The 10 Best Blow-Dryer Brushes for Easy-Breezy Styling

On top of its original hair-enhancing Coanda effect technology, some of the attachments have a few upgrades to point out as well. Now, both curling barrels feature a rotating cool tip to change the direction of airflow, so no more shuffling between left and right attachments. The Firm and Soft smoothing brushes were also tweaked to provide more airflow between bristles, creating a quicker and sleeker at-home blowout.

Tester feedback: "The first time I tried the Airwrap multi-styler, I was stunned. Not only did it give me the same effect as the original, but it did it in less than half the time," says Allure market editor Angela Trakoshis. “How? This is all thanks to the new technology in the brushes (the airflow was so much stronger), and the fact I didn’t have to swap barrels was such a game-changer. To give you the entire play-by-play, here’s exactly how I styled my hair.”

• Best for: all hair types and textures
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Wattage: 1300W
• Noise level: 77.8 dB
• Attachments: 6 (1.2-inch barrel, 1.6-inch barrel, round volumizing brush, soft smoothing brush, firm smoothing brush, coanda smoothing styler, filter cleaning brush)

Best Blow-Dryer Brush for Curly Hair: Shark Beauty SpeedStyle Hair Dryer

Why it's worth it: If you're willing to drop some dough on a high-quality styling tool but not quite ready for Dyson-level dough, give Shark's Beauty SpeedStyle Hair Dryer a whirl. We know it's technically a classic hairdryer, but what sets it apart from others is its innovative attachments—one being a frizz-defying Quicksmooth Brush, which instantly turns it into a blowdryer brush. Its lightweight stature is notable, too: This high-speed hair dryer weighs less than two pounds, making it one of the wrist-friendly styling tools on the market.

Tester feedback: "My beauty routine was forever changed when I started using the Shark Speed Style. Prior to discovering the part-blow-dryer, part-blow-dry brush, I was a hair straightener faithful. (Despite years of self-styling, I could never figure out how to create the perfect tension in my own hair when using a standard blow-dryer!)," says Allure shopping director Shanna Shpin. "The key is that the Shark has a large, fanned brush with boar bristles to simultaneously grab the hair and smooth it out, creating that amazing heat-and-tension combo that my hair really responds to. What's even better is that the head swivels so you can get close to the roots without needing to moonlight as Gumby. What you get is a natural-looking, bouncy blowout in 30 minutes—every time. I can't live without it!"

• Best for: people with curly, coily, wavy, or textured hair
• Weight: 1.69 pounds
• Wattage: 1300W
• Noise level: 85 dB (on highest setting)
• Attachments: 3 (RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator)

Best Blow-Dryer Brush for Bounciness: Drybar The Double Shot

Why it's worth it: The Drybar The Double Shot packs everything we love about visiting a Drybar salon into a handy yellow hot tool. The Double Shot blow dryer brush uses ionic technology to reduce frizz and a combination of nylon and tufted bristles for a thoughtful balance of tension and control. The brush is lined with vents which assure good airflow, and leave your hair nice and bouncy. If you have very thick or very long hair, you can do a preliminary rough dry with a regular blow dryer to prep for The Double Shot.

Tester feedback: "If you want people to ask if you just got a professional blowout—that is, super smooth with loads of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the tool for you," says Allure content director Kara McGrath. "Since the barrel is larger than others, it gives tons of volume, but is still thin enough to create some curls as well (and to really get into the cowlick that curses my bangs)."

• Best for: everyone
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Wattage: 1100W
• Noise level: 80.8 dB
• Attachments: none

Best Straightening Blow-Dryer Brush: Amika Double Agent

Why it's worth it: The Amika Double Agent is a blow-dry brush that dries and straightens hair—which is to say, if polished strands are your thing, you'll never have to use another hair tool again. This all-in-one brush replaces most of your heated tools with its innovative blow-dryer-straightener format and paddle brush design. This brush features the works: heated ceramic bristles in its core for smoothing hair, a negative ion generator to lock in moisture and create sleeker-looking results, and flexible outer comb teeth that glide through knots and tangles without breaking your delicate strands.

Tester feedback: "When I need speedy, under-10-minute styling, this is my secret weapon," says Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. "Its drying time is seriously impressive on my thick, absorbent strands that usually take 30 or more minutes to style with conventional blow-dryers and straighteners."

