Remember mornings riddled with tangled frustration, or battling limp, lifeless hair that just won’t hold a style?
For centuries, hairstyling wasn’t the streamlined process we know today. While past generations embraced their natural textures and braids, our modern desire for quick and effortless styling has led to innovations like the thermal brush.
This ingenious tool goes beyond simply detangling — it combines the power of a blow dryer with the precision of a brush, letting you achieve salon-worthy blowouts and smooth styles at home.
Thermal brushes offer a faster drying time, easier manageability, and the ability to create a variety of looks, all in one convenient tool.
So, ditch the arm workout and frustration, and get ready to unlock the full potential of your hair with the help of a thermal brush!
What Are Thermal Brushes?
@audreyvictoria_ I still love straighteners but this thing is AMAZING 😍 #hairtok #hairstraightener
Thermal brushes are hairstyling tools that combine a regular brush with a heated barrel or bristles. The best of both worlds, really.
Also known as hot brushes, hot air brushes, or heated brushes, they essentially act like a blow dryer and brush in one, allowing you to style your hair while drying it. This can save you time and effort compared to using separate tools!
Key features:
- Heated barrel or bristles: The barrel or bristles get hot, which helps to dry hair faster and sets the style in place.
- Styling versatility: Thermal brushes can be used to straighten, smooth, curl, or add volume to your hair, depending on the brush design and your technique.
- Easier styling: The heat and bristles work together to detangle, smooth, and style hair, making it easier to achieve a polished look at home.
- Types of heat: Some hot brushes use traditional ceramic or tourmaline heat, while others utilise newer technologies like infrared heat, which is gentler on hair.
What Kind of Thermal Brush to Look for Based on Your Hair Type
Now, as with most hair products and devices, it’s not usually a one-size-fits-all situation. Here’s a quick guide so you can be better informed and buy the right heated brush for you and your tresses!
@abigaillinnn This was a fun experiment ✨💖#hair #hairstyle #hairtok #healthyhair #hairstyles #dyson #dysonairwrap #amikathermalbrush
Fine Hair
Fine hair can be a styling nightmare. It tends to lie flat easily, lacking the natural volume and body of thicker hair.
This makes it difficult for hairstyles to hold, whether it’s a bouncy curl or a sleek blowout. Frustratingly, fine hair can also become weighed down by products, leaving it limp and lifeless.
Look for hot brushes with:
- Smaller barrels for lift and root volume
- Soft, natural boar bristles to add body without pulling
- Ionic technology to reduce frizz
Thick Hair
Thick hair is the envy of some, but it comes with its own set of woes. Drying can take forever, leaving you impatient and potentially damaging your hair with extra heat exposure.
Frizz is another constant battle — humidity can turn your locks into a lion’s mane, and achieving a smooth, sleek style requires serious taming techniques.
Look for hot brushes with:
- Larger barrels to smooth and straighten effectively
- A combination of boar and nylon bristles for grip and detangling
- High heat settings for efficient drying.
Curly Hair
Curly hair craves a delicate touch. The goal is to enhance the natural curl pattern for definition and bounce while keeping frizz at bay.
Harsh brushing or heat can disrupt the curl formation, leaving hair undefined and frizzy.
Finding the right products and techniques to gently detangle, define curls, and dry without frizz is key to unlocking the full potential of curly hair.
Look for hot brushes with:
- Diffuser attachments to enhance curls and prevent frizz
- Oval barrels for gentle straightening or adding volume
- Lower heat settings to avoid heat damage.
For Volume
Credits: @abigaillinnn/TikTok, @alysialoo/TikTok
Big, bouncy hair has a timeless appeal. It exudes confidence, adds facial features definition, and makes even the simplest hairstyle look polished.
For many, however, achieving volume can feel like a constant battle. Fine hair struggles to hold body while even thick hair can fall flat without the right approach.
This desire for voluminous hair is what fuels the search for styling tools and techniques that create that coveted lift and fullness!
Look for hot brushes with:
- Large barrels for lift and body
- Vented barrels for faster drying and better heat distribution.
14 Best Thermal Brushes for Effortless, Professional-grade Styling
amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush
Last year, TikTok was raving about this hot brush (deservingly so) and it’s still quite the hot topic.
Achieve a blowout look without the need for a blow dryer or hot air with this versatile round brush. It’s convenient, easy-to-use, ultra-versatile, and suitable for all hair types and textures.
It features a 1.5 inch ceramic barrel that emits far-infrared heat for fast, even heating, reducing the risk of damage. The 0.5 inch nylon bristles gently grip and style hair, while the ionic generator enhances shine and reduces frizz.
Plus, the smaller brush head on this model makes it ideal for shoulder-length hair or shorter.
amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush retails for S$171 at Cult Beauty.
BaByliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Rotating Hot Air Styler
This innovative hot brush utilises advanced air technology to straighten and curl hair effortlessly.
Its moisture-balancing ionic system hydrates hair by combining positive and negative ions, preventing dryness and brittleness while eliminating frizz for a smooth, sleek look.
The ceramic barrel and soft polishing bristles tame hair for a luxurious shine and a sleek finish, leaving your locks silky and conditioned.
BaByliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Rotating Hot Air Styler retails for S$81 instead of S$108 at lookfantastic, at the time of writing.
Dyson Airwrap™ Multi-Styler and Dryer Complete Long
Of course, there’s going to be a Dyson in the mix (we all expected as much)!
Touted as the ultimate tool for versatile styling without heat damage, it’s powered by the Dyson digital motor V9 and equipped with intelligent heat control to ensure precise styling while keeping temperatures below 150°C.
It also harnesses an aerodynamic phenomenon called the Coanda effect in three unique ways to create multiple styles: Coanda airflow to wrap hair for voluminous curls or waves; smoothing brushes to align hair for a straight style; and Coanda smoothing dryer to further enhance the finish for a smooth, shiny look.
Better yet, the device comes with various attachments as a set for faster and easier styling optimised for chest-length hair or longer.
Dyson Airwrap™ Multi-Styler and Dryer Complete Long retails for S$859 at Dyson.
Shark Beauty FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler
This brush is especially great for those with straight or wavy hair that’s fine, medium, or thick. With just a twist, it transitions between a powerful hair dryer and a versatile multi-styler.
Whether you’re looking to curl, volumize, smooth, or dry, the Shark FlexStyle does it all, catering to any hair type and skill level.
It has a temperature regulation feature that occurs at 1,000 times per second so you can enjoy consistent air temperature throughout your styling session, minimising heat exposure and protecting your hair.
@sharkbeauty An ovation for the oval brush—oh so versatile. #sharkflexstyle #flexstyle #blowout
The brush is also equipped with auto-wrap curlers powered by Coanda Technology, allowing you to effortlessly wrap, curl, and set your hair automatically.
Shark Beauty FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler retails for S$508 at SharkNinja and Shopee. It’s also available for S$366 at iShopChangi, at the time of writing.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Thermal Paddle Brush
Infused with Nano Titanium technology for even heat distribution, this brush effortlessly styles hair of all types and textures due to its heat-resistant feature and anti-static bristles.
The brush’s ceramic barrel retains heat evenly, minimising damage, while ionic technology reduces static for a polished finish. Its lightweight, ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control during styling while the detangling paddle design effortlessly glides through knots, reducing breakage and detangling time.
@fancyhairdressers @babylissprousa thermal paddle brush #foryoupage #fancyhairdresser #hairtok #babylisspro
♬ Fancy Shop Piano Background Music – Instrumental Jazz Italia
Its thermal design allows for versatile styling, whether you want volume, waves, or straight locks. Better yet, it’s compact and portable which makes it perfect for on-the-go styling!
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Thermal Paddle Brush retails for S$127 at Ubuy.
ghd Rise Volumizing Thermal Hot Brush
This 3D volume smart hot brush is designed for those who are seeking voluminous locks since it can help you achieve two times more volume from your roots to the tip effortlessly.
Its ultra-zone SMART technology ensures consistent heat of 185°C across the 32mm barrel, adapting to your hair’s needs as you style.
The smooth-touch nylon bristles lift hair from the root and glide seamlessly through the lengths for tangle-free styling, providing instant and effortless volume, shape, and fullness.
ghd Rise Volumizing Thermal Hot Brush retails for S$365 at Sephora and Lazada. It’s also available from S$355 to S$360 at Shopee.
Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush combines the functions of a barrel brush and a hair dryer in one convenient tool, making it easy to achieve blown-out, bouncy hairstyles.
With ionic technology to reduce flyaways and promote shine, and strategically placed vents for faster drying, this brush creates sleek yet voluminous looks.
Crafted with nylon and tufted bristles, it offers comfortable tension and control during styling too!
Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush retails for S$225 at lookfantastic.
CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Heated Round Brush
One of the hot air brushes recommended by Kevin Lee, style director at Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa in New York, the CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Heated Round Brush has impressive features.
Heating up to 210°C, it’s equipped with a digital display and features a cool tip for safe styling.
With adjustable heat control and tourmaline ceramic technology, it’s ideal for smoothing locks, adding volume, and creating body — offering precision and versatility and a must-have for elevating your style.
CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Heated Round Brush retails for S$229.21 at Amazon.
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
This all-in-one tool offers quick, even heat distribution and charcoal-infused bristles for efficient styling.
The oval brush design smoothly glides through hair, creating volume from roots to ends with its curved sides and rounded edges. Utilising ionic technology, it leaves hair conditioned, smooth, and free from frizz and static.
