7 best blow-dry brushes I've tested with my colleagues
It's thanks to blow-dry brushes and blow-dry brushes only that I do my hair well. Hand me a hair dryer and pair of straighteners and my hair will look pass-able at best. But pass me a hot air brush, and I can deliver a bouncy, salon-worthy blow-dry that lasts all day. With ease, may I add. The humble blow-dry brush has skyrocketed in popularity not just because of the results they can deliver – but how quick it is to achieve them.
“It’s basically a round brush and a hairdryer had a baby," Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another Salon told me. “Honestly, it’s a game-changer for people who struggle with the old-school brush-in one hand, dryer in the other method."
So, in the name of service journalism – and given my undeniable passion for the subject – I decided to branch outside of my Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer routine and take testing a little more seriously. I rounded up a panel of expert Glamour testers – with thin hair, short hair, curly hair; even those with fringes – and together, we've put a handful of the market's top-rated models through their paces. Ahead, find everything you need to know to make a wise purchasing decision, including which brush is best for your hair type, and how to use a hot brush.
My top-rated blow-dry brushes, at a glance:
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- Glamour's full reviews
- How do you use a hot brush?
- Are hot brushes bad for hair health?
- What's the difference between a hot brush and hair straightener?
- What features should I look for in the best hot brush for my hair type?
- Can you use a hot brush on wet hair?
- How often can you use a hot brush?
- More blow-dry brushes we're currently testing
Meet the experts:
| Sophia Hilton | Hairstylist & founder of Not Another brand |
| Patrick Wilson | Celebrity hairstylist & ghd ambassador |
| Deborah Cuccuru | A hair stylist at Neil Moodie Studio. |
How I test hot brushes:
Myself and my fellow Glamour editors have been testing blow-dry brushes long before they went viral on TikTok. The main positive here is that, unlike retinol serums, LED face masks or face sunscreens – which take a while to show signs of working – you can get a good grasp on whether a blow-dry brush is good quite quickly.
To kick-off the testing process, I spoke to the experts listed in the table above, to see whether they could give me a steer on which hot air brushes were worth our time. I then scoured brand bestseller lists and my FYP to see which models seemed to be selling out the fastest. Once we had a steer on the most popular, I assigned fellow expert testers a model to try for a period of one week. I tasked each of my colleagues with testing on both wet and dry hair (when appropriate) and on all settings. I also asked them to test whether their styles held in a variety of different scenarios – from the gym and office to nights out.
With our reviews in place, we clubbed together to compare how different devices worked on different hair types. We scored blow-dry brushes on how well it styles, how easy it is to use, and whether it's kind to your hair over time. We also consider things like heat settings, weight, design, and of course, whether it actually gives that bouncy salon finish that lasts. You can trust that those featured in the guide below are our through-and-through favourites. If we wouldn't recommend it to our besties, it doesn't make the cut.
Why you can trust me:
It has been my literal job to test beauty products for the best part of a decade. I started my career at Hitched, have written for titles including Cosmopolitan UK and Stylist, and I've managed the Glamour Shopping team for over six years. In that time, I've tried hundreds of new beauty products, and have taken a particular interest in new hair tool releases. Blow-dry brushes, curling irons and LED for hair growth devices included. I attend product launch events almost weekly, speak to experts like trichologists and hair stylists as part of my regular work flow, and am confident that I know more than your average beauty fan on what's good, bad and ugly.
Where my testing might fall short:
My hair type is thick and wavy – but not curly or coily. I've worked with editors who have a range of hair types (some pictured below have thinner hair than I do, some have shorter hair, some have fringes and some have regularly worn extensions). I've also delved deep into retailer pages to determine how a product might work for curly and coily hair. However, I am still working with product testers and writers to ensure that products are thoroughly tested, first-hand, on curly and coily hair as well as mine.
Ahead, my edit of the best blow-dry brushes we've tested.
1. Best Blow-Dry Brush For Thick Hair: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser
Why we love it: "The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer has been a popular blow-dry brush for as long as I've been writing about beauty – largely thanks to the price point, IMO. If you struggle to style your own hair, want to experiment with a blow-dry brush but don't want to splash out on a Dyson Airwrap (no shade – you'll see why many of our editors love it later in this piece), the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer is, to me, a really solid buy.
"It's £50 at full-price – though often on sale, so hold out if you can – and it works really, really quickly. The first time I tested it was on a Zoom call with one of Revlon's hair stylists. The call was 10-minutes long, and in that time, I managed to achieve an Insta-worthy blow-dry on damp hair.
