Hot air brushes combine the airflow and heat of a hair dryer with the styling power of a round brush in one multitasking tool. The best blow dryer brushes are easy to wield and make the process of creating a salon-quality blowout practically effortless. I haven’t looked back since first using one a couple years ago. It dries my hair quickly and gives it a bouncy, smooth finish that’s hard to replicate using a brush and conventional blow dryer.
The best blow dryer brushes are easy to wield and make the process of creating a salon-quality ... [+] blowout practically effortless. 3 In 1 Hair Dryer Brush
Over the course of several weeks, I evaluated top contenders in the category, combing through their pros and cons and putting them through extensive testing. I found the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Oval Ionic Hot Air Brush to be the best overall for its lightweight design and the way it styled my awkward-length curtain bangs with little effort. The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling And Drying System is an excellent option for its attachments, and the similarly versatile Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long was my luxury pick. After countless hours of styling, I’ve determined that these are the best hair dryer brushes according to my rigorous tests.
Weight: 15.4 ounces | Brush: 2.5-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 3, including cool shot | Noise level: 72.7 decibels
My first impression of this blow dryer brush was how lightweight it was—important for this category. I prefer my styling tools to perform well while weighing as little as possible. My arm strength is minimal, and heavier tools can be difficult to hold up to my roots for longer periods of time.
The BaBylissPro blow dryer brush is very lightweight, which is important for this category.
Speaking of performance, this under-1-pound blow dryer brush is powerful and gets pretty hot. It fully dried my hair in about three passes and gave it a sleek finish with a bend at the ends, plus some volume at the roots thanks to a combo of a blast of heat followed by a 30-second cool shot. It didn’t bother me that the heat and speed settings weren’t customizable, like some others. The tool only has a low and high setting, which I primarily used and found to be effective and efficient, without being too loud either. The noise level averaged 72.7 decibels, which is categorized as the noise level of a normal conversation.
This tool fully dried my hair in about three passes and gave it a sleek finish with a bend at the ... [+] ends, plus some volume at the roots.
Price is also an important factor for most. And while this top pick isn’t the cheapest tool in the roundup, it’s still under $100.
Weight: 15.8 ounces | Brush: 4.25-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 3, including cool shot | Noise level: 83.1 decibels
Although I’m no snob when it comes to budget-friendly products, I like to manage expectations with drugstore hot tools; this one exceeded them. When I fired it up, the airflow seemed pretty weak, but the heat was certainly there. After a few passes, it dried my hair perfectly, and I was pleasantly surprised at how minimally it blew my hair around while styling. This made it easier to handle and ultimately led to fewer flyaways and less frizz.
After a few passes, the Revlon brush dried my hair perfectly, and I was pleasantly surprised at how ... [+] minimally it blew my hair around while styling.
The large 4.25-inch oval brush barrel is great for creating a voluminous blowout with a polished finish. Then you have the combination of boar and nylon bristles, which worked wonders for both detangling and gripping my hair. The firm grip resulted in a good amount of tension, which helped stretch and smooth every strand. One downside is the base of the brush is metal, which tends to get really hot, so I’d recommend working on the low setting unless you have thick, curly or coarse hair.
The combination of boar and nylon bristles works wonders for both detangling and gripping my hair.
Weight: 22 ounces | Brush: 2.5-inch oval, two 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers, paddle brush, concentrator | Speed options: 3 | Temperature options: 4, including cool shot | Noise level: 82.3 decibels
A lesson in not judging a book by its cover (or its price, which is lower than high-end alternative the Dyson Airwrap), the FlexStyle totally blew me away. The design makes it easy to completely customize the tool to your needs. It has a rotating arm that folds to convert the styler into a traditional blow dryer in a snap, and it also comes with five attachments. I used the styling and drying system for straight and wavy hair, but there’s also a set for curly and coily hair, which swaps the straightening paddle brush for a curl-defining diffuser. I like that all hair types are covered, and that only the necessary attachments are included.
