InStyle November 19, 2024

InStyle

Hair

The 10 Best Hot Air Brushes for a Bouncy Blowout, Tested & Reviewed on Every Hair Type

That’s right—a quality two-in-one hair tool can give you a salon-level style on repeat.

The cooler months are here, and we’re raising our glasses to the fact that our blowouts can finally stay put without summer humidity and sweat destroying them. Okay, okay—we also have to give due credit to a hot air brush, a two-in-one hair tool with a state-of-the-art ability to dry and style our hair in one go. “With a hot air brush, you can dry your hair quickly and get it smoother since the brush is moving through the hair more easily,” says Amanda DiChaiara, a New Jersey-based hair stylist and hair loss expert. “Textured hair and frizzy hair typically benefit most from this tool, but all hair types can use and benefit from it.”

Although these time-saving tools were once novel, dozens of options now offer an even wider array of buzzy, high-tech features. Because the results vary vastly on different hair types, we spent hours in our New York City lab and homes testing each hot air brush on at least three people with varying hair textures. We outlined their experiences and results below, categorizing them by hair type so you can select the styling tool that best suits your specific strands.

Styles that can be achieved with a hot air brush

“You can use a hot air brush to make your hair straight, or blow-dry your hair straight. You can even use it if you want a more traditional blow-dry. Using heat protectant is important while you’re using a hot air brush because it provides a barrier for your hair to prevent it from becoming too dry.” —Amanda Dichiara, New Jersey-based hair stylist and hair loss expert

Best Overall

Shark Beauty Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush

This device does a great job removing frizz and creating a sleek finish on all hair types without frying strands in the process. However, it tugs and pulls a bit on type 4 hair.

Alyssa, tester with type 1 hair: This tool dried Alyssa’s hair faster than she’s ever experienced, and it did so on its medium heat setting, sparing her hair from getting burnt in the process. “I didn’t see any heat damage, crunch, or crisp. The hot air brush helped achieve my desired smoothness and shine, and after using it, my hair had very minimal frizz compared to normal,” she said.

Madison, tester with type 2 hair: Madison noticed how much faster the hot air brush dried her type 2 hair than a traditional hair dryer. “My hair is by far less frizzy than it is when I use a normal hair dryer. The difference is astounding. My hair felt healthy and shiny after using it,” she said. Plus, it took her less than 10 minutes to fully dry her hair with this tool.

Stephanie, tester with type 4 hair: “My results are pretty similar to other heat brushes I’ve used before, but the added step of using the heated comb was very smoothing, but I didn’t have too much shine. I didn't get a flat ironed look with the heated comb setting, but it was pretty close,” said Stephanie, who noted that those with type 4 hair can expect some tugging and pulling.

Expert Tip: One of this tool’s best parts is how lightweight it is. There are also two modes to play with: a wet-hair mode and a dry-hair mode. We recommend this tool to anyone with dense or long hair, as it does a fantastic job and quickly styles hair.

Best Paddle Brush

Amika Double Agent 2-in-1 Straightening Blow Dryer Brush

Those who want to keep styling somewhat damaged hair will find this Amika brush’s low heat settings ideal.

Lauren, tester with type 1 hair: Once you look past the brush’s heavy handle, you’ll appreciate the shiny look this device creates. It’s not the hottest brush, which makes it ideal for thin and fine hair. That meant it took a little longer to fully dry Lauren’s hair, but she appreciated the fact that she could use it almost daily without worrying too much about heat damage. “My hair looked shiny after I used the hot air brush. However, I wish it would’ve left it straighter,” she said.

Ali, tester with type 2 hair: The best part about this tool is its two-in-one function, offering a straightener and a blow-dryer (and, of course, a paddle brush) in a single product. “This tool is great for drying and straightening hair while maintaining some volume,” said Ali. This brush’s shape makes it difficult to create a bouncy blowout look. On type 2 hair, it didn’t tame frizz the way it did with type 1 hair. However, that’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a little hair oil.

Sidney, tester with type 3 hair: This tool isn’t the best for type 3 hair, as it doesn’t get hot enough to straighten all the kinks. It certainly helped create a much smoother, less frizzy look, but its shape made it a little hard to reach the roots. “I liked the heat-only option. After passing through with the blow-drying part, swapping to the iron setting helped smooth my hair out a little better,” Sidney said.

Expert Tip: This tool is ideal for travel due to its multifunctional purpose, and its low heat setting makes it great for fine hair. You can use it daily with a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.

Best for Damaged Hair

Drybar Paddle Brush Blow-Dryer

This brush does an excellent job of adding volume to fine, thin, or short hair. It’s quick to get the job done without dispersing too much heat, giving your hair a visibly shinier look.

