Comb-Style Control for Coily Hair — A Compact Powerhouse for Root Access
BeautiLAB Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.2 / 5)
Price: $70 | Model: HC103 | 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 3C to 4C hair textures that need direct root access
- ✅ Users who want precision without using a flat iron
- ✅ Travelers looking for compact, dual-voltage tools
- ✅ Budget-conscious shoppers who still want ion tech
- ✅ Fine or natural hair that needs lower, safer heat settings
Not ideal for:
- ❌ Very long or thick hair that needs wide paddle coverage
- ❌ Those looking for polished blowout-style volume
- ❌ Users who want tools with soft-touch or luxe finishes
- ❌ Anyone who prefers wide brushes over narrow combs
🔑 What Sets It Apart
- Comb-style straightener with heated inner teeth and cool-touch outer shields
- 9 heat settings from 250°F to 410°F, in 20°F increments
- Ultra-long 2.5″ heated teeth + 3.5″ detanglers create tension and reach roots easily
- Built-in ion generator actively reduces static and frizz
- Auto temperature lock for safer handling during styling
- Dual voltage + compact 10.75″ length make it ideal for travel
✅ What We Like / ❌ What We Don’t Like
✅ Pros:
- Excellent for textured, coily, or tightly curled hair (3C–4C)
- Gets close to the roots for max smoothing
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Dual voltage + auto temp lock = great travel tool
- Comb-style teeth stretch and straighten with minimal breakage
❌ Cons:
- Small heated surface = not ideal for fast styling on long or thick hair
- Max temp measured lower than expected (330°F vs. 410°F stated)
- Narrow design = requires multiple passes on large sections
- Short 6-ft cord can feel limiting in larger spaces
- No soft-touch or ribbed handle grip
🧩 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Settings | 9 (250–410°F) | 5 presets (266–410°F) | 26 (200–450°F) |
| Max Temp Tested | ~330°F | ~365°F | 420°F |
| Bristle Length | 2.5″ hot / 3.5″ cool | 2.5″ hot / 3.5″ cool | 1.9″ hot / 1.8″ cool |
| Best For | Tight curls / roots | Root-to-tip stretching | Thick, frizz-prone hair |
| Frizz Control | Ionic generator | ❌ No ionic system | Ceramic ionic coating |
| Display & Controls | ✅ Yes | ❌ No display | ✅ Yes |
| Dual Voltage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Price | $70 | $60 | $150 |
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.
👉 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.
