When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. AmazonIf you love the look of professional blowouts — but hate spending a small fortune on them — then consider investing in a blow dryer brush.
This versatile tool pulls double (or more like triple) duty as a brush, hairdryer, straightener, and styler. Put simply, blow dryer brushes are designed to save you time, effort, and energy when it comes to styling your hair, and, fortunately, they’re suitable for all hair types, textures, and lengths. While there are dozens of great options on the market, keep in mind that the best blow dryer brushes feature ionic technology, which is supposed to help minimize frizz and enhance shine.
The result? Frizz-free, softer strands in mere minutes. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need to shell out half a week’s paycheck on a blow-dryer brush: There are plenty of great affordable options and dupes out there, too!You’ll also notice that most blow dryer brushes are round- or oval-shaped which is ideal for creating volume. Many have three or more temperature settings, cool-touch tips to prevent you from burning your fingers/hands, and a ceramic surface.
A handful of options offer bonus features like cool settings for preserving curls, interchangeable barrels for custom styling, and two different types of bristles that allow for simultaneous detangling and styling. As someone who owns several blow dryer brushes — including a few mentioned below — I’ve picked up quite a few tricks. For example, I’ve found that blow dry brushes work best on my hair when it’s about 80% to 90% dry.
Not only does this cut down on styling time, but it also helps minimize heat damage. From a wallet-friendly favorite to a splurge-worthy staple, I’ve scoured the Internet — and spoke to the pros — to narrow down the best blow dryer brushes for every hair type and budget. Here are the best blow dryer brushes of 2023:Best overall: T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush – See at SephoraThe T3 Airebrush Duo includes two attachments, making it easy to achieve sleek strands or voluminous waves.
Best budget: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush – See at AmazonThe Revlon One-Step is a versatile pick that won’t break the bank. Best for all hair types: Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush – See at NordstromThis blow dryer brush from Drybar fights frizz while adding volume, making it a solid pick for all hair types. Best splurge: Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler – See at SephoraThe Dyson Airwrap features innovative technology to protect hair from overheating — plus six attachments for essentially effortless styling.
Best under $50: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves Easy Blo Single Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer – See at Trademark BeautyThis ultra-lightweight blow dryer brush comes complete with combination bristles, a cool setting, and powerful airflow. Best for thick hair: Infiniti Pro by Conair Spin Air Rotating Styler – See at WalmartThis rotating blow dryer brush from Conair rotates as you use it — saving you time, effort, and energy when styling thick hair. Best for fine hair: BaBylissPRO Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush – See at AmazonThe Babyliss Pro Rotating Hot Air Brush adds fullness to fine hair.
Best for oily hair: Hot Tools Professional Charcoal-Infused One-Step Blowout Styling Tool – See at WalmartThis blow dryer brush boasts charcoal-infused bristles to combat oily strands. Best for short hair: Revlon One Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer and Hair Styler – See at AmazonThis blow dryer is especially great for folks with short hair thanks to its small barrel size (1. 5 inches).
Best for long hair: Bed Head One Step Volumizer and Hair Dryer – See at AmazonThanks to its extra-large barrel size, this blow dryer brush is great for people with long hair. Best for dense curly hair: Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2. 0 – See at SephoraThis blow dryer has lightweight design (under one pound) and innovative technology, especially convenient for individuals with denser, curlier hair.
Best overall: T3 Airebrush DuoThe author before and after styling their hair using the T3 Airebrush. Lauren Dana/InsiderPros: This blow dryer brush comes with two interchangeable attachments for customizable styling options, while the built-in microchip allows for an even distribution of heat. Cons: The high price point ($189) may be a turn-off for some.
The T3 Airebrush Duo is our pick for the best blow dryer brush overall based on my own extensive testing. It comes with two attachments (one 2. 5-inch round brush and one 3-inch paddle brush), which makes styling a breeze.
I like to start with the round brush before switching to the paddle brush to eliminate frizzy roots. Other highlights include the cool shot button and volume booster switch, the latter of which helps create extra-tousled and textured tresses. Plus, the built-in microchip — which helps regulate temperature to ensure an even distribution of heat — is another nice touch.
To top it off, users can choose from a whopping 15 heat and speed combinations. Best on a budget: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air BrushThe author before and after styling their hair using the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush. Lauren Dana/InsiderPros: Easy-to-use and budget-friendly, this popular pick is perfect for quick and easy styling.
Cons: Gets very hot, very quickly — so heat protectant is a must. Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush is the OG of blow dryer brushes — and, at just $35, it’s a total steal. Hairstylist Genevieve Garner tells Insider she “absolutely loves” the all-in-one blowdryer and hairbrush combo.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of reviewers — including myself — have raved about the One-Step’s large, 4. 2-inch barrel that makes styling a breeze. The oval-shaped brush also features two types of bristles for smoothing and detangling.
