Fast Silk Press Power for 1A–3C Hair — But Is It Enough for 4C?
✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The TYMO Ionic Plus is a high-tension, digital straightening brush that uses TYMO’s Air Sandwich bristle system and 16 heat settings to deliver sleek results fast—without clamp plates. It’s excellent for 1A–3C hair that wants a flatter, smoother finish with digital precision. On 4A–4C, expect a natural sleek look (not a full silk press).
✅ Best for: 1A–3C textures, fine–medium densities, users who want a flat-iron-like press without clamping, digital precision
❌ Skip if: you prefer gentler, lower-tension daily smoothing (choose L’ange Le Vite) or need maximum tension/closer root control for dense coils (choose TYMO Ring Plus).
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
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TYMO Hair Straightener Brush - Upgraded Ionic Plus Straightening Brush with Dense Bristles, 16... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- High bristle tension grips and straightens quickly
- 16 digital settings (180–450°F) for precise control
- Active ion generator helps reduce frizz and boost shine
- Double-dense bristles hold more hair per pass
- Wide 4.25″ paddle speeds long-section smoothing
- 60-min auto-off + dual voltage for travel
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Heavier (≈12 oz) than many ceramic paddles
- Can be too hot for fine hair at the top settings
- On 4A–4C, creates sleek rather than silk-pressed results
- No soft-touch / textured handle; slight learning curve with the digital UI
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- Air Sandwich bristle structure: hot + cool rows hold hair taut for flatter results without scalp burn
- T-Sensor temperature control: monitors and stabilizes heat across the plate
- Ion generator + outlet: active negative ions for smoother, shinier passes
- Double-dense bristle bed: more hair per stroke, less need for a guiding comb
- 4.25″ heated paddle: efficient coverage on medium–long hair
🔍 Key Specs: TYMO Ionic Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Heat / Settings | 16 settings: 180–450°F (~20°F steps) |
| Head / Plate | Paddle, 4.25″ × 1.55″ |
| Heated / Detangler Bristles | 1.9″ / 2.0″ |
| Weight | 12 oz |
| Cord Length | 8 ft |
| Ionic | Yes (active ion generator) |
| Voltage | Dual |
| Model | HC105 |
| Auto-Off | 60 min |
| Warranty | 1 year |
🧪 Lab Notes
Tested max ~430°F (IR, 15 min); handle ~95°F; coverage 1.55″ × 4.25″; High tension; dual-voltage profile.
🎯 Who Should Buy the TYMO Ionic Plus
✅ 1A–3C hair wanting sleek, straight results
✅ Users who want a flat-iron alternative without clamp pressure
✅ Those who value tight bristle tension for faster styling
✅ Anyone who wants digital control + precise temps
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
❌ 4A–4C hair seeking a true silk press finish (pick TYMO Ring Plus)
❌ Preference for feather-light tools (this is ~12 oz)
❌ Dislike of digital controls / prefer ultra-simple interfaces
❌ Very fine hair that’s sensitive to higher temperatures
🧩 Design and Build
The TYMO Ionic Plus features a classic paddle brush shape with a heated surface of 4.25″ x 1.55″, giving it a slightly wider and longer reach than average. This larger surface speeds up styling, especially on medium to long hair.
It weighs 12 oz and measures 10.5″ in length with a 1.3″ handle width, making it slightly bulkier than its siblings but still comfortable in hand. The LED display and digital controls allow you to toggle through 16 heat settings with precision. A Velcro strap is included for easy storage.
🪮 Bristle Technology
- Air Sandwich Structure:
- Red heated teeth apply flexible, even heat
- Black outer bristles cool and set hair while protecting the scalp
- Double-density rows increase contact for better straightening
- Tension grip system mimics a flat iron stretch—no need for a chase brush
The bristle design holds and stretches the hair more than most brushes, producing faster results with fewer passes.
🔥 Heat and Ionic Technology
- 16 temperature settings from 180°F to 450°F in 20°F steps
- Max tested temp: 430°F (excellent for a brush)
- T-Sensor technology prevents heat spikes
- Built-in ion generator and outlet reduce static and seal cuticles
- Auto shut-off after 60 minutes
- Dual voltage for international use
- Handle temp: ~95°F during use – warm but manageable
TYMO Ionic Plus delivers flat iron–like results on straight to curly hair types, and a smooth, natural look on coarse or coily textures.