It has a rotating arm that folds to convert the styler into a traditional blow dryer in a snap, and ... [+] it also comes with five attachments.
I used the oval brush to create a smooth blowout and was impressed at how well the mix of nylon and boar bristles gripped my hair. Even the smallest, thinnest sections felt secure between the bristles. But it was the super-powerful airflow that surprised me the most. I tested all four speed and heat settings, but I could’ve easily tackled my entire head efficiently at the lowest speed.
I tested all four speed and heat settings, but I could’ve easily tackled my entire head efficiently ... [+] at the lowest speed.
My biggest qualm with this tool is the length. It’s 16.5 inches long, which is over 7 inches longer than the smallest contender on this list. This bulkiness poses certain storing and packing issues, but on the bright side it didn’t feel difficult to handle when styling.
Weight: 14.7 ounces | Brush: Round volumizing brush, firm smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, 1.2-inch Airwrap long barrel, 1.6-inch Airwrap long barrel, Coanda smoothing dryer | Speed options: 3 | Temperature options: 3, including cool shot | Noise level: 78.6 decibels
When it comes to technology, quality and performance, the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long is the gold standard. It feels nice in the hand and is made of quality materials that give some weight to it while remaining one of the lightest dryers on the list. The first of its kind, it comes with six attachments, including a 1.6-inch round brush.
The Dyson Airwrap comes with six attachments, including a 1.6-inch round brush.
Significantly smaller than the brushes on the other contenders (most of which are oval-shaped), this one gives you a different look. Rather than sleek strands with a bend at the end, this tool creates bouncy, loose curls, and because it can get closer to the root, it gives a nice lift and volume. (However, Dyson just released a brand-new Airwrap for curly and coily hair that includes a diffuser, wide-tooth comb and a larger version of the original brush. This one gives you bigger, bouncier curls that look like they’ve been set in oversized rollers.) Admittedly, though, I don’t love the bristles; they’re thin and hard, almost sharp and don’t grip the hair very well. This makes the brush potentially harder for beginners to maneuver. But it’s a good option for those who prefer a synthetic, non-boar version.
Rather than creating sleek strands with a bend at the end, this tool gives you bouncy, loose curls, ... [+] and because it can get closer to the root, it adds lift and volume.
With three speed options and two temperature options plus a cool shot—not to mention the various attachments—the tool can be customized to suit your hair type and desired look. And if you’ve ever owned a Dyson hair product, you know the distinct sound it emits. It’s a product of the super-powerful airflow and comes in at 78.6 decibels on the noise meter (roughly the volume of the inside of a running car), which is perfect for anyone who can’t stand a loud dryer.
With three speed options and two temperature options plus a cool shot—not to mention the various ... [+] attachments—the tool can be customized to suit your hair type and desired look.
Weight: 16 ounces | Brush: 4.25-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 3 | Noise level: 75.6 decibels
Those with curly hair know the struggle of keeping their arms elevated for longer periods of time to dry, straighten and set their style. This tool has the most comfortable handle of all the contenders, and the soft matte finish feels like velvet in your hand. I have thick, long, wavy hair, and the Amika hair dryer brush dried it quickly and completely obliterated frizz. After using the low setting all the way through, it left my hair shiny and sleek, with a bend at the ends. I’d recommend using the highest one only if you have thick, curly or coarse hair. The base of the brush is metal, which naturally gets really hot, making it especially great for those with curls or coarse hair, since this gives it added straightening and smoothing power, much like the plates of a flat iron.
After using the low setting all the way through, it left my hair shiny and sleek, with a bend at the ... [+] ends.
The short bristles gripped my hair well, and the 9-foot swivel cord made for a comfortable styling experience. This blow dryer brush has only three temperature settings, so it lacks customization, but overall it is a really solid purchase for $100.
The short bristles gripped my hair well, and the 9-foot swivel cord made for a comfortable styling ... [+] experience.
