While achieving the perfect blowout at home can be a challenge, a hot air brush is an excellent tool to help you achieve salon-quality results. This innovative hairbrush not only dries your hair but also styles it simultaneously, making it a game-changer for beginners and experienced users alike. Hot air brushes have gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with many influencers and stylists showcasing their stunning hairstyles achieved using these tools.
While you may not get the exact same results as the pros, hot air brushes can still help you achieve salon-like looks at home. When choosing a hot air brush, there are several factors to consider, including hair length and type. For instance, those with longer hair may prefer a brush that can handle longer lengths, while those with curly or thick hair may need a brush specifically designed for their hair type.
Some of the top-rated hot air brushes on the market include the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer, HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer Volumizer, and Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler Kit. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium choice, there’s a hot air brush out there that suits your needs.
Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Hot Air Brush
Hair Length
When selecting a hot air brush, hair length is a crucial factor to consider. In general, longer locks require larger barrels, while shorter hairstyles benefit from smaller ones. For those with short or medium-length hair, a brush featuring a small barrel (1-1.5 inches) is ideal. This allows for more versatility in styling, as the brush can easily reach the roots.
On the other hand, long-haired individuals will find that a hot air brush with a larger barrel and mixed bristles provides effortless detangling without causing damage. To style long hair effectively, it’s essential to section off your locks into smaller parts and then work on each segment using the brush. For further guidance on how hair length affects hot air brush selection, please refer to our buyer’s guide.
Hair Type
When it comes to selecting the ideal hot air brush, your hair type plays a crucial role. While a hot air brush is versatile enough to work on all hair types, having the right one for your unique locks ensures the best possible results. For individuals with fine or thin hair, look for a hot air brush equipped with adjustable temperature settings and high-quality bristles. The presence of ceramic coating or ceramic-tourmaline heating materials can also help reduce thermal damage and dryness.
Those with coarse or thick hair, on the other hand, require a hot air brush that can handle higher temperatures. An alternative approach is to pre-dry your hair slightly using a towel before using the hot air brush, which can make it easier to style and detangle. In addition, a stiffer bristle can be particularly beneficial for thicker or curlier hair types. A more detailed exploration of how hair type influences your choice in a hot air brush can be found below.
Hot Air Brush Types
The world of hot air brushes can be overwhelming, with numerous options to consider. However, by understanding the key differences between them, you’ll be better equipped to find the perfect one for your hair type and style. The size of the barrel is a crucial factor, with smaller sizes suitable for shorter hair and larger ones ideal for longer locks. Additionally, the material used in the bristles needs to be adapted to suit thicker or finer hair textures.
Most modern hot air brushes utilize ceramic or tourmaline heating elements, which heat up quickly without damaging your hair like older aluminum barrels might have. Stationary and rotating hot air brushes can produce similar results, but the latter may require more practice to master, particularly for those with curly or thick hair. The choice between these two types ultimately depends on your hair type, with straight or medium hair benefiting from the ease of use offered by a rotating brush.
With this knowledge in hand, you’re ready to explore our top 10 picks for hot air brushes to buy in 2024.
Top 10 Best Hot Air Brushes 2024
Best Overall Pick: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Revlon’s hot air brush has garnered a reputation for its innovative oval-shaped barrel, which makes it an excellent choice for styling hair of all lengths and types. This design feature, combined with ceramic-coating and ionic technology, allows the brush to add volume, smoothness, and bounce to your locks while preventing heat damage. The brush is also incredibly lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for creating stunning hairstyles.
With its ability to work on both straight, wavy, and curly hair, this hot air brush has become a go-to styling tool for many users. Its unique features include an oval-shaped head that adds volume and smoothness, ceramic-coating that ensures even heat distribution, ionic technology that dries hair quickly while retaining moisture, and nylon pin bristles that detangle effortlessly.
The brush also comes with three heat settings, allowing you to choose the best option for your hair type, as well as a lengthy cord for added convenience. While some may find it inconvenient that the hot air brush is designed specifically for use in the US, its many pros far outweigh this one drawback.