"During testing, I rough-dried my hair after a shower, and then left it at around 75% dry. I went in with the Revlon hot brush, which is zero-faff. Like, zero. The only thing you get in the Revlon box is the hot brush itself (plus a short guide to navigating your way around a very select number of buttons), and there are no changeable heads. For more experienced hair stylists, this might be a con, but I loved the fact that all you need to do is plug it in and go.
"I sectioned my hair into smaller chunks, and then used the large 50mm oval barrel to brush my hair up and the roots and then twist down towards the ends. I noted that I loved the large barrel size, because it meant that I could style my long, thick hair really quickly. It did a great job of allowing me to speed through. I would say, though, if you have shorter hair, this barrel size might actually be too large. Go specifically for the version for short-to-mid-length hair. Settings wise, there are three speed settings, and I found myself gravitating towards the cooler modes due to the hot settings feeling a little too hot. Even with heat protectant spray in. Alas, I loved the choice.
“My only real qualm with this device is that it's quite loud. Akin to an actual hair dryer, the motor certainly doesn't allow you to style your hair in peace and quiet – which is perhaps the price you pay on a sub £100 model. Overall, I felt as though my hair was really soft, sleek and bouncy after using this tool – and the results did last all day. For the price, it's a really solid go-to for those who want to speed through their styling routine without compromising on results.”
- Barrel size: 50mm. It's one of the bigger barrels in this edit.
- Cool shot: Yes. It came in handy when setting my styles.
- Features: Ionic technology for fast, silky-smooth, shiny results.
- Settings: 3 heat & 2 speed settings. I gravitated towards the cooler settings, as the hot setting felt too hot.
- Hair types: Suitable for all hair types, though we're still testing the claims on curly and coily hair.
- Weight: 700g – it feels lightweight and easy to hold.
Save money on hair styling hot tools with these Amazon discount codes.
2. Best Blow-Dry Brush For Speed: Dyson Airwrap
Why we love it: "The original Dyson Airwrap was launched back in 2018, and since then, the award-winning styling device has remained one of the most coveted blow-dry brushes on the market. The launch of the Dyson Airwrap was the culmination of six years of product development, £24 million in research, 103 granted patents and 170 pending patents. It's expensive, yes, but one scroll through the #DysonAirwrap hashtag on TikTok will reveal over 182,000 videos – from deep dive tutorials to quick tips on how to use a Dyson Airwrap right – proving it's hella popular.
"I was right there at the beginning of the Dyson Airwrap boom (I've been a beauty journalist for the past decade), but have been heavily testing the Dyson Airwrap for the past four years. More recently, the iteration to be released back in 2025: Dyson Airwrap i.D. You can find my full Dyson Airwrap review elsewhere, but as a topline snippet? I love love love my Airwrap blow-dry brush. Forever. And. Always.
"It comes packaged in a super-luxe way, inside a sleek leather presentation case, and it has been built with ‘Coanda effect’ technology – where sections of hair are whipped around a barrel, which in turn sets it in a perfect curl or beachy waves. There are various attachments in the box, including a Coanda dryer (designed to rough dry the roots and smooth flyways), barrels (one 40mm barrel for looser waves and another 30mm barrel for tighter curls – both designed to switch between clockwise and anti-clockwise direction with a simple twist at the top) and a diffuser attachment. There's also a firm smoothing brush and a large round volumising brush. You can also opt to purchase additional attachments, and each tool comes with a detangling comb and a filter cleaning brush.
“One of my favourite things about the Airwrap is just how speedy it is for day-to-day styling. Right after initially towel-drying my hair post-shower, I tend to reach for for the Coanda dryer attachment to focus on drying my roots and rough-drying the rest of my hair to the point when it's still damp but 70% dry. If I'm in a rush, I simply grab the firm smoothing brush and gently comb my hair through the lengths for that silky smooth straight result.
"If I'm after a bit more volume, I would use the round volumising brush to “zhuzh”-up my fringe and upper layers for that effortless look. This whole process usually takes me no longer that five-eight minutes in total, which is perfect for those busy morning routines.
