✨ 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... | 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
The TYMO Ionic Plus shifts away from TYMO’s comb format and adopts a full paddle shape, designed for covering larger sections quickly while maintaining control. Its 4.25″ × 1.55″ heated surface is one of the largest in the category, allowing faster passes through medium to long hair without feeling bulky.
What makes this brush distinctive is its Air Sandwich Bristle System:
- Red heated teeth (1.9 cm) deliver flexible ceramic heat that adapts to different hair types without overexposure.
- Black cooling teeth shield the scalp from direct heat while helping set the hair’s shape for longer-lasting smoothness.
The 2 cm detanglers provide strong grip, holding sections taut enough to mimic the guiding brush used in a silk press. This makes it especially effective for reducing frizz and improving straightness with fewer passes.
The build includes cool-touch outer bristles for safety, a 1.3″ handle width (average, comfortable for most hand sizes), and a clean matte finish without soft-touch coating. At 12 oz, it’s slightly heavier than the average straightening brush, but the larger paddle explains the added weight.
Verdict on build: A thoughtfully engineered paddle brush with a double-dense bristle system that balances tension, safety, and speed — ideal for fine-to-medium textures, with enough grip to handle looser curls.
👉 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 TYMO Ionic Plus offers 16 heat settings ranging from 180°F to 450°F in 20°F increments, covering nearly all hair types.
- 180–300°F: safer for fine or damaged hair.
- 320–370°F: suitable for medium hair textures.
- 390–430°F: effective for resistant or wavy-to-curly strands.
In testing, the brush reached 430°F, slightly above average, making it one of the hotter paddle brushes available. The handle warmed to 95°F, still comfortable but warmer than some rivals.
Key technologies include:
- Ion generator → reduces static, enhances shine, and smooths frizz.
- T-sensor technology → monitors heat for more consistent delivery, lowering risk of hot spots.
- Smart heat memory → recalls your last setting for convenience.
- 60-minute auto shut-off → provides added safety for everyday use.
On hair, the brush creates a fast, sleek finish thanks to its wide bristle coverage and strong tension. TYMO markets it as best for 1A–3C textures, delivering straighter results on fine-to-medium strands while producing a “natural sleek style”on tighter 4A–4C curls. For those wanting a flatter, pressed finish on coily textures, TYMO Ring Plus remains the better choice.
Research has shown that hair cuticles can soften and break when exposed to temperatures above 400°F, so staying within mid-range settings is key to minimizing long-term damage. Meanwhile, Dyson’s hair science research highlights how ionic systems reduce frizz and static by balancing moisture, which contributes to smoother and shinier results.
Verdict on performance: Excellent for fine to medium textures needing frizz reduction and shine, with high heat available for tougher jobs. Produces a natural finish on tighter curls but not a pressed-flat look.
👉 If you need longer heated teeth and comb-style tension that grips dense textures, check the TYMO Ring Plus review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 12 oz, the Ionic Plus is heavier than average, which can cause some fatigue during extended styling, though its 10.5″ length provides good leverage. The 8 ft swivel cord is slightly longer than the 7.6 ft average, giving more freedom of movement.
Features like dual voltage and a Velcro strap make it suitable for travel, while the LED display and digital controlsprovide precise feedback during use. Safety is well covered with auto shut-off, cool-touch bristles, and anti-scald shields.
The slim paddle design means it grabs more hair at once, which reduces styling time, though its weight may be noticeable for smaller hands.
Verdict on usability: Travel-ready, safe, and packed with convenience features, though the extra weight may be tiring for those with long, thick hair.
👉 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.
