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What’s the one tool most of our editors can’t go without? The best blow-dryer brushes, of course. These innovative tools help you achieve an envy-inducing blowout in the comfort of your home. Bonus? They spare some of the strain on your biceps. Though these tools shouldn’t replace your blow-dryer entirely (unless you want the frizziest blowout of your lifetime), we know all too well that blow-drying your hair can feel like an arm workout from hell. These tools give your muscles a much-deserved break after your rough dry because—and we can’t stress this enough—they shouldn’t be used on sopping-wet hair. Even if you've gotten used to—or resigned yourself to—maneuvering your blow-dryer and round brush simultaneously, trust us when we say blow-dryer brushes make styling more controlled, easier, faster, and smoother.
Our Top Blow-Dryer Brushes
- Best Overall: GHD Duet Blowdry, $429
- Best for Curly Hair: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush, $130
- Best Volumizing: Drybar The Double Shot, $155
- Best Interchangeable: T3 Airebrush Duo, $190
- Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, $70
- Best for Frizz: BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush, $125
The concept of a hair dryer brush is simple yet magical: The handy, two-in-one tool combines the detangling ability of a brush with the power of heat, allowing you to style, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. “Blow-dry brushes work for most hair types—fine, wavy, straight, medium, and even very thick hair if the sections are small enough,” says Reagan Baker, a stylist based in New York City, adding that they’re the closest you can get to a professional blowout without needing expert technique. Interest piqued? Keep reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get the most out of a blow-dryer brush?
- How do I minimize heat damage from a blow-dryer brush?
- Are blow-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional blow-dryers?
- How do I clean my blow-dryer brush?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Firework content
Best Overall: GHD Duet Blowdry
GHD
Duet Blowdry
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Why it's worth it: Even with a blow-dryer brush that cuts your routine in half, there’s nothing more frustrating than a perfect blowout that deflates the minute you step outside. The GHD Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush keeps your blowout bouncy for up to 24 hours and offers 50% more humidity resistance—so even muggy weather won’t ruin your look. “It’s truly effortless and delivers a polished, salon-quality finish in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship and quality are unmatched,” says Linda Gattineri, a colorist based in Del Mar, California.
Its proprietary Heat-Air Xchange Technology channels controlled heat and airflow for faster drying, frizz control, and pumped-up shine. And for damage-conscious stylers, GHD’s clinicals report “no thermal hair damage detected after 100 cycles of four passes on thoroughly towel-dried hair.” Translation: This tool checks every box for a long-lasting, damage-free blowout.
Lee before using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Lee after using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“My strands usually get wild when I air-dry, but the before photo (at about 80% dry, as ghd instructs) shows the difference—rolling each section down with its smooth tension makes styling easy without tugging. It’s a little heavier than some tools I’ve tested (close to 3 pounds), but because it dries hair so quickly, you’ll barely notice the weight. I never knew my hair could possibly be this frizz-free and shiny.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
- Wattage: Approx 260W
- Noise level: moderate
- Attachments: none
Best for Curly Hair: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shark
Glossi Blowout Brush
Shark
Ulta Beauty
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: If you have curly or coily hair and want a blow-dry brush that protects your texture instead of fighting it, the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush has a teardrop-shaped barrel that hugs close to the roots and gently smooths hair from end to end. Combining a round brush, ceramic hot tool, and air styler in one, it works on wet or dry strands to deliver a bouncy, sleek blowout. Its snag-free design glides through textured hair for quick drying, defined volume, and long-lasting shine. The brand’s Gloss Lock Technology locks in up to 24 hours of frizz-resistant smoothness, while Smart Heat Sense Technology monitors temperature 1,000 times per second to stay below 302°F—the sweet spot in protecting delicate curls prone to breakage.
Shipin before using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin
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“My fastest routine hack ever? Using this Shark Glossi brush. This gets me and my curly hair out of the shower and through the front door in 20 minutes, flat. The handle is smaller than the average blow-dryer brush that I've used, making it easier and more comfortable to maneuver around my head (especially important if you're in a rush to begin with), and it can be used on dry or wet hair. I love how straightforward the product is, but be patient with the motions: you'll need to practice a bit to ensure you use the straightening section correctly when transitioning from wet to dry. Once you have it down, the whole thing is a breeze. It's not a tool I'd use for styling—given that the head is so large, I definitely need to get closer to the roots or S-wave my hair with a straightener—but that's not what it's for! The Glossi is great for quick and smooth utility drying, and would be great for travel. Don't want to chance it on a hotel blow dryer, or pack multiple tools? This is your one and done. (PS: The Shark Speed Style has a much smaller head that lets you style and blow-dry simultaneously; I use this one more often when I have time on my hands.)” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types and textures, especially curly or coily hair
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Wattage: 1300W
- Noise level: 11.25 amps
- Attachments: none
Best Volumizing: Drybar The Double Shot
Drybar
The Double Shot
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure deputy digital director Kara McGrath using Drybar’s The Double Shot Blow-Drying Brush.
Kara McGrath
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 even, strong airflow and leave your hair with a springy bounce (without looking like Shirley Temple ringlets). 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.
McGrath before using Drybar’s The Double Shot Blow-Drying Brush.
