The best hair dryer brushes for the perfect at-home blow-dry

When it comes to styling, the best hair dryer brushes marry the qualities of a round brush with a hair dryer in one streamlined tool. This versatile gadget works with all hair types to secure a silky-smooth and frizz-free blowout, without spending time and money on an actual salon visit.

Today's best hair dryer brushes deliver tailored results for specific hair types and incorporate unique features and buzzy technology, from bristle type and heat settings to barrel design and grip. So, much like scouting out the best hair dryer, finding the right hot air brush takes some research and thoughtful consideration—but once you do, it could well change your styling regime forever.

 "Hot brushes are great for people who struggle to blow dry their hair themselves," explains Syd Hayes, session hair stylist and BaByliss ambassador "They are also a quick and easy way to add body and volume to the hair. They are a great hybrid to dry and style at the same time – time-saving at its best. The large, [sometimes] rotating ceramic brush and polishing bristles rival a hair stylist’s professional blow-drying technique, creating a salon-worthy finish."

As with our other hair tool guides, from the best diffusers for curly hair to the best ghd hair straighteners, the below models have been rigorously tested to help you find your dream device. We've tested dozens of tools and assessed them for their features and technology, ease of use, design elements (such as construction), and how each styling tool works for specific hair types. There'll be some you've probably already heard of, like the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Dyson Airwrap, but also some lesser-known gems you may not have come across until now. 

How we tested the best hair dryer brushes

In order to make sure that our edit of the best hair dryer brushes is truly the best, our testers—who have a variety of different hair types—washed and blow-dried their hair using each tool to assess and compare how well it styled hair. Between them our testers have decades of beauty industry experience, so you know you can trust their expert opinions when it comes to hair tools. During the testing process, they took note of the following factors:

• Price
• Number of heat settings
• Number of speed settings 
• Number of attachments, if any
• Inclusion of a cool shot function
• Bristle types and lengths
• Any additional technology, e.g. smoothing
• Cable length 
• Color options 

The best hair dryer brushes, chosen by our beauty team

With more than 300,000 reviews on Amazon (yes, you read that correctly!), this is a top performer and one of the most famous tools in its category, gliding effortlessly through even the thickest hair textures. Because of its design, this brush can be placed close to the scalp and underneath sections of hair, achieving the much-coveted bounce and volume that you'd normally get from a salon blowout, or by fiddling with a hair dryer and ceramic brush.

The dryer has an oval shape, which combines the perks of a hair-straightening paddle brush with those of a round brush. The flatter side of the brush can act as a straightening paddle for sleekness, working to eliminate the need for flat iron touch-ups later, while the rounded edges function like a round brush to lift and add body. Though bulky and wide, the brush is quite intuitive and lightweight to hold, so all around it gives you greater control over styling. 

That being said, it does heat up quickly and intensely, so over time, this may cause heat damage - something to note if you want to know how to blow dry smooth or how to straighten hair without heat. That's why we recommend applying heat protection for hair before styling with this hot brush, in the same way that you normally would when using your best hair straighteners.

Read our full Revlon hair dryer brush review for an in-depth analysis of the One-Step Volumizer

Arguably the most famous hair styler on the market, the Dyson Airwrap Complete Hair Styling Set is a master of pretty much all trades. Probably the most famous styling tool on our list of best hair dryer brushes (hence the prevalence of Dyson Airwrap dupes on the market), this system leverages technology called the Coanda effect (more on that shortly) and a proprietary digital motor. Together, these work to curl, wave, smooth, and dry locks, without applying extreme heat. This system comes with one-click, agile attachments, which can be quickly adjusted and changed while styling, covering every hairstyle from a bouncy blow dry to loose waves and tighter curls. It takes a little getting used to, but our step-by-step guide to how to use the Dyson Airwrap is loaded with tips to help you.

Without getting overly technical, the Coanda effect is a physical phenomenon that engineers have harnessed for the Dyson Airwrap. It is used to "attract" hair and curl it around the barrel of the brush to be styled with air. In other words, you don't have to manually wrap a section of your hair around the barrel – the Airwap system assumes this tedious task itself. Though it's a costly piece of kit, we'd argue that if you have the funds and want a versatile tool that won't damage your hair, the investment is worth every penny. It's one of the best hair dryer brushes we tried for a professional blow dry without having to spend hours laboring over the task and is particularly useful if you're sporting a long hairstyle.

