If I had to choose the skill I'm most proud of, it would be blow-drying my own hair. For context, my hair is not the kind where I can point a blow-dryer at it and it'll come out looking perfect. My post-shower routine is an hour-long journey of painstakingly sectioning my hair, wielding a blow dryer in one hand and a round brush (opens in new tab) in the other, and praying that I make it out alive. So while I'm proud of this achievement, it comes at a cost. Namely, my precious time and the muscles in my arms that hate me. Luckily for me, there is a solution: Blow dryer brushes.
What's the difference between blow dryer brushes and traditional blow dryers?
Shaped like a round brush (or even a paddle brush), blow dryer brushes, also known as hot brushes, project hot air to help in the drying process while styling the hair. You just need one tool and one hand to achieve bouncy, voluminous hair—in less time than a normal blow-dry would take.
How do you use a blow dryer brush?
As with any heat styling tool, start by adding a touch of heat protectant to the ends of your hair to keep it safe. For a '90s-era blowout, start by taking small sections at the root and blow drying them upwards for volume. If you want a softly curled look, rotate the brush as you go down the lengths of your hair and hold the blow dryer brush at the end of your hair for a few seconds. Some options on this list even rotate on their own, so you won't need to worry about turning the brush.
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
You might have heard that the now-iconic Revlon blow dryer brush got a bit of an upgrade. This new version offers a smoother glide through the hair, a brand-new oval-shaped head, and advanced heat settings to stop you hair from getting too hot during the styling process.
Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush
The Double Shot from Drybar is the bigger version of the brand's Single Shot dryer brush, so prepare for softer, less defined curls and more bounce.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hot Air Brush
Now you don't have to fuss about how to rotate your wrists while you attempt to give yourself an at-home blowout. The brush on this blow dryer from BaByliss spins on its own, so you won't have to move a muscle.
Hot Tools 24K Gold Charcoal Infused One-Step Blowout
Gold is a great conductor of heat, so expect this blow dryer brush to warm up in moments. This brush even comes with charcoal-infused bristles, so it's great for second-day hair.
FLOWER Beauty Ionic 1" Volumizing Styling Hot Brush
If you want a blowout that includes proper curls, you'll be better off using one that has a thinner barrel like this one from FLOWER Beauty.
L'ange Hair Le Volume 2-in-1 Volumizing Brush Dryer
If you're dying to achieve bombshell-level volume from the comfort of your own home, the L'Ange brush hair dryer has you covered. With three heat settings, including cold air, this brush cuts down styling time and leaves you with enough bounce to make a Victoria Secret angel jealous.
T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush
This fancy-looking white blow dryer brush from T3 comes with two different heads for two different styling opportunities. The round brush delivers bounce, while the flat brush gives you a smooth, finished look.
ghd Rise Volumizing Hot Brush
This brush is making the rounds on TikTok as the perfect short-hair blow dryer brush option. Use it at the root to touch up a previous blowout or to add a boost of volume to freshly-washed hair.
dyson Airwrap™ Styler
For the hair tool connoisseur, there is no product as illustrious as the Dyson Airwrap Styler. Although it's on the pricier end of the spectrum, it comes with every attachment needed to give yourself a blow-out with no hiccups or skill needed. If you've been waiting for the right moment to take the jump, consider this a sign.
REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush
With over 100,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this hair dryer brush has earned its spot as one of the most beloved tools for creating easy, voluminous waves. Its unique oval shape allows for those with super thick hair to dry easily without the hassle of maneuvering multiple tools.
Conair Double Ceramic Medium Oval Dryer Brush
If you have shorter hair and you still want a voluminous and bouncy blowout, try this oval-shaped brush from Conair. The shorter barrel means that even your topmost layers will get hit with a blast of hot air.
Bed Head Blow Out Freak One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
This brush from Bed Head has a specialized oval design for maximum volume. It also comes with a mixed array of bristles to help you achieve high-volume.
REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler
Forget the rounded brushes for a moment have you tried this flat blow dry brush from Revlon? The flexible bristles won't snag on your hair as it passes through to guarantee a super smooth finish.
Sultra After Hours Collection Thermlite Dryer Brush in Black
Did you make the decision to get curtain bangs this year, after watching one too many TikToks? We've all been there. Anyone with bangs or short hair can benefit from using this slim styler to give volume back to cropped locks. Who says long hair is a prerequisite for sexy volume?
John Frieda Salon Shape 1.5 Inch Hot Air Brush
For anyone who hears "blow dryer" and immediately thinks "frizz," this tool will eliminate those fears and flyaways. With ionic technology, this brush creates smooth and shiny looks without causing damage or excess frizz. Hello, holy grail!
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush
If you're looking for a one-size-fits-all tool for achieving every look in your Instagram saved folder, the CHI Blowout Brush has you covered. With attachments like the paddle brush, oval brush, nozzle concentrator, and diffuser, ever hairstyle imaginable is at your fingertips.
-
Emma Roberts Is “Going Rogue” With This Summer Beauty Look“There’s something kind of sexy about it.”
-
Laverne Cox on Being the First Trans Person to Get a Barbie in Her Image: "An Incredible Honor"
The award-winning actress speaks to Marie Claire about the impact she hopes her Barbie will have on trans and gender-nonconforming people everywhere.
-
Amal Clooney Stunned in a Red Floral Gown at The Prince's Trust Awards
Nobody does red-carpet glam quite like the superstar human rights lawyer.
-
The 32 Best Summer Perfumes to Spritz Anytime and Anywhere
Scents to bask in.
-
50 Layered Haircuts and Hairstyles for Every Face Shape
Low-maintenance, high style.
-
Experts Explain How to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Painful
It all starts with preparation.
-
The 26 Best Sunscreens Ever for Your Face and Body
Formulas to stock up on, stat.
-
The 10 Best Supplements for Skin to Add to Your Daily Routine
From glow-boosting gummies to acne-fighting pills.
-
50 Pixie Cuts for Every Hair Type and Texture
Go short or go home.
-
The 18 Best Mascaras, According to Marie Claire Editors
"It feels like I've been searching for the perfect mascara since birth, but I think I've finally landed on a keeper..."
-
The 50 Best Hairstyles for Thin, Fine Hair That Never Fall Flat
Fake-it-'til-you-make-it volume.