Best Premium Pick: HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer Volumizer
The Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer Volumizer is a versatile hot air brush that combines the best of both worlds – professional-grade styling and effortless drying. Its charcoal-infused bristles work in tandem with its oval-shaped barrel to absorb excess oils, add volume, and deliver long-lasting blowouts. With three heat settings, ionic technology, and well-placed air vents, this tool is ideal for all hair types, particularly those prone to oily locks.
Whether you’re looking to achieve a sleek and straight look or add some curls, this hot air brush has got you covered. And with its lightweight design, you can style your hair with ease without feeling weighed down. While it may not be suitable for international travel due to its US-specific design, the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer Volumizer is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve salon-quality results at home.
Best for Styling: Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler Kit
The Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler Kit is a comprehensive hot air brush styling kit that offers unparalleled versatility and ease of use. This complete package features multiple brush heads designed to smooth, curl, straighten, and add volume to your hair. While it may not be the best fit for everyone, medium to long-haired individuals will find this kit to be a game-changer.
The kit includes 8 attachments, including a pre-styling dryer, 4 Airwrap barrels of varying sizes, 2 flat smoothing brushes, and a round brush. Dyson’s innovative approach is evident in the digital motor-powered brush, which eliminates the need for extreme heat when drying and styling. The Coanda effect, utilized in the Airwrap barrels, attracts your hair to wrap around the barrel, while ionic technology reduces frizz.
This kit is perfect for those seeking diverse styling options, as it prevents thermal damage and is great for medium to long-haired individuals. However, users with short hair may find some of the attachments unnecessary, and those with long hair will need to be patient, as this kit requires a bit more time and effort to achieve desired results.
Best Budget Pick: Conair Instant Heat Styling Brush
The Conair Instant Heat Styling Brush is a versatile hot air brush that has won the hearts of many with its 25 heating settings, making it suitable for all hair types. This compact brush is perfect for creating loose curls and waves, and its small size makes it easy to use on various hair lengths. One of the standout features of this brush is its ability to heat up quickly – just 30 seconds, in fact!
Additionally, the Turbo Heat button allows you to increase the barrel temperature by up to 36 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 60 seconds. This feature makes it ideal for those who are short on time and need to dry their hair quickly. The brush’s small barrel size of 1.25 inches makes it suitable for use on both short and long hair, and its ability to lightly curl locks is a major plus.
The barrel itself is made from a combination of chromium, nickel, copper, and steel, which allows for high temperatures to be reached quickly. While the brush does have some limitations – such as not being effective at detangling tangled hair, and lacking dedicated optimum heat distribution technology – its many pros make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to add volume, create loose curls, or simply style their hair with ease.
Overall, this budget-friendly brush is a great option for anyone seeking a compact, multi-purpose hot air brush that can be used at home or on the go.
Best for Short Hair: John Frieda Hot Air Brush
The John Frieda Hot Air Brush is a game-changer for short-haired individuals, offering salon-quality blowouts at home. The compact design allows users to style closer to their roots, making it perfect for those with shorter hair lengths. This tiny powerhouse boasts a range of features that leave hair looking stunning in mere minutes. One of its standout qualities is the 1-inch barrel size, which enables precise styling and minimizes bulkiness.
Additionally, the combination of stiff nylon pin bristles and flexible bristles effectively detangles and styles hair while reducing frizz. Ionic technology further enhances smoothness by removing excess electrons from the hair shaft. The titanium barrel, coated in ceramic for better heat distribution and thermal damage prevention, ensures a safe and efficient styling experience. With two heat settings and a cooling option to set the style, users can achieve their desired look.
Although it has some limitations, including only 500 watts of power, which may result in slower drying times, and no dual voltage capabilities for international travel, the John Frieda Hot Air Brush remains an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use hot air brush.
Best Rotating Hot Air Brush: INFINITIPRO by CONAIR
The INFINITIPRO by CONAIR has won the hearts of many with its innovative design that effortlessly adds volume, body, and curl to your locks while detangling with ease. This bi-directional rotating brush is a game-changer for all hair types. The brush boasts two barrels – 1.5 inches and 2 inches – making it perfect for medium to long hair lengths. You can choose the size depending on whether you want loose or tight curls.
