Comb-Style Control for Coily Hair — A Compact Powerhouse for Root Access
✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The TYMO Ring Plus is a comb-style straightening brush built for root access and coil control on a budget. With 9 heat presets (250–410°F), extra-long 2.5″ heated teeth, and an active ion generator, it creates sleek results on Type 3C–4C textures without a clamp. Your lab’s IR reading (~330°F) is lower than spec—likely due to the cool shields around the teeth—but real-world tension and reach still make it a strong pick for natural hair.
✅ Best for: 3C–4C textures needing root access; travelers (dual voltage); budget shoppers who still want ion tech; users who prefer preset simplicity
❌ Skip if: you want wider, higher-heat paddle speed for full-head straightening (choose Drybar The Brush Crush) or true cordless travel touch-ups (choose TYMO PortaPro).
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TYMO Ring Plus Ionic Hair Straightener Brush - Straightening Comb with Negative Ions for Women,... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Excellent root access and coil stretch from 2.5″ heated teeth
- 9 preset temps with auto temperature lock for safer handling
- Ion generator helps reduce static and frizz
- Compact 10.75″, dual voltage—great for travel
- Lightweight (10.7 oz) and easy to maneuver
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Small heated surface (~3.4″ × 1.0″) → slower on very long/dense hair
- Tested max ~330°F (IR) below claim—requires smaller sections
- Short 6-ft cord; no soft-touch/ribbed grip
- Narrow design = more passes on large sections
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- Comb-style head with inner heated teeth + cool-touch outer shields
- 9 heat settings (250–410°F) in 20°F steps
- Ultra-long 2.5″ teeth + 3.5″ detanglers for tension and root reach
- Active ion generator for smoother, shinier passes
- Auto temp lock, dual voltage, compact body for travel ease
🔍 Key Specs: TYMO Ring Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Heat / Settings | 9 presets: 250–410°F |
| Head / Plate | Comb head, ~3.4″ × 1.0″ |
| Heated / Detangler Teeth | 2.5″ / 3.5″ |
| Weight | 10.7 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft |
| Ionic | Yes (ion generator) |
| Voltage | Dual |
| Model | HC103 |
| Auto-Off | 30 mins |
| Display | LED |
| Warranty | 1 year |
🧪 Lab Notes
Tested max ~330°F (IR, 15 min) likely under-read from cool shields; handle ~85°F; coverage ~3.4″ × 1.0″; high root precision, medium–high tension; dual-voltage travel profile.
🎯 Who Should Buy the TYMO Ring Plus
✅ 3C–4C hair needing root-to-tip control without a flat iron
✅ Budget buyers who still want ion tech and preset simplicity
✅ Travelers who need compact, dual-voltage gear
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
❌ Very long or dense hair that benefits from a wide, hotter paddle (Drybar The Brush Crush)
❌ A need for cordless touch-ups on the go (TYMO PortaPro)
❌ Preference for soft-touch/ribbed handles or longer cords
🧩 Design and Build
The TYMO Ring Plus is a slim, compact comb-style straightener measuring 10.75″ long with a 1.7″ handle width—wider than average but still easy to hold. It features a digital display and +/– buttons built into the handle. The tool is lightweight at 10.7 oz and comes with a Velcro strap for storage.
Its narrow heated area (3.4″ long x 1″ wide) is smaller than paddle-style brushes, but its comb-like teeth are designed for targeted straightening—especially around edges, roots, and tighter curls.
🪮 Bristle Technology
- 2.5″ heated ceramic teeth arranged in a comb-like structure
- Surrounded by 3.5″ plastic detangler bristles for protection and smoothing
- Cool-touch outer shield minimizes risk of burns
- High bristle tension mimics the effect of a press comb
- Designed to straighten tightly coiled textures without clamping
This bristle system makes it easier to stretch strands from root to tip—something most paddle brushes struggle with on natural or coily hair.
🔥 Heat and Ionic Technology
- 9 temperature settings: 250°F to 410°F in 20°F increments
- Tested max temp: ~330°F (lower than spec due to heat guards)
- Ionic generator helps reduce frizz and boost shine
- Auto temp lock prevents accidental changes
- Dual voltage (100–240V) and 30-minute auto shut-off
Because of the protective bristle design, we couldn’t measure heat directly at the teeth—this may explain why the hair experience feels warmer than our infrared readings suggest. Regardless, it works well on Type 3C–4B strands in testing.