Weight: 14.8 ounces | Brush: 2.4-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 3, including cool shot | Noise level: 80.8 decibels
Drybar revolutionized the industry with its styling salon model 13 years ago, and its blow dryer brush makes it almost as easy to re-create that shiny, bouncy blowout at home. The Double Shot dryer brush has a no-frills oval barrel and easy-to-navigate controls that make styling a breeze. The rotating dial at the bottom can be toggled between high, medium and cool settings—though the yellow-on-yellow embossed symbols can be difficult (and maybe even borderline impossible) to read if you are farsighted or need reading glasses.
The rotating dial at the bottom can be toggled between high, medium and cool settings—though the ... [+] yellow-on-yellow embossed symbols can be difficult to read.
The mix of boar and nylon bristles do a great job at holding thick hair taut, and the large barrel is the perfect shape for stretching and lengthening difficult-to-manage strands. If your hair tends to lean on the frizzy side, you’ll notice how shiny, smooth and manageable Drybar’s Double Shot leaves it.
The large barrel is the perfect shape for stretching and lengthening difficult-to-manage strands.
Weight: 16 ounces | Brush: 2-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 4, including cool shot | Noise level: 80.2 decibels
T3, the brand known for its sleek, bright-white hot tools, just released a new and improved version of their AireBrush Duo. While it doesn’t include interchangeable brush heads, it does offer proprietary EvenFlow Technology, which creates consistent airflow and ultimately minimizes damage on thin, vulnerable strands. “A ceramic barrel doesn’t get quite as hot to the touch, which is nice for finer or fragile hair,” says Nine Zero One senior stylist Jill Buck. And even though the mix of bristles created tension on my thick, wavy hair (which did a number for smoothing and softening), I never felt it pull or snag stray strands.
Even though the mix of bristles created tension on my thick, wavy hair, I never felt it pull or snag ... [+] stray strands.
The tool has a bit more weight than the others (nothing difficult to work with), but it also has a sturdy, luxurious feel that I love. I also appreciate the sleek look and innovative settings, which include a rotating base that not only makes for a more comfortable hold, but also eliminates the risk of bumping and moving any heat or speed toggles.
I appreciate the sleek look and innovative settings, which include a rotating base that makes for a ... [+] more comfortable hold.
Weight: 9.3 ounces | Brush: 2-inch oval | Speed options: 2 | Temperature options: 3, including cool shot | Noise level: 79.7 decibels
BaBylissPro is beloved for its quality products, and this blow dryer brush doesn’t disappoint. Don’t let the small proportions fool you; this mini tool packs almost as much of a punch as my best overall pick, the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Oval Ionic Hot Air Brush. However, this option is 30% smaller, which makes it especially great for packing, whether under my bathroom sink or in a suitcase. The original is 14 inches long, while the compact version measures 10 inches long.
This mini BaBylissPro tool packs almost as much of a punch as the regular sized version. However, ... [+] this option is 30% smaller, which makes it especially great for packing.
Aside from length, the barrel is also a half inch smaller, which makes it give more of a bouncy, soft curl than a classic voluminous blowout. Although it’s not quite as powerful as the full-size version, it thoroughly dried my hair quickly, while feeling featherlight in hand. It weighs only about half a pound (making it a little more than half the weight of the Shark), which won’t give your arm a cramp after using it. I enjoyed this model so much, I’m dying to take it on a trip, although it’s worth noting that it is not dual-voltage, in case you’re traveling internationally.
Although it’s not quite as powerful as the full-size version, it thoroughly dried my hair quickly, ... [+] while feeling featherlight in hand.
On the surface, many blow dryer brushes look similar. They all have vents on a round barrel, and most have a combination of nylon and boar bristles. Although there are obvious details that anyone would consider before purchasing, like price point, I also took into account performance, noise level, temperature range, materials and weight. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my evaluation process.
Performance: I considered how quickly and effectively each tool dried and styled my hair, noting airflow, speed and temperature settings. To keep testing fair, I took the same steps in prepping my hair beforehand. I always started with freshly washed and conditioned hair, then spritzed a heat protectant throughout, using it as a detangler to remove all the knots and excess water before using each tool.
