✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer is the blow-dry brush that kicked off the trend. While it’s affordable and fast, its high heat, extra-wide barrel, and lack of ionic tech make it less suitable for fine or damaged hair. Still, it remains a go-to for quick volume and bounce — especially on thicker strands.
✅ Best for: Thick or coarse hair, users who want big volume on a tight budget
❌ Skip if: You have fine, fragile, or frizz-prone hair — opt for the REVLON Plus or InfinitiPRO Knot Dr. instead.
👍 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: Big Barrel, Big Volume
The REVLON Original’s signature 2.8-inch oval barrel is one of the widest we tested — ideal for creating large curls, bouncy ends, and dramatic root lift on thick or long hair. However, it’s difficult to maneuver around the crown, bangs, or shorter layers. For smaller sections, the RVDR5282 variant offers a 2.4″ barrel, which improves control for shoulder-length styles or finer textures.
The brush section measures 3.8 inches, offering decent surface area for medium to long hair, but may feel oversized if you’re styling short layers or working near the roots. Compared to compact tools like the REVLON Plus, it lacks precision and agility.
These longer-than-average bristles provide good penetration for dense, coarse, or curly hair, helping to lift from the roots and shape volume. However, they can feel too firm on fragile or fine strands, and may cause excessive tugging without careful sectioning.
The ceramic-coated barrel heats quickly, but unlike premium barrels with tourmaline or titanium, it doesn’t regulate heat as evenly. Combined with the lack of ion technology, this leads to moderate frizz and dryness, particularly on color-treated or porous hair.
🔥 Heat & Frizz Control: Powerful, But Harsh
The Original heats up to ~240°F, one of the hottest tools in our testing group — making it highly effective for thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs extra heat to smooth. However, there’s no medium heat option, no temperature lock, and only 3 basic settings (high, low, cool). It’s a “blast and go” tool — quick and powerful, but lacking finesse.
The 1100W motor delivers strong airflow and fast drying, on par with tools like the Bed Head Blow Out Freak and L’ange Le Volume, but it runs hot and loud. The handle temperature reached 90°F after 30 minutes of continuous use — slightly warm, but not uncomfortable for most users.
Critically, the brush includes no ionic generator and no ionized coating beyond basic ceramic, meaning frizz control is weak. Users with frizz-prone or color-treated hair may need a follow-up pass with a flat iron or a finishing serum to smooth flyaways and seal the cuticle.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | High heat for fast drying |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2) | No ion tech = frizzier results |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | Great for volume, not for smoothing |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | Bulky barrel can be hard to maneuver |
| Noise Level | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2) | 96 dBA — loudest in group |
| Temp Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | No lock, but stable heat |
🧠 Ergonomics & Handling: Loud, Heavy, and Built for Power — Not Precision
The REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer feels bulkier and louder than most newer models. Its 2.8″ wide barrelmakes it effective for big sections and volume, but it’s hard to maneuver around the crown, bangs, or shorter layers, especially for users with small hands or layered haircuts.
- 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 still bulky in hand
- Handle width: 1.5″ — average grip, slightly more ergonomic than REVLON Plus (1.55″)
- Cord length: 6 ft swivel — shorter than premium tools, limiting movement during styling
- Noise level: 96 dBA — loudest tool in our test group
- Voltage: 125V — single voltage only, not ideal for international travel
- Warranty: 4 years — excellent coverage for a budget tool
There’s no detachable base, no travel storage features, and no cool-touch tip, which can make longer 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.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | REVLON Original | REVLON Volumizer PLUS | Knot Dr. All-In-One Oval | L’ange Le Volume 2-in-1 | Bed Head Blow Out Freak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 | $70 | $50 | $70 | $60 |
| Attachments | ❌ Fixed | ✅ Detachable | ❌ Fixed | ❌ Fixed | ❌ Fixed |
| Max Heat | ~240°F | ~225°F | ~215°F | ~230°F | ~245°F |
| Best For | Thick, coarse | Medium-thick | Detangling | Long, voluminous | Textured/coarse |
| Ion Generator | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Frizz Control | Weak | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Weight | 16 oz | 15 oz | 17 oz | 14.5 oz | 15 oz |
| Noise Level | 96 dBA | 93 dBA | 89 dBA | 91 dBA | 93 dBA |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft |
👉 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.”
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
REVLON One-Step Volumizer Original 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, Mint | Check Price |
💬 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: Big Volume on a Budget — But Skip It If You Want Sleek
The REVLON Original One-Step Volumizer is a great starter tool for those who want fast blowouts and major liftwithout spending much. But if you have finer hair, need more polish, or want something quieter, other options may serve you better.
🏆 Best For:
✅ Thick or coarse hair
✅ Volume-first styling
✅ Budget buyers
Our Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.3 / 5
Looking for better options? See our Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025.
Want to know how we test? Read our full methodology here.
