The 7 Best Hot Air Brushes We Tested for the Perfect Bouncy Blowout

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jessica Juliao

People / Jessica Juliao

There are somany ways to style your hair and even more hot tools to get the job done — but when it comes to a voluminous blowout, it typically comes down to areally good blow dryerand an even better round brush (plus, you know, actually being able to blowout your hair). Enter hot air brushes, a.k.a. the beauty gods’ gift to those of us who struggle to achieve good-looking blowouts and home, and one of themust-have hot tools of the moment.Experts Say“[Hot air brushes] are a timesaver that deliver a smooth and volumized result without needing extra tools, which is convenient.” —Jerome Lordet, celebrity hairstylist and style director at the Pierre Michel SalonWhether you can achieve an at-home blowout but want something a little more convenient or are looking for a tool that makes DIY salon-worthy blowouts a total breeze, a hot air brush is a must-have for your hot tool arsenal. After testing several options — including a few crowd favorites — we narrowed it down to the seven best options.Keep reading to discover the best hot air brushes we tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System at Amazon$329Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Less Expensive:L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer at Amazon$69Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALERevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 at Amazon$70$32Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALEHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer at Amazon$70$41Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer at Amazon$349Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest Hair Dryer:Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon$77Jump to ReviewBest Flat Iron:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewBest Heat Protectant:SALEColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon$28$21Jump to Review

There are somany ways to style your hair and even more hot tools to get the job done — but when it comes to a voluminous blowout, it typically comes down to areally good blow dryerand an even better round brush (plus, you know, actually being able to blowout your hair). Enter hot air brushes, a.k.a. the beauty gods’ gift to those of us who struggle to achieve good-looking blowouts and home, and one of themust-have hot tools of the moment.

Experts Say“[Hot air brushes] are a timesaver that deliver a smooth and volumized result without needing extra tools, which is convenient.” —Jerome Lordet, celebrity hairstylist and style director at the Pierre Michel Salon

Experts Say

“[Hot air brushes] are a timesaver that deliver a smooth and volumized result without needing extra tools, which is convenient.” —Jerome Lordet, celebrity hairstylist and style director at the Pierre Michel Salon

Whether you can achieve an at-home blowout but want something a little more convenient or are looking for a tool that makes DIY salon-worthy blowouts a total breeze, a hot air brush is a must-have for your hot tool arsenal. After testing several options — including a few crowd favorites — we narrowed it down to the seven best options.

Keep reading to discover the best hot air brushes we tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System at Amazon$329Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Less Expensive:L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer at Amazon$69Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALERevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 at Amazon$70$32Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALEHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer at Amazon$70$41Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer at Amazon$349Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest Hair Dryer:Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon$77Jump to ReviewBest Flat Iron:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewBest Heat Protectant:SALEColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon$28$21Jump to Review

Best Overall:Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System at Amazon$329Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Less Expensive:L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer at Amazon$69Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALERevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 at Amazon$70$32Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALEHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer at Amazon$70$41Jump to ReviewBest for Frizz:Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro at Amazon$70Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer at Amazon$349Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest Hair Dryer:Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon$77Jump to ReviewBest Flat Iron:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewBest Heat Protectant:SALEColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon$28$21Jump to Review

Best Overall:Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System at Amazon$329Jump to Review

Best Overall:Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System at Amazon$329

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Less Expensive:L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer at Amazon$69Jump to Review

Best Overall, Less Expensive:L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer at Amazon$69

Best Overall, Less Expensive:

Best Budget:SALERevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 at Amazon$70$32Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALERevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 at Amazon$70$32

Best Budget:

SALE

Best for Beginners:SALEHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer at Amazon$70$41Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:SALEHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer at Amazon$70$41

Best for Beginners:

Best for Frizz:Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro at Amazon$70Jump to Review

Best for Frizz:Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro at Amazon$70

Best for Frizz:

Best Lightweight:Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer at Amazon$349Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer at Amazon$349

Best Lightweight:

Best Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to Review

Best Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600

Best Investment:

Best Hair Dryer:Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon$77Jump to Review

Best Hair Dryer:Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer at Amazon$77

Best Hair Dryer:

Best Flat Iron:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron at Amazon$160Jump to Review

Best Flat Iron:BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron at Amazon$160

Best Flat Iron:

Best Heat Protectant:SALEColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon$28$21Jump to Review

Best Heat Protectant:SALEColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon$28$21

Best Heat Protectant:

Best OverallShark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying SystemPHOTO: Amazon$329 at Amazon$290$210 at Walmart$300 at UltaStar QualitiesChoose three out of eight available stylers for a customized experienceTook us only 20 minutes to style our hairUses no-heat-damage air technologyHas four heat settings, including a cool settingRed FlagsBoasts a high price tagHottest setting gets a little too hot on your faceAfter testing several hot air brushes, we found that Shark’s styling system was super easy to use, gave us salon-worthy blowouts within just 20 minutes, and features an amazing no-heat-damage air technology that left our hair feeling super healthy.Another reason why we liked this system is all the attachments it comes with and how you can customize your tool to your styling preferences. There are eight compatible stylers for this hot air brush (including a diffuser and a wide-tooth comb, which isn’t common with its competitors), and at checkout, you can select three that meet your styling needs. This way you can get exactly what you need rather than a bunch of attachments you rarely (if ever) will use. This hot air brush also features four heat settings, including a cool setting. However, the hottest setting does get a little hot (especially when close to the face).While the price tag is high compared to others on our list, this hot air brush is acompetitor to the Dyson Airwrap(which costs around $600). Considering its performance and all of the extra attachment options it comes with, we think that the $300 price tag is well worth it.Heat Settings:4 |Weight:1.5 pounds |Cord Length:8 feet |Voltage:120PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best OverallShark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying SystemPHOTO: Amazon$329 at Amazon$290$210 at Walmart$300 at Ulta

Best OverallShark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System

Best Overall

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System

PHOTO: Amazon

$329 at Amazon$290$210 at Walmart$300 at Ulta

Star QualitiesChoose three out of eight available stylers for a customized experienceTook us only 20 minutes to style our hairUses no-heat-damage air technologyHas four heat settings, including a cool settingRed FlagsBoasts a high price tagHottest setting gets a little too hot on your face

Star QualitiesChoose three out of eight available stylers for a customized experienceTook us only 20 minutes to style our hairUses no-heat-damage air technologyHas four heat settings, including a cool setting

Choose three out of eight available stylers for a customized experience

Took us only 20 minutes to style our hair

Uses no-heat-damage air technology

Has four heat settings, including a cool setting

Red FlagsBoasts a high price tagHottest setting gets a little too hot on your face

Boasts a high price tag

Hottest setting gets a little too hot on your face

After testing several hot air brushes, we found that Shark’s styling system was super easy to use, gave us salon-worthy blowouts within just 20 minutes, and features an amazing no-heat-damage air technology that left our hair feeling super healthy.

Another reason why we liked this system is all the attachments it comes with and how you can customize your tool to your styling preferences. There are eight compatible stylers for this hot air brush (including a diffuser and a wide-tooth comb, which isn’t common with its competitors), and at checkout, you can select three that meet your styling needs. This way you can get exactly what you need rather than a bunch of attachments you rarely (if ever) will use. This hot air brush also features four heat settings, including a cool setting. However, the hottest setting does get a little hot (especially when close to the face).

While the price tag is high compared to others on our list, this hot air brush is acompetitor to the Dyson Airwrap(which costs around $600). Considering its performance and all of the extra attachment options it comes with, we think that the $300 price tag is well worth it.

Heat Settings:4 |Weight:1.5 pounds |Cord Length:8 feet |Voltage:120

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Less ExpensiveL’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush DryerPHOTO: Amazon$69 at Amazon$69 at WalmartView on Langehair.com

Best Overall, Less ExpensiveL’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer

Best Overall, Less Expensive

L’Ange 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer

$69 at Amazon$69 at WalmartView on Langehair.com

Didn’t need to use the hottest setting to achieve a fantastic blowout

Provided amazing volume and effectively calmed our frizz

Red FlagsDoesn’t come with attachmentsA little heavy compared to other stylers we tested

Doesn’t come with attachments

A little heavy compared to other stylers we tested

While theShark Air Styling and Drying System is on the pricey side, you don’t have to splurge to achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home — which we discovered after testing the L’Ange Hair Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer. This round brush and blow dryer combination features 360-degree airflow with an oval-shaped round brush to smooth, straighten, and volumize hair while styling.