Check out our full Dyson Airwrap review to read more about this pricey tool

The DryBar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush revives "unmanageable" hair, creating a shiny blowout in a fraction of the time it would take using a typical hair dryer and brush combo. Though suitable for all hair types, this option is one of the best hair dryer brushes for those with damaged locks – its wide and lightweight construction offers exact control over styling (in other words, you're less likely to overexpose fragile strands to heat). 

Plus, variable temperature control means you can apply a certain amount of heat, based entirely on your hair texture. From its gentle curved edges to its defined bristles, this dryer is thoughtfully designed to build body and fullness from every angle – even for harder-to-reach coils – without excessive heat. 

The thicker barrel means this model was great for creating volumized looks and glassy straight styles, rather than beach hair waves. It's a powerful tool, that can transform towel-dried hair to a glossy, volumized blow dry in just 15 minutes. Our tip is to turn your head upside down and curl the hair upwards, holding the heated brush for a few seconds when you reach the root for a polished look in moments. We were particularly impressed with how glossy and shiny our hair looked after using this tool.

Read our full Drybar Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush review for more insight into this sunny yellow tool.

This is a blow dryer brush that gives you options. There's a rounded brush head for creating curved and bouncy styles and added volume, as well as a flatter paddle brush head that's purely a smooth operator.

But really where this tool sets itself apart from the masses are the plentiful heat and speed settings – there are five temperatures and a cool shot to choose from, which is far more precise than your usual two or three, as well as three different speed settings. This makes it very customizable for different hair types, which we love to see. Not only that, but both ceramic and ion technology have also been incorporated into this impressive dryer brush, meaning that frizz is countered and shine boosted to contribute to salon-like results. For those with fine hair, there's also a volume booster shot as seen on some of T3's hair dryers, which gives hair brilliant added lift.

If we are being super picky in the interest of balance, for those who like a bigger brush head to get lots of volume the 64mm rounded brush head might not be large enough, so it might have been nice to have a larger option available – even if it has to be purchased separately. But it's not something we're particularly hung up on; you can create so much volume while retaining a smooth finish that the AireBrush has earned itself a place in our hearts. 

Read our full T3 AireBrush Duo review for a detailed analysis of this blow dryer brush

As the 2.0 in its name suggests, this is a newer and improved version of Amika's original fan-favorite Blow Dryer brush for even smoother and shinier results. With a tourmaline-coated barrel and ion technology, it's been engineered to reduce frizz and boost shine, while multiple-length bristles keep hold of every hair in your chosen section to smooth it all out into your desired blow-dried finish.

Firstly, the almost entirely black color scheme is a hit with those who prefer their styling tools not to have a loud design. More uniquely it weighs a tiny 0.85lb/380g, so it is very lightweight and there's pretty much zero risk of getting arm ache during your styling session. There are brushes that have more functions and settings, but if your max budget is $100/£100 and you aren't fussed about having lots of attachments to play with, our testers loved the sleek and bouncy results that can be achieved with this easy tool. 

Read our contributing beauty editor's Amika 2.0 Blow Dryer Brush review for a detailed analysis of this hot brush.

This blow dryer brush is, quite frankly, massive. Not in terms of its overall size or weight, but because the brush head makes it a bumper blow drying tool. Measuring at 75mm, or just shy of 3", it's by far and away one of the biggest options that money can buy. Not everybody will want a blow dry brush this large, of course, but for those who think that bigger is better when it comes to their blow dry, this ticks that box and then some. 

With a pleasing monochromatic color scheme it's quite standard in terms of design and the technology involved, though we were glad to see there's ionic technology to help prevent excess frizz and contribute to a nice, smooth finish. But at less than $70 its price-tag is very reasonable, and it's therefore a good choice for those who don't have a triple digit budget to play with when shopping for the best hair dryer brushes. 

