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Achieve Pro-Level Blowouts With These Top-Rated Round Brushes

 

Big bouncy curls await.

When you’re constantly flooded with videos and ads of fancy new hair tools, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the best thing we can do for our hair is go back to the basics. When the goal is the perfect bouncy blowout, all you really need is a reliable blow dryer and a quality round brush. Round brushes glide smoothly through strands as your hair dries, leaving you with shine and added volume.

“The main benefits of a round brush include added volume and lift at the roots, smoother hair with reduced frizz, better control over shape and direction, and time-saving convenience since it dries and styles simultaneously. It’s an easy way to achieve a salon-style blowout at home,” says New York based hairstylist and colorist, Jacob Sirianno. However, before you walk into a store and pick the first brush you see, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, such as your hair texture, density, and desired look. For instance, larger brushes will give you a more voluminous finish, while smaller barrels will leave you with glossy waves and bouncy curls.

While all hair types can benefit from using round brushes, the type of brush you choose and the techniques you use make all the difference. “Fine hair benefits from the added volume a round brush provides. Thick or coarse hair may require higher heat settings and smaller sections for effective styling,” says Sirianno “Curly or textured hair can achieve smooth blowouts, though more tension and patience may be needed to stretch the curl pattern and for damaged or fragile hair, always use the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant”

But even if you’re sure that you can master the technique, it might take a bit more time and counsel to find your perfect brush, which is why we’re here. After polling professional stylists and ELLE editors, we compiled the below insights and recommendations to bring you the crème de la crème on the market. Scroll to see our selections of the 13 best round brushes on the market.

Best for Coarse Hair

Y.S. Park YS-60G1 Curl Shine Styler Super G Series

 

Pros

• Professional-approved
• Lightweight

Cons

• Some say the handle can be uncomfortable

“If your hair is more coarse, I love a dual bristle that has nylon and boar bristle mixed,” Crace says. She explains that the combination of the two will give you just the right amount of tension, and you’ll end up with smooth, detangled hair in a flash.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Best for: Thick, coarse hair

Barrel size: 2.36’’

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I like everything about this brush. The bristles are easy on my fine hair, and they do a great job turning the ends under. It is comfortable to handle as well. My hair stylist uses one and she gave me the info to buy it on Amazon. So glad I did!”

Best for Fine Hair

Olivia Garden HeatPro Round Thermal Hair Brush HP-42

 

Pros

• Works for a variety of hair types
• Does not get caught on tangles

Cons

• Handle not as ergonomic as others

According to Crace, if you have finer strands that go stick-straight no matter what you do, try a round brush with a metal handle. “The metal gets hot from the blow dryer and allows for finer hair to hold a shape without falling flat as quickly,” she says. Olivia Garden makes some of the best brushes in the biz, and reviewers love this copper one for its ability to smooth hair and add volume and bounce to stubborn, lifeless strands.

Materials: Synthetic bristles

Best for: Fine hair

Barrel size: 1.75’’

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a high-quality brush that works well for curly and straight hair. Easy to clean off when too much hair gets stuck, and the bristles stay intact even after long-term use and use with a hair dryer.”

Best for Medium Textured Hair

Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush G3

 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable handle

Cons

• May not be suitable for very thick hair

This hairbrush is Crace’s top pick of all time. “It’s the perfect size to create a bouncy blow dry or wavy blow dry,” she explains. “It’s also not too tense and not too loose. The cork handle is also easy to grip and maneuver, even for beginners.

Materials: Boar and nylon bristles

Best for: Curly, wavy hair types

Barrel size: 2.17’’

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I tend to spend a bit of money on my hair (okay, I actually spend a shameful amount—it’s a sickness), and this is the best round hairbrush I’ve ever seen! The cork handle means that you never lose your grip on the brush, which makes it so easy to blow dry waves and curls into your hair; the stiff boar hair bristles also leave a nice shine. I use it to curl my bangs, straighten my wavy hair, and curl the ends. I believe I own four to six curling irons (I know, I know), and haven’t needed to use any of them since I’ve bought this brush. There's a reason Kate Middleton’s stylist uses this brush (check the social media photo she deleted, because this brush is on there). If you want shiny and bouncy, this brush is for you.”

Best for Smoothing Hair

Fagaci Professional Round Brush

 

Pros

• Comes with clips

Cons

• Hair can get tangled

This brush combines synthetic and boar bristle brushes and comes with handy clips to make styling super easy. The bestseller is ideal for those who have struggled with blowout-induced frizz in the past.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.7’’

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The grip on the handle is comfortable; this brush doesn’t tangle my hair and leaves it shiny and silky smooth. It’s a huge perk that it’s got a separator at the end to limit the need for multiple tools while doing my hair. And the alligator clips work wonderfully and easily. I bought one as a present for my friend after she borrowed mine.”