With rotating temperature control and two heat/speed settings, it provides customisable styling options for all hair types.
Since it’s lightweight with a soft-touch finish and an eight-foot professional cord, it ensures comfortable styling and is perfect for achieving fast and fabulous results anytime, anywhere.
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer retails for S$94 instead of S$219 at Desertcart, at the time of writing.
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser
Revlon’s hot brush has an oval design that allows for smoothing, root volume, and curled ends, eliminating the need for multiple devices to achieve waves.
Its efficient airflow distribution ensures quicker drying and styling with less heat damage. Utilising ionic technology, it reduces frizz and static while promoting shine and smoothness.
You can expect even heat distribution for minimal damage due to the ceramic coating. Plus, the brush features mixed bristles (nylon and boar) for gentle detangling and improved volume and control.
With three heat and two-speed settings, an ergonomic handle, a cool tip, and a lightweight design, it offers comfortable and versatile styling too.
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser retails for S$89 for members at Challenger and for S$120.68 at Lazada.
SUTRA IR Infrared Thermal Round Brush
Featuring advanced Healthy Heat FAR Infrared and Ionic technologies along with a Tourmaline-infused ceramic barrel, this thermal brush provides a revolutionary styling experience.
Its specialised bristles eliminate frizz, evenly distribute heat, and impart a shiny, silky finish to your hair.
@gillianxgrace 90s INSPIRED BLOWOUT! obsessed with the @sutrabeauty Infrared Thermal Brush! 🤍 #hairtutorial #hair #blowout
With digital temperature controls up to about 232°C (450°F), you can customise your styling preferences for efficient results!
The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures expert functionality, making it suitable for all hair types and delivering healthier, frizz-free, and long-lasting colour.
SUTRA IR Infrared Thermal Round Brush retails for about S$149.73 (USD 109.99) at SUTRA.
BaByliss Air Style 1000
The BaByliss Air Style 1000 offers versatile styling for all hair types. With a powerful 1000W styler dryer and multiple attachments, you can achieve various looks effortlessly!
The 50mm volumising thermal brush adds volume to flat hair, the conical curling attachment creates silky curls, the drying nozzle removes moisture for a glossy finish, and its ionic technology reduces frizz and enhances shine.
@sarasaadia Reply to @molwolverson so this is the Air styler 1000 by BaByliss ✨ #airstyler #hairtools #hairtool #hairstyle #hairhacks
Complete with a blow-dry paddle brush, this styler ensures polished, flawless locks every time. Other features include two heats, a cool setting, and a 2.5m swivel cord.
BaByliss Air Style 1000 retails for S$135 at lookfantastic.
ghd Glide Hot Brush
The ghd glide hot brush effortlessly tames and smooths dry hair with its ceramic technology and ioniser, eliminating frizz for a sleek look.
Operating at the ideal temperature of 185ºC, it ensures healthy-looking hair without heat damage. Its combination of short and long bristles allows for quick and gentle smoothing of large sections of hair.
With a professional length cord and automatic sleep mode, it offers convenience and portability for styling on the go!
ghd Glide Hot Brush retails for S$315 at Sephora and from S$310 to S$320 at Shopee. There’s also a limited-edition orchid pink version available for S$313 instead of S$400 at Top Secret Studio.
José Eber Air Styling Brush
This hot air brush offers quick and efficient styling, drying, and volumising in one step. Its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures maximum control and comfort during use.
The brush head’s elliptical shape and rounded edges effortlessly create volume and smooth finishes. It features firm nylon pins and soft bristles for easy detangling and improved volume.
With three temperature and speed settings, it suits any hair type, while its 1,200 watts of power reduces drying and styling time.
There’s also an anti-static technology that minimises hair damage, frizz, and flyaways, leaving hair sleek and smooth.
José Eber Air Styling Brush retails for S$349 at Shopee. It’s also available at José Eber but is currently out of stock.
Can Hot Air Brushes Damage Hair?
Credit: Depositphotos
Yes, thermal brushes can damage hair, but it depends on how you use them.
In fact, hot air brushes pose a risk of hair damage only when they reach excessive temperatures since it can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends if not used with caution (like any hot tool).
Ways to minimise the risk:
- Heat protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before using a hot brush. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing potential damage.
- Lower heat settings: Unless your hair is very thick or coarse, opt for lower heat settings. This will still dry and style your hair effectively while minimising heat damage.
- Gentle brushing: Be gentle when brushing — start at the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling or tangling.
- Limit use: Don’t use it every day! Give your hair a break in between styling sessions to allow it to recover from the heat.
Featured image credit: @rzfany_/TikTok, @alysialoo/TikTok, @sarasaadia/TikTok
