The best blow-dryer brushes might officially convert even the most devoted hair straightener fans. These hot-tool hybrids deliver gorgeous results with less heat damage than traditional styling tools—some even double as curling irons. To find the very best ones, we tapped professional hairstylists to find out what matters most when shopping for one, then asked Glamour editors with a range of hair types to test them. Below, we’re sharing our top options for fine, thick, damaged, curly hair, and more—all of which cut our styling routines nearly in half.
Our top hair dryer brushes
- Best Overall: BondiBoost Infrared Heated Thermal Hot Round Brush, $90
- Best for Volume: T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit, $300
- Best for Damaged Hair: Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush, $113
- Best for Fine Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold Blow Dryer Brush, $50
- Best for Thick Hair: Wavytalk Blowout Express Ionic Thermal Brush, $43
- Best for Curly Hair: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus, $50
Best Overall: BondiBoost Infrared Heated Thermal Hot Round Brush
.png)
BondiBoost Infrared Thermal Bounce Brush
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| The infrared light makes this brush much gentler on hair than some of the other tools on this list | Learning curve |
| Very lightweight and easy to hold | Doesn’t curl as well as others |
Infrared tools work by drying hair from the inside out. This helps lock in moisture and reduce frizz without the sizzle that causes breakage. The bristles also feature aloe-infused tips that are much more gentle on strands, so that they don’t feel stripped or dry after using. It’s at the top of our list because it has a reasonable price point at around $100, detangles well, and leaves us with a bouncy blowout finish in less than 20 minutes.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who has thick hair, says:
“I didn’t expect to love this little hair dryer brush as much as I do. I have long, thick hair, and styling it can be such a long process. This small but mighty hair tool gave me sleek, straight hair in under 30 minutes with added volume at my front pieces. The infrared light helps smooth my hair without too much heat damage. I like to use it evvel my hair is air-dried after showering. There’s a bit of a learning curve because you have to make müddet you’re pulling from the top and using tension to get more sleekness. If you have a lot of layers, bangs, or even short hair, you’ll love the volume and bounce this tool gives you. Just be aware the brush itself gets pretty hot, so be careful where you touch it.”—Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has fine hair, says:
“This brush is lightweight but mighty, and does a great job of smoothing my fine strands and keeping static and flyaways at bay. The infrared core and aloe-coated bristles are muhteşem gentle on hair, and they don’t get overly hot, which is a huge plus if you have very thin hair. It doesn’t cause any breakage either, even when running the brush through multiple times. It gets the job done without any excess bells or whistles, and I’m endlessly impressed. It’s also cut my styling routine in half, and I can complete my whole head in about 10 minutes.”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Aloe-infused bristles
- Heat settings: Up to 450°F
- Weight: 1.48 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Those with thick hair that’s prone to frizz and tangles
- Styling time: 10 minutes
Best for Volume: T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit
.png)
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Less heat damage | It’s easy to accidentally change the heat settings while using |
| Lightweight and easy to use | Heavier than some of the other picks on this list |
| Comes in an easy-to-store thermal pouch | Pricey |
| Works quickly |
Thick nylon boar bristles detangle and smooth hair in just a few passes, while three heat settings let you customize for your hair type—lower for fine or thin strands, higher for coarse or coily. The thick bristles do a great job of detangling and smoothing out hair in just a few passes. Our editors love that smoothing brush makes hair muhteşem glossy and gives you a volumized look that lasts for hours.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I reach for this hair styling brush every single time after I air-dry my hair, and it’s truly changed my routine for the better. While my hair is very fine and thin, there’s a lot of it, which makes blow-drying with a typical hair dryer kind of a nightmare, as it can take up to over an hour. This cuts down my routine quite a bit, and does a great job of detangling my strands, all while giving me a lot more volume, fullness, and lift. It also never gets overly hot but still does a great job of giving me a long-lasting style.”—A.M.K
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley, who has wavy hair, says
“Using this hair tool felt like a luxury experience, from unboxing to the actual styling. Compared with other dryers, it was relatively quiet. It comes in a beautiful hexagonal box that houses a pouch rather than a bulky, hard-to-store box. The tool is also one of the lighter options we tested, making it possible to style even long hair with minimal arm fatigue. I have very long, wavy hair, so I appreciated the size of the brush and the fact that it does a good job of detangling as you work. I was able to grab larger chunks of hair without sacrificing smooth, frizz-free results, allowing me to dry my hair much faster than I typically can with other hair dryers and dryer brushes I’ve tried.”—Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Nylon “boar”
- Heat settings: Three
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Those who want the power and versatility of the Dyson but can’t justify the price
- Styling time: 10-15 minutes
Best for Damaged Hair: Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Very versatile styling tool | Doesn’t come with storage case |
| Four heat settings | Bulky |
| Works quickly | Loud |
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, Glamour editors love this brush for use on damaged hair types. This brush is more versatile than others on this list—twist it outward while pulling through hair to create a sweeping curl at the ends, or keep it straight for a classic blowout finish. Plus, it doesn’t get too hot, so it won’t cause breakage or fry your strands.