Heat Settings:3 |Weight:2.67 pounds |Cord Length:7.9 feet |Voltage:125

Best BudgetRevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0PHOTO: Ulta$70$32 at Amazon$37 at Target$70 at Ulta

Best BudgetRevlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Best Budget

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

PHOTO: Ulta

$70$32 at Amazon$37 at Target$70 at Ulta

Star QualitiesComparable to the more expensive toolsCut our usual blowdrying time nearly in halfFeatures four heat settings including a cool optionRed FlagsCan get really hot, which might not be ideal for daily use

Star QualitiesComparable to the more expensive toolsCut our usual blowdrying time nearly in halfFeatures four heat settings including a cool option

Comparable to the more expensive tools

Cut our usual blowdrying time nearly in half

Features four heat settings including a cool option

Red FlagsCan get really hot, which might not be ideal for daily use

Can get really hot, which might not be ideal for daily use

Heat Settings:4 |Weight:1.63 pounds |Cord Length:6 feet |Voltage:120

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for BeginnersHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and VolumizerPHOTO: Walmart$70$41 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$70 at UltaStar QualitiesBoar-tech bristles created a silky smooth finishErgonomic handle made it easier to control our hair while stylingSimple, user-friendly designRed FlagsDoesn’t come with different attachmentsWhen styling fine hair, consider the Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler, which has boar-tech bristles that grab the hair easily while drying and help create a silky and smooth finish. From start to finish, it offered a more user-friendly experience, thanks to details like the ergonomic handle that makes styling more comfortable and easier, three different heat settings, and Direct ION Technology for fast-drying. The brush also has a 24K gold styling surface, which provides even heat distribution and can help protect hair from heat damage, too. While it doesn’t come with all of the attachments that some other stylers have, we found that this one had less of a learning curve and was overall super easy to use, even if you’ve never used a hot air brush before.Heat Settings:3 |Weight:1.9 pounds |Cord Length:8 feet |Voltage:120PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for BeginnersHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and VolumizerPHOTO: Walmart$70$41 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$70 at Ulta

Best for BeginnersHot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer

Best for Beginners

Hot Tools Gold One-Step Blowout and Volumizer

PHOTO: Walmart

$70$41 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$70 at Ulta

Star QualitiesBoar-tech bristles created a silky smooth finishErgonomic handle made it easier to control our hair while stylingSimple, user-friendly designRed FlagsDoesn’t come with different attachments

Star QualitiesBoar-tech bristles created a silky smooth finishErgonomic handle made it easier to control our hair while stylingSimple, user-friendly design

Boar-tech bristles created a silky smooth finish

Ergonomic handle made it easier to control our hair while styling

Simple, user-friendly design

Red FlagsDoesn’t come with different attachments

Doesn’t come with different attachments

When styling fine hair, consider the Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler, which has boar-tech bristles that grab the hair easily while drying and help create a silky and smooth finish. From start to finish, it offered a more user-friendly experience, thanks to details like the ergonomic handle that makes styling more comfortable and easier, three different heat settings, and Direct ION Technology for fast-drying. The brush also has a 24K gold styling surface, which provides even heat distribution and can help protect hair from heat damage, too. While it doesn’t come with all of the attachments that some other stylers have, we found that this one had less of a learning curve and was overall super easy to use, even if you’ve never used a hot air brush before.

