Blow-dry brush comparison table
Featured devices, compared:
More blow dry brushes I am currently testing:
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.