Emelia, tester with type 1 hair: Emelia really liked how smoothly the brush moved through her type 1 hair. “My hair didn’t pull whatsoever, and I didn’t feel like I lost much hair while using it,” she said. The brush never got unbearably hot, making it easy to brush against the scalp. “My hair is definitely less frizzy after using this, and the smoothness lasted all day and into the next,” Emelia said.

Lee, tester with type 2 hair: It only took about 10–15 minutes to get Lee's short, type 2 hair to dry. “It was so easy to achieve the look of a blowout. I'm honestly shocked! I noticed my hair looked visibly smoother and shinier,” said Lee. It should be called out, however, that this tester has thinner hair. On thicker hair, it was slightly more difficult to get the desired volume.

Drea, tester with type 4 hair: For type 3 or 4 hair, you really want a device that’s slightly stronger than this option from Drybar. Our testers didn’t manage to get their hair completely straight with this tool. That being said, they found it very useful for touching up their hair between washes.

Expert Tip: People with short and thin hair will love this hot air brush, as it creates an effortlessly bouncy look without damaging strands.

Best for Thick Hair

Kristin Ess Hair Soft Volume Blow Dry Brush

This device is quick and fast, and the dial at the bottom of the barrel makes it easy to adjust the heat settings. While it’s excellent at delivering shine and removing frizz, it’s perhaps not the best option for people with thick hair.

Abby, tester with type 1 hair: Abby was blown away (pun very much intended) by how quick and easy it was to achieve a blowout with this tool. It created a full, thick appearance without leaving a single stray hair of frizz poking out, thanks to its ceramic plates. “The most visible result I noticed was the amount of shine I achieved. I didn't experience any heat damage or frizz. This tool made my hair feel so incredibly soft and light,” Abby said.

Marissa, tester with type 2 hair: The hot air brush was less effective on thicker hair. Although it certainly tackled the waves, it created a thicker, fluffier appearance rather than making Marissa’s hair silky smooth. “This product may work really well for someone with less hair or thinner hair,” she said.

Irianna, tester with type 3 hair: We’ll give it to this brush: It works quickly. On type 3 hair, it only took 45 minutes to complete a job that usually takes a full hour. “The brush felt like it fully dried my hair and did not pull on it at all,” said Irianna. In the end, however, it didn’t completely straighten the strands the way we'd hoped.

Expert Tip: The bottom of the barrel has two rings for dialing the heat and airflow settings, making this tool great for customization. We found that the handle was quite heavy, though, which can strain the arm that holds it. Luckily, it’s quick to get the job done, so it never bothered us for too long.

Best Round Brush

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System

This device comes with various nozzles for different styles and hair types, and it makes styling extremely easy with the “L” and “R” indicators that show which way to curl hair. This device achieved salon-like results on all hair types we tested while also offering a plethora of looks.

Katie, tester with type 1 hair: From the ergonomics to the versatility to the heat and pressure options to the final result—this styling tool had us exchanging wow’s. There were a few things that we really, really liked. There’s an “L” and an “R” label indicating which side to wrap each curl. We also loved how easy it was to attach the various nozzles, which is a huge upgrade from some of the other hot air brushes we’ve tried. “This definitely added shine and smoothness for a polished look, and I never experienced frizzy hair with this,” Katie said.

Hannah, tester with type 2 hair: Users can twist this device at the rod at a 90-degree angle and use it as a blow-dryer. On Hannah’s slightly thicker hair, the brush attachment didn’t quite glide smoothly, but it wasn’t too cumbersome, especially considering the flawless results. Hannah’s hair was significantly smoother, straighter, and less frizzy than it is when she uses a regular blow-dryer. “I love that I can use this as a brush, blow-dryer, and curler to replace three separate items,” she says.

Anna, tester with type 3 hair: The Shark tool aced its assignment with flying colors on type 3 hair, giving our tester’s typically coarse hair a glossy finish. The frizz wasn’t completely gone, but it was greatly reduced compared to when the tester uses other styling tools. “I can style my hair significantly faster (we timed it to 13 minutes), and the controls are placed more conveniently. Tack on the different attachments, and this is truly one tool to rule them all,” Anna said. Her hair became incredibly bouncy, which boosted her confidence. On top of it all, the device is quite lightweight.

Expert Tip: This brush blew our hairstylist away. She said it’s “top-tier” and exceeded her expectations. She can switch up the multiple attachments to cater to each client’s hair, and the swiveling brush makes maneuvering a breeze. A cool shot helps set the style and create a sleek look.