Glamour contributor Anna Vognsen says:
“I have wavy, thick hair, and I was surprised by how much this cut my dry time. Traditionally, a blow-dryer takes over 40 minutes (and is too hot on my strands), but I could go from wet to dry in 15 with this tool in a damage-free way.”—Anna Vogsen, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Nylon, boar
- Heat settings: Three
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants versatile styling without excess heat
- Styling time: 10 minutes
Best for Fine Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold Blow Dryer Brush
.png)
Hot Tools 24K Gold Blow Dryer Brush
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Has 24k gold technology for a gentle finish | Bulky |
| Reduces hair frizz and static |
A blend of 24K gold and ionic technology blow-dries, straightens, and adds volume without causing heat damage, flyaways, or static—making this a strong pick for fine hair prone to breakage. Two bristle types—one thinner, one thicker—work together to detangle and smooth knots for a silky finish, and the quick-dry time means less overall heat exposure. Fine hair will instantly look more resilient, bouncy, and soft, and it can minimize extra time spent on styling, making it a great tool to reach for if you’re in a hurry.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“While on the bulkier side, I was pretty impressed with the blow dryer brush from the first time I used it. It heats up extremely quickly and brushes through my hair without getting caught or snagged. It has two types of bristles (one thinner and the other much thicker) that detangle and smooth out knots for a silky-soft finish. Perhaps the thing I was most impressed with was how quickly my hair dried after using this; the whole process only took about cilt minutes!”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Nylon, boar
- Heat settings: Two
- Weight: 1.75 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Fine hair that needs a quick blowout
- Styling time: 8-10 minutes
Best for Thick Hair: Wavytalk Blowout Express Ionic Thermal Brush
.png)
Wavytalk Blowout Express Ionic Thermal Brush
Qvc
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Detangles hair | Material could be more durable |
| Completes a full blowout in deri minutes |
Wavytalk’s three heat settings let you customize for thin, medium, and coarse hair types, and the ionic technology helps deliver a glossy, smooth finish without singeing strands. If you want a salon-quality result, twist the brush inward as you comb through for a curl at the ends. At under $50, it’s also the most affordable pick on this list for a smooth style that lasts for hours.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“This cute thermal brush makes it so easy to style my hair. It’s relatively strong for a small hair tool but gets the job done. I was able to give myself a smooth, sleek look while brushing the ends for volume. I do wish it was more sturdy, it tends to move if you don’t hold on to it tight enough.” —J.C.
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Nylon
- Heat settings: Three
- Weight: 0.88 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Dry, thick hair that needs a smoother, less frizzy finish
- Styling time: 10-12 minutes
Best for Curly Hair: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Great tension | Short cord |
| Leaves hair soft and shiny | |
| Capable of grabbing a lot of hair at once |
The ceramic titanium tourmaline technology styles curly hair without heat damage, delivering a glossy finish that lasts all day. Four heat settings offer more customization than most options at this price point, and the combination of boar and nylon bristles balances smoothing with detangling for curly textures specifically. Plus, it’ll certainly cut down your drying routine, compared to your typical diffuser.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who has curly hair, says:
“I’d heard about Revlon’s viral blow-dryer brush for years but never actually tried it—and honestly, I was impressed. The brush is surprisingly lightweight (lighter than my Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle), making it comfortable to use and easy to travel with. I have wavy-curly hair and use it after rough-drying to about 80%; in around 15 minutes, it leaves my hair smooth, airy, and bouncy. I like how intuitive it is, with just four heat settings and a cool shot controlled by a simple dial. And while I love my Dyson, it’s the blow dryer brush attachment I use most. The Revlon focuses on that one feature and gives me a similar blowout for a fraction of the price (it’s also often on sale, especially around Prime Day).” —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Bristle material: Nylon ball-tipped pins, boar
- Heat settings: Four
- Weight: 1.63 lbs.
- Who it’s best for: Those who want a powerful, no-frills dryer brush at a great price
- Styling time: 10-15 minutes
The blow dryer brushes we tried, but didn’t include
- Our editors tested the T3 AireBrush Duo and found that this brush attachment tool excels at quickly and efficiently drying long hair, thanks to 15 heat and airflow settings. We loved how easily hair moved through the bristles and how fast it dried, but it didn’t add much volume with either attachment, so it’s better as a blow-dryer than a styling tool. Ultimately, there are more versatile multi-stylers (like our top pick, the T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit) and standard round brushes that add more bounce.
- We routinely put the Dyson Airwrap I.D. Multi-Styler and Dryer to the test on different hair types and it excels, which is why it’s one of our favorite curling irons. It remains impressive as it doesn’t get as hot as some other brushes, making it a smart choice for anyone with damaged or dry hair. That said, there are now plenty of excellent options at a fraction of the price, and some even come with more convenient carrying cases and extra attachments. Bottom line: You don’t have to splurge to get a high-performing hair dryer brush—even one with multiple attachments.
- The BaBylissPro Style/Switch Ionic Multi-Styler & Dryer was another pick that made it onto our vanities during testing. We liked that it was lightweight and suitable for fine hair types, and that it had quick speed settings, but it had a steep learning curve, and figuring out the right heat setting and attachments (i.e., whether to use the round or oval brush) took up a lot of time in our routine.
- The Amika Blow-Dryer Brush is another great pick if you’re looking to tame frizz. The heat settings are gentle, and the brush is very quiet to use (unlike some others that feature an actual blow-drying vent). While we liked this one, we couldn’t get past how big and bulky it is, so we decided to remove it from the list.
- The GHD Duet Blowdry Hair-Dryer Brush is also a standout brush in our books. It’s great for coarse hair types because it doesn’t take many passes to achieve a smooth finish. While we liked how quickly it blow-dries and how easy it is to use, the $400 price is just too high.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a blowout brush, depending on your hair type?
There are three main things to look out for when shopping for a blowout brush, according to Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York City, and Nicolas Flores, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
Temperature
“First, look for temperature settings that don’t exceed 400°F to protect your hair from heat damage, especially if it’s fine or color-treated. A cool-shot button is also important for setting your style and locking in shine,” he says. Typically, blow-dryer brushes have multiple heat settings. The most basic have just high and low settings, while more sophisticated models may have three or four, providing more customization for your hair type. Keep in mind that coarser, curlier hair generally requires higher heat, while lower settings are more appropriate for fine hair.
Bristles
Most blow-dryer brushes are made with nylon or boar bristles; some are made of a combination. “If you have thicker or more textured hair, a more powerful motor and high-quality bristles—preferably a boar and nylon mix— make a big difference,” says Cavalcante. Boar bristles grip and smooth, so they’re ülkü for those who want to eliminate frizz. Nylon bristles tend to do a better job detangling hair, which can be helpful for those with curly hair or dry, color-treated hair.
Size
Depending on your hair type, you’ll also want to hisse attention to the size of the blow-dry brushes’ barrels. “With finer hair, you want to aim for the medium or large size, whereas coarser hair works better with the large and jumbo size barrel,” says Flores.
Are blow-dryer brushes worth it?
Overall, our editors—and the hairstylists we talked to—say these all-in-one styling tools are game changers for hairstyling, especially if you reach for one with even more versatility (aka, if they can double as a curling wand or straightener brush). These hair tools are great for travel, too, since you’ll have less to pack to make your hair look great on vacay. However, our reviewers with short and mid-length curly hair said they weren’t ülkü for their hair types.
Do stylists recommend a blow-dryer brush?
The professional hairstylists we spoke to all recommended blow-dryer brushes to make wet hair bouncy and beautiful in the comfort of your own home. Kaitlyn Ellsworth, cofounder of The Roslyn hair salon in San Diego, actually called them “the best thing since sliced bread for at-home styling.” But the pros caution: These hair tools can get exceptionally hot, so it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant beforehand to protect your strands from damage. You should also start with your hair at least halfway dry to achieve the best results.
How can you ensure you won’t damage your hair while using a blowout brush?
The key to preventing damage when using a blowout brush is not to use it on soaking-wet hair, says Cavalcante. “I always tell clients to rough-dry their hair first until it’s about 85% to 95% dry. Using a blow-dryer brush on damp hair can put unnecessary tension on the strands, which are more vulnerable when wet and more likely to break. Also, always apply a heat protectant beforehand and avoid going over the same section too many times,” he says. Our favorite is the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection Spray.
Can you use a blowout brush if you have curly hair?
“Blow-dryer brushes can work beautifully on curly hair to smooth and stretch the texture. For best results, opt for one with a metal barrel, as it conducts heat more efficiently and helps achieve a sleeker finish,” says Cavalcante. Just remember to prep with a heat protectant and detangle thoroughly (with a comb) before using the tool to avoid damage and breakage.
What are common mistakes when using a blow-dryer brush?
Common mistakes include using the tool on very wet hair and not using it properly, according to the stylists we spoke with. “People often think the blowout brush should start at the root of the hair, for the best results and the best bounce, focus more on flipping out the ends,” says Flores. He also recommends focusing on heat control to avoid damage and always using heat-protecting haircare products before styling.
How we tested
We tested blowout brushes by evaluating their temperature control, ease of use, and whether they delivered salon-worthy results across a variety of hair lengths and types. The best blowout brushes were gentle on hair with a slew of heat settings or infrared technology, and they didn’t leave our strands looking or feeling particularly dry or fried. We also went with models that were easy to use and maneuver around our heads (those weighing about 1 pound were our favorites). The hair dryer brushes that rose to the top gave us smooth, silky hair that looked and felt completely frizz-free for hours after our blow-dry.
Meet the experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of the Second Floor Salon in NYC
- Kaitlyn Ellsworth, cofounder of The Roslyn hair salon in San Diego
- Nicolas Flores, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles
