✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer is the blow-dry brush that kicked off the trend. It’s affordable and fast, with an extra-wide barrel that delivers big, bouncy volume on thicker strands. Its limitation is that the high heat and lack of ionic technology make it less suitable for fine or fragile hair.
✅ Best for: Thick or coarse hair, users who want maximum volume on a tight budget
❌ Skip if: You have fine, fragile, or frizz-prone hair that requires gentler styling
👉 Still unsure? Explore our Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 guide.
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REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, Mint, Mint Volumizer, 1 Count Mint 1.0... | 477,229 Reviews | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Budget-friendly (~$40)
- 1100W motor dries quickly
- Delivers major volume with its 2.8″ oval barrel
- Great for thicker textures and root lift
- Long 4-year warranty for a budget tool
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Very hot (~240°F) with no temperature lock
- No ionic technology = more frizz
- Louder than average (96 dBA)
- Fixed barrel = not travel friendly
- Bristle grip lacks polish for sleek finishes
🔍 Key Specs: REVLON Original at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $38 |
| Attachments | Single fixed oval barrel (2.8″ or 2.4″) |
| Heat Settings | 3: High / Low / Cool |
| Weight | 16 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft swivel |
| Wattage | 1100W |
| Voltage | 125V (Single) |
| Model | RVDR5222 / RVDR5282 |
| Warranty | 4 years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer
This brush is best for users who want quick volume and root lift, especially those with thick, dense, or textured hair.
✅ Best for:
- Coarse, thick, or textured hair
- Blowouts under 10 minutes
- Users on a tight budget
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
- ❌ You have fine or damaged hair
- ❌ You prefer quieter tools
- ❌ You need digital precision or sleek finishes
✨ Design & Build
The REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer uses a 2.8-inch oval barrel with a 3.8-inch brush section, built for users who want big, lifted volume and smooth lengths with minimal technique. Oval designs are common, but the Original became iconic because of its simple, wide, high-tension structure that makes quick smoothing and rounding accessible even for beginners.
The bristle pattern combines 1 cm tufted bristles for grip with 1.75 cm nylon pins for separation, giving the brush strong pulling power through puffy or dense hair. This structure is one reason the tool gained viral popularity — it provides enough tension to straighten and smooth without needing perfect round-brush skills. The ceramic-coated barrel distributes heat evenly and helps reduce hot spots, supporting smoother results when used with heat protectants, as discussed in Phys.org’s explanation of how heat protectant chemistries shield hair from thermal stress.
With a streamlined 12.75″ frame and no detachable parts, it’s a straightforward tool built for maximum volume and smoothing with minimal setup.
👉 If you’d prefer a slightly smaller barrel for better control, check the Revlon One-Step PLUS review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Original One-Step uses low, high, and cool settings. In our testing, the low mode reached ~200°F, which is significantly warmer than a typical low setting. This helps pre-dry and smooth medium-density hair more quickly, though users with fragile strands may want brief passes, consistent with the mechanisms of heat-related cuticle and cortex stress described in the NCBI chapter on Physiology, Hair.
The high setting measured ~240°F, placing it in the warm-to-hot range for oval blow-dryer brushes. With 1100W airflow, it creates strong lift at the roots and rapid smoothing through the mid-lengths. This brush does not use ionic technology beyond the coating, so its results rely heavily on airflow + tension rather than ion output. The ceramic surface helps keep heat more uniform during longer strokes.
Handle temperature stayed around 90°F, which remains comfortable to hold even during extended blowouts.
Overall, the performance profile favors users who want fast, lifted volume and smoothness rather than polish-perfect, flat-iron-style straightness.
👉 For more heat control and stronger frizz reduction, see the Amika Hair Dryer Brush 2.0 review.
🤲 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 16 oz, the tool has a solid weight but remains manageable due to its slim 1.5-inch handle width, which provides steady control even when styling the back of the head. The 12.75-inch length balances well with the wide oval barrel.
A meaningful limitation is the 6 ft cord, which is shorter than most hot-air brushes and can restrict movement for users styling farther from the outlet. The swivel helps reduce tangling, but reach remains limited in larger spaces.