Best Splurge

Dyson Airwrap

The Dyson Airwrap earned its popularity for good reasons: It works on all hair types, the ergonomics are fantastic, and the various nozzles offer creative freedom. The airflow, heat distribution, and quality are all top-notch.

Sophia, tester with type 1 hair: The Dyson Airwrap brought fine and thin hair from soaking wet to perfectly dry in less than 10 minutes. “There are three settings for airflow, and I found all of them to be on the powerful side. I love that I can control the air settings, and I think it was all evenly distributed,” said Sophia. While this hot air brush had some strong pros—like creating a stunning, straight-out-of-the-salon blowout, there were also some cons. The brush portion had some trouble gliding through the strands and occasionally got stuck, thereby not creating that silky finish on Sophia's naturally frizzy hair. Still, “each attachment allows you to achieve a different look, which is great,” she said.

Elena, tester with type 2 hair: Type 2 hair is the Dyson Airwrap’s best friend. In just under 30 minutes, the tester achieved their desired look, adding an effortless volume to the roots while being super gentle on the scalp. “I was very nervous about my hair extensions, but they survived just fine, and I didn’t see any breakage occur,” said Elena. The consistency and heat distribution were amazing, making even the lowest heat setting effective.

Danielle, tester with type 3 hair: Compared to other styling products we’ve tried on 3b/3c hair, the Dyson Airwrap was much easier to handle and achieved the desired shiny and smooth look. Not only did it look better, but it lasted longer, holding onto the style even after a full night’s rest. “It’s clear that the technology behind it is top-notch,” said Danielle. “The heat distribution is extremely good—my hair was drying wherever I passed the brush without any lingering spots of dampness.”

Expert Tip: The Dyson Airwrap is lightweight and has a good grip, making it easy to maneuver around the head. The various attachments allow for different styling options and make the tool suitable for multiple hair types. The airflow’s distribution is particularly impressive.

Best for Short Hair

L'Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer

We'd guess that this product is much more expensive than it actually is—its quality and results on all hair types blew us away. It didn’t snag any curls and managed to lock silky smooth styles in for days.

Riley, tester with type 1 hair: Looking to create a ‘90s blowout bob? This is the tool for you. The device was easy to use and quick to accomplish the job. It successfully removed frizz (which our on-site hairstylist said was due to the titanium plate) and locked in bouncy curls at the ends. We recommend this hot air brush for short hair, however, because the airflow power is not as strong as some of the other brands we tested. “This product included a mini 'comb’ to clean the hair out of the brush, which was AMAZING and worked so well,” added Riley.

Martha, tester with type 2 hair: We never thought we could achieve salon-quality styles from our bathrooms, yet here we are. Martha was blown away by how well this worked on type 2 hair, creating a super smooth, shiny finish in just over five minutes. Not only that, but we noticed more body in the hair as well. “This brush exceeded my expectations on getting the smooth and full look I desired. It’s shown me that spending a little more on superior products really results in better experiences, and I would recommend it to my closest friends,” she says.

Dana, tester with type 3 hair: This tool worked just as well on type 3 hair. It didn’t snag any of the curls and instead created smooth strands with bouncy ends. We did notice some frizz and flyaways, but a few drops of hair oil and one more pass with the dryer almost instantly took care of them. “It's really hard to find a product that works well for my hair (which is why I paid almost $500 for my Dyson), so this is a steal. I actually got a lot of compliments when I used this,” Dana said.

Expert Tip: It was very easy to switch heat settings using the dial at the bottom of the wand, and because the device is so lightweight and easy to grip, it was one of the most user-friendly blow-dryers we tested in our lab.

Best for Volume

Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer

The Drybar Reserve felt extremely high-end. Its design protects hair and keeps it from getting damaged. It glides through type 3 hair like butter, and the beautiful results have a lasting effect.

Elise, tester with type 1 hair: From the get-go, we appreciated how high-end and easy-to-use this blow-dryer is. “The materials are incredibly superior, and the tool is built to protect your hair and not cause brittle or fried ends,” explained Elise. It never got too hot (even on the highest of the four heat settings), which made it possible to touch the tool's opposite end while styling our hair. The airflow itself (of which there are three strengths) was consistent and not overpowering. “My hair would look absolutely fabulous on the first day and still have a blown-out effect on the second and even third day,” said Elise.

Sarita, tester with type 2 hair: Up until now, we’ve been using powerful blow-dryers on our slightly thicker hair, so the Drybar device felt a little weak in comparison. We can’t confidently say this took away any frizz or created a smooth surface on type 2 hair, but its lightweight body and styling nozzles certainly created an elevated experience and a much more seamless process. “I liked the shape of the oval brush to achieve volume, but it did not create the shiny finish that I’d hoped for,” says Sarita.