Plus, I’ve found the cool setting to be incredibly convenient for preserving my curls. Best for all hair types: Double Shot Blow-Dryer BrushSephoraPros: This blow dryer brush from Drybar fights frizz while adding volume. Cons: Those with extra-long or thick hair may need to run their strands through a regular blow-dryer before going in with this product to remove excess moisture before styling.
The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush from Drybar comes highly recommended by hairstylist Gina Rivera. The stylist has deemed the Double Shot “great for reducing frizz, good for all hair types, and excellent for creating volume” — all despite the tool’s slightly higher price point. The 2.
44-inch barrel also features a combination of nylon and tufted bristles for a secure yet gentle grip. “This is a tool that combines the hot air of a blow-dryer with the structure of a round brush to create a smooth, shiny blowout with tons of volume!” Rivera tells Insider. See our full review of the Drybar Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush.
Best splurge: Dyson AirwrapBest BuyPros: The Dyson Airwrap features innovative technology to protect hair from overheating and comes with a whopping six attachments. Cons: At over $500, it’s a splurge that’s not for everyone. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely seen the Dyson Airwrap come across your social media feed at least several times over the past year or so.
Several hair pros flooded my inbox to sing the Airwrap’s praises, including stylists Devin Toth of Salon SCK in New York. “It’s the most improved and most advanced blow dryer brush on the market,” Toth tells Insider. However, this isn’t your traditional blow dryer brush — and not just because it’s incredibly expensive at nearly $550.
The Airwrap utilizes innovative technology to pull hair towards the device. The built-in thermistor helps regulate temperature and prevent your strands from burning. It also comes with six attachments, including a round brush, flat brush, and several curling barrels.
Best under $50: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves Easy BloAmazonPros: This ultra-lightweight blow dryer brush comes complete with combination bristles, a cool setting, and powerful airflow. Cons: Despite how lightweight it is, the barrel is large — and perhaps may be too large for those with shorter hair. Ditch your basic, bulky hairdryer in favor of the Trademark Beauty Easy Blo.
Weighing just under one pound, this blow dryer brush is among the lightest on the market. And, according to Amy Abramite, Creative Director and Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, the tool “checks all the boxes for a great beauty buy. ” The cool setting is a bonus, as are the combination bristles (nylon to detangle and boar to smooth and tame frizz).
“I have tried other dryers, and this model stands out for its lightweight design and powerful airflow,” the stylist tells Insider. Additionally, according to Abramite, this tool offers users the chance to “quickly get a salon-quality blowout without fatigue from the weight of the tool, which typically accompanies high wattage dryers. “Best for thick hair: Infiniti Pro by Conair Spin Air Rotating StylerKohl’sPros: This rotating blow dryer brush from Conair rotates as you use it — saving you time, effort, and energy when styling thick hair.
Cons: Only two heat settings. If you hate twisting, flipping, and twirling your thick hair to achieve your desired results, then consider this Air Rotating Styler from Infiniti Pro by Conair. This rotating brush spins in both directions, making it easy to style your strands sans the strenuous arm workout that often follows (because let’s face it, blow drying is a low-key workout).
Plus, the boar and nylon bristles work together to glide through knots and smooth strands. Choose from two heat settings. Best for fine hair: BaBylissPRO Titanium Rotating Hot Air BrushSally BeautyPros: The Babyliss Pro Rotating Hot Air Brush adds fullness to fine hair.
Cons: Cord length is only three feet long, which makes it a little harder to manage/use. Hairstylist Michelle DeMartino has dubbed BaBylissPRO’s Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush “the perfect styling tool for anyone with fine hair looking to achieve more volume. ” Users can also select from three heat settings based on their hair type and texture.
According to the stylist, the device’s rotating brush is a huge plus since it helps prevent hair from overheating and getting damaged. Best for oily hair: Hot Tools Professional Charcoal-Infused One-Step Blowout Styling ToolHot ToolsPros: This blow dryer brush boasts charcoal-infused bristles to combat oily strands. Cons: Can get pretty noisy.
“This product was designed for people with oily hair because the bristles are infused with charcoal, which helps to absorb oils naturally,” DeMartino says of the Hot Tools Professional Charcoal-Infused One-Step Blowout Styling Tool. The results? Near-perfect, salon-worthy strands that last for days on end. While the charcoal-infused bristles are noteworthy, there’s another fun feature that sets this blow dryer brush apart from the rest.
The barrel surface features real 24K gold, which can help evenly distribute heat to prevent damage. Best for short hair: Revlon One Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer and Hair StylerAmazonPros: Small barrel is ideal for those with shorter hair. Cons: Conversely, since the barrel is so small, it will take more time to style longer hair.