Controls are placed on a dial switch, which is simple to use but can be nudged accidentally when adjusting your grip. There is no detachable filter or base, and no accessories — reinforcing that this is a straightforward volume-focused tool rather than a modular system.
Noise measured around 96 dB, making it one of the loudest hot-air brushes we tested. Noise-sensitive users may prefer shorter sessions.
The tool runs on single voltage (125V) and includes a 4-year warranty, which is generous for its price point.
Overall, the REVLON Original One-Step is for users who want maximum volume, fast smoothing, and simple operation, especially on medium to long hair that responds well to strong airflow and tension.
👉 If you want something lighter and gentler for everyday detangling, explore the Conair Knot Dr. review.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Peaks at 240 °F — among the hottest in class; consistent heat output yields salon-level smoothness on thick strands. |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 16 oz weight and 1.5 in handle remain manageable; simple dial control but no removable head for storage convenience. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | 1100 W motor + 2.8″ oval barrel deliver rapid drying and smoothing; shoulder-length blowout achieved in under 6 minutes. |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Ceramic coating smooths moderately; absence of ionic or tourmaline technology allows minor static on fine or damaged hair. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Works well for volume, curls, and flips; limited temperature options and no detachable barrel reduce adaptability. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Handle ≈ 90 °F after 10 min — safe to hold; slightly noisy at 96 dBA, but ALCI plug ensures protection. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Compact but fixed base limits portability; 6 ft swivel cord is shorter than pro average (7.6 ft). |
💡 BeautiLAB Lab Highlights
- Max Temp Tested: 240 °F
- Handle Temp: 90 °F (comfortable hold)
- Noise Level: 96 dBA (louder than average ≈ 92 dBA)
- Wattage: 1100 W | Voltage: 125 V (single)
- Length: 12.75 in | Weight: 16 oz | Handle Width: 1.5 in
- Cord: 6 ft swivel | Barrel Material: Ceramic Coated
- Barrel Shape: Oval (2.8 in / 2.4 in variants) | Brush Section Length: 3.8 in
- Bristle Length: 1 cm / 1.75 cm
- Built-in Ion Generator: No | Ionic Technology: No | ALCI Plug: Yes
- Detachable Filter/Base: No | Warranty: 4 Years
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | Revlon Original | Revlon PLUS | Amika Hair Dryer Brush 2.0 | Conair Knot Dr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Shape & Size | 2.8″ Oval | 2.4″ Oval (Detachable) | 2.8″ Oval | 2″ Paddle |
| Heat Range (°F) | ~240 | 185–225 | 190–240 | 175–235 |
| Weight | 16 oz | 15 oz | 16 oz | 13 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 6 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft |
| Best For | Big blowouts on thick/long hair | Short–medium hair, easier control | Thick/coarse hair, strong airflow | Gentle smoothing & detangling |
👉 Want to see a detailed side-by-side? Check out our comparison: Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 vs 1.0 Original
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
Despite its flaws, users still love the volume and speed this tool offers — especially for the price.
🗣️ User Quotes:
- “Great for root volume, but frizzy on my fine hair.”
- “Fast drying time, but it gets loud and hot fast.”
- “I still love mine after 3 years — basic, but works.”
💬 FAQ: REVLON One-Step Original Questions Answered
Q: Does it come in different sizes?
A: Yes — the RVDR5222 is 2.8″, while RVDR5282 is 2.4″ (better for short hair).
Q: Is it dual voltage?
A: No — 125V only.
Q: Can I use it daily?
A: Not ideal for daily use on fine or color-treated hair due to high heat.
Q: Is it loud?
A: Yes — 96 dBA, one of the loudest we tested.
Q: Is the barrel detachable?
A: No, the barrel is fixed.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Revlon Original One-Step Volumizer remains the go-to budget blow-dry brush for fast, full-volume styling on thick or coarse hair. Its 2.8″ barrel and 240°F heat deliver salon-level lift in minutes.
The trade-off? It’s loud, hot, and lacks ionic tech, so sleek finishes and delicate hair types may struggle. Still, for under $50, it’s a proven classic that started the blowout revolution — powerful, simple, and built for big hair days.
⭐ Final Score: 4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