Irene, tester with type 3 hair: The best part of this hot air brush was that it glided through type 3 hair effortlessly. “There was no dragging, pulling, or tugging, which helped tone down the frizz,” said Irene. “I have thick hair that frequently gets knotted, so the fact that it never tangled in my hair is a big feat.” Having the lower heat and airflow settings also made it easier for Irene to style her bangs. A surprise benefit was how soft and bouncy it made the curls—she couldn’t stop touching it!

Expert Tip: We noticed that the cool shot button is right where users’ fingers rest, which accidentally caused us to switch to “cool” a few times in the middle of a styling session. Still, this option stood out for its lightweight body and ease of use. Everything glided smoothly, and the long cord was a plus.

Best for Curly Hair

Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro

This device was great for thicker hair, as fine strands tended to get stuck in the bristles. On the right hair, this brush worked wonders and never got too hot to handle.

Riddley, tester with type 1 hair: The Bondi Boost Blowout did a good job straightening type 1 hair and creating smooth lines. That being said, it fared better with thicker hair than it did with thinner hair. The fine strands were perhaps too fine for the bristles, and they kept getting stuck between them. “My hair definitely wasn't frizzy, and it was shiny and smooth after using it, but it didn't really look blown out,” said Riddley.

Mollie, tester with type 2 hair: Mollie loved the whole process from start to finish, explaining that the hot air brush was simple to use, easy to handle, and quick to deliver results. The air never got too hot, and the detangling nylon tip allowed for a pleasant, no-tug brushing session. “The back of my head is especially hard for me to dry, as it’s the thickest there, and I found that this device completely got rid of that complication with just a few passes,” Mollie said. The curved brush created bouncy ends that looked more natural than that with a curling iron, resulting in a ‘90s supermodel blowout.

Sidney, tester with type 3 hair: We’re quite amazed at what a brush under $60 could do for curly hair. “If you have curly hair like me, blow-drying then straightening will take a good hour and a half. I timed it, and this product took 27 minutes to dry my hair and an additional five for touch-ups,” said Sidney. Her thick, coarse, and curly hair tangles or knots and takes a skilled hand to brush, but the Bondi Boost seemed to have no issues gliding right through. The final result was a shiny and smooth finish (although the heat protectant spray probably played a role in that).

Expert Tip: Considering the brush's low price, our stylist was very impressed by its ergonomics and results. The airflow is not particularly strong, which helps protect hair from burning. Jennifer Korab, a professional hairstylist, recommends you “pre-dry your hair first, as thick hair can hold on to moisture longer.” She also says to “use a detangler or serum to help the hot air brush glide through easier” on thick, curly hair.

Best for Fine Hair

Hot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer

All three testers were impressed with how fast this tool achieved a blowout, adding volume at the roots without ever tugging or pulling at hair. This hot air brush ruined other products for them—they said they’re only using this styling device moving forward.

Ciara, tester with type 1 hair: Since Ciara received this device, all the other hot styling tools in her cabinet have gone untouched. This is because this device cut her usual drying and styling time in half (from 15–20 minutes to seven minutes). Not only that, but the results were much more appealing, with less frizz and smoother, healthier ends compared to when she styles it with a traditional blow-dryer. “With a traditional hair dryer, I often get my hair caught in the round brush and do not get nearly as much volume and fullness as I do with the hot air brush,” Ciara said.

Cathie, tester with type 2 hair: With hair properly sectioned, the brush’s strong bristles got through chunks of type 2 (and fine) hair quite smoothly, taming curls and frizz to create a full yet sleek texture. “I love that it is easy to add curls outward or inward at the bottom to change up the look,” said Cathie. She added that it was a very heavy-duty tool that didn’t feel cheap or easy to break. One thing to note is that the highest heat setting made the device squeal a little loudly.

Stephanie, tester with type 3 hair: On our curly, fine, and frizzy hair, we were pleasantly surprised with the device’s even heat distribution. It effortlessly tamed the locks. “I can’t go back to a traditional blow-dryer ever again. This was way faster and easier to achieve a sleek, straight look,” said Stephanie. The brush got through type 3 hair without any tugging. The tool did get quite hot (sometimes uncomfortably so at the roots), so just be careful not to stay in one section for too long. At $75, the tool is the equivalent cost of two salon blowouts, making it a great bang for your buck.

