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The 13 Best Round Brushes For Salon-Worthy Blowouts

 

Big bouncy curls await.

Few things feel as good as whipping out a round brush and quality blow dryer to pull off a good hair day. It sounds dramatic, but that fresh hair feeling is an instant confidence booster. While we would love to book a weekly professional blowout, we’ve learned to take matters into our own hands. If you haven’t used a round brush before, it’s a total game-changer when it comes to achieving a super shiny, bouncy at-home blowout.

But there’s one catch—not all round brushes are created equal. So, we tapped professional hair stylists to share their favorites, along with tips and tricks for how to use them. We also compiled a few of our ride or dies, plus poured over customer reviews to see which ones shoppers are currently raving about.

What kind of round brush do I need?

There’s a reason why there are so many round brushes to choose from—each will help you achieve a different hair goal. “When you’re looking to buy a round brush, hair length, barrel size, and whether or not you’re looking for curl or volume come into play,” explains Chicago-based hairstylist Raven Hurtado. Larger barrels on a round brush generally equal smoother, straighter looks. However, a smaller barrel will create tighter curls or waves. If you have shorter hair or bangs, you’d want to opt for a smaller round brush so the bristles don’t scrape your head as you twirl your brush. For hair that is easily damaged or dehydrated, a brush with boar bristles helps to distribute the oils from your scalp to your ends to keep hair healthy.

Ahead, find the 13 best round brushes for every hair type and texture so that you can cancel your weekly salon appointment and get your best blowout at home.

BEST FOR SMOOTHING HAIR

Fagaci Professional Round Brush

PROS

• Comes with clips

CONS

• Hair can get tangled

Not only does this brush have a mixture of synthetic and boar bristle brushes, but it also comes with handy clips to make styling super easy. It's the ideal brush to try if you've struggled with blowout-induced frizz in the past.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.7"

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am SO impressed with this brush. I have coarse, frizzy, curly hair. It usually takes forever to dry, but this brush has cut blow drying time in half.”

BEST FOR LONG HAIR

Olivia Garden NanoThermic Ceramic + Ion Round Thermal Hair Brush

PROS

• Works quickly

CONS

• Pricey

Because of its large barrel, this brush easily dries and straightens large sections of hair, which makes styling take a fraction of the time. For thick hair or extreme lengths, a brush this size will make blow-drying a seamless process.

Materials: Ceramic barrel, soft tip bristles

Best for: Thick hair

Barrel size: 2.13"

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s so easy to use and my hair never tangles in it.”

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: “This brush is terrific, really. I have long hair and it’s truly a joy to brush my hair from scalp to ends morning and evening with this brush.”

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: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have thick but fine hair. This brush easily allows me to style my hair. It grabs onto my fine hair, and its ergonomic design lets me hold and rotate the brush for optimum styling.”

BEST FOR LONG-LASTING CURLS

Drybar Double Pint Large Round Ceramic Brush

PROS

• Adds volume

CONS

• Pricey

Drybar's iteration adds intense volume due to its uncanny ability to retain heat from the blow dryer. If you want to add bouncy curls to your style but don't want them to fall out by the night's end, invest in this ceramic style.

Materials: Ceramic barrel, heat-resistant bristles

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.75"

Ulta rating: 4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I used this brush on wet hair and it did not pull and yank out any hair or get caught in it. Instead, it was easy to use and the hair was left with shine and fullness.”

BEST FOR DRYING HAIR

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Pro Tools Express Ion Aluminum Round Brush

PROS

• Doesn't scrape the head

CONS

• Can tug the hair

The ventilated barrel on this brush helps the hot air from your blow dryer heat evenly to speed up your drying time. Plus, this brush has unique corkscrew-shaped bristles that make for a smooth finish 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: “Excellent price, dries hair in less than 20min, hair brush is as described…will buy again.”

BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL STYLING

T3 Volume 3" Round Brush

PROS

• Reduces frizz

CONS

• Pricey

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: 3.9/5 stars

A Bloomingdale's reviewer says: “It’s insane how easy it is to learn to get that perfect blowout look from T3’s YouTube videos, too. My hair was instantly shinier and the curls were effortless to create.”

BEST FOR CURLY HAIR

Wet Brush Volume & Body Round Brush

PROS

• Doesn't tug

CONS

• Brush can break with overuse

People with curls or coarse hair know the struggle of finding the right tools for a blowout. This brush is gentle enough not to cause damage or breakage, while also giving enough hold to blow dry the hair with minimal frizz.

Materials: Ceramic barrel, heatflex bristles

Best for: Curly hair

Barrel size: 1.5"

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This brush easily keeps hair detangled while blow drying it. My hair comes out looking smooth and has great volume. I’m very happy.”

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 styling. 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!”

BEST SPLURGE

Oribe Medium Round Brush

PROS

• Adds volume and shine

CONS

• It's pricey

We’re suckers for pretty beauty products, especially when they’re nice enough to display on our vanities. This editor-approved version passes the aesthetically pleasing test with its resin handle; it is ergonomically designed, which makes it easier to grip and maneuver as you blow out your hair. The brush also features boar bristles and soft nylon pins to maximize volume and shine. There’s a larger version that’s great for looser styles on longer hair, but the medium is perfect for adding bounce to waist-length hair.

Materials: Boar bristles, resin

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 2.3"

Nordstrom rating: 3.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Excellent brush, gives the hair volume. I have short hair, and dry my hair around 75 percent before using this brush. Very well-made brush, would purchase another.”

BEST FOR CREATING BEACH WAVES

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

PROS

• Strengthens hair

CONS

• Pricey

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 beachy 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: 5/5 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 TEXTURED HAIR

Ibiza Hair B8 Brush

PROS

• Easy to grip

CONS

• Pricey

Highly recommended by professional hairstylists, the Ibiza brushes feature cork handles that are easy to grip so that you can get the most tension and smoothest style. The B8 brush in particular is the brand’s largest brush in the blonde boar collection and works just as well to create smooth looks as it does curly ones. According to hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante, the boar bristles on this one are especially good for those with textured or hard-to-straighten hair. He adds, “Large brushes are perfect for long hair and can add volume at the roots.”

Materials: Boar bristles, resin

Best for: All hair types including textured, fine and color-treated

Barrel size: 2.75"

Ibiza Hair rating: 5/5 stars

An Ibiza Hair reviewer says: “The brush is longer to allow more hair while blowing out. The concave shape gives a variety of curl. Love this brush!”

BEST FOR SHORT HAIR

Creative Pro Hair Tools Eco-Friendly Mixed Bristle Round Hair Brush

PROS

• It's eco-friendly

CONS

• Small brushes can tangle easily

This smaller round brush is great for someone with shorter hair or bangs because it will allow you to easily maneuver through the hair. Davis points out that the brush doesn’t feel heavy and says that they use lots of Creative Pro brushes at his salon because of their high quality. He notes that boar bristles are tough and good at smoothing the hair.

Materials: Boar and birchwood bristles, wood

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.75"

How do different sized barrels of round brushes 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 to use for 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.

“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, smooth, and bevel hair.” 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 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, and 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.”

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

Tatjana Freund is the fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst. She has interviewed countless haircare professionals, and is always testing out new and trending hair treatments.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Byrdie, Well & Good and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness and beyond. She also happens to have had waist-length hair pretty much her whole life, so she has had her fair share of professional blowouts and has become a master of the at-home blowout. For this story, she interviewed three professional hairstylists and tested several of the round brushes herself.