Kara McGrath
McGrath after using Drybar’s The Double Shot Blow-Drying Brush.
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
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"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. 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)." —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
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- Best for: fine-to-medium hair textures, straight-to-wavy hair types, short-to-medium lengths
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Wattage: 1100W
- Noise level: 80.8 dB
- Attachments: none
Best Interchangeable: T3 Airebrush Duo
T3
Airebrush Duo
Amazon
Anthropologie
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the T3 Airebrush Duo
Sarah Hoffmann
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, its 15 heat and speed settings for a truly customized approach to drying and styling your hair definitely will. Like most blow-drying brushes, the Airebrush's interchangeable heads work best on slightly damp—not soaking wet—hair.
Hoffmann before using the T3 Airebrush Duo
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the T3 Airebrush Duo
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman
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“This was the first blow-dryer brush I've ever used, so it'll always hold a special place in my heart. It's pretty quiet for how powerful it is, and it's not particularly heavy either, which eliminates two notorious annoyances when it comes to blow-dryer brushes. I like holding it upside down and letting my hair wrap around the barrel as I pull the brush through while twisting. I prefer a curly blowout and find that letting a freshly passed strand cool slightly on the barrel before releasing it really helps maintain the shape for a long time. A little bit of mousse to prep and hairspray to finish really help with longevity too, especially if your hair is textured.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types and textures
- Weight: Approx. 1 lb
- Wattage: 900W
- Noise level: low
- Attachments: 2
Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Revlon
One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If you haven't already seen one of the many Allure editors and TikTokers raving about the award-winning Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, you have some serious catching up to do. This baby arguably started the entire blow-dryer brush trend and has four heat 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.
Han before using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Han after using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"I'm no expert at styling my hair, so the more straightforward a tool, the better—so I really appreciate that Revlon's One-Step 2.0 doesn't have much of a learning curve. I wrap my hair in a microfiber towel and wait until it's 75% dry before using low heat. I'll sometimes set my front pieces with the cool shot mode, but I'm not super precious about it. The tool itself is still rather bulky for my liking—even though the top of the handle is slimmer than that of the 1.0—but it gets a good job for the price, and you can probably snag it when it's on sale, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types and textures
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Wattage: 1100W
- Noise level: 75 dBs
- Attachments: 1
Best for Frizz: BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
BondiBoost
Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
Lily Wohlner
Why it's worth it: Even though it’s meant for dry hair, the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush earns an honorable mention for mimicking a blow-dryer brush’s volume and polish while sparing your strands from excess heat damage. Instead of blasting hair with hot air, it uses infrared technology to warm strands from within, paired with a surge of negative ions that smooth the cuticle, lock in moisture, and dramatically cut down on frizz. The 42 mm barrel (ideal for shoulder-length hair or longer) and aloe-infused bristles glide effortlessly, adding glossy bounce and taming flyaways without snagging. You can dial the heat anywhere between 275–450 °F to match your hair type and styling mood (finer hair should stick to the lowest setting), so you’ll get bouncy, shiny results that look straight out of the salon.
Wohlner before using the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after using the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Thermal Brush
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I love using this brush to smooth over a blowout and add those salon-worthy flips and bends. It heats up in seconds (a lifesaver when I’m rushing) and glides through my hair effortlessly, giving me just the right amount of volume. The end result? A show-stopping style that always gets me asked if I just came from the salon.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Best for: people with frizz-prone medium-to-long hair
- Weight: 1.48 lbs
- Temperature: infrared heats between 275°F–450°F
- Noise level: none
- Attachments: none
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the most out of a blow-dryer brush?
Even with the fanciest hot tool, the key to a glorious blowout starts with prep, prep, and more prep. Always start with clean, detangled, and damp hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. "Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair, "Sturdivant-Drew explains.
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 says.
How do I minimize heat damage from a blow-dryer brush?
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 is to not overuse heat on your hair—plain and simple.
Are blow-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional blow-dryers?
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. “Blow-dry brushes are so incredibly user-friendly—you can achieve a great blow-dry at home without needing pro-level skills. They take about half the time compared to juggling a dryer and a round brush,” says Baker.
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. “Because they’re easier to maneuver, you’re less likely to tire out your arms or need a second round of styling with a flat iron or curling iron,” says Baker. That said, be sure to let your hair air-dry about 70%—or give it a quick rough dry with a traditional blow-dryer—before reaching for your brush. Starting on damp strands helps prevent breakage and ensures a smoother, frizz-free finish, as these tools aren’t designed for sopping-wet hair.
How do I clean my blow-dryer brush?
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 Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist. "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.
To remove product buildup from the bristles of your blow dryer brush, 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."
Meet the experts
- Tukia Allen, a stylist based in Atlanta
- Reagan Baker, a stylist and founder of House of Reagan based in New York City
- Cherin Choi, a stylist based in Los Angeles
- Marcos Diaz, a stylist based in New York City
- Linda Gattineri, colorist and owner of Equo Co. based in Del Mar, California
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist based in Parsippany, New Jersey
- Brian O'Connor, a stylist based in Nashville
- Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a stylist based in New York City
- Devin Toth, a stylist based in New York City
How we test and review products
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.
Our staff and testers
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.