Expert Tip: This tool impressed our hairstylist, who noted that it glided through the hair like butter while serving consistent, powerful airflow. It gets the job done quickly and efficiently, and she would 100 percent recommend this product to consumers. Although she recommends being mindful of the heat, the device certainly creates the smooth finish it promises.

What to Keep in Mind

Heat Settings: Using a hot air brush that offers a range of heat settings will ensure you can create a mix of versatile styles and finishes. Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Support Creatives, a nonprofit for artists in the beauty industry, recommends picking a hot air brush with at least two temperature settings because not all hair textures require the same amount of heat. Fine, thin hair dries without much effort, so blasting it with extremely high heat will make it vulnerable and more prone to damage. Those with thick, coarse, or curly hair will need a higher heat setting to get a soft, smooth finish. Regardless of your hair type, finishing your blowout with a cool shot blast will lock your style in place.
Bristles: In terms of design, look for a brush with firm and evenly spaced bristles, which prevent hair from catching as you run the brush through it. A mix of materials, like boar and nylon, untangles hair and imparts shine with each stroke. Plastic-capped bristles can gently remove snags without tugging if your hair is prone to knots. Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, recommends that anyone with long or thick hair consider a hot air brush that has ceramic or titanium bristles for even more shine.
Cool Shot: If you’ve been ignoring the cool shot button on your hot tools, you’ve been missing out on serious shine and longevity. This setting will really help set and style your hair, keeping it in place all day. Hurtado explains when you top off your drying and styling session with a blast of cool air, it closes the cuticle and helps prevent frizz, leaving your hair with a shiny, smooth finish.

Your Questions, Answered

What’s the difference between a hot brush and a hot air brush?

Unlike a hot brush, a hot air brush replaces your blow-dryer, so it’s safe to use on wet or dry hair, explains Dueñas. However, because sopping wet strands are super fragile, both of the stylists we interviewed said to wait until your hair is at least damp—although 70 percent dry would be the best—before picking up a hot tool for the quickest, healthiest results.

Some of these devices include attachments, like a paddle or round brush, so you can create a variety of looks while simultaneously drying your hair, making the entire process more efficient. If you’re only choosing a brush with one attachment, Dueñas told us to look for one with a cylinder shape because it allows you to wrap your hair around it, thus creating more volume.

Is it okay to use a hot air brush every day?

The short answer is yes. However, Dueñas recommends opting for a hot air brush with at least two temperature settings so you don’t fry hair at high temperatures every day.

How do I achieve a ‘90s blowout at home?

You don’t have to go to a salon to achieve a '90s blowout, at least not if you follow Korab’s advice. “I recommend to start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse at the roots for extra lift,” she says. “Separate your hair into small sections, wrapping the hair around the brush, beginning at the roots, and slowly pull through to the ends, focusing on lifting the roots for that signature bounce. As you reach the ends, roll the brush up toward the roots to create a soft curl, and finish by flipping the ends outward for that classic ‘90s look,” she says. To finish, she suggests using the cool shot to “lock in the volume.”

Complete the Routine

Before you check out, here are some other hair-enhancing products that can help you achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home.

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray: Rest assured that this heat protection spray from Oribe will shield your strands from your hot air brush’s high temperatures. Providing protection up to 450 degrees, the nutrient-rich formula leaves hair touchably soft and frizz-free with the brand’s signature Côte d’Azur scent. We love this product so much that it earned top billing on our list of best heat protectants.
Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray: Ever get your at-home blowout just right, only for the wind to undo all your work? This hairspray will lock hair in place without making it look or feel stiff. Bonus points for added UV protection.
Amika The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment: No matter how careful you are when using your hot air brush, split ends are an inevitable side effect when it comes to heat styling. Luckily, Amika’s do-it-all hair treatment takes care of them, reducing breakage and protecting against future damage in the process.

Why Shop with Us

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer with over three years of experience covering beauty and fashion. Irene Richardson is a writer covering fashion and beauty trends for InStyle and also contributed to this article. Together, they drew from the research conducted at InStyle’s testing lab and the many insights provided by our at-home testers. On top of the tips and tricks received by the on-site hairstylists who have decades of experience, we also interviewed the following hairstylists for this story:

Amanda DiChiara, New Jersey-based hair stylist and hair loss expert
Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon
Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and president of Support Creatives
Jennifer Korab, professional hairstylist

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Maxine Salon is Chicago’s premiere hair destination founded in 1986 by Maxine Kroll. With a loving dedication to their craft, the innovative stylists and colorists at Maxine offer a comprehensive and creative approach to the art of hair.

Using Oribe and Kérastase professional hair care and L’Oréal Professionnel color, and set in the modern salon, Maxine prides itself on making each client visit less of an appointment and more of an experience.

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