A labor-saving tool, the Aima 4-in-1 dryer brush is meticulously made, right down to the smallest of details. This versatile dryer consolidates the functions of multiple stylers in one piece of kit, namely a dryer, comb, hair curler, and hair straightener. Fueled by ionic technology, it nourishes hair and flattens frizz, to produce enviable results, namely silky-smooth locks. 

The design also features a handle with diamond-shaped detailing for intuitive grip, as well as an anti-scalding top, which can be used to maneuver and angle the brush as you style. In addition, it features the same coating present in ceramic hair straighteners as a preventative measure against long-term heat damage. With three heat settings to choose from, you can turn the heat up or down based on your hair type and preferences. 

We loved how healthy our hair felt after using this for a DIY blow dry and its larger barrel shape meant creating volume for a bouncy finish was easy. One thing to bear in mind is that this model gets hot while you're using it, so you may want to wear protective gloves. 

When it comes to taming frizz or smoothly blow drying coils and waves, the Bed Head hair dryer brush leverages tourmaline and ceramic to impart a sleek, glossy finish. Its mixed bristles penetrate each strand from root to tip, equipping users with exacting control and precision, especially for those with curly hair. 

Shoppers rave about this brushes ability to dry thick, coarse-wavy hair in a jiffy, as well as its capability to make hair visibly smoother, softer, and shinier than a flat iron. That said, if you're a die-hard hair straightener fan looking for a fast, poker-straight finish, it's likely you'll still want to make a beeline for the best straighteners for curly hair on the market.  

This is one of the lighter models on our list, which is a useful feature when attempting a more time-consuming style. Having said that, this is one of the models with a speedier drying time, both of which make this a great choice for when you're short on time and want glossy locks in a hurry. 

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush harnesses a clever rotating barrel, which can adapt to your drying position, angle, and targeted hair section. It also has a bi-directional function, which means you can make it rotate clockwise or not, depending on what you need. However, it can take a while to get the hang of the technique; it's not the simplest tool on the list and some practice may be required.

Master this clever tool, however, and the results are brilliant. As well as creating soft flicks it also works to volumize and add shine to hair with ceramic heat as you dry. The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush also features unusually soft bristles, which gently glide through strands without hassle or tugging, making it a great choice for those who favor soft wavy hairstyles. All in all, the verdict is clear: it's a godsend for fragile, thinning hair that's prone to breakage and needs some extra TLC. 

The Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold hair dryer brush is a solid-yet-lightweight option that quickly styles and dries the most unruly of strands. Designed to eliminate the need for a flat iron, this brush includes a 24K-gold styling surface, which evenly distributes heat and thereby delivers silky locks, consistently and in little time. 

The ergonomic design incorporates a rotating temperature control for quick adjustments as you style, while its wide oval-shaped brush straightens, volumizes, and smooths hair. As a solution against chronic frizz and static, the brush's direct Ion technology maintains a neutral charge on the hair's surface (if your hair's surface is positively charged it means individual strands will repel each other, thus creating flyaway, frizzy hair). Safe to say, it's the perfect staple for thick, difficult-to-manage tresses and a great option when it comes to how to style layered hair - with a bit of extra science thrown in for the smoothest results.

We love how reliable this hair styler is for its glossy finish and the lightweight handle makes styling sessions feel less laborious. Plus, it's one of the best hair dryer brushes for creating shine for a glossy finish. 

Read our full Hot Tools Hair Dryer Brush review for a detailed look at this tool.

The  John Frieda Hot Air Brush only slightly exceeds one inch in diameter and this narrow size makes it the best hair dryer brush for shorter 'dos, such as bob hairstyles and pixie cuts. It also offers versatile styling, with the option for multiple heat and cool settings, plus a swivel cord that moves with you to prevent kinking. The oval size and slim shape of this tool will allow those with short hair to easily wrap sections of hair around the brush and glide it through, without the bristles tugging on the scalp. 

We loved the simplicity of this hair tool - it's very difficult to go wrong and the results are reliable. We did find, however, that the tool was a little quick to switch off after overheating, but that was one of the only drawbacks. The bristles here are on the softer side, which results in a more relaxed look overall, making this a great blow dry tool for creating easy hairstyles and everyday use. 