The Revlon One Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer and Hair Styler is especially great for folks with short hair thanks to its small barrel size (1. 5 inches). The ultra-versatile styling tool can be used to create all sorts of waves, flips, and curls — all while reducing frizz and boosting volume.
Plus, the ceramic-coated barrel provides an even distribution of heat. Users can also select from three heat/speed settings: Smooth, shiny strands await. However, it is worth noting that the blow dryer brush is not detachable, so there are not any attachment options.
Best for long hair: Bed Head One Step Volumizer and Hair DryerAmazonPros: Thanks to its extra-large barrel size, this blow dryer brush is great for people with long hair. Cons: Those with medium- or short-length hair may be better off with a smaller barrel The Bed Head One Step Volumizer and Hair Dryer has a large 4. 5-inch-wide barrel.
What’s more, those with long hair will appreciate the size of this barrel since it covers more surface area than the traditional blow dryer brush, which can help shave off some styling time. The pretty pink hue is an added bonus, as is the built-in tourmaline ceramic technology to nix frizz and boost shine. Best for dense curly hair: Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.
0SephoraPros: Lightweight design (under one pound) and innovative technology comes in especially convenient for individuals with denser, curlier hair. Cons: The large oval barrel may be bulky or a bit more difficult to use for those with short hair. The Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.
0 — an updated version of the brand’s best-selling blow dryer brush — is considered the best blow dryer brush for dense, curly hair, according to hairstylist Glenn Ellis, who is based in Los Angeles and New York. “There is a bit more space between the bristles, which allows for the hair to glide through but still keep enough tension for that silky smooth shine you get when blow drying,” he says. What to look for in a blow dryer brushWhen shopping for the best blow dryer brushes on the market, keep in mind all of the below:ShapeThe shape of the blow dryer brush directly impacts the type of result you’ll get.
For example, paddle dryer brushes, such as Dyson’s flat attachment, are great for producing straight, sleek blowouts. On the other hand, round or oval-shaped brushes, such as the Revlon One Step and Drybar Double Shot, are ideal for bouncier, more voluminous blowouts. SizeWhen it comes to finding the best blow dryer brush to suit your individual needs, size definitely does matter.
Put simply, the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Wider barrels, on the other hand, create loose waves and flips in a matter of minutes. In terms of range, the smallest barrels over around 1.
25 to 1. 5 inches while the largest ones — such as the Bedhead One Step Volumizer — clock in at 4. 5 inches.
Bristle materialAs you shop for the best blow dryer brush, consider the bristle material. It’s also worth noting that some of the best blow dryer brushes contain a combination of different bristles. Nylon bristles are firm yet gentle (which means they won’t cause tugging or tanging), while silicone bristles are more flexible.
Boar bristles are made of — you guessed it — the hair of boars. These natural bristles easily glide through the hair while gently massaging the scalp. This can help minimize frizz, too.
While different bristle types have different benefits, Toth recommends looking for a blow dryer brush that contains both boar and nylon bristles, which can be found in picks like the Conair Hot Air Spin Brush. VoltageIf you’re a frequent flier and always on the move, consider the voltage of your blow dryer brush, as some may not be suitable for travel. For example, some of the best blow dryer brushes on the market are only designed for domestic use.
(The standard in the US is between 110 and 120V, while in Europe and Asia, the standard is 220-240V. ) respectively Alternatively, should you be searching for a blow dryer brush that you can travel with, look for ones that are dual voltage. Tips on how to use a blow dryer brush1.
Detangle:Before going in with the blow dryer brush, you’ll want to start by detangling your hair. With this in mind, Ellis recommends “combing out each section to ensure its tangle free before going in with the brush. ” He continues, telling Insider, “To get that smooth look, make sure you are using enough tension!”2.
Remove Excess Moisture: Once you’ve brushed out your hair, remove excess moisture with a microfiber towel. Ellis tells Insider that removing the excess water makes the hair “more manageable” when using the blow dryer brush. He also notes that if you air-dry or rough-dry hair, it can lead to frizz; however, you also don’t want to go in with soaking wet hair since it’ll take longer to style.
3. Spray on Some Heat Protectant: Using a heat protectant spray prior to styling your hair with hot tools is also key to ensuring your hair stays healthy and damage-free. Kenji Ishimoto, a stylist at Salon YOSHIKO at Bergdorf Goodman in New York previously told INSIDER that “heat protectants help to reduce damage to the hair before using heat styling products.
“4. Finish Off With Hairspray: Frizzy hair, do care: That’s why we recommend applying hairspray, which helps tame fussy frizz and unruly flyways. As a bonus, some of the best hair sprays even offer added protection against humidity and UV damage.
Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/best-blow-dryer-brushes