Heat Settings:3 |Weight:1.9 pounds |Cord Length:8 feet |Voltage:120

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for FrizzBondi Boost Blowout Brush ProPHOTO: Ulta$70 at Amazon$70 at Sephora$70 at Ulta

Best for FrizzBondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro

Best for Frizz

Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro

$70 at Amazon$70 at Sephora$70 at Ulta

Star QualitiesGave us a blowout in just 17 minutesGreat at smoothing our hair without using an anti-frizz serumGood value for the qualityRed FlagsTurning on the cool setting wasn’t super intuitive

Star QualitiesGave us a blowout in just 17 minutesGreat at smoothing our hair without using an anti-frizz serumGood value for the quality

Gave us a blowout in just 17 minutes

Great at smoothing our hair without using an anti-frizz serum

Good value for the quality

Red FlagsTurning on the cool setting wasn’t super intuitive

Turning on the cool setting wasn’t super intuitive

Heat Settings:3 |Weight:1.1 pounds |Cord Length:9.8 feet |Voltage:120

Best LightweightDrybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow DryerPHOTO: Drybar$349 at Amazon$349 at Nordstrom$349 at SephoraStar QualitiesComes with a paddle brush attachmentFour heat settings and a cool shot settingWeighs only one poundTemperature settings didn’t feel too hotRed FlagsOne of the more expensive options we testedWhen blow-drying hair, one of the most challenging parts of maneuvering the device is the weight of the blow dryer. For a more lightweight solution, we loved the Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow-Dryer, which weighs only one pound and has a super sleek design that is easy to hold and move around while styling strands. In addition to its weight, we love this hot air brush for a sleek and straight blowout look as it comes with a paddle brush (as well as an oval brush and concentrated dryer) attachment that allows you to essentially brush your hair until it dries straight. Also, the brush has ionic technology, which seals the hair cuticle, resulting in less frizz after styling. If you’re concerned about heat, we found that even the highest setting never felt too hot, which makes it less damaging and drying to the hair.Heat Settings:4 |Weight:1 pound |Cord Length:9 feet |Voltage:120PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best LightweightDrybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow DryerPHOTO: Drybar$349 at Amazon$349 at Nordstrom$349 at Sephora

Best LightweightDrybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer

Best Lightweight

Drybar 3-In-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer

PHOTO: Drybar

$349 at Amazon$349 at Nordstrom$349 at Sephora

Star QualitiesComes with a paddle brush attachmentFour heat settings and a cool shot settingWeighs only one poundTemperature settings didn’t feel too hotRed FlagsOne of the more expensive options we tested

Star QualitiesComes with a paddle brush attachmentFour heat settings and a cool shot settingWeighs only one poundTemperature settings didn’t feel too hot

Comes with a paddle brush attachment

Four heat settings and a cool shot setting

Weighs only one pound

Temperature settings didn’t feel too hot

Red FlagsOne of the more expensive options we tested

One of the more expensive options we tested

When blow-drying hair, one of the most challenging parts of maneuvering the device is the weight of the blow dryer. For a more lightweight solution, we loved the Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow-Dryer, which weighs only one pound and has a super sleek design that is easy to hold and move around while styling strands. In addition to its weight, we love this hot air brush for a sleek and straight blowout look as it comes with a paddle brush (as well as an oval brush and concentrated dryer) attachment that allows you to essentially brush your hair until it dries straight. Also, the brush has ionic technology, which seals the hair cuticle, resulting in less frizz after styling. If you’re concerned about heat, we found that even the highest setting never felt too hot, which makes it less damaging and drying to the hair.

Heat Settings:4 |Weight:1 pound |Cord Length:9 feet |Voltage:120

Best InvestmentDyson AirwrapPHOTO: Sephora$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at UltaStar QualitiesSix styling attachments, plus a box to store everythingTook between 20 and 30 minutes to style our hairComes with a two-year warrantyEasy to control airflow speed and temperatureRed FlagsThere’s a bit of a learning curveThe Dyson Airwrap Styling System is like the holy grail of hot air brushes, and hair styling tools in general. However, with a nearly $600 price tag, it’s a total splurge. Nonetheless, we found that — if you are considering an investment hair styler — this is worth every penny, plus the two-year warranty is a plus. Cost aside, this hot air brush lives up to the hype with six styling attachments that are compatible with hair that is shoulder length or longer and can help you achieve everything from a bouncy blowout to a wavy curl. While there is a bit of a learning curve to this hot air brush, once it clicks, the device feels super user-friendly with an easy-to-navigate temperature and airflow control on the handle as well as attachments that pop and lock in and out of place with ease.Heat Settings:3 |Weight:1.5 pounds |Cord Length:8.5 feet |Voltage:120PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best InvestmentDyson AirwrapPHOTO: Sephora$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Ulta