This super-luxe hair dryer brush is designed to create beautiful styles, but also healthy-looking hair, with three heat settings for different hair types. The large paddle brush detangles the hair easily, while the iconic technology promises to combat frizz for a sleeker blow dry. We found that this hair dryer brush delivered, that swishy, freshly-cut feeling without having to actually book in for the fresh cut. After use, our hair felt glossy and healthier, with instant bounce. We found this hair dryer brush to be powerful too, as it dried the hair quickly. The cool setting was also useful when it came to setting styles in place.

This hair tool uses a moisture-balancing ionic system that combines positive and negative ions to help the hair stay healthy and hydrated. The soft bristles also create a sleeker finish and softer look overall, but this might not be the tool for you if you're looking for a more dramatic shape. This is perfect for those who want natural-looking, swishy hair without having to spend hours styling it. 

How to choose the best hair dryer brushes

There are several factors to consider when choosing between the best hair dryer brushes. Think about your hair’s texture, length, and overall health, and then consider the design of the brush to inform your choice. 

• Shape: A round or oval barrel will give you the best results for volume, while a straighter brush will work best with curly hair. The diameter is also an important consideration, as a wider barrel will give you more lift and works well with longer hair types, but if you're rocking a short hairstyle or medium haircut, then you'll need a smaller barrel. 
• Weight: Most hair dryer brushes are slimline and lightweight compared with typical dryers, which means they can also be used as the best travel hair dryers. The lighter your dryer, the easier it'll be to use for longer periods of time if you have longer, thicker hair, and will also be easier to transport. Look out for ceramic or titanium barrels, as they are better at taming frizz and smoothing tresses than their plastic counterparts. We also love tourmaline barrels and ionic technology, which are designed to help combat frizz. 
• Bristles: When it comes to bristles, long and widely-spaced bristles are ideal for styling long and thick hair, as they generally glide through coarse locks and penetrate dense strands more efficiently without applying too much heat. Brushes with short, fine bristles work better for shorter hairstyles.
• Settings: The best hair dryer brushes will feature a variety of heat and speed settings offering more control over your hair. If there's just a single-heat setting, those with fine hair should make sure it's a relatively low heat, while higher settings will better serve those with coarse, thick hair. 

Types of hair dryer brushes 

Today’s market offers a spectrum of hair dryer brushes, meaning there is something for everyone. To get the most out of your investment, keep your eye out for specific technologies, unique brush functions, and design elements, such as these: 

• Stationary hair drying brush: The brush is held in a fixed position in these designs, so you have to manually roll it to style your hair. While the manual labor sounds daunting, stationary brush dryers tend to not tangle hair - unlike their rotating cousins - which makes them better for beginners. 
• Standard rotating hair drying brush: Featuring a rotating, mobile brush head, these stylers add more volume and minimize some of the hassles associated with twisting or twirling hair as it's styled. If flexibility is your priority, you can also opt for a hair drying brush with a spinning head, which tends to 'catch' more hair than stationary options. 
• Dual-rotating hair drying brush: Includes two directional buttons, enabling the brush to spin either forward or backward. Whether you’re left or right-handed, or simply want to alternate the direction of your curls for a more natural, tousled look, this nimble feature is super convenient.
• Interchangeable brush head: Typically includes one dryer unit and additional brush attachments. These attachments are versatile, can accommodate different hair lengths, and create different styles. 
• 'Tangle-free' brush head: Features a button that enables the barrel to swivel and release jumbled hair sections or strands.

How to use a stationary hair dryer brush

1. Section the hair: Using a hair tie, clasp or clip, roughly section the hair into layers and brush though with a paddle brush or comb to ensure the hair is free from tangles and prepped for the heated brush.
2. Brush through: With the heated brush: Brush the hair through with a heated brush from the root to the tip, pausing at the end of the hair length to create shape.
3. Roll up to the root: Roll the brush up the hair until you reach the root and then hold there for a few seconds. You can then switch to a cool setting (if the brush has one) for extra hold.