Affordable Root-to-Tip Smoothing — A Lightweight Tool for Silk Presses
BeautiLAB Overall Score: ★★★☆☆ (3.9 / 5)
Price: $60 | Model: HC100 | 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:
- ✅ Type 3–4 hair looking for silk press-like results
- ✅ Users who want a no-frills, root-access styling tool
- ✅ Budget-conscious buyers who still want solid performance
- ✅ Travelers—dual voltage + compact form make it ideal for on-the-go styling
- ✅ People who prefer preset heat levels
Not ideal for:
- ❌ Fine or color-treated hair needing ionic smoothing
- ❌ Users expecting a display or advanced controls
- ❌ Long hair users who need wider brush coverage
- ❌ Those sensitive to hot handles (no soft-touch finish)
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- Comb-style straightener with long ceramic heating teeth and outer detanglers
- Root-to-tip straightening design—ideal for precision styling
- 5 preset heat settings (266–410°F) for simplicity
- Extra-long 2.5″ heated teeth provide deep penetration in tight coils
- Smart heat memory + auto temp lock
- Dual voltage, 6 ft cord, and compact 10.75″ size for travel
✅ What We Like / ❌ What We Don’t Like
✅ Pros:
- Excellent root access and edge detailing
- Compact, travel-friendly design
- Great for Type 3B–4B hair, especially for silk presses
- Auto-lock and memory reduce handling errors
- Doesn’t tug or break hair with slow, steady passes
❌ Cons:
- No ionic system, which limits frizz control
- Heat felt weaker than claimed—measured max ~365°F
- No digital display or soft grip
- Cord is only 6 ft, which can limit movement
- Requires small sections to avoid uneven straightening
🧩 Design and Build
The TYMO Ring has a sleek comb-style design with a slim 10.75″ body and a 1.2″ handle width—comfortable even for small hands. At just 10.2 oz, it’s lightweight and easy to handle.
There’s no LED display, but the interface includes a power button and light indicators for temperature selection. It includes a Velcro strap for easy cord wrapping, though the short 6 ft cord is limiting in larger spaces.
The build feels sturdy, with ceramic-coated teeth and matte plastic housing. No soft-touch finish, but it’s not slippery in the hand.
Its heated brush section measures 3.4″ long and 1″ wide, making it narrower than most paddle brushes. This compact footprint gives it excellent maneuverability for root access, though it limits the speed of styling on large sections.
🪮 Bristle Technology
- 2.5″ heated ceramic teeth deliver even heat
- Surrounded by 3.5″ tall plastic detanglers for scalp protection and sectioning
- The press & glide design acts like a hot comb, especially effective from root to tip
- High tension across the bristle rows ensures contact with coily or textured strands
- Minimal snagging and no burn marks in testing
🔥 Heat and Ionic Technology
- 5 temperature presets: 266°F, 302°F, 338°F, 374°F, 410°F
- Max tested temp: ~365°F (below stated max due to outer shields)
- Smart heat memory recalls your last setting
- Auto temp lock prevents accidental changes mid-style
- No ionic technology or ion generator — smoothing relies entirely on ceramic heat
🎯 Styling Performance
The TYMO Ring is designed for targeted smoothing, not volume or versatility. It performs best when used slowly on small sections—especially on natural curls.
- Great for silk press–style results on Type 3C–4A hair
- Works from root to tip, even on edges and nape
- Leaves hair soft and detangled, but not ultra-sleek or shiny like ionic tools
- Requires multiple passes on dense hair, especially at lower heat settings
- Not suited for long, thick hair unless you have time and patience
🛟 Comfort and Safety
- Cool-touch outer bristles prevent burns on scalp and fingers
- Auto-lock ensures stable heat throughout use
- Smart memory resumes your last used setting
- Handle width: 1.2″ — ergonomic for smaller hands
- Handle stays around 90°F, which is comfortable to hold
- 30-minute auto shut-off for safety
- 6 ft cord is limiting, especially when reaching back sections
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Tested at 365°F; lower than 410°F claimed |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Simple controls, good for beginners |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Slower due to small head and weaker heat |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) | Lacks ion tech; frizz returns in humidity |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Great for edges and short sections |
| Travel-Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Lightweight, dual voltage, compact |
📣 User Experiences
Users find the TYMO Ring great for root work and detailing, especially on natural hair. Common praise includes:
“It straightens from root to tip without burning.”
“Perfect for doing my edges and small sections.”
“Compact and easy to travel with—works with plug adapters too.”
However, some users note:
“It doesn’t feel as hot as it says—takes time on thick hair.”
“No ion tech means frizz comes back fast on humid days.”
“Short cord makes it hard to style without an extension.”
💬 FAQ
Q: Is it safe for natural or relaxed hair?
A: Yes. Use heat protectant and pick your heat level based on your hair’s needs.
Q: Does it work for 4C hair?
A: It can stretch and detangle, but results may not be as sleek as with TYMO Ring Plus or a flat iron.
Q: Does it replace a flat iron?
A: Not fully. It’s best for gentle smoothing or a quick silk press, not ultra-flat styles.
Q: Can I travel with it internationally?
A: Yes. It’s dual voltage. Just use the right plug adapter.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | TYMO Ring | TYMO Ring Plus | GHD Glide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Settings | 5 presets | 9 settings | Fixed 365°F |
| Max Temp Tested | 365°F | ~330°F | 370°F |
| Ionic Tech | ❌ No | ✅ Ion generator | ✅ Ion generator |
| Root Access | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Limited |
| Display | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Travel-Ready | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price | $60 | $70 | $200 |
Summary:
- TYMO Ring: Best for simple, root-focused straightening on a budget
- TYMO Ring Plus: Slightly more control, ion tech, better for frizz
- GHD Glide: Safer, smoother paddle styling for longer hair
👉 Not sure which TYMO is right for you? See our full TYMO Ring vs TYMO Ring Plus comparison
🏁 Final Verdict
The TYMO Ring is an impressive value tool for natural hair, especially for those looking to simplify their straightening routine. It’s not flashy—but it’s effective, safe, and ideal for root access, making it a strong choice for edge smoothing, silk presses, or stretching coily hair.
Buy if: You want a root-focused tool for coily hair that’s portable and affordable.
Skip if: You need ion tech, wide brush coverage, or top-tier polish and shine.
Final Score: ★★★☆☆ (3.9 / 5)
A great intro tool for natural hair care—budget-friendly, beginner-safe, and travel-ready.
