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The 15 Best Round Brushes For Salon-Worthy Blowouts

 

Big bouncy curls await.

While freshly blown out hair perks up our moods every time, regular visits to the salon aren’t always possible. Learning how to blow out your hair at home is a surefire way to ward off bad hair days—but that’s impossible to do without the right tools. However, once you pick up an excellent blow dryer and one of the best round brushes, you’ll be practically unstoppable.

As with paddle brushes, choosing a suitable round brush for your hair type, needs, and goals is paramount. “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,” says Chicago-based hairstylist Raven Hurtado. A larger barrel is ideal for anyone who desires smooth, straight hair, while a round brush with a smaller circumference can help you architect curls and waves. Plus you have short hair or bangs, a smaller one is definitely the way to go.

Still, there are so many options out there that it’s nearly impossible to narrow them down without some help. Luckily, we’ve done your homework for you—we spoke to multiple professional stylists and combed through hundreds of customer reviews to find the 15 best round brushes that’ll make achieving a beautiful at-home blowout that much easier. Keep scrolling to check them out!

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 the 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, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce 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 on a daily basis.

Best for: All hair types

Barrel shape: Elliptical

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 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 straighter, 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 Long Hair

Olivia Garden NanoThermic Ceramic + Ion Round Thermal Hair Brush

 

Pros

• Works quickly

Cons

• Can get very hot

Because of its large barrel, this brush easily dries and straightens large sections of hair, which cuts down styling 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: “Honestly, you can stop searching for good-quality round brushes because these are great. My hairdresser recommended these to me. Lightweight, leaves hair soft, retains heat well. You’ll have a fantastic look after.”

Best Investment

Ghd Ceramic Vented Round Brush

 

Pros

• Easy-to-grip handle
• Lightweight

Cons

• May not be suitable for very thick hair

If you have long hair that’s constantly getting stuck on rubber handles, consider this ceramic round brush from Ghd. The no-slip handle won’t slide out of your hands and is also soft enough to prevent snags. One of the other highlights is the ceramic barrel, which heats up so that your hair dries faster and smoother.

Materials: Ceramic barrel, heat-resistant bristles

Best for: All hair types

Barrel size: 1.3’’

Ghd rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Ghd reviewer says: “As a hair stylist, I wouldn’t use any other brush. I use these brushes on a regular basis, and they last forever and always help me to achieve a stunning blow dry without fail!’’

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 Long-Lasting Curls

Drybar Double Pint Large Round Ceramic Brush

 

Pros

• Adds volume

Cons

• Some reviewers noticed static after use

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: 3.9/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “High-quality brush and strong bristles. Improves blowout and leaves hair smooth. Results give a salon look.”

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: 3.8/5 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 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 heat to speed up your 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 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: “With thick, coarse hair, you really are hard-pressed to find a round brush that doesn’t make you grimace and wince whenever you dry your hair. I’ve tried multiple round brushes and was never satisfied, as I’d end up with tangles, knots and suffered a lot of pain—and all I wanted to do was dry and style my hair. Decided to try this Wet brush, since it’s listed as being designed for thick to coarse hair. Voilà! Quick drying, no pulls and snags, no tangles! I am so impressed.”

Best Splurge

Oribe Medium Round Brush

 

Pros

• Adds volume and shine

Cons

• May not be suitable for very thick hair

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. Even better, 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: 3.6/5 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

• 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 imparts 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 for Textured Hair

Ibiza Hair B8 Brush

 

Pros

• Easy to grip

Cons

• One reviewer had issues with it tugging at strands

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: 4.4/5 stars

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

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.

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 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.”