Ease of use: To gauge this, I monitored factors such as cord length and whether it swiveled, button placement, size and weight. It was important for me to be able to use and easily maneuver each tool without resulting in sore arm muscles. In my experience, the longer the cord, the better. And because you’ll be twisting and rolling the barrel up and down the lengths of your hair, a rotating cord—which all of the winners have—is non negotiable.
Noise level: I used the Decibel X app to record each tool’s sound waves in decibels. The higher decibels, the higher frequency sound. For example, the sound of rustling leaves is about 30 decibels, and the loudest dryer (by Revlon) averaged 83.1 decibels, which the app describes as the level of loud singing. I recorded each blow dryer brush in the same room (which included a rug to cut echoes) and placed each 14 inches away from the microphone.
When shopping for a blow dryer brush, details like air temperature and speed settings play an important role in the long-term health of your hair and the look and feel of your style. Here’s what else to consider.
Blow dryer brushes usually have a high and low heat option (plus a cool shot), with more advanced models also offering a medium heat level. “Coarser textures will generally need a higher heat setting, while finer hair will need a lower heat setting,” says Buck. If you have curly hair, she recommends treading lightly and going with a lower heat setting, since the hair can be more fragile.
Blow dryer brushes tend to have two or three speed options. If you’re trying to figure out which one to use, “keep the airflow at a manageable speed because the faster it moves, the harder it is to control the hair,” says Buck. This is especially important for those struggling with frizz or flyaways. However, those with thicker hair can often handle higher speeds.
The bristles on a blow dryer brush play just as big of a role in the final look and feel of your hair as the temperature and airflow settings. Nylon and boar are among the most popular on the market and the versions featured on the contenders I tested. “A boar bristle creates shine and manages frizz best, as it picks up the hair and becomes warmer than nylon,” says Buck. She adds that nylon bristles help smooth the hair but are less powerful than boar.
I’ve been reporting on beauty for almost a decade now as a contributor for top beauty outlets including Allure, Women’s Health, Brides, Byrdie, Well+Good and more. Aside from researching beauty trends and connecting with top hair experts and stylists, it’s my job to test the latest tools and innovations on the market. I love a good blowout because it gives me a polished look for days afterward. I usually wear it down for 2 days (maybe 3 when using dry shampoo) and can even extend it to a fourth and fifth day when putting it up into a sleek updo. I’ve never been the type to frequent blow dry bars, and I find that juggling a brush in one hand and a bulky dryer in the other can be exhausting. Luckily, since first discovering the efficient blow dryer brush, and even more so after testing countless models over the past few weeks, I’ve learned everything there is to know about these all-in-one stylers.
For my evaluation of the best blow dryer brushes on the market, I tapped Jill Buck, senior hairstylist at Los Angeles salon Nine Zero One, who provided insight on this hair tool category and how to use one like a pro. Buck has worked with famous names like Nina Dobrev, Jessica Simpson, Selena Gomez and more.
I am the editor of three Forbes investment newsletters: Forbes Dividend Investor, Forbes Billionaire Investor and covered call writing advisory service, Forbes Premium Income Report. Prior to joining Forbes in 2001, I was a producer and reporter at CNN Financial News, focusing on stories about entrepreneurship. I've also worked as a field producer for Bloomberg TV in New York, and as a reporter/researcher at Inc. Magazine in Boston. Born in Tampa and raised across the bay, I graduated n 1990 from the University of Florida with a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance.
Babyliss Hair Clipper Pro I am the editor of three Forbes investment newsletters: Forbes Dividend Investor, Forbes Billionaire Investor and covered call writing advisory service, Forbes Premium Income Report. Prior to joining Forbes in 2001, I was a producer and reporter at CNN Financial News, focusing on stories about entrepreneurship. I've also worked as a field producer for Bloomberg TV in New York, and as a reporter/researcher at Inc. Magazine in Boston. Born in Tampa and raised across the bay, I graduated n 1990 from the University of Florida with a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance.