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What if your favourite hair dryer and a pair of your go-to hair straighteners or curling wands had a baby? Enter: hot air brushes, AKA the godsend hair tools for those time-efficient at-home blowdries.
Even if you're a bit of a novice in the hair styling department (raises hand), trust me when I tell you that investing into these ultra-versatile hair devices could be your best decision ever. Just think about all the times you wished for an extra pair of hands (or eyes in the back of your head), plus a hair styling certificate when trying to replicate Sabrina Carpenter's bouncy 'do. Well, the good news is that hot air brushes solve all of the above.
Not to mention, they're also known to work well on all hair types and lengths – yep, even on the shortest of Hailey Bieber-esque bobs. The bristles that easily grip onto the hair make quick work of adding volume, while the heat emitted from the tool will help dry your lengths in minutes while minimising damage.
So whether you're looking to perfect that sleek and straight blow-dry, define some shiny waves or bouncy curls, today's next-gen of blow-dryer brushes offer plenty of options to choose from – including the likes of Shark, Dyson, GHD and Revlon. And luckily, whether you have £50 or £500 to spend, you'll be covered.
SKIP TO: Are hot air brushes bad for your hair? | What's better – hair straighteners or a hot air brush? |
Best hot air brushes at a glance:
- Best Overall: BaByLiss Hydro Fusion Hot Air Styler
- Most Versatile: Dyson Airwrap multi-styler and dryer Complete Long in Blue/Copper
- Best For Thick Hair: Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser
- Best New Release: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Hair Drying System
These hot tools also continue to evolve as the beauty tech space grows; while some feature detangling nylon bristles that significantly speed up the hair-drying process (which is ideal for those with curly hair), others have smart heat-activated silicone bristles to add shine. Some blow dry brushes also come with barrels infused with kind-to-hair ingredients to combat heat damage and snags (such as coconut oil) for soft and nourished hair. Here's all you need to know, including our top 15 picks for all hair types, budgets and styling desires.
How we tested hot air brush stylers
The GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance writers – have tested dozens of hot air brushes over the years from a variety of brands, ranging in terms of price, design and packaging. We've made sure to assess whether or not the brushes are suitable for all hair types, if they are safe for hair health, and if they offer impressive results, along with ease of use (find out how we test here).
Enter: GLAMOUR's full edit of the best hot air brushes for every budget and hair type
1. Best Hot Air Brush Overall
Why we love it: The most popular hot air brush in this edit, this boasts a large, 50mm rotating brush with a ceramic barrel (to offer a sleek, blow-dry finish) and soft bristles which tame the hair. Advanced plasma technology aims to boost hair growth while a moisture-balancing ionic system works to hydrate the hair and reduce frizz. There are also three temperature settings. Bear in mind: this works best when hair is sectioned, so can take a tad longer.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 50mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
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2. Most Versatile Hot Air Brush
Why we love it: A cult classic for a clear reason, the Dyson Airwrap is a true all-in-one tool which you can use as a hair dryer, hot air brush and curler/styler. It may be pricey and take a little time to get the hang of, but it's 100% worth it for the ultimate at-home blowdries. Just think: in the long run, this will save you money (girl math!). Its best features include its ability to create curls in both directions, monitor the product's airflow temperature to prevent damaging the hair and using charged particles for a frizz-free finish.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 30/40mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
3. Best Hot Air Brush For Travelling
Why we love it: John Lewis' affordable hot air brush is a lightweight ceramic styler which comes with two Airflow/heat settings and a cool setting with Smoothing Iconic Flow to set the style and achieve glossy results. It has a point of difference in that it includes a plastic brush for taming and detangling, as well as a bristle brush. In short, all bases are covered! Oh, and there's a storage pouch for travels. The only thing this doesn't have is a curl release, like some similar models on the market.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 20/25mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
4. Best Hot Air Brush For Thick Hair
Why we love it: Team Glamour are huge fans of the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer. Using the same Iconic Technology as previous editions but with a titanium coating, the One-Step makes it so easy to achieve shiny locks. It's ultra speedy - we spent approx 10 minutes on a Zoom with one of Revlon's hair stylists, and managed to achieved an Insta-worthy blow dry before the time was up. Our only qualm? It can be quite loud.
Product specifications:
- Bristle material: nylon pin bristles with ball tips.
- Cool shot: yes.
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5. Best Hot Air Brush For Straight Styles
Why we love it: While many hot brushes are geared towards creating beachy waves, this ghd classic is all about achieving that smooth finish shiny blow-out, making it perfect for fans of straight hair or for those with a shorter bob. It's so easy to use, in fact, you can even do it without a mirror! And if you're concerned about keeping hair healthy, this design uses a 185 ºC optimal styling temperature to minimise hair damage and hair breakage, while dual length bristles and ionic tech leave hair extra glossy.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: N/A.
- Cool shot: no.
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6. Best Hot Air Brush For Root Volume
Why we love it: Designed to create double the volume of your air dried hair, the ghd Rise uses the same ultra-zone technology (and consistent heat distribution) as the brand's curling irons for a salon quality finish. The tool uses ‘smooth touch’ bristles to style hair right from the root, meaning volume and a sleek finish in one. Keep in mind that due to the smaller nature of the wand, you might need to style in relatively small sections.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 32mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
7. Best Hot Air Brush For Short Hair
Why we love it: At just £15, can this Tresemme hot air brush really style your hair effectively? The answer is yes, according to an absolute tonne of 5-star Amazon reviews. This is especially great for short hair and heats up really quickly, but be wary that while the ¾ inch barrel is great for getting close to the root, you can burn your scalp if you're not diligent.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 19mm.
- Cool shot: no.
