✨ 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.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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REVLON One-Step Volumizer Original 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, Mint | 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 is defined by its 2.8″ oval barrel — one of the widest in the category. It’s built for big sections, bold root lift, and dramatic ends, making it especially effective for thick or long hair. That same size, however, makes it tricky to maneuver at the crown, bangs, or on shorter layers. For shoulder-length styles, the RVDR5282 variant with a 2.4″ barrel offers better control.
The 3.8″ brush section provides enough coverage for medium to long hair, though it can feel oversized for fine or layered cuts. The long nylon bristles penetrate dense hair easily, helping lift from the roots and smooth curls. However, on fragile strands they can feel overly firm, leading to tugging without careful sectioning.
The ceramic-coated barrel heats quickly but lacks advanced coatings like tourmaline or titanium. Combined with the absence of ionic technology, this results in moderate frizz and dryness on porous or color-treated hair. It’s best for users seeking speed and volume, not refinement.
👉 If you’d prefer a slightly smaller barrel for better control, check the Revlon One-Step PLUS review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Original reaches ~240°F at its highest setting — among the hottest in our tests. That makes it excellent for thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs higher heat to smooth. The drawback is its lack of finesse: only three modes (high, low, cool), no medium option, and no temperature lock.
Its 1100W motor delivers strong airflow and quick drying, but also contributes to higher noise. In lab testing, the handle reached ~90°F after 30 minutes, comfortably warm but not bothersome.
Without a true ion generator, frizz control is weak. Hair prone to dryness or flyaways may need additional finishing products or a flat iron pass to seal the cuticle. Research confirms that repeated exposure above 200°F can weaken cuticle proteins and roughen the fiber surface over time. A heat protectant is essential.
👉 For more heat control and stronger frizz reduction, see the Amika Hair Dryer Brush 2.0 review.
🤲 Ergonomics & Convenience
The Original is built for speed and volume over precision. Its large barrel and airflow help cover more hair per pass, but it feels bulky in the hands and less agile on layered or short styles.
- Weight: 16 oz — slightly heavier than the Revlon Plus (15 oz) and Le Volume (14.5 oz)
- Tool length: 12.75″ — compact enough for cabinet storage, but not travel-ready
- Handle width: 1.5″ — average grip, moderately ergonomic
- Cord length: 6 ft swivel — shorter than the 7.6 ft category average, limiting reach
- Noise: 96 dBA — the loudest in our test group, exceeding NIOSH safe daily limits for prolonged exposure
- Voltage: 125V — single-use only, no dual-voltage
- Warranty: 4 years — strong coverage for its budget price
There’s no detachable base, no cool-touch tip, and no travel features, which makes it less convenient for portability or long sessions. It’s a straightforward, powerful tool that excels at big blowouts, but lacks refinement.r styling sessions more difficult or uncomfortable. If you prefer a quieter, more ergonomic brush with easier handling, consider the InfinitiPRO Knot Dr. Oval or REVLON Plus, both of which offer lighter weight, better control, and lower noise levels.
👉 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.