🎯 Styling Performance
- Best-in-class root access thanks to comb-style design
- Glides through coils with tension to help stretch and smooth
- Ideal for edge control, natural hair stretches, and silk presses
- Requires small sections for best results—less efficient on long, thick hair
- Doesn’t create flat-iron shine, but leaves hair soft and detangled
Performance is strongest on coily or kinky textures. While it won’t give blowout volume, it effectively loosens curls and leaves hair sleek and manageable with minimal breakage.
🛟 Comfort and Safety
- Cool-touch bristles and outer shield prevent scalp burns
- Auto-lock on temperature makes it safer mid-use
- Handle temperature remains around 85°F, comfortable even during long sessions
- Handle width: 1.7″—a bit thicker than average, but still ergonomic
- 6 ft cord is shorter than pro tools, so styling near an outlet is best
- Dual voltage and compact body make it very travel-friendly
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Effective but tested below 410°F max |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Auto temp lock is great; compact build |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5) | Slower on large sections due to small head |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ion generator helps reduce puffiness |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Great for edges and roots, not for waves |
| Travel-Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Lightweight, dual voltage, compact |
📣 User Experiences
Users love how effective and root-focused the TYMO Ring Plus is for curly and coily hair. Common praise includes:
“Finally a tool that gets right to my 4C roots—game-changer!”
“Works wonders on my natural hair—no burning, no breakage.”
“Perfect for travel. I can straighten and stretch my coils anywhere.”
However, some users note:
“Not as hot as it says—it doesn’t feel like 410°F.”
“Takes a while on thicker sections—wish it was wider.”
“Cord is a bit short for full-head styling unless you’re right by the outlet.”
💬 FAQ
Q: Can this replace a flat iron for natural hair?
A: For many users with 3C–4C hair, yes. It gives a stretched, detangled look but not the glass-flat finish of a flat iron.
Q: Is it safe for relaxed or color-treated hair?
A: Yes—use lower heat settings (250°F–330°F) and always apply a heat protectant.
Q: Does it work on short hair or edges?
A: Absolutely. The comb design is ideal for detailing edges, baby hairs, and tapered cuts.
Q: Can I use it abroad?
A: Yes. It’s dual voltage—just bring a plug adapter.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | TYMO Ring Plus | TYMO Ring | Drybar Brush Crush | TYMO PortaPro | TYMO Ionic Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Settings | 9 presets (250–410°F) | 5 presets (266–410°F) | 26 (200–450°F) | 3 presets (320–395°F) | 16 presets (180–450°F) |
| Max Temp (Tested) | ~330°F | ~365°F | 420°F | 370°F | ~430°F |
| Heated Surface | 3.5″ x 1.2″ | 3.5″ x 1.2″ | 4.5″ x 1.6″ | 3″ x 1″ | 4.25″ x 1.55″ |
| Ionic Tech | Ion generator | ❌ None | Ceramic ionic | Ion generator | Ionic coating |
| Display | ✅ Yes | ❌ No display | ✅ Yes | ❌ No display | ✅ Yes |
| Dual Voltage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Weight | ~12 oz | ~11 oz | ~11 oz | 9.4 oz | ~12 oz |
| Price | ~$70 | ~$60 | $150 | $90 | ~$70 |
📝 Summary:
- TYMO Ring Plus offers better frizz control and digital precision, making it ideal for Type 3C–4C hair.
- TYMO Ring is a simpler, no-frills version great for budget-focused users.
- Drybar Brush Crush delivers fast, high-heat smoothing for thicker hair types.
- TYMO PortaPro combines cordless convenience, dual voltage, and strong ionic smoothing — perfect for on-the-go use or small spaces.
- TYMO Ionic Plus delivers flat-iron–like tension with smart heat control, making it the best value pick for fine to medium textures seeking frizz-free straightening without harsh heat.
👉 Not sure which TYMO is right for you? See our full TYMO Ring vs TYMO Ring Plus comparison
🏁 Final Verdict
The TYMO Ring Plus stands out as one of the best-value straightening brushes for natural, coily, and tight-textured hair. It combines a clever comb design with long bristles, ionic technology, and travel-ready features—all for under $100.
Buy if: You want a compact, root-access styling tool ideal for Type 3C–4C textures.
Skip if: You need ultra-high heat, have very long hair, or prefer wide brushes for speed.
Final Score: ★★★★☆ (4.2 / 5)
A smart, affordable choice for natural hair—great for edges, roots, and travel.
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.