8. Best Hot Air Brush For Hollywood Waves
Why we love it: This Big Hair hot air brush is one of the kindest to your hair thanks to the Sensor Protect technology which precisely regulates the heat exerted. It has a rotating brush head which replicates the action of a hair stylists' blow-dry, without the effort. The only thing it doesn't have is speed settings on the turning action.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 50mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
9. Best Hot Air Brush With Multiple Attachments
Why we love it: This powerful 1000W hot air brush comes with four interchangeable attachments, making it one of the most versatile hot air brushes in this edit that is still affordable. The attachments are easy to switch between mid-style with the simple and secure locking system, while the ionic technology boosts shine as you style.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 50mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
10. Best Hot Air Brush For Dry Curling
Why we love it: The Remington Flexibrush offer a really nice and loose curl and you can use it with the steam to achieve even longer lasting curls. It heats up in 60 seconds, features a cool tip to prevent burning, and has two different length comb attachments to suit your needs. Remember that this is unsuitable for damp hair and can only be used on dry hair.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 22.6mm.
- Cool shot: no.
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11. Best Ceramic Hot Air Brush
Why we love it: This hair air styler is ideal for taming frizzy hair. Plus, it also gives your hair some extra shine, thanks to its barrel that comes infused with smooth oils such as keratin, argan oil and coconut oil. What we love most about it is that it has retractable bristles to make it easier to release sections of hair after styling.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 32mm.
- Cool shot: no.
12. Best Hot Air Brush For Waves
Why we love it: Ideal for every hair type, this styler from T3 has 15 temperature settings and comes with a smoothing brush and one for wavy styling to suit your needs. One thing to keep an eye on is the quality over time however; a few users have noted that the bristles became slightly bent and deformed with constant use.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 64/76mm.
- Cool shot: yes.
13. Best 4-in-1 hot air brush
Why we love it: Incredibly versatile and suitable for all hair types, the Shark FlexStyle has a variety of functions and even doubles as a hair dryer. It comes with a variety of attachments too, including auto-wrap curlers, a paddle brush, an oval shape brush as well as a diffusor and concentrator. It's ideal for straight, wavy and thicker hair and leaves hair feeling much smoother, making it a reputable ‘dupe’ for Dyson's design.
Product specifications:
- Wattage: 1400W.
- Cool shot: yes.
14. Best Hot Air Brush For Beginners
Why we love it: Sometimes, you just want a simple, fuss-free hair tool to take the difficulty out of styling. That's exactly what Drybar has created with its beloved yellow wand, which works as both a hairdryer and blow-dry styler in one. The lightweight design offers three temperature settings, and is suitable for all hair types from wavy, to curly, to poker straight. The Double Shot feature also helps to seal the hair cuticle and leave hair noticeably shinier.
Product specifications:
- Cool shot: yes.
- Wet or dry hair use: both.
15. Best Hot Air Brush For Dry Hair Styling
Why we love it: For those who prefer a classic rough dry with a hairdryer before styling their hair later on, this is an ideal buy. For use only on dry strands, Amika's adorably-named Blowout Babe uses infrared heat to style the hair, and is perfect for a bouncy blowout look. It also features a heat resistant handle, cool tip design and lightweight body, making it an enjoyable experience all-round.
Product specifications:
- Temperature: 180 degrees celsius.
- Barrel size: 1.5 inches.
Are hot air brushes bad for your hair?
On the contrary; these hot tools are often safer than other heated alternatives – particularly if you are using them as a hairdryer and styler in one go, rather than drying your hair and using heated straighteners or tools afterwards. “Hot air brushes can actually be a great tool for your hair when used properly,” explains Hairstylist and ghd ambassador Samantha Cusick.
She adds however that “like with any heat styling, the key is to protect your hair first – I always recommend using a good heat protection spray."
Is a hot air brush better than straighteners?
Hot air brushes are widely considered to be better for your hair than hair straighteners. Why? The ceramic plates on hair straighteners reach extremely high temperatures which can dry out your hair pretty sharpish. Hot air stylers don't tend to reach temperatures quite so high, which results in less damage. In addition to the lower temperatures resulting in less hair damage, they also make it easier to build volume and they add shine and they dry your hair at the same time as styling it.
However, it depends what kind of look you're trying to achieve, notes Samantha. “Both hot air brushes and straighteners have their own perks, and it really depends on what style you're going for.”
She explains: “Hot air brushes are generally gentler since they use lower temperatures and can dry and style at the same time, which means less exposure to heat overall. They’re perfect for adding volume and giving your hair that smooth, bouncy look. Straighteners, on the other hand, are amazing for sleek, straight styles or creating defined curls and waves.
Samantha concludes: "The best thing you can do is use a heat protectant and choose the tool that fits your styling needs.”
How can you use a hot air brush to style different hair types?
“Hot air brushes are incredibly versatile and can work wonders on all hair types,” says Samantha, who particularly recommends the ghd hot air brushes (mentioned above).
“For fine hair, they gently lift the roots to add some volume. If you have medium to thick hair, the consistent heat will help smooth and add shine effortlessly. For those with curly or coily hair, the optimal temperature can help stretch and smooth the curls beautifully.”
For all hair types, she notes: “Just remember to section your hair and move the brush slowly through each section for the best results.”
After more hair tools? Head this way for the best hair dryers, over here for the best hair straighteners and in this direction for curling wands to create beautiful curls. We've also got travel hair dryers for your weekend away, sleep-in rollers, a guide to every GHD hair dryer, the best hair wrap towels and all GHD hair straighteners, and a round-up of the best hair brushes according to a Beauty Editor – including paddle brush and round brush recommendations.