The rotating barrel allows for effortless volume addition, and when you want to style closer to your roots, you can simply use the brush without rotation. However, those with fine hair might find the rotation adds stress to their strands, potentially leading to breakage. In such cases, a stationary brush would be a better option. The flexible bristles on both barrels are gentle on hair but may make it harder to detangle thick or curly locks.
The INFINITIPRO also features tourmaline ceramic heating technology and an ion generator, ensuring no heat spots, frizz, or fried-out hair. You can choose from two heat settings and one cool setting to set your style. While the heat is efficient for most hair types, it may take a bit longer to dry thick hair. Overall, the INFINITIPRO’s pros outweigh its cons, making it an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their blowouts.
Best for Curly/Thick Hair: Bed Head One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
The Bed Head One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is a game-changer for curly or thick-haired individuals. Its unique oval-shaped barrel and mixed pattern bristles work in tandem to provide a salon-quality blowout with minimal effort. The innovative bristle arrangement, specifically designed for detangling and adding texture and volume, sets it apart from other hot air brushes on the market.
While its heat settings may be limited, the product’s tourmaline ceramic heating technology ensures even heat distribution, leaving hair looking smooth and frizz-free. However, users should note that the low heat setting can be slow to dry, while the high setting can be too forceful, leading to longer drying times and potential damage to the hair.
Best for Fine Hair: Conair 2-in-1 Hot Air Curling Combo
Conair’s 2-in-1 Hot Air Curling Combo stands out as a top choice for fine-haired individuals, thanks to its compact design and gentle styling capabilities. The brush boasts two interchangeable barrels – one with hard plastic bristles and the other with soft bristles – allowing users to effortlessly detangle and style their locks without causing breakage. A key feature of this hot air brush is its dual voltage capabilities, making it a great companion for travel or everyday use. The 1.
25-inch barrel with hard bristles is particularly effective at taming fine hair, eliminating tangles and adding smoothness to the strands. Meanwhile, the smaller barrel size ensures that the bristles don’t wrap around the hair, reducing the risk of damage. The brush also features two heat settings, with a lower option that’s specifically designed for fine hair. This low-heat setting is crucial for maintaining the integrity of fine locks and preventing heat damage.
While some may view the 300-watt power as insufficient for thicker or longer hair, it’s actually a major asset for fine-haired users. The gentle heat output minimizes the risk of thermal damage and breakage, making this hot air brush an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish blowout without compromising their hair’s health.
Best for Straightening: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Styler
Revlon’s One-Step hot air brush is a versatile tool that excels at straightening and creating loose waves, making it suitable for all hair types, particularly thick and curly locks. The large flat paddle features flexible bristles that not only detangle but also help to achieve a smooth, luscious finish. While it can’t replicate the stiff, flat look of a flat iron, it produces a soft, natural straightening effect with subtle waves.
One of its standout features is the ionic technology, which greatly reduces frizz and leaves hair looking healthy and shiny. However, users need to be mindful of the heat settings, as they may be too high for those with fine or damaged hair, potentially leading to hot spots if used incorrectly. The only drawback is the paddle’s size, which can make it difficult to get close to the roots.
Despite this, the Revlon One-Step remains a popular choice for its speed and effectiveness in giving a great blowout.
Best for Shine: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium hot air brush stands out due to its innovative 2-inch bi-directional rotating barrel that effortlessly adds volume and reduces frizz for medium to long hair. With a focus on precision, the brush head rotates in both directions with ease, ensuring every strand is styled perfectly. The adjustable rotation feature allows for customization, making it an excellent volumizer.
The brush’s flexibility and strategically placed bristles ensure hair doesn’t get tangled or caught during styling, while the anti-static properties prevent pesky baby hairs from appearing. The titanium barrel benefits from ionic technology, effectively minimizing frizz and promoting healthy-looking locks. Although the heat settings could be improved for thicker, coarser hair types, this brush excels as part of a multi-step styling process rather than a standalone tool.