“The main Dyson Airwrap downsides, for me, are that it does take a while to get used to (it's certainly not a unbox-and-go tool like the Revlon blow-dry brush), and I don't actually use all of the attachments regularly. Over-complication? Perhaps. To my friends who have never used a blow-dry brush before, I'd suggest practising with a cheaper model before parting with so much money – but if you have experimented and are ready for an upgrade, I'm such a stan. It leaves my hair looking bouncy, feeling soft and looking so damn smooth.”
- Barrel size: 30/40mm.
- Cool shot: Yes.
- Attachments: 6.
- Features: Coanda airflow & intelligent heat control.
- Settings: 3 heat & 3 speeds.
- Hair types: Suitable for all hair types.
- Weight: 0.58 kg.
3. Most Versatile Blow-Dry Brush: Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1
Why we love it: "I've been testing the Shark FlexStyle for the past two years and love it. Not your bog-standard hair dryer – rather, an air styler that's also primed to replace your beloved curling iron and heated rollers – it uses the same Coanda Technology as the Dyson Airwrap, but it priced much more affordably.
"When testing, I loved how easy it was to twist and switch to the classic hair dryer mode. Having just towel-dried my hair, I was able to get it to a 70% dry state within minutes – a result that isn't so easily achieved on thick hair, usually. In fact, I'd go as far as to declare that it was the quickest hair-drying experience ever, which is exactly what I need for those busy morning routines.
“Next up, the auto-wrap curling barrels. These hero attachments use a similar Coanda Technology that's present in a certain competitor's multi-styling tool (IYKYK), that whips the hair around the barrel, eliminating the need for excessive manoeuvring. You also have the option to switch between the two barrels to play around with different directions depending on your desired finish. My only complaint? Both of the included barrels have the same 24mm width, which offers a bit less flexibility if you wanted to opt for either a tighter or a looser curl.
“What made this popular brush really stand out to me was how well it balances performance with hair health. It features intelligent heat control to prevent extreme heat damage – ideal for regular use – by measuring heat 1,000 times per second to ensure a consistent air temperature throughout the whole styling session. It also dries hair surprisingly quickly for a non-traditional dryer. Whether you’re going for a voluminous blowout, a smooth everyday style, or beachy waves, it’s basically a full glam squad in one handy, compact tool. My main downside (aside from the barrel variety) was that I found it to feel quite heavy, so expect an arm workout."
- Barrel size: 24mm/32mm.
- Cool shot: Yes.
- Attachments: 5.
- Settings: 3 temperature & 3 speed settings.
- Features: Coanda Technology.
- Hair types: Suitable for all hair types.
- Weight: Just under 700 g.
4. Best For Dry Hair Styling: Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush
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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 hair, Amika's adorably-named Blowout Babe uses infrared heat to style the hair (damaged hair babes, this way) and is perfect for a bouncy blowout on shorter lengths.
"I found that the heated brush glides through the hair easily, helping to create volume, flick out the ends (think Sabrina Carpenter), or add soft bends without needing to section. As it’s super lightweight, your arms won’t feel like they’ve done a heavy lifting class, too. This was important to me, as I dry and style my hair every single morning. It's also worth noting that this brush has a heat-resistant handle to stop you from burning your hands. An enjoyable experience all around.
“The ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly to reduce hot spots, and the tool reaches up to 180°C (350°F), making it safe for most hair types. I am still organising testing on curly hair types, and looking into how the infrared technology actually helps hair health in the long term – but I'm such a fan so far.”
- Barrel size: 38mm.
- Cool shot: No.
- Features: Negative ion generators flatten the hair cuticle to add shine and body.
- Temperature setting: Up to 180°c.
- Hair types: Suitable for all hair types.
- Weight: 0.75 kg.
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5. Best Blow Dry Brush For Long Hair: ghd Duet Blowdry
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Why we love it: "When the ghd Duet Style first launched, we had five Glamour staffers test the model on five different hair types – from curly and afro to straight and sleek. And we have to be honest: the results really differed. Glamour's Beauty Writer at the time, Shei Mamona, said that, sadly, she didn’t for it to ‘quite reach my roots all together, which left them puffy and with a lot of volume on the crown of my head’. It was the brand's first wet-to-dry styler, and despite this, it did score highly on speed and its ability to do what it says on the tin.
"ghd later launched ghd Duet Blow Dry – the product you can see being tested by Glamour's Website Director Ali Pantony above – and we've loved it so, so much more. The ghd Duet is special for a number of reasons: it essentially allows you to style your hair from wet to dry and straightened/styled in one go (two if needed — it has a shine shot setting that works as a straighteners to add gloss and movement to the dry and pressed hair).
