The idea of a hair dryer brush is easy but magical: The helpful, two-in-one device combines the detangling capacity of a brush with the ability of warmth, permitting you to model, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. “Blow-dry brushes work for many hair varieties—positive, wavy, straight, medium, and even very thick hair if the sections are sufficiently small,” says Reagan Baker, a stylist primarily based in New York Metropolis, including that they’re the closest you may get to an expert blowout while not having skilled approach. Curiosity piqued? Hold studying.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Greatest General: GHD Duet Blowdry
Why it is price it: Even with a blow-dryer brush that cuts your routine in half, there’s nothing extra irritating than an ideal blowout that deflates the minute you step outdoors. The GHD Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush retains your blowout bouncy for as much as 24 hours and gives 50% extra humidity resistance—so even muggy climate gained’t break your look. “It’s actually easy and delivers a elegant, salon-quality end in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship and high quality are unmatched,” says Linda Gattineri, a colorist primarily based in Del Mar, California.
Its proprietary Warmth-Air Xchange Know-how channels managed warmth and airflow for sooner drying, frizz management, and pumped-up shine. And for damage-conscious stylers, GHD’s clinicals report “no thermal hair injury detected after 100 cycles of 4 passes on totally towel-dried hair.” Translation: This device checks each field for a long-lasting, damage-free blowout.
“My strands normally get wild once I air-dry, however the earlier than photograph (at about 80% dry, as ghd instructs) exhibits the distinction—rolling every part down with its clean pressure makes styling simple with out tugging. It’s a little bit heavier than some instruments I’ve examined (shut to three kilos), however as a result of it dries hair so rapidly, you’ll barely discover the load. I by no means knew my hair might presumably be this frizz-free and glossy.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce author
- Greatest for: all hair varieties
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
- Wattage: Approx 260W
- Noise degree: average
- Attachments: none
Greatest for Curly Hair: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Why it is price it: If in case you have curly or coily hair and need a blow-dry brush that protects your texture as an alternative of combating it, the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush has a teardrop-shaped barrel that hugs near the roots and gently smooths hair from finish to finish. Combining a spherical brush, ceramic sizzling device, and air styler in a single, it really works on moist or dry strands to ship a bouncy, glossy blowout. Its snag-free design glides by textured hair for fast drying, outlined quantity, and long-lasting shine. The model’s Gloss Lock Know-how locks in as much as 24 hours of frizz-resistant smoothness, whereas Good Warmth Sense Know-how displays temperature 1,000 instances per second to remain beneath 302°F—the candy spot in defending delicate curls vulnerable to breakage.
“My quickest routine hack ever? Utilizing this Shark Glossi brush. This will get me and my curly hair out of the bathe and thru the entrance door in 20 minutes, flat. The deal with is smaller than the typical blow-dryer brush that I’ve used, making it simpler and extra comfy to maneuver round my head (particularly essential for those who’re in a rush to start with), and it may be used on dry or moist hair. I really like how easy the product is, however be affected person with the motions: you may have to apply a bit to make sure you use the straightening part appropriately when transitioning from moist to dry. After you have it down, the entire thing is a breeze. It isn’t a device I might use for styling—provided that the pinnacle is so massive, I undoubtedly have to get nearer to the roots or S-wave my hair with a straightener—however that is not what it is for! The Glossi is nice for fast and clean utility drying, and can be nice for journey. Do not wish to probability it on a lodge blow dryer, or pack a number of instruments? That is your one and carried out. (PS: The Shark Pace Fashion has a a lot smaller head that allows you to model and blow-dry concurrently; I take advantage of this another typically when I’ve time on my arms.)” —Shanna Shipin, buying director
- Greatest for: all hair varieties and textures, particularly curly or coily hair
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Wattage: 1300W
- Noise degree: 11.25 amps
- Attachments: none
Greatest Volumizing: Drybar The Double Shot
Why it is price it: The Drybar The Double Shot packs every little thing we love about visiting a Drybar salon right into a helpful yellow sizzling device. The Double Shot blow-dryer brush makes use of ionic expertise to scale back frizz and a mix of nylon and tufted bristles for a considerate stability of pressure and management. The comb is lined with vents, which guarantee even, robust airflow and depart your hair with a springy bounce (with out trying like Shirley Temple ringlets). If in case you have very thick or very lengthy hair, you are able to do a preliminary tough dry with a daily blow dryer to prep for The Double Shot.
