Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
If there’s one type of styling tool our editors rely on the most, it’s the best blow-dryer brushes. These tools can help you get a professional-level blowout, no salon appointment (or sore arms) required. While they won’t entirely replace your blow-dryer—you’ll still want to rough-dry or air-dry first—they’re a game-changer once your hair is damp, cutting down on both frizz and styling time.
The concept of a hair dryer brush is simple yet intuitive: The handy, two-in-one tools combine the detangling ability of a brush with the power of heat, allowing you to get the right amount of tension to style, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. Even better? “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.
Our Top Hair-Dryer Brushes
- Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer, $749
- Best Overall Runner-Up: Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System, $450
- Best for Frizz: GHD Duet Blowdry, $429
- Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, $66
Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- How do I get the most out of a hair-dryer brush?
- How do I minimize heat damage from a hair-dryer brush?
- Are hair-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional hair-dryers?
- How do I clean my hair-dryer brush?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Even if you've gotten used to—or resigned yourself to—maneuvering your blow-dryer and round brush simultaneously, these hair-dryer brushes make styling more controlled, easier, faster, and smoother. Interest piqued? Keep reading to learn more about our tried-and-true picks.
Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Dyson
Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
$749
Dyson
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: As far as we're concerned, the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x is one of the most powerful, user-friendly blow dryer brushes on the market—so much so that it took home a Best of Beauty Award. For starters, its high-powered Hyperdymium 2 motor spins 150,000 times a minute (in comparison, the standard Airwrap motor spins at 110,000 revolutions per minute, or RPM for short). That gives it a faster airflow, which means it can dry and style hair more quickly than the original model. It's also ultra-lightweight, at 0.9 pounds, which can make all the difference when you’re styling in sections, and automatically shuts off when you put it down (so you'll never again wonder whether you unplugged it). The suite of attachments—five to be exact—makes it easy to define your curls or straighten your strands for soft, sleek, hair-commercial-worthy styles. In other words, you get endless opportunities to touch up and play around with your styles, minus the heat damage.
The Airwrap Co-anda is available in two versions: Curly+Coily and Straight+Wavy. Both have the same number of attachments, with a few differences. Our tester is using the Curly+Coily version, which comes with a diffuser for setting bouncy curls and a wide-tooth tension comb that gently stretches and smooths hair. The Straight+Wavy version features an Airsmooth attachment that straightens without a hot plate (so you can ditch your emotional-support high school flatiron) and a 1.2-inch curling barrel instead. It all bundles up into a sleek case you can easily keep on your vanity or under your sink.
Shipin before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Shanna Shipin
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Jenny Bailly
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“This is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). This is coming from someone with low-porosity hair that takes seemingly forever to dry. The fact that I can get my curly hair handled before one of my two kids notices I'm gone is a miracle in itself. I love to use the round brush to create gentle tension that makes my blowouts last for days on end; the attachment is a vast improvement over the older version, IMO. This new iteration gets far closer to the roots for a more natural finish. There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary. And the diffuser? There are two settings, and both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me.
If you have the original Airwrap, if you're new to multi-stylers, or if you're Dyson-curious, this is the product to buy—especially in this new Amber Silk color. It’s a pretty warm honey that's more my style than the classic midnight blue. Any Dyson is an investment, and while this one's steep, you'll be able to kiss your curling iron, blow dryer, and straightener goodbye with a single hot tool. For curly girls especially, it's nice to have a tool that feels tailor-made for your routine. The only person I might not recommend it for? A constant traveler who loves doing their hair on the go; the power cord is heavy and not very compact, making this less frequent flier-friendly than other stylers on the market.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“As an OG Airwrap owner, I had my doubts that the Co-anda2x could possibly be worth another $200+. Then I used it. If, say, you take the 8:32 train and sometimes wait until 8:15 to blow-dry your hair—I’d definitely consider investing. Since I started using this multi-styler, my blowdry time has been cut down by at least five crucial minutes. This tool is powerful, and it is hot (so hot that I must warn you to wait a beat before switching out attachments during your blowdry). The dryer attachment is–on my long, wavy, medium-thickness hair–as effective as the Dyson’s dedicated Supersonic dryer. (If you have very thick or coarse hair, you might feel differently but for me, this can replace a regular blowdryer.) After a couple of minutes of rough-drying, I go in with the large round brush to smooth and get some volume at my roots. Four minutes of sectioned brushing and I switch to the larger of the two curling barrels to create loose waves. In less than 10 minutes—a first for me—I’m done.” —Jenny Bailly, executive director
More to know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types and textures
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- Wattage: 1600W
- Noise level: moderate
- Attachments: 5
Best Overall Runner-Up: Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Shark
Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
$450 $400 (11% off)
Amazon
$500
Nordstrom
$450
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it's worth it: For people with longer hair, drying your hair with a round brush can turn into a whole-day affair. The Best of Beauty-winning Shark FlexStyle Glam helps cut down on that. (One Allure editor said it dried her thick, long hair in just 30 minutes.) Its high-velocity airflow is powered by a 1,500-watt digital monitor that checks and then adjusts temperature 1,000 times per second to keep heat below 302 degrees Fahrenheit (which is an ideal temperature for minimizing heat exposure). Its speedy airflow works alongside heat-controlled ceramic to easily smooth and wrap hair, no matter which of the five attachments you choose. For instance, the Shark Silki Hot Tool + Air Straightener dries and straightens hair in a single pass, thanks to two air-emitting ceramic plates that help reduce frizz and boost shine. A bonus: The dermatologist-developed Scalp Shield technology instantly adjusts the temperature to protect your scalp if you accidentally get too close for comfort.
