | 4 Years | 4 Years |
✨ Design & Build: Iconic Shape, Modern Refinement
Both brushes share REVLON’s signature oval barrel, designed to deliver salon-style lift at the roots and smooth, rounded ends. Their design evolution lies in barrel sizing and materials.
- Original One-Step Volumizer uses a 2.8″ ceramic-coated oval barrel with a 3.8″ brush section, optimized for thick or coarse textures. The wider barrel covers more surface area, helping to straighten and volumize large sections quickly. Its dual bristle system (1 cm tufted + 1.75 cm nylon pins) provides strong grip and tension, creating dramatic body but tugging slightly on fine hair.
- One-Step Volumizer PLUS trims down to a 2.4″ ceramic-titanium-tourmaline barrel, delivering better control on short-to-medium lengths. Its bristles (1 cm + 1.5 cm) are slightly softer and shorter, reducing snagging while still giving lift. The titanium layer improves glide, and its detachable body aids storage and cleaning.
Both feature oval shapes, but the Original’s larger barrel favors volume and speed, while the PLUS prioritizes precision and smoothness.
Visually, the Original’s glossy black-and-pink finish signals REVLON’s classic aesthetic; the PLUS updates it with matte black and sleeker contours.
Hair-length compatibility:
- Original Volumizer → medium to extra-long hair
- Volumizer PLUS → short to long hair
Use cases:
The Original excels at creating maximum volume and lift for dense hair, while the PLUS shines for smooth blowouts on fine-to-medium textures.
💡 Performance & Technology: Power vs Precision
Both brushes draw 1100 W, but their heat profiles and airflow design change the experience.
- Original Volumizer reached 200–240 °F in BeautiLAB tests — among the hottest on record for this category. That translates to fast drying and strong shape memory, ideal for thick hair. However, the lack of ionic coating makes it prone to static and frizz on fine hair. The handle stays around 90 °F, comfortable for short sessions.
- Volumizer PLUS moderates the heat to 185–225 °F, using its ceramic-titanium-tourmaline surface for quicker recovery and better ionic performance. It includes four settings (high, medium, low, cool) for more precision. The handle temperature averaged 95 °F, slightly warmer but stable and safe.
Both lack ion generators but benefit from tourmaline’s passive ionic effect. Neither has a removable filter or temperature lock.
Hair type suitability:
- Original Volumizer → best for coarse, thick, or long hair needing speed and power.
- Volumizer PLUS → ideal for fine-to-medium hair or those sensitive to heat and noise.
Noise levels: 96 dBA vs 93 dBA — the PLUS is noticeably quieter.
Science note: As studies on heat damage (PMC 9051864) show, temperatures above 230 °F can weaken keratin bonds — the PLUS operates safely below that threshold.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience: Legacy Bulk vs Modern Comfort
Both brushes feature REVLON’s rear dial control and non-dual-voltage 125 V design, but handling differs.
- Original Volumizer weighs 16 oz and measures 12.75″, making it compact yet top-heavy. Its 1.5″ handle widthfits medium hands comfortably. The 6 ft swivel cord — shorter than the 7.6 ft average — limits reach. Noise output was 96 dBA, among the loudest in BeautiLAB testing. It has no Velcro wrap and no detachable base.
- Volumizer PLUS reduces weight to 15 oz, lengthens to 13.75″, and keeps a slim 1.55″ handle width for better control. It shares the same 6 ft cord but balances better overall. The detachable base enhances storage (though stiff to release), and noise drops to 93 dBA.
Both are equipped with ALCI safety plugs and lack Velcro ties or removable filters. Neither offers dual voltage.
Fatigue factor: PLUS feels lighter and cooler over long sessions, while the Original can strain wrists due to heavier head weight.
🥇 Final Buying Recommendations
🏆 Best Overall Choice: REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS
Why it edges ahead:
- Improved ceramic-titanium barrel for faster, smoother styling
- Lower noise (93 dBA) and lighter handling for daily use
- Extra medium heat setting adds flexibility
- Detachable design simplifies travel and cleaning
For most users with fine to medium hair, the PLUS is the more comfortable and modern tool with better balance and control.
⚙️ When to Choose the Original Volumizer
Pick REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer if:
- You have thick or coarse hair and want maximum heat and lift
- You prefer a simpler, non-detachable design at a lower price
- You don’t mind a bit more noise for faster results
View on AMAZON – $31
View on REVLON
🛍️ Other Considerations Before You Buy
- Both are single-voltage (125 V) and not travel-compatible internationally.
- No removable filters — clean air vents manually to extend lifespan.
- Use heat protectant on high settings to minimize cuticle damage.
- The PLUS is quieter and smoother; the Original remains the value workhorse.
✅ Bottom Line: If you want modern ergonomics and balanced heat for daily use, choose the Volumizer PLUS. If you need old-school power and don’t mind the noise, the Original Volumizer still delivers iconic results for less.