Best InvestmentDyson Airwrap

Best Investment

Dyson Airwrap

PHOTO: Sephora

$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSix styling attachments, plus a box to store everythingTook between 20 and 30 minutes to style our hairComes with a two-year warrantyEasy to control airflow speed and temperatureRed FlagsThere’s a bit of a learning curve

Star QualitiesSix styling attachments, plus a box to store everythingTook between 20 and 30 minutes to style our hairComes with a two-year warrantyEasy to control airflow speed and temperature

Six styling attachments, plus a box to store everything

Took between 20 and 30 minutes to style our hair

Comes with a two-year warranty

Easy to control airflow speed and temperature

Red FlagsThere’s a bit of a learning curve

There’s a bit of a learning curve

The Dyson Airwrap Styling System is like the holy grail of hot air brushes, and hair styling tools in general. However, with a nearly $600 price tag, it’s a total splurge. Nonetheless, we found that — if you are considering an investment hair styler — this is worth every penny, plus the two-year warranty is a plus. Cost aside, this hot air brush lives up to the hype with six styling attachments that are compatible with hair that is shoulder length or longer and can help you achieve everything from a bouncy blowout to a wavy curl. While there is a bit of a learning curve to this hot air brush, once it clicks, the device feels super user-friendly with an easy-to-navigate temperature and airflow control on the handle as well as attachments that pop and lock in and out of place with ease.

Heat Settings:3 |Weight:1.5 pounds |Cord Length:8.5 feet |Voltage:120

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

While you decide on your next hot air brush, consider these other PEOPLE-Tested hair care products. Our editors and independent testers rigorously test each product to separate the mediocre from the top-tier.

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer$77 at Amazon$77 at WalmartBaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron$160 at Amazon$90 at Walmart$160 at UltaColor Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment$28$21 at Amazon$28$12 at Sephora$28 at UltaR+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray$37 at Amazon$37 at Nordstrom$37 at Bloomingdales

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer$77 at Amazon$77 at Walmart

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer

$77 at Amazon$77 at Walmart

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron$160 at Amazon$90 at Walmart$160 at Ulta

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

$160 at Amazon$90 at Walmart$160 at Ulta

Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment$28$21 at Amazon$28$12 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment

$28$21 at Amazon$28$12 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray$37 at Amazon$37 at Nordstrom$37 at Bloomingdales

R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray

$37 at Amazon$37 at Nordstrom$37 at Bloomingdales

What to Know About Buying Hot Air Brushes

Settings

When shopping for hot air brushes, it’s important to consider the different settings for a more unique styling experience. “You want to look for a brush that has multiple speeds [and] a cool button so you can customize the amount of heat,” saysAviva Jansen Perea, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Catherine Zeta-Jones, America Ferrera, and Chelsea Handler. She adds that a cool setting not only helps you control the heat exposure (similar to a blow dryer) but can also lock in a nice wave since cool air sets hair (several options we tested have cool settings, including theShark FlexStyleand theRevlon One-Step). Having multiple speeds is beneficial, too, because it allows you more control over your blowout and gives you more styling flexibility.

Brush Type

With that said, Lordet says a brush with ceramic-coated bristles can also be an excellent choice since the bristles “distribute the heat from the brush when styling and smoothing the strands,” which can reduce damage.

Interchangeable Brush Heads

Heat Protection

While a hot air brush doesn’t quite replace a blow dryer or hairbrush, Fabio Scalia, artistic director and owner of Fabio Scalia Salons, says they can be more practical. That being said, he says to be cautious about the heat settings since regular use can cause damage (like using acurling ironor flat iron every day). With this in mind, Scalia says to look for a brush that allows you to manage the heat and temperature settings. “Research brushes that get the job done without going over 135 degrees Fahrenheit,” he notes, adding that the heat will provide a sufficient amount of smoothness and hold at the same time without causing damage.

Similar to using other hot tools, it also helps to use a heat protection spray on your hair before styling, since this can add a layer of protection between delicate strands and high heat.

People / Tamara Staples

To find the best hot air brushes, we put a variety of types to the test both in our PEOPLE Tested lab and in the real world, including tools at different price points and options with multiple attachments. We brought in expert hairstylists to our lab to test each hot air brush, and then we later had testers try out their tools at home for four weeks to get a sense of how each performs in real life. These are the qualities we looked for:

After using each brush at least twice a week for a month, we compiled our testing insights and rated each hot air brush on a 1 to 5 scale for the following categories: ease of use, design, drying ability, effectiveness, durability, and value. The hot air brushes with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list, with theShark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying Systemearning our pick of the Best Overall hot air brush.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends entirely on your desired result since both tools are used for different hairstyles. “If you want pin-straight hair, you will need a flat iron to get those results, but if you want volumized hair, you will get better results from a hot air brush,” says Lordet.In terms of hair health, Lordet says that a hot air brush is better than a flat iron because it’s healthier for your hair since it uses a lower temperature setting. This can keep hair looking shiny and is recommended for everyday styling over a flat iron.

This depends entirely on your desired result since both tools are used for different hairstyles. “If you want pin-straight hair, you will need a flat iron to get those results, but if you want volumized hair, you will get better results from a hot air brush,” says Lordet.

In terms of hair health, Lordet says that a hot air brush is better than a flat iron because it’s healthier for your hair since it uses a lower temperature setting. This can keep hair looking shiny and is recommended for everyday styling over a flat iron.

Jessie Quinnis a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. For this piece, Jessie thoroughly reviewed PEOPLE Tested insights and reached out to top hair experts, including celebrity hairstylists Jerome Lordet and Aviva Jansen Perea, natural hair expert Darrius Peace, and Fabio Scalia, artistic director and owner of Fabio Scalia Salons, to learn more about the benefits of hot air brushes and what to look for when shopping for these popular styling tools.

Our Expert PanelJerome Lordetis a New York City-based celebrity hairstylist and founder ofJerome Lordet Salon. Lordet has cut, colored, and styled the likes of Bianca Jagger, Jessica Simpson, and Sandra Bullock and practices a characteristically French style in his craft.Aviva Jansen Pereais a Hollywood-based celebrity hairstylist as well as the CEO and founder ofDay Rate Beauty, a sustainable hairpin company. Perea’s celeb clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones, America Ferrera, Chelsea Handler, and more.Darrius Peaceis a natural hair expert and hairstylist with experience in the television and movie industry. He works with theHayah Beauty Style Networkto educate hairstylists and beauty lovers alike on the care and styling of natural curls and coils.Fabio Scaliais the artistic director and owner of Fabio Scalia Salons in New York. Born and raised in Italy, Scalia trained and worked in hair academies and salons across Europe before establishing his own salons in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Scalia is also an expert in hair growth and trichology and has come out with a line of luxury hair brushes specifically designed for all different hair types.

Our Expert Panel

Jerome Lordetis a New York City-based celebrity hairstylist and founder ofJerome Lordet Salon. Lordet has cut, colored, and styled the likes of Bianca Jagger, Jessica Simpson, and Sandra Bullock and practices a characteristically French style in his craft.Aviva Jansen Pereais a Hollywood-based celebrity hairstylist as well as the CEO and founder ofDay Rate Beauty, a sustainable hairpin company. Perea’s celeb clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones, America Ferrera, Chelsea Handler, and more.Darrius Peaceis a natural hair expert and hairstylist with experience in the television and movie industry. He works with theHayah Beauty Style Networkto educate hairstylists and beauty lovers alike on the care and styling of natural curls and coils.Fabio Scaliais the artistic director and owner of Fabio Scalia Salons in New York. Born and raised in Italy, Scalia trained and worked in hair academies and salons across Europe before establishing his own salons in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Scalia is also an expert in hair growth and trichology and has come out with a line of luxury hair brushes specifically designed for all different hair types.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

The 14 Best Flat Irons, Tested and Reviewed

source: people.com