With its impressive features, the BaBylissPRO is an excellent choice for those seeking salon-quality results at home.
How To Choose the Best Hot Air Brush
When it comes to everyday essentials, a hot air brush should not be overlooked. With its versatility and frequent use, selecting the perfect model can make all the difference. Let’s dive deeper into what matters most when choosing the ideal hot air brush for your daily routine.
Hair Length
Hot air brushes are incredibly versatile tools that can be used on all hair lengths, from shoulder-grazing bobs to long flowing locks. While a shoulder-length bob is an ideal length for showcasing the brush’s capabilities, it’s not the only length that can benefit from its styling prowess.
To get the most out of your hot air brush, you’ll want to choose one with a barrel size that allows you to reach close to your roots.
This ensures that you can style as much of your hair as possible and avoid flat roots.
For those with extremely short hair, like a buzz cut, a hot air brush isn’t the most effective tool due to its inability to wrap around the barrel. However, if you have slightly longer hair, it can still be used to great effect. For shorter hair, look for a 1-inch barrel that allows for easy styling.
Shoulder-length hair offers the perfect balance between length and manageability, making it an ideal canvas for showcasing the hot air brush’s capabilities. With this length, you can achieve everything from loose curls to straight, sleek styles using a barrel size of 1-2 inches.
Long-haired users can also benefit from the hot air brush, achieving loose waves, curling their ends, or adding volume to their existing style. For long hair, choose a barrel size of 1.
5-2+ inches and section your hair into smaller parts to ensure even styling.
Hair Type
When it comes to choosing the right hot air brush, your hair type plays a significant role in determining the best one for you. While hot air brushes can be used on all hair types, selecting the wrong one can lead to suboptimal results. Here’s how different hair types can benefit from using a hot air brush:
Fine Hair
Hot air brushes are particularly well-suited for fine hair as they add volume and create a luscious look.
To avoid thermal damage, opt for ceramic-coated brushes with soft or mixed bristles and lower heat settings. Small barrel sizes are ideal for this hair type, as they reduce pressure on the strands while curling around the brush.
Thick Hair
For those with thick hair, a hot air brush that can withstand high heat temperatures is essential. Before using the brush, pre-dry your hair to a slightly damp state and then use it for styling.
Larger barrel sizes are better suited for this hair type as they facilitate easier detangling and styling.
Curly Hair
While a hot air brush may not be able to fully straighten curly hair like a flat-iron, it can still add that extra ‘oomph’ factor. By smoothing the hair and adding a touch of elegance, a hot air brush is perfect for curly-haired individuals. Opt for a brush with a 2-inch or larger barrel.
Straight Hair
For those with straight hair, a hot air brush can be used to add volume and create loose curls or waves. To enhance the look, use hair mousse or hairspray for long-lasting volume.
How Do Hot Air Brushes Work?
Envision a game-changing hairstyling tool that combines the functionality of a hairbrush with the power of a hairdryer. A hot air brush is essentially a brush that harbors a mechanism to emit warm air from within, which not only dries but also styles your locks with precision.
Hot Air Brush Types
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hot air brushes, several key factors set them apart from one another. First and foremost, the barrel size plays a significant role in determining the final style of your hair. Generally speaking, larger barrels produce straighter styles, while smaller barrels are better suited for tighter curls. When choosing a hot air brush, it’s also important to consider the bristle material.
Most modern brushes use nylon bristles, which can range from stiff and suitable for detangling thicker hair to soft and gentle enough for fine hair. Some brushes, like the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer, feature stiffer bristles for added smoothing power, while others, such as the Conair 2-in-1 Hot Air Curling Combo, offer softer bristles for gentler styling. Heat distribution is another critical factor in hot air brush design.
You want a brush that heats up quickly, allows you to control the temperature, and distributes heat evenly without causing damage. The InStyler by Conair, for example, features a ceramic-coated barrel for optimal heat control and distribution, while the HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer uses gold-infused technology to achieve similar results. Some hot air brushes offer additional heat settings, such as the Conair Instant Heat Styling Brush with its impressive 25 settings.