🎯 Styling Performance
- Ideal for silk-press–style smoothing on Type 1A–3C
- On 4A–4C hair, it creates a natural sleek style, not bone-straight
- Tight tension bristles replace the need for a second hand or chase comb
- Covers large areas quickly with the extended paddle size
- Reduces styling time by up to 2× compared to standard brushes
We recommend using lower heat on fine or color-treated hair. For ultra-silky results on coarse textures, TYMO Ring Plus is more suitable.
🛟 Comfort and Safety
- Handle width: 1.3″ – standard grip, though no rubber coating
- Weight: 12 oz – slightly heavy during extended use
- Handle temperature: ~95°F – warmer than average but still safe
- Cool-touch outer bristles prevent burns
- Velcro strap for cable storage
- Auto shut-off and dual voltage make it great for travel and daily safety
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Heats up to 430°F, with precision settings |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Digital control is great, but tool is heavier |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Dense bristles + paddle length = fast results |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ion generator helps, especially on 1A–3C |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Works across hair types, but not best for pressed look on 4C |
| Travel-Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Dual voltage + Velcro, but not ultra compact |
📣 User Experiences
Users rave about how quick and effective the Ionic Plus is on all hair types. Positive feedback includes:
“It straightens my 3B hair in half the time—no flat iron needed.”
“I used to chase with a brush. This does it all in one pass.”
“Very smooth finish on my daughter’s natural curls without damage.”
However, some users mention:
“It’s too bulky to use on short styles.”
“I wanted silk press results on my 4C hair—this gives a natural finish, not sleek.”
“Wish it were lighter. My hand gets tired after 10 minutes.”
💬 FAQ
Q: Is this good for natural or coily hair?
A: Yes—for 4A–4C hair, it smooths well but gives a natural sleek look, not a silk press.
Q: Can I use it internationally?
A: Yes. It’s dual voltage (100–240V). Just bring a plug adapter.
Q: What’s the difference between TYMO Ionic Plus and TYMO Ring Plus?
A: Ionic Plus has more heat settings, wider paddle, and works faster. Ring Plus is better for Type 4 hair that needs a pressed look.
Q: Can I use it daily?
A: Yes, with a heat protectant. It’s safer than a flat iron due to bristle protection and even heat.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | TYMO Ionic Plus | TYMO Ring Plus | L’ange Le Vite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Settings | 16 (180–450°F) | 9 (250–410°F) | 1-button adjustable (170–450°F) |
| Max Temp (Tested) | 430°F | ~330°F | 430°F |
| Bristle System | Air Sandwich + tension | Double comb-style rows | Basic ceramic bristles |
| Ionic Tech | ✅ Ion generator + outlet | ✅ Ion generator | ✅ Ceramic ionic coating |
| Best For | 1A–3C, sleek 4A–4C | 3A–4C for silk press | 1A–3B hair types, daily smoothing |
| Display & Controls | ✅ Yes (digital w/ presets) | ✅ Yes (digital + lock) | ❌ No display (LED light only) |
| Dual Voltage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Weight | 12 oz | 10.7 oz | ~10 oz |
| Auto Shut-Off | ✅ 60 mins | ✅ 30 mins | ✅ 60 mins |
| Price | $70 | $70 | ~$80 |
Summary:
- TYMO Ionic Plus is best for users who want speed, smart tech, and strong tension across most hair types.
- TYMO Ring Plus is better for silk-press results on coarse textures.
- L’ange Le Vite offers a simpler, everyday option for straight/wavy hair—but lacks digital precision and styling power on thicker hair.
🏁 Final Verdict
The TYMO Ionic Plus is a smartly designed straightening brush with serious heat power, smart tech, and tight bristle tension. It’s ideal for users who want a silky, frizz-free finish with less effort than a flat iron.
Buy if: You want a high-tension brush with fast results, ionic smoothing, and broad heat control.
Skip if: You have dense 4C hair and want flat-iron sleekness—you may prefer TYMO Ring Plus.
Final Score: ★★★★☆ (4.4 / 5)
A feature-rich brush that performs like a flat iron—without the clamp or stress.
Looking for more? See our full guide to the Best Hair Straightening Brushes of 2025.
Want to know how we test? Read our full methodology here.
