✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The TYMO Ionic Plus is a feature-packed paddle straightening brush that combines a wide heated surface, dual bristle “Air Sandwich” design, and ionic generator for fast, frizz-free smoothing with added shine. With 16 heat settings up to 430°F and smart safety features, it adapts well to fine-to-medium textures and makes everyday styling more efficient. The tradeoff? At 12 oz, it’s heavier than average, which may cause fatigue in long sessions, and its natural finish on coily hair won’t match the pressed-flat look of a flat iron.
✅ Best for: Fine to medium hair (1A–3C) needing fast smoothing, shine, and frizz reduction
❌ Skip if: You want ultra-light handling or need a pressed-flat finish on very coily textures
👉 Want more options? See the Best Hair Straightening Brushes 2025 selection we reviewed.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
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TYMO Hair Straightener Brush - Upgraded Ionic Plus Straightening Brush with Dense Bristles, 16... | 5,806 Reviews | 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 & Build
TYMO iONIC PLUS swaps the narrow-comb format for a full paddle brush, giving a 4.25″ × 1.55″ heated surface — slightly larger than the typical ~4.0″ × 1.6″ benchmark, which helps speed up styling on medium-to-long hair.
The brush uses a proprietary “Air Sandwich Bristle System”: red heated teeth deliver ceramic heat, while black cooling teeth stay cooler to shield the scalp and help set hair shape — a smart mix of tension and safety. The 1.9 cm teeth and 2 cm detanglers ensure decent grip and section control, though they’re not as aggressive at creating tension as some comb-style brushes built for silk-press results.
The ceramic heating plate supports even heat distribution. Bristles are plastic, which helps spread strands evenly across the heated area — aiding consistent heat delivery and minimizing hot spots. The housing is smooth and matte, with no soft-touch coating or ribbing — not a dealbreaker, but grip control depends on hand dryness/technique.
This build approach lines up with Dyson’s hair-science explanation that smooth, evenly heated surfaces help align cuticles for better shine and frizz reduction through controlled tension + moderate heat.
Bottom line on build: A thoughtfully engineered paddle brush — optimized for speed and shine rather than aggressive root-to-tip tension. Best suited for fine to medium hair needing smoothness, shine, and efficient styling.
👉 If you’d prefer a titanium paddle with a denser bristle setup for faster, high-shine results, see the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Paddle review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Ionic Plus delivers 16 heat settings (≈ 180–450 °F), giving you flexibility across hair types. In lab testing, it achieved ~430 °F — noticeably above the typical ~397 °F benchmark, which helps tackle stubborn waves or even moderately coarse textures (though not extremely coily hair).
Ionic technology and the ion generator add negative ions to hair, helping neutralize positive charges that cause frizz and static — a well-documented effect supported by ACS hair-chemistry research, which explains how heat-activated chemical reactions on the hair surface impact shine, frizz, and smoothness.
The included T-sensor heat regulation and smart heat memory ensure stable, consistent heat and prevent overheating — important for minimizing structural damage to the hair cuticle. The 60-minute auto-off adds a safety layer if you get distracted.
Styling results: Because of the wide paddle and ionic output, the brush excels at quick blowout-style smoothing, reducing frizz, and boosting shine. On 1A–3C textures, expect sleek, straight, glossy hair with fewer passes. On 3C–4A hair, results lean more toward a natural sleek style (less pressed-flat, more soft and flowy) — performance depends heavily on hair porosity and number of passes.
Bottom line on performance: Excellent combination of ionic smoothing, versatile heat settings, and paddle coverage — ideal for achieving sleek, shiny results on fine-to-medium hair quickly and relatively safely.
👉 If you need longer heated teeth and comb-style tension that grips dense textures, check the TYMO Ring Plus review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
The Ionic Plus is slightly heavier (12 oz) than the ~11 oz category average — this gives good paddle leverage but can feel a bit tiring during long sessions. The 8 ft cord is a nice improvement over the ~7 ft average, granting extra reach and flexibility — especially handy for styling in larger rooms or salon-style setups.
Handle width is ~1.3″ (average), which works well for most hand sizes. The lack of a soft-touch grip or ribbing means hold depends on hand dryness and technique — not a deal-breaker, but something to note if you style often or apply leave-in products.
At 12 oz, the brush is somewhat heavier than average straightening brushes, a trade-off for the larger paddle and heavier build. Dual voltage and travel-friendly design help, though the slight heaviness makes it less ideal for frequent use on very long or thick hair.
Digital controls and LED display make temperature selection precise and repeatable. Dual-voltage support + travel bag + Velcro cord strap add to portability and travel convenience. The cool-touch outer bristles and anti-scald shield improve safety when working close to the scalp.
Bottom line on ergonomics: A convenient, travel-ready tool with good usability, though the extra weight and smooth housing make it a bit more demanding on grip and arm endurance over long sessions.
👉 If you want a simpler, budget-friendly brush with a wide surface and fewer settings, the Remington Shine Therapy review is worth a look.
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power & Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Tested at 430°F with precise T-sensor regulation; powerful yet safe ceramic output ideal for fine–medium strands. |
| Ease of Use & Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 12-oz paddle feels solid; digital screen and smart heat memory simplify setup, though slightly heavier than average. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | 4.25″ heated area and dense Air Sandwich bristles straighten large sections quickly with strong, uniform tension. |
| Frizz & Finish Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Dedicated ion generator plus Air Sandwich cooling bristles produce sleek, glossy, static-free results. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Sixteen settings (180–450°F) in 20°F steps adapt to every texture from 1A–3C; gentle enough for daily smoothing. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Handle stays under 95°F; outer bristles remain cool, but weight causes mild fatigue during long sessions. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Dual voltage and 8-ft cord make it travel-ready; slightly bulky paddle prevents a perfect 5★. |
BeautiLAB Lab Highlights
- Max Temp Tested: 430 °F (verified via IR thermometer)
- Handle Temp: 95 °F (cool to touch)
- Heated Area: 4.25″ L × 1.55″ W
- Weight: 12 oz | Cord: 8 ft swivel
- Heat Range: 180–450 °F (16 steps / 20 °F increments)
- Ionic Tech: Yes | Ion Generator: Yes | Auto-Off: 60 min | Dual Voltage: Yes
📣 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
| Spec | TYMO Ionic Plus | BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Paddle | TYMO Ring Plus | Remington Shine Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Temp Tested | 430°F | 350°F | 330°F | 440°F |
| Heat Settings | 16 settings (180–450°F, 20°F steps) | 8 settings (265–400°F) | 9 settings (250–410°F) | 3 settings (300 / 375 / 450°F) |
| Handle Temp | 95°F | 86°F | 85°F | 95°F |
| Weight | 12 oz | 9.2 oz | 10.7 oz | 11.2 oz |
| Cord Length | 8 ft | 8 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Shape | Paddle | Oval paddle | Comb | Paddle |
🏁 Final Verdict
The TYMO Ionic Plus stands out as one of the most balanced straightening brushes BeautiLAB has tested.
Its innovative Air Sandwich Structure maintains even tension and controlled cooling, delivering faster, shinier results without over-drying ends. Despite a slightly heavier body, its precision heat, extensive range, and built-in ion generator make it the top performer for fine-to-medium hair seeking salon-level smoothness at an affordable price.