“If you would like individuals to ask for those who simply acquired an expert blowout—that’s, tremendous clean with a great deal of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the device for you. Because the barrel is bigger than others, it provides tons of quantity, however continues to be skinny sufficient to create some curls as properly (and to actually get into the cowlick that curses my bangs).” —Kara McGrath, content material director
- Greatest for: fine-to-medium hair textures, straight-to-wavy hair varieties, short-to-medium lengths
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Wattage: 1100W
- Noise degree: 80.8 dB
- Attachments: none
Greatest Interchangeable: T3 Airebrush Duo
Why it is price it: Limitless blowouts and tremendous straight hair are only one hair device away, because of T3’s Airebrush Duo. This Attract Better of Magnificence winner provides you choices, because of the interchangeable barrel and paddle brush styling attachments. Every attachment is made with a ceramic base and a mixture of nylon bristles and agency pins for a clean, shiny, and knot-free end. If this brush’s interchangeable attachments do not entice you, its 15 warmth and pace settings for a really personalized strategy to drying and styling your hair undoubtedly will. Like most blow-drying brushes, the Airebrush’s interchangeable heads work finest on barely damp—not soaking moist—hair.
“This was the primary blow-dryer brush I’ve ever used, so it will all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. It is fairly quiet for a way highly effective it’s, and it isn’t significantly heavy both, which eliminates two infamous annoyances in terms of blow-dryer brushes. I like holding it the wrong way up and letting my hair wrap across the barrel as I pull the comb by whereas twisting. I choose a curly blowout and discover that letting a freshly handed strand cool barely on the barrel earlier than releasing it actually helps preserve the form for a very long time. Just a little little bit of mousse to prep and hairspray to complete actually assist with longevity too, particularly in case your hair is textured.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
- Greatest for: all hair varieties and textures
- Weight: Approx. 1 lb
- Wattage: 900W
- Noise degree: low
- Attachments: 2
Greatest Price range: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Why it is price it: If you have not already seen one of many many Attract editors and TikTokers raving concerning the award-winning Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, you have got some severe catching as much as do. This child arguably began the whole blow-dryer brush pattern and has 4 warmth settings that’ll get you your required look, regardless of the feel. This brush’s revolutionary, groundbreaking design (which has impressed many copycats) is so good that we gave it a 2022 Better of Magnificence Award. This under-$100 device will get bonus factors for having a barely smaller brush head than the unique (higher for these with shorter hair or in search of additional quantity) and a slimmer deal with that is simpler to grip.
Tester suggestions from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I am no skilled at styling my hair, so the extra easy a device, the higher—so I actually admire that Revlon’s One-Step 2.0 would not have a lot of a studying curve. I wrap my hair in a microfiber towel and wait till it is 75% dry earlier than utilizing low warmth. I will typically set my entrance items with the cool shot mode, however I am not tremendous treasured about it. The device itself continues to be moderately cumbersome for my liking—regardless that the highest of the deal with is slimmer than that of the 1.0—nevertheless it will get job for the value, and you may in all probability snag it when it is on sale, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Greatest for: all hair varieties and textures
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Wattage: 1100W
- Noise degree: 75 dBs
- Attachments: 1
Greatest for Frizz: BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
Why it is price it: Despite the fact that it’s meant for dry hair, the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush earns an honorable point out for mimicking a blow-dryer brush’s quantity and polish whereas sparing your strands from extra warmth injury. As a substitute of blasting hair with sizzling air, it makes use of infrared expertise to heat strands from inside, paired with a surge of detrimental ions that clean the cuticle, lock in moisture, and dramatically lower down on frizz. The 42 mm barrel (excellent for shoulder-length hair or longer) and aloe-infused bristles glide effortlessly, including shiny bounce and taming flyaways with out snagging. You’ll be able to dial the warmth anyplace between 275–450 °F to match your hair kind and styling temper (finer hair ought to stick with the bottom setting), so that you’ll get bouncy, shiny outcomes that look straight out of the salon.
“I really like utilizing this brush to clean over a blowout and add these salon-worthy flips and bends. It heats up in seconds (a lifesaver once I’m dashing) and glides by my hair effortlessly, giving me simply the correct amount of quantity. The tip outcome? A show-stopping model that all the time will get me requested if I simply got here from the salon.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce author
- Greatest for: individuals with frizz-prone medium-to-long hair
- Weight: 1.48 lbs
- Temperature: infrared heats between 275°F–450°F ​
- Noise degree: none
- Attachments: none
Incessantly Requested Questions
How do I get essentially the most out of a blow-dryer brush?
Even with the fanciest sizzling device, the important thing to an excellent blowout begins with prep, prep, and extra prep. At all times begin with clear, detangled, and damp hair with a little bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York Metropolis-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. “Begin on the root and work your method all the way down to the ends with out placing an excessive amount of warmth or pressure on the hair, “Sturdivant-Drew explains.