And then there’s ionic technology, which has been around for decades but remains a crucial factor in many modern hair styling tools. By emitting negative ions, these brushes can neutralize your hair’s natural positive charge, reducing frizz and static while also helping to dry your hair faster and more efficiently. Ultimately, the best hot air brush for you will depend on your individual hair type, style preferences, and desired level of heat control.
Stationary vs. Rotating
Hot air brushes offer varying levels of movement, catering to different styling preferences and user needs. Fixed, rotating, and bidirectional rotation are the three primary types. In the fixed category, hot air brushes remain stationary, requiring users to manually manipulate them to achieve desired curls and waves. This setup provides complete control for both beginners and experienced users alike, making it an excellent option for those seeking a hands-on approach.
Rotating brushes take a different approach, often featuring bi-directional rotation. Products like the BaBylissPRO’s Nano Titanium Hot Air Brush are prime examples of this design. By simply holding the brush and moving it through your hair from roots to ends, users can achieve effortless styling while adding volume. The automatic rotations also provide an added advantage for left- or right-handed individuals alike.
While bidirectional rotation brushes do offer greater convenience, they may require some practice to master, as tangled hair can easily result if not properly managed. As such, this type of brush may not be the most suitable option for beginners.
The Advantages of Using a Hot Air Brush
A hot air brush offers numerous advantages, making it an excellent addition to any hair care routine. It not only adds volume to your locks, reduces frizz, and simplifies styling, but also produces significantly less heat compared to traditional tools like flat irons. This lower heat output is a major plus for your hair’s health, as excessive heat can cause damage and dryness.
Furthermore, the hot air brush is more comfortable to maneuver than standard hair dryers, allowing you to work with ease using only one hand. With the other hand free to section and style your hair, you’ll be able to achieve a polished look without sacrificing control. Additionally, this versatile tool is suitable for both quick touch-ups and detailed styling, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals on-the-go.
Its compact design also makes it easy to toss into your purse or bag, making it the perfect travel companion.
Pro Tips for Using a Hot Air Brush
Unlock the secret to a flawless hairdo with BaBylissPRO’s El Hot Air Styling Brush! đź’– This game-changing tool is all about effortless glamour, and we’re here to share our expert tips on how to get the most out of it. First things first, start with clean hair – wash it up and let it air dry slightly with a towel. Then, brush through your locks to get rid of any tangles or knots. For those with longer manes, consider sectioning off your hair into multiple parts to make styling a breeze.
Now it’s time to plug in the hot air brush and wait for it to heat up – this is where the magic happens! Starting from the back, roll sections of your hair around the barrel, working your way down to create a sleek, polished look. Repeat the process until you’ve covered all your hair, then finish off with any additional products like serums to add an extra layer of shine and protection.
One important note: when it comes to barrel size, choose wisely based on your hair length – if you’re rocking long locks, be prepared to brush through a few times to achieve that perfect style. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the hairdo of your dreams with BaBylissPRO’s El Hot Air Styling Brush!
Are Hot Air Brushes Bad for Your Hair?
While it’s true that excessive use of hair styling tools can cause damage, hot air brushes operate on a fundamentally different principle than flat irons. Instead of sandwiching hair between two heated plates, hot air brushes rely on soft, stiff or flexible bristles to style your locks. This approach is generally gentler on your hair than using a flat iron, which can lead to dryness or even burning if you’re not careful.
Moreover, many hot air brushes incorporate advanced technologies and materials designed to minimize heat transfer to your hair. These features include ionic technology, adjustable temperature settings, and ceramic coatings that work together to protect your locks from damage while still delivering great styles.
Final Thoughts
Say goodbye to the hassle of using multiple styling tools at once! A hot air brush is an essential tool for achieving salon-quality hairstyles at home. Not only does it simplify the styling process, but it also allows you to achieve a wide range of styles with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to add volume, texture, or sleekness to your hair, a hot air brush is the perfect solution.