“Add in ghd’s Heat-Air Xchange Technology, which helps control the heated airflow by maintaining the optimum low temperature for styling wet hair, minimising the risk of heat damage - you’ve got a tool that’s as smart as it is sleek.”
- Barrel: Elliptical-shaped barrel plate.
- Cool shot: No.
- Features: Heat-Air Xchange Technology™.
- Sensors: 2 heat sensors.
- Hair type: Best for thick or hard-to-manage hair.
- Weight: 1.28 kg.
Save money on hair styling hot tools with these LookFantastic discount codes.
6. Best For Beginners: Drybar The Half Shot
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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 I found Drybar to have created with its beloved yellow wand-ed blow-dry brush, which (as with most models in this edit) works as both a hairdryer and blow-dry styler in one.
"Though it's quite a lot heavier than some of the other brushes we've tested (you can compare weights in the comparison table at the bottom of this guide), what makes this tool such a winner for first-time users is how easy it is to handle - there’s no need for tips, tricks and extra hair tools to get your desired results. The barrel is slightly smaller than the brand’s full-size version, making it suitable for shorter hair, layers, or fringe touch-ups. It also makes working around the roots a breeze, especially if you’re not used to navigating styling tools.”
- Barrel size: 38mm.
- Cool shot: Yes.
- Settings: 3 temperature settings (cool/medium/high).
- Features: Ionic Technology reduces frizz and adds shine.
- Hair type: Best for extra-thick or long hair.
- Weight: 1.158 kg.
7. Best For Limiting Head Damage: BondiBoost Infrared Bounce
Why we love it: "If you have thick hair, this infrared heated round brush will be a lifesaver when you’re looking for a quick blowout at home. The infrared tech is gentle on hair (so you won’t have to worry about any breakage or burning) and works to lock in moisture and reduce flyaways, which is perfect for dry, thick hair types.
“I didn’t expect to love this little dry brush as much as I do. I have long, thick hair, and styling it can be such a long process. (My hair is almost at my butt at this point). This tiny but mighty hair tool gave me sleek, straight hair in under 30 minutes. The red light isn’t super noticeable, but I know it’s working because it smooths my hair effortlessly. If you have lots of layers, bangs, or even short hair, you’ll love the volume and bounce that this tool will give you. I like to use it to style my front face layers. I tend to use it once my hair is air-dried after showering; just make sure to use heat protectant and styling creams to avoid frizziness."
- Barrel size: 42mm.
- Cool shot: No.
- Settings: Adjustable heat settings between 135°C–232°C.
- Features: Aloe-infused bristles and infrared technology to protect the hair in the long-term.
- Hair type: Those with thick hair that’s prone to frizz and tangles.
- Weight: 1.48 lbs.
Blow-dry brush comparison table
Featured devices, compared:
| Name | Price | Barrel size | Cool shot | Heat settings | Weight | Best for (hair type) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer | £50 full price. | 50mm. | Yes. | 3 heat & 2 speed settings. | 700g. | Long, thick hair. |
| Dyson Airwrap | £479.99 full price. | 30/40mm. | Yes. | 3 heat & 3 speeds. | 600g. | All hair types. We tested on long, wavy hair. |
| Shark FlexStyle 2-in-1 | £269.99 full price. | 24mm. | Yes. | 3 temperature & 3 speed settings. | 650-700 grams. | All hair types. We tested on long, wavy hair. |
| Amika Blowout Babe | £95 full price. | 38mm. | No. | Up to 180°c. | 400-500 grams. | All hair types. We tested on short hair and fringes. |
| ghd Duet Blowdry | £379 full price. | No. | 2 heat sensors. | 1.28kg. | All hair types. We tested on long, straight hair. | |
| Drybar The Half Shot | £125 full price. | 38mm. | Yes. | 3 temperature settings (cool/medium/high). | 1.158 kg. | All hair types. We tested on short, thick hair and long, curly hair. |
| BondiBoost Infrared Bounce | £90 at full price. | 42mm. | No. | Adjustable heat settings between 135°C–232°C. | Not specified. | Damaged hair. |
More blow dry brushes I am currently testing:
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Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Hot Tool and Air Glosser
Why we love it: The Shark Glossi is already making my life so much easier. It combines heat-controlled ceramic plates with airflow to smooth, stretch and add bounce as you style, helping hair look glossy and polished without the usual frizz or overheating. What I've really loved is how flexible it is. You can use it on both wet and dry hair thanks to its two modes: Wet Mode for adding volume and lift, and Dry Mode for smoothing and refreshing. Whether you’re going for soft, swishy ends or a sleeker finish, it gives that professional salon look without needing multiple tools. It also seems to be working well across multiple hair types. We want to test it on curly and coily hair before featuring, but we're impressed with the staying power of multiple styles across lots of editors so far.