Quantity is even simpler to realize, particularly for straight or wavy textures. “Twist the dryer as you go in a round movement so as to add quantity if that is what you might be in search of,” says Sturdivant-Drew. In case your hair is on the curly or coily aspect and you are going for a glossy look, you possibly can observe up with a flatiron or brush it out with the warmth off. “If you would like it straight, you must use the blow-dryer brush and, proper underneath it, use one other brush to clean these kinky strands all the best way out,” she says.
How do I decrease warmth injury from a blow-dryer brush?
To reduce the chance of warmth injury, go for a blow-dryer brush that options a number of temperature settings, so you possibly can higher average the quantity of warmth your hair is present process. Not all hair varieties name for a similar warmth degree, so for those who’re getting acquainted with a brand new blow-dryer brush, take note of how your hair reacts to totally different temperature settings as you change into extra accustomed to the device.
One other tried-and-true protection mechanism is to prep your blowout with a warmth protectant. Beauty chemist Ginger King tells Attract, “In case you’re utilizing warmth styler or any warmth merchandise instantly on hair, utilizing a warmth protectant, normally made with meadowfoam seed oil, mild polymers, and even silicone, may help to attenuate injury as they will kind a coating on hair.” However the easiest way to fend off warmth injury is to not overuse warmth in your hair—plain and easy.
Are blow-dryer brushes simpler to make use of than conventional blow-dryers?
Selecting a brand new hair device is a matter of non-public choice, however buyers {and professional} hairstylists alike vouch for the benefit of use of blow-dryer brushes. “Blow-dry brushes are so extremely user-friendly—you possibly can obtain a terrific blow-dry at house while not having pro-level expertise. They take about half the time in comparison with juggling a dryer and a spherical brush,” says Baker.
Moreover, you probably have ache or restricted mobility in your arms or arms, a blow-dryer brush is a wonderful various to a standard blow-dryer. “As a result of they’re simpler to maneuver, you’re much less more likely to tire out your arms or want a second spherical of styling with a flat iron or curling iron,” says Baker. That mentioned, make sure you let your hair air-dry about 70%—or give it a fast tough dry with a standard blow-dryer—earlier than reaching on your brush. Beginning on damp strands helps forestall breakage and ensures a smoother, frizz-free end, as these instruments aren’t designed for sopping-wet hair.
How do I clear my blow-dryer brush?
Blow-dryer brushes are available in a spread of designs, so relying on the kind of barrel, bristles, or form of your device, cleansing methods might differ. “Each model has totally different options, but when yours has a filter, take away the mud from it each week,” says Devin Toth, a New York Metropolis-based hairstylist. “In case you are occupied with eradicating hair from the bristles, use both a comb or a boar bristle brush cleaner—a brush used to scrub different brushes,” he suggests.
To take away product buildup from the bristles of your blow dryer brush, wipe it down with a humid material. Cherin Choi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, beforehand informed Attract that if product buildup will not budge, she makes use of a small quantity of rubbing alcohol to deal with residue from hairsprays, pomades, and the like.
Do not forget that cleansing your sizzling device commonly is vital to peak efficiency. “[The product/hair buildup] can forestall your instruments from working at full capability,” Atlanta-based hairstylist Tukia Allen informed Attract. Brian O’Connor, a Nashville-based hairstylist, agreed with Allen, including {that a} sizzling device with buildup can result in the “uneven heating of the hair.”
Meet the consultants
- Tukia Allen, a stylist primarily based in Atlanta
- Reagan Baker, a stylist and founding father of Home of Reagan primarily based in New York Metropolis
- Cherin Choi, a stylist primarily based in Los Angeles
- Marcos Diaz, a stylist primarily based in New York Metropolis
- Linda Gattineri, colorist and proprietor of Equo Co. primarily based in Del Mar, California
- Ginger King, a beauty chemist primarily based in Parsippany, New Jersey
- Brian O’Connor, a stylist primarily based in Nashville
- Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a stylist primarily based in New York Metropolis
- Devin Toth, a stylist primarily based in New York Metropolis
How we take a look at and evaluate merchandise
We all the time enlist a spread of testers for our make-up vertical, however hair-care merchandise and instruments are one other story. Whereas there are particular merchandise that can be utilized throughout totally different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colours (pure and unnatural), and wishes, hair merchandise are sometimes created with particular customers in thoughts. Many are created with a purpose to handle a priority (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most successfully for a selected hair kind (4C curls, wavy hair, grey hair). You wouldn’t wish to decide up a purple shampoo that’s solely been reviewed by somebody with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s by no means been examined by anybody with curls— proper?