Best Round Blow Dryer Brush

Ghd Duet Blowdry

 

Pros

• Works quickly
• Adds shine

Cons

• Heavy to hold over long periods of time

Even though this brush isn’t a classic round brush, our beauty editors love it so much that we had to include it. “I’m the opposite of a hair prodigy,” says Carol Lee, a NYC-based beauty writer. “I’m confident in all other areas of grooming, but styling my hair does not come naturally to me. But even novices like me will appreciate this foolproof blow-dry brush, and I love how quickly it dries, styles, and adds shine to my hair. The last time I checked, it only took about 10 minutes for the device to do its job on my long bob,” says Lee. Ghd’s technology also ensures that there’s little to no damage to the hair, with or without heat protectant, which is a boon for anyone who likes to style and straighten their hair daily.

Best for: All hair types

Barrel shape: Elliptical

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “A few months ago, I had never considered using a round brush. But when it was revealed that Kamala Harris uses a round brush to maintain her flawless blowouts, my interest was piqued. And because I exist in the context of all that came before me, I decided to give it a try and opt for a round brush that would give me the results I wanted without the hassle. This heated Ghd round brush is a great beginner-friendly option that makes it super easy for me to get the same shiny blowout results that are always flooding my TikTok feed. Also, because this device is a three-in-one brush, blow-dryer, and straightener, it eliminates the need to use multiple tools to dry and style my hair. On my natural texture, I like to use it to really stretch and soften my blowout, and when my hair is straight, I use it to refresh my style for a voluminous ‘90s look.”—Tasha Smith, ELLE beauty assistant

Best for Fast Styling

Osensia Thermic Round Brush

 

Pros

• Easy to use

Cons

• The brush can get hot while styling

Say goodbye to hours-long styling sessions. This barrel evenly distributes heat from a blow dryer, which means your hair will dry quicker and more evenly than before.

Materials: Ceramic, ionic bristles

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 2.5’’

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This brush is excellent. A little smaller than I’m used to using, but it does the work perfectly. The bristles feel stiff, but I had no issues at all with tangling, and it worked as promised—sleek and smooth. That’s no small feat with my hair, which borders on curly and is very fine. It’s easy to hold onto, and the 1.7-inch diameter is a great size for a nape-of-neck length.”

Best for Damaged Hair

Bestool Round Brush

 

Pros

• Strengthens hair

Cons

• The brush can shed bristles

Boar bristle brushes are known for their hair-strengthening benefits but often come with a huge price tag. If you have damaged hair and have always wanted to try a boar bristle brush without breaking the bank, this is the one to try.

Materials: Boar and nylon bristles

Best for: Medium to long hair

Barrel size: 2.8’’

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “For reference, my hair is naturally wavy, somewhat thick, and approximately 18 inches long. My hair is softer after styling with this round brush, straighter with a slight curl at the ends, and I don’t have as many flyaways. Buy it! You won’t be disappointed.”

Best for Short Hairstyles

Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush

 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Low volume

Cons

• Some customers think that the switches are hard to find

This round brush has a little extra power that will take your style a long way. With three temperature settings, this lightweight round brush blow-dryer smooths hair strands to create waves and curls. For shorter styles, this tool helps add volume and body for a fuller, more voluminous finish.

Materials: nylon and tufted bristles

Best for: Short hair, all hair types

Barrel size: 2.25"

Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I don't usuallly write reviews but this product deserves all the praise. I have very thick, long, wavy hair. It usually takes me so much time to do my hair that I just wrap it up in a bun or braid it. Now, I wash my hair and let it mostly air dry and then use this beautiful tool to finish drying and style my hair. It takes me about 40 minutes and it looks just like I went to the blow dry bar.”

Best for Frizzy Hair

Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush

 

Pros

• Variety of sizes
• Reduces drying time

Cons

• Bristles may not feel sturdy enough for some

When you have a bob, wide-barreled ceramic brushes may come in handy for creating volume, but it’s good to remember that the smaller barrels are the ones that produce effortless-looking waves. Plus, heat activates this brush’s ionic properties, as it tames frizz and flyaways while you dry.

Materials: Ceramic barrel, heat-resistant bristles

Best for: Short hair

Barrel size: 1’’

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “If you’re looking for a hair brush that won’t burn or break your hair, this is it. Believe me. I blow dry my hair three to four times a week, so I needed a brush that protects my hair. This is the best option I have found so far.”

Best for Professional Styling

T3 Volume 3" Round Brush

 

Pros

• Reduces frizz

Cons

• Some reviewers noted that it did not grip their hair

Whether you’re a professional hairstylist or an everyday user, you need a brush that can walk the walk. This large barrel will make styling quick and easy without sacrificing results.

Materials: Aluminum + ceramic-coated barrel, heat-resistant bristles

Best for: All hair types, especially long lengths

Barrel size: 3’’

Bloomingdale's rating: 4/5 stars

A Bloomingdale's reviewer says: “With my blow dryer, this barrel brush really gives me a wonderful blowout and straightens my naturally curly hair. Love it!”

Best for Drying Hair

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Aluminum Round Brush

 

Pros

• High quality

Cons

• Too small for some

The ventilated barrel on this brush helps evenly distribute the hot air from your blow dryer, thereby speeding up the drying time. Plus, this brush has unique corkscrew-shaped bristles that make for a smooth look once you finish blow-drying.

