The 7 Best Hot Air Brushes
Special Honors
Amika Blowout Babe This one comes from a cult haircare brand that has received tons of praise from beauty enthusiasts. It's a great tool for eliminating frizz and smoothing out thick, wavy hair, though it may not be as useful for users with especially curly locks. sephora.com
Drybar Double Shot It may have a hefty price tag, but that's because it utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver salon-quality results right in the comfort of your own home. An ergonomic grip and strategically placed vents are two features that deserve mentioning. ulta.com
InStyler Maven Its ceramic plates are not only effective but durable, too, so you can count on this device lasting for years to come. There are two speed settings, two heat settings, and a cool air option as well. It comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. bedbathandbeyond.com
Editor's Notes
June 18, 2021:
We nixed a few generic models that were basically identical to some of our top picks. Remaining in the mix are the Revlon Smooth as our favorite fixed, flat model, and the Conair InfinitiPro Ceramic rotating model. Another choice from that same line, the ConAir InfinitiPro Styler is great for intricate hairdos as well as those who tend to have trouble controlling stubborn hair. The Revlon Ceramic is a decent budget choice although it doesn't heat up as fast as others, and the BZ Volumizer is especially worthwhile thanks to the versatile set of attachments it comes with.
January 02, 2020:
Even if your hair is naturally straight, it can be difficult — or even impossible — to achieve that freshly blown-out look without applying heat. These electric brushes combine heat with air to dry your hair and style it at the same time, smoothing out frizz, waves, and even tight curls in some cases. We've included both round and paddle-shaped models to accommodate users with different preferences, and there is even an option that comes with both varieties in attachment form. If you're more interested in straightening than drying, a traditional hair straightener may be what you're looking for.
With regard to changes, the Revlon Smooth, Hot Tools Professional Volumizer, Revlon Ceramic, Bangmeng One Step, and BZ Style are the newest additions to the list. On the other hand, the Koovon One-Step and Vidal Sassoon got the ax this time around due to confirmed complaints about malfunctions and inconsistent results.
Better Than A Curling Iron
A hot air brush is a lot more versatile than your average curling iron or hair straightener.
Don’t mistake a hot air brush for a curling iron, although some of them are capable of performing that function. A hot air brush is a lot more versatile than your average curling iron or hair straightener. Many people like to use hot air styling brushes to reduce frizz and condition their hair. They are also great for anyone whose hair tends to tangle easily or for those with curly hair who need a little extra helping keeping it manageable.
Keep in mind that the hot air brush is not a replacement for your hair dryer. It shouldn’t be used on fully wet hair and is best used for styling when your hair is only damp. A hot air brush looks like a brush and either blows hot air or produces infrared heat when in use. Some brushes come with various speed and heat settings, and some have safety features such as automatic shutoff after a certain amount of time.
Hot air brushes are great for all hair types, and some even double as hair straighteners and curling irons. Some are designed for de-tangling while others can help you increase the appearance of the volume of your hair. They work best when your hair is clean and slightly damp. Don’t try to dry large portions of your hair at one time. The best style is achieved when you use the hot air brush on small chunks of hair at once.
Buy The Right Brush For Your Style
While they are fairly simple styling tools, not all hot air brushes are created equal. There are several factors that differentiate them and, while most are marketed for all hair types, some are better for certain hair types than others.
There are several factors that differentiate them and, while most are marketed for all hair types, some are better for certain hair types than others.
First, you will want to look at the barrel size. Smaller barrels will create tighter curls while the wider barrels will achieve more of a wave. If you are looking for body and lift more than curl, go with the thicker barrel at two inches or larger. Keep in mind that the larger barrels aren’t always compatible with short hair, so if your hair doesn’t reach your shoulders, opt for the thinner barrel.
Second, check out the bristles. If you have thick hair, you will probably want a brush with widely spaced, long bristles. These are also good for long hairstyles. If your hair is short, opt for the short, fine bristles.
Third, check the setting options. If you are experienced with styling your hair, you know that heat and speed settings are important to achieving the style that you want. If you like to experiment and play around with the settings, choose a hot air brush that will allow you the most control. If you’re not that picky, a brush with a few preset settings will probably do just fine.
Finally, you will obviously want something that is affordable. If you don’t spend a lot of time and effort styling your hair on a regular basis, don’t break the bank buying a state of the art hot air brush. But don’t skimp on quality either.
A Brief History of the Hot Air Brush
Hairstyling and grooming has been an important part of human existence since the ancient Egyptians (including the women) began shaving their heads and wearing fashionable wigs. The wigs added convenience and shade from the sun for many people, but they had the added benefit of allowing people to reflect the styles of the era.
As you might be aware, the medieval era was rampant with plagues and illnesses. As a result, common practices began that people believed would help to cure them. This, combined with extremely limited medical knowledge, resulted in barbers becoming the first doctors.
Young women began to challenge the norms and cut their hair into short bobs.
Bloodletting became a common practice for curing ailments, and barbers became the designated people to perform that task. Ever wonder the significance of the barber pole with the red and white stripes? It is a reflection of the ancient bloodletting practice used by the original barbers with red representing the blood and white representing the bandages. This practice continued into the Victorian era.
The Industrial Revolution brought about more advanced hair styling practices. Women started going to salons before important events. They coveted curls and often had their hair styled with dramatic height to draw attention. Handheld clippers made it much easier for men to achieve their desired styles as well.
In the early 20th century, women began to favor more low-maintenance hair styles. Young women began to challenge the norms and cut their hair into short bobs. Not long after, moving pictures soared to popularity, and with that, the Hollywood's influence on hairstyles.
Women began entering the workforce in the 1940s and 1950s making it necessary for them to again begin cutting their hair short or finding creative ways to pin it out of their faces. The 1960s and 1970s gave rise to beehives and Afros which meant that styling tools and products were of utmost importance.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, hair styling has evolved into an ever-changing art form with new stylists continually challenging the latest fads. The public availability of many styling tools makes it even easier to mimic popular hairstyles at home.