Blow-dryer/hairbrush combos have been having quite a moment, and it’s easy to see why. They make it possible to brush, dry, and style your hair simultaneously with one tool. What’s not to love? If you haven’t yet invested in one of these magical hair tools, we’ll help you choose the best one for your locks.
Hair-dryer brushes make it much easier to get perfectly styled hair at home with just one hot tool—and no, you don’t have to be a pro to use one. If you’re ready to shave some time off your morning routine (and who isn’t?), one of these blow-dryer/hairbrushes can help you do just that.
Best Overall: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
With a nearly five-star review rating on Amazon, the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush is definitely the most popular option. It’s super easy to use and has a unique oval design that helps smooth hair, while also adding just the right amount of volume.
There are three different heat settings, a cool setting, and it will work for basically any hair type or length. The bristles detangle as you brush, so you won’t have to worry about knots. The cool tip at the end also makes it easy to pull the brush through your hair without burning your fingers. It’s affordable and lightweight with an ergonomic design.
Best Luxury: Dyson Airwrap
With a price tag of over $500 (over $800 on Amazon at this writing, as it’s out of stock everywhere else), the Dyson Airwrap definitely isn’t cheap, but those who use it swear by it. Pretty much since it first appeared on the market, people have been raving about how fast and easy it is to use, and how much volume it provides.
If you can afford to splurge, this super-fancy gadget has everything you need to create pretty much any hairstyle, all in one tool.
The Airwrap works a bit differently than most of the other dryer brushes on our list. First, you only have to use the blow-dryer on your hair until it’s damp (the Dyson dryer doesn’t use extreme heat, but still manages to be super powerful, so it dries quickly with almost no damage).
Next, just pick the attachment you need and start styling your damp hair. The tools use only powerful airflow and controlled heat, so you won’t have to worry about burning your fingers on a curling wand.
You get six pieces, including the prestyling hairdryer, and five attachments you can use to create waves, curls, or smooth, straight strands.
Best Budget: Conair InfinitiPro The Knot Dr. All-in-One Styling Brush
At under $50, Conair’s The Knot Dr. is a great pick for anyone who isn’t looking to dump their entire paycheck into a styling brush. It’s versatile, easy to use, and can create any style you want.
You can also remove the attachment head and use the barrel as a blow-dryer to eliminate any excess moisture. Then, just add the oval attachment to detangle and get a sleek, smooth style. There’s also a volumizer attachment if you prefer a bit of lift, and, of course, you can use the brush to smooth any fly-aways or frizz.
The flexible bristles ensure zero knots, while the oval shape guides your hair into loose waves. And just in case you’re still unconvinced, one reviewer called it “the holy grail of hair gadgets.”
Best for Fine Hair: John Frieda Hot Air Brush
Fine hair doesn’t require a huge brush, which is why John Frieda’s Hot Air Brush is a great pick. Its shorter length and smaller barrel work really well on fine, thinner hair. The advanced ionic technology allows it to smooth strands, while the ceramic-coated titanium barrel provides even heat distribution to prevent damage.
The mixed bristles add plenty of lasting volume to even the finest of strands. There are also multiple heating and cool-down settings, so you can find the perfect temperature for your hair. It works best on damp hair.
Best for Short Hair: JINRI Hot Air Brush
Some brushes can feel way too big for shorter hair. If you have a bob or a short layered cut, you’re better off with something like the JINRI Hot Air Brush. The round, 1.25-inch barrel works really well on shorter strands.
The mixed bristles also offer plenty of volume, while smoothing roots. It uses a negative ion saturated airflow to dry and style your hair, while simultaneously smoothing it, and reducing frizz and heat damage. It’s powerful, fast, and the tiny barrel makes it easy to jump from section to section.
Best for Curly Hair: Bed Head One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer
The Bed Head One-Step Dryer and Volumizer is remarkably similar to the Revlon brush we mentioned previously, with one key difference: it’s especially great for curly hair. The mix of bristles makes it much easier to detangle thicker, curlier strands.
The oval shape gives you tons of volume right at the root, while also smoothing your hair into loose waves. It has a cool tip for easy use and works quickly to dry and style.
Best for Damaged Hair: Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
Drybar’s blowout bars are an amazing place to go when you just need, well, a blowout. Given that, it’s no surprise the company’s Double Shot Blowdryer Brush is just as impressive. Thanks to its iconic technology, the brush actually seals your hair cuticle to curb flyaways and frizz, while also delivering a fast blowout that won’t damage your hair.
Strategically placed vents on the brush also allow for maximum airflow, so it dries your strands superfast. The gently curved edges also give you tons of volume. The combination of tufted and nylon bristles also smooth hair perfectly.
Best Lightweight Option: L’ange Hair Le Volume Two-in-One Brush
Sometimes, a sore arm is a price you have to pay for a great blowout. Well, no longer thanks to L’ange Hair’s Le Volume Two-in-One Brush Dryer. Weighing a mere two pounds, it’s super lightweight and a dream to use, especially if you’ve been using one of the gigantic models.
Like the Drybar Double Shot, it features ionic technology and a combination of tufted and nylon bristles for fast, safe, damage-free styling. The oval-shaped barrel gives you lots of volume, while the adjustable airflow gives you control over the heat and speed. No wonder it’s hovering at an almost five-star rating on Amazon.
Best for Dry Styling: ghd Rise Hot Round Brush
Whether you want to freshen up second-day hair or just need some loose waves, the ghd Rise Hot Round Brush is a great option. To be clear, this one is different from the others on our list, as it doesn’t have a blow-drying function. The Rise should be used on completely dry hair only.
However, it will still give you that salon-look blowout you might have trouble achieving with other styling irons.
The slim barrel and nylon bristles will revive and lift your hair at the roots, creating tons of volume, even if your hair is naturally very flat. You can use it to add luxurious waves or just a bit of movement; either way, you’ll get tons of body.