Materials: Vegan bristles, ion aluminum barrel

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.58’’

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The silicone/rubber handles are easy on the grip and comfortable for long use. My at-home blowout lasts about 45 mins each, so that’s a lot of gripping, pulling, and twisting. The bristles and aluminum exterior make for faster drying. I cannot explain this wizardry. I just have a head full of thick Asian hair that’s halfway down to my back, and this baby gets each section dried in record time. I’ve tried other combos like nylon bristles with boar. None gets it done as efficiently and smoothly as Paul Mitchell.”

Best for Creating Beach Waves

Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Blow-Dry Brush N°2

 

Pros

• Strengthens hair

Cons

• May not be suitable for very thick hair

We wouldn’t recommend a brush with a lofty price tag if it weren’t worth it. Sisley-Paris created the ideal size to create perfect beach waves without damaging or pulling too hard on the hair. It’s a super gentle design with a sleek wooden handle, which means less plastic in your styling routine.

Materials: Boar bristles

Best for: All hair types

Bloomingdale's rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Bloomingdale’s reviewer says: “Even though my hair is short and fine, this brush does wonders giving my hair waves and style that last more than just one day. Even though the brush is on the high price range, it’s well worth the splurge.”

Best for Staticky Hair

Cricket Technique Tourmaline Thermal Brush

 

Pros

• Offers even heating for smoothing

Cons

• Barrel can get hot

This is Hurtado’s favorite round brush because the tourmaline barrel offers even heat distribution on the strands. She adds that the nylon bristles are resistant to high heat and also impart shine while decreasing static.

Materials: Nylon bristles, thermal barrel

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 2’’

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Great brush for adding style and volume to your hair! Decreases drying time considerably. The hair pick in the handle is so convenient for separating hair into manageable sections. The bristles glide easily through your hair without tangling. 10/10 recommend!”

How do different round brush sizes affect styles?

“Different-sized round brushes will change the type of hairstyle you achieve,” says Liu. Liu recommends using a small barrel around the hairline to straighten curly roots or to create “tighter, bouncier, and voluminous curls that are fluffy.” Smaller barrels are also great for creating bangs. Medium barrels are ideal for medium to longer hair lengths that are looking for that bouncy ’90s blowout. And finally, a large barrel round brush can create smooth, straighter styles.

When should people use a round brush?

Depending on your desired style, round brushes are best for voluminous, bombshell blowout looks. “Round brushes are a quick and efficient way to style and dry your hair, which maintains bounce, volume, and shine,” says celebrity hairstylist Josh Liu. “Other traditional paddle and boar bristle brushes are more for smoothing and straightening when volume and bounce are less of a priority.” Simply put, you should use a round brush if “you want body, movement, and volume in your hair,” says Hurtado.

What kind of bristles do you recommend in a round brush?

“I prefer heat-resistant nylon bristles, as these don’t overwork or overstretch the hair; most boar bristles grip a little too tightly and are less versatile,” says Liu. “Heat-resistant nylon bristles, as on T3’s Volume round brush collection, are gentle and efficient for detangling and smoothing all hair types, and great for providing enough tension to add volume, bounce, curl, and a sleek touch.” Boar bristles have a place, though. Cavalcante says they’re typically the best kind of bristles if you have textured hair. Boar bristles are also beloved for their ability to spread natural oils through the hair, giving you a shiny, not greasy look.

How do you recommend using round brushes?

When the hair is damp but no longer dripping wet, you can use a round brush to add shape and volume. “I recommend rough drying your hair about 75 percent prior to styling with a round brush,” says Liu. “To maintain maximum volume, bounce, or curl, roll your hair up from the ends all the way into the base and hit it with a cool shot button and clip to set it. If you want a looser style, feel free to use the cool shot and let it drop—you know your hair best. If your hair holds a curl well, you can skip the setting clip and/or cool shot.”

Do you have any tips or tricks to make it easier for people to use round brushes?

“For beginners, practice rolling your hair using a round brush without the blow dryer first,” says Liu. Sectioning is also key: “Keep sections clean if you feel you are prone to tangling up your hair in round brushes,” he adds. Additionally, technique is important. “Start blow drying in smaller vertical sections at the root on a high heat low speed, smooth the root, and wrap it around the barrel one time. Heat up the hair. Then, twist and release the heated hair, move down the shaft a bit, wrap it, heat it up, then twist again and release the heated hair and pull. Repeat until all the way down the hair shaft—this will create a twisty, bouncy, beachy blowout. You can imagine using the round brush as if it were a clamp barrel curling iron. This is a great technique for those with thin and fine hair who prefer fluffy, voluminous styling.”

Meet the Experts

• Josh Liu is a celebrity hairstylist whose A-list clients include Ariana Grande, Shailene Woodley, and Miranda Kerr.
• Raven Hurtado is a hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
• Rogerio Cavalcante is a stylist, colorist, and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
• Sean Davis is a hairstylist and owner of the New York City salon, Tosler Davis.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writers spoke with trusted hair experts about round brushes. The authors also searched the internet for the best round brushes, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each one based on its features and customer reviews.