BaByliss Air Style 1000
My thoughts so far: 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.
From smoothing and straightening to adding shape or soft curls, this one tool does it all – without cluttering up your bathroom shelf. The pre-dry nozzle speeds things up, and each attachment feels lightweight and easy to handle, even if you’re not a styling pro. If you’ve got thicker hair, you might find it lacks the power of some salon-grade tools.
Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush
Why we love it: If big, bouncy volume is your vibe, this seems to be the tool to go for. The Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush is all about lift and body, thanks to its extra-long 38mm barrel and flexible bristles that glide through the hair without tugging or snagging. It smooths as it styles, leaving hair looking glossy, soft and freshly blow-dried in just a few brushes.
With temperature control ranging from 80˚C to 220˚C and intelligent heat technology, you can tailor it to your hair type – whether that’s reviving flat roots, adding movement through the lengths or soft waves at the ends. The ion technology also helps keep flyaways in check – there’s not much this tool can’t do. It’s also a great option for those who wear hair extensions, which isn’t always a given with hot tools. If your hair is ultra-thick or you’re after serious salon power, you might need something more heavy-duty - but for volume, shine and easy, quick styling, it’s a great choice.
How do you use a hot brush?
A blow-dry brush is "basically a round brush and a hairdryer had a baby and honestly, it’s a game-changer for people who struggle with the old-school brush-in one hand, dryer in the other method,” Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another Salon said.
The best way to use one is to “section your hair, start at the roots, and slowly pull the brush through to the ends while it dries and shapes at the same time. Don’t rush it. Let the heat do the work,” she said.
Deborah Cuccuru, a hair stylist at Neil Moodie Studio, gave us a bit more detail. She said you should section your hair, starting underneath and clipping the rest up, and focusing on creating small sections. “Smaller sections equals a smoother finish and more control,” she added.
“Always lift from the root, directing the hair upwards, and hold the brush at the root for two to three seconds before rolling through the rest of the lengths. Also, avoid brushing too much at the ends, or you’ll collapse the volume you created.” says Deborah. Read more about how to use a hot brush here.
Are hot brushes bad for hair health?
Of course, repeated heat styling is not good for your hair. But in comparison to using hair straighteners excessively, it is actually on the contrary. In fact, 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 brushes can actually be a great tool for your hair. Like with any heat styling, the key is to protect your hair first," explains celebrity hairstylist and ghd ambassador Patrick Wilson.
He adds: “I always recommend using a good heat protectant, like ghd’s bodyguard heat protect spray. It creates an invisible shield against heat damage.”
What's the difference between a hot brush and a hair straightener?
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.
According to Patrick Wilson, “both the Duet Blowdry and straighteners have their own perks, and it really depends on what style you're going for.”
“The Duet Blowdry is generally gentler since it uses lower temperatures and can dry and style at the same time, which means less exposure to heat overall. It's 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. The best thing you can do is use a heat protectant and choose the tool that fits your styling needs.”
What features should I look for in the best hot brush for my hair type?
“If you have fine hair go for something with lower heat settings and smoothing technology, you want lift, not limpness. For thick or curly hair you’ll need a bit more power and heat,” says Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another brand.
According to Wilson, “The Duet Blowdry is incredibly versatile and can work wonders on all hair types.” He adds: “For fine hair, it gently lifts 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. Just remember to section your hair and move the brush slowly through each section for the best results."
Can you use a hot brush on wet hair?
"Some yes, but not all. The Dyson Airwrap is actually designed to be used on damp hair, which is part of why it’s so popular . But don’t go straight in from dripping wet. Towel dry or rough dry it a bit first. Fully wet hair is at its weakest, so you want it 70–80% dry before styling," says Sophia Hilton.
How often can you use a hot brush?
Patrick Wilson says you can generally use a blow-dry brush “as often as you like, if you are always using a heat protectant.” Generally speaking, you should get good, long-lasting results from a really decent blow-dry brush, like the ones we've tested above, so you wouldn't need to use it daily.