• Best For: all hair types and textures, especially frizzy hair
• Weight: 2.36 pounds
• Wattage: 700 Watts
• Noise level: no noise (smoothing setting), low noise (highest blowdrying setting)
• Attachments: none

More blow-dryer brushes to shop:

Best Under-$100 Blow-Dryer Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

• Why it's worth it: If you haven't already seen one of the many Allure editors and TikTokers raving about the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, you have some serious catching up to do. This baby has four temperature settings that'll get you your desired look, no matter the texture. This brush's innovative, groundbreaking design (which has inspired many copycats) is so good that we gave it a 2022 Best of Beauty Award. This under-$100 tool gets bonus points for having a slightly smaller brush head than the original (better for those with shorter hair or seeking extra volume) and a slimmer handle that's easier to grip.
• Tester feedback: Allure contributor Symphony Barnes reported that she ended her search for an easy-gliding experience once the One-Step 2.0 landed on her radar. She explains that she was able to "simply use the One-Step as I would a big heated straightening brush."
• The more you know: Barnes noted that this brush is pretty noisy, so it's not the best option for night showerers—especially if you don't live alone.
• Product highlights: 3 heat settings, no attachments, 2.4-inch barrel | Who it's for: medium to thick hair, all hair textures

Best Travel-Size Blow-Dryer Brush: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Compact Hot Air Brush

• Why it's worth it: Going somewhere you'll want to take a million photos with (hopefully) good-looking hair? Remember to pack the small yet mighty BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Compact Hot Air Brush. This mini blow-dryer brush deserves a spot in your hair-care routine for its combination of detangling bristles and a titanium barrel that evenly distributes heat for a glossy, smooth finish without damaging strands. The two-inch barrel can yield a straight blowout, but we also recommend it to create loose, beachy waves and curls.
• The more you know: Since this pick is compact, you should separate your hair into smaller sections while styling to create the sleekest, most even results.
• Product highlights: 3 heat settings, no attachments, 600 watts | Who it's for: All hair types and textures, especially short hair

Best Blow-Dryer Brush for Thin Hair: GHD Rise Hot Brush

• Why it's worth it: The 1.25-inch barrel on the GHD Rise is the perfect size for giving hair gorgeous volume and body. This blowout brush keeps the heat consistent at 365 degrees Fahrenheit, but its cooling tip will keep you from getting burned. It's designed for styling dry hair, so don't try using this on soaking wet strands. Senior beauty editor Paige Stables loves using it on her wavy, fine hair. "With the easy-to-use design, I'm able to achieve the same look I would get from round brushing every section of hair—in half of the time," she says. "Much like a really good blowout, the results last for days."
• The more you know: This ultra-slim brush is especially great for thin hair, but thicker hair types may want a sturdier option, like GHD's Glide.
• Product highlights: 1 heat setting, no attachments, 25-second preheat time | Who it's for: all hair types, especially thin or fine hair

Best Blow-Dryer Brush for Detangling: InfinitiPro by Conair The Knot Dr. Detangling Hot Air Brush

• Why it's worth it: As its name suggests, the InfinitiPro by Conair The Knot Dr. Detangling Hot Air Brush glides through tangles with total ease no matter how thick or curly your hair is. This styling device has two heat settings plus a separate cool setting button for an air-dry effect. The beauty of this device is its two interchangeable attachments: a tourmaline ceramic barrel for blowouts and a volumizing pick to comb through curly, thick hair.
• The more you know: The heat settings on this brush are meant to style without frying your strands, which is why they can seem too low for some. To create the sleekest, frizz-free look, try dividing your hair into smaller sections before styling.
• Product highlights: 2 heat settings, 2 attachments, 1,000 watts | Who it's for: all hair types and textures

Best Interchangeable Blow-Dryer Brush : T3 Airebrush Duo

• Why it's worth it: Endless blowouts and super straight hair are just one hair tool away, thanks to T3's Airebrush Duo. This Allure Best of Beauty winner gives you options thanks to the interchangeable barrel and paddle brush styling attachments. Each attachment is made with a ceramic base and a mix of nylon bristles and firm pins for a smooth, shiny, and knot-free finish. If this brush's interchangeable attachments don't entice you, 15 heat and speed combinations for a truly customized approach to drying and styling your hair definitely will.
• The more you know: Like most blow-drying brushes, the Airebrush's interchangeable heads work best on slightly damp—not soaking wet—hair. For the best results, "Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair," stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew previously told Allure.
• Product highlights: 5 heat settings, 3 fan speed settings, 2 attachments, 900 watts | Who it's for: all hair types, especially fine hair

