Fast Silk Press Power for 1A–3C Hair — But Is It Enough for 4C?
The TYMO Ionic Plus Hair Straightening Brush uses a unique Air Sandwich bristle system and 16 precise heat settings to deliver smooth, sleek results for a wide range of hair types. Designed for fast styling with reduced damage, it’s ideal for users seeking a high-performance, flat-iron alternative with digital controls and ionic technology.
BeautiLAB Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.4 / 5)
Price: $70 | Model: HC105 | Warranty: 1 year
Where to buy: Amazon | TYMO
👉 Looking for more options? Check out our complete guide to the best straightening brushes of 2025.
✨ Who It’s For / 🚫 Who Should Skip It
Best for:
- ✅ Users with 1A to 3C hair types seeking smooth, straight results
- ✅ Those who want a natural sleek look on 4A–4C textures
- ✅ People who want a flat iron alternative without clamp pressure
- ✅ Users needing tight bristle tension for faster results
- ✅ Anyone who wants digital control + precision temp
Not ideal for:
- ❌ Anyone wanting true silky-pressed styles on Type 4 hair (better with TYMO Ring Plus)
- ❌ Those looking for very lightweight tools (12 oz may feel heavy)
- ❌ Users who dislike digital controls or prefer minimal features
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- Air Sandwich Bristle Structure: Grips strands tightly between hot and cool rows for straighter results without burning
- T-Sensor Technology: Monitors temperature and adjusts for consistent heat delivery
- Ion Generator + Outlet: Reduces frizz and enhances shine with active negative ions
- Double-dense bristles: Hold more hair per pass, eliminating the need for a guiding comb
- 4.25″ heated paddle covers large sections—faster on long hair
✅ What We Like / ❌ What We Don’t Like
✅ Pros:
- Superior grip and bristle tension
- Works for nearly all hair types (1A to 4C)
- Smooths hair twice as fast as many other brushes tested
- Active ion generator for frizz reduction
- 16 digital settings from 180°F to 450°F
- 60-min auto shut-off + dual voltage = travel ready
❌ Cons:
- Heavier than average (12 oz)
- Not ideal for deep smoothing of 4A–4C hair (creates sleek, not silk press)
- No textured grip or soft-touch handle
- May be too hot for fine hair at high settings
- Slight learning curve with digital controls
🧩 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.