Best Blow-Dryer Brush for Second-Day Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer

• Why it's worth it: What makes the Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer so good? Is it the sleek design, or the two types of bristles that detangle and smooth hair? After lots of pacing, we're here to tell you it's both. The 2020 Best of Beauty winner has three temperature settings to make blowing out your hair so much easier, even if you have tighter curls or kinks.
• The more you know: This brush features charcoal-infused bristles, which are said to absorb oil from strands to give you a perfect second-day blowout, but don't rely on this alone to degrease unwashed hair—you'll need a dry shampoo to help with that.
• Product highlights: 3 heat settings, 3 fan speed settings, no attachments | Who it's for: all hair types and textures

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with the fanciest hot tool, the key to a glorious blowout starts with prep, prep, and more prep. Always start on clean, detangled, and damp hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. Sturdivant-Drew tells Allure readers, "Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair."

Volume is even easier to achieve, especially for straight or wavy textures. "Twist the dryer as you go in a circular motion to add volume if that's what you are looking for," says Sturdivant-Drew. If your hair is on the curly or coily side and you're going for a sleek look, you can follow up with a flatiron or brush it out with the heat off. "If you want it straight, you should use the blow-dryer brush and, right under it, use another brush to smooth those kinky strands all the way out," she explains.

To minimize the risk of heat damage, opt for a blow-dryer brush that features several temperature settings, so you can better moderate the amount of heat your hair is undergoing. Not all hair types call for the same heat level, so if you're getting acquainted with a new blow-dryer brush, pay attention to how your hair reacts to different temperature settings as you become more familiar with the tool.

Another tried and true defense mechanism is to prep your blowout with a heat protectant. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells Allure, "If you're using heat styler or any heat products directly on hair, using a heat protectant, usually made with meadowfoam seed oil, light polymers, or even silicone, can help to minimize damage as they can form a coating on hair." But, the best way to fend off heat damage? Try not to overuse heat on your hair—plain and simple.

Choosing a new hair tool is a matter of personal preference, but shoppers and professional hairstylists alike vouch for the ease of use of blow-dryer brushes. "I predict that soon, all consumers will be using blow dry brushes when styling their manes," Hairstylist Devin Toth tells Allure. "Drying your hair with two hands (a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other) could become a thing of the past. Less effort and more efficiency will always be the trend," he adds. Additionally, if you have pain or limited mobility in your hands or arms, a blow-dryer brush is an excellent alternative to a traditional blow-dryer.

Blow-dryer brushes come in a range of designs, so depending on the type of barrel, bristles, or shape of your tool, cleaning techniques may vary. "Every brand has different features, but if yours has a filter, remove the dust from it every week," says Toth. "If you are interested in removing hair from the bristles, use either a comb or a boar bristle brush cleaner—a brush used to clean other brushes," he suggests.

If you want to remove product buildup from the bristles of your blow dryer brush, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. Cherin Choi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, previously told Allure that if product buildup won't budge, she uses a small amount of rubbing alcohol to tackle residue from hairsprays, pomades, and the like.

Remember that cleaning your hot tool regularly is critical to peak performance. "[The product/hair buildup] can prevent your tools from working at full capacity," Atlanta-based hairstylist Tukia Allen told Allure. Brian O'Connor, a Nashville-based hairstylist, agreed with Allen, adding that a hot tool with buildup can lead to the "uneven heating of the hair."

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls— right?

For our review of the best blow-dryer brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and stylists—each of whom have different hair types, experiences with blow-drying, and desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, versatility, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Read more about our favorite hair tools and accessories:

• 12 Best Hair Straighteners in 2024, Reviewed by Allure Editors
• 8 Best Heatless Curlers for Divinely Damage-Free Ringlets
• 6 Best Flower Scrunchies to Make Any Updo Bloom
• 14 Best Curling Irons and Wands to Achieve Photo-Ready Hair

Now, here's a step-by-step look at Brooke Shields's quick and effortless hairstyling routine:

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