Gulino before using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Elizabeth Gulino
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto before using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
"What can’t this thing do? My most-used attachment with a hair-styling tool is the round brush, and the Shark Glam’s version effortlessly skims through my hair with each pass. Shout-out to the curling attachments, too, that work so fast I was able to do my whole head from wet to perfectly blown-out in under 30 minutes." —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“I have a lot of thick hair (not complaining!) but that means that it can take a while to style it. When you work out almost every day and wash your hair as often as I do, a time-saving tool like this one is, no exaggeration, life changing. I love that this 5-in-1 set has an attachment for every style, so I can go from having damp hair to straight hair, curly hair, or wavy hair in 10ish minutes. I do wish it came with a case to keep all its parts organized, though (I bought one on Amazon).”—Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types and lengths
- Weight: 1.63 lb
- Wattage: 1,500W
- Noise level: loud
- Attachments: 5
Best for Frizz: GHD Duet Blowdry
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
GHD
Duet Blowdry
$429
Amazon
$429
Ulta Beauty
$429
Sephora
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 would never let that hard work go to waste, keeping your blowout bouncy and humidity-resistant for up to 24 hours—so even muggy weather won’t ruin your look. How it works: The brush’s proprietary Heat-Air Xchange Technology evenly distributes heat and airflow through the brush—while built-in sensors monitor the temperature up to 400 times per second—to speed up drying, smooth frizz, and boost shine without overheating hair. “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. Bottom line: 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
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“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 three 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
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
- Wattage: Approx 260W
- Noise level: moderate
- Attachments: none
Best for Beginners: T3 Airebrush
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
T3
Airebrush
$150
Amazon
$150
Nordstrom
$150
Shop
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: We get it: Using a blow dryer brush for the first time is no small feat. That’s why New York City-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab calls the T3 Airebrush One Step her go-to blowout brush, especially for beginners, because it has everything you need for easy styling: multiple heat and speed settings, smooth bristles, and a lightweight design that takes the guesswork out of it.
There are two versions of the Airebrush, based on your hair length and type: One is outfitted with an oval head and the other with a round head. We’ve tested and loved both, but there are some key differences. For thick, longer hair, the wideness and flatter edges of the oval brush help add soft waves, bends, and a just-left-the-salon lift that doesn’t drop once you head out the door. The round brush, on the other hand, is slimmer and better for shorter hair because it gets into the hard-to-reach edges around the crown more easily, creating a sleeker, more polished finish with a subtle flip at the ends. Thanks to the ceramic barrel and smooth bristles, both brushes literally feel like you’re brushing your hair with a comb—no pulling or tugging necessary, which can make all of the difference if your hair is fine or thin. Finish with the Cool Shot setting, which activates a burst of cool air to lock in shine and set your style.
Hoffmann before using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“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. I like holding it upside down and letting my hair wrap around the round 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 market editor
More to know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types and textures
- Weight: 16 oz
- Wattage: 1200W
- Noise level: low
- Attachments: 1 (you can purchase it with the oval or round attachment, but they're not interchangeable)
Best for Volume: Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Dyson
Airsmooth Styling Brush
$250
Dyson
Cruel using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Jessica Cruel
Why it's worth it: Although your Dyson Airwrap might come with a round brush attachment, the Airsmooth Styling Brush is a worthwhile addition to your rotation, especially for those with textured hair. Instead of a traditional round barrel, the Airsmooth’s barrel has a teardrop shape, with a slightly more tapered edge that can get close to the root, allowing more flexibility to smooth the ends or lift at the crown without burning your scalp. Inside the barrel are two different types of bristles—PivotFlex and Antisnag—that bend at 90 degrees to help the teeth smoothly glide through tangles with less snagging or pulling. Its open base also distributes airflow evenly to minimize frizz and unnecessary heat exposure. Pro tip: For tighter curl patterns, our editors recommend styling in small sections for faster drying and a smoother, voluminous blowout.
Cruel before using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Jessica Cruel
Calaor before using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“This is my first time using a blow-dry brush, and I finally understand why stylists use a round brush for a voluminous blowout. Prior to this, I was always worried about my coily hair getting tangled, but unlike boar bristles, this brush has smooth tines that bend with the hair. I started my test with freshly washed, damp hair. I sprayed small sections with my Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray and used my FHI Heat Unbrush to make sure everything was detangled before going in with the Airsmooth. Because I’m new to a brush tool, I used smaller sections than I normally would. I first focused on stretching the hair at the ends, then I went back to the roots. I moved the brush both on top of and below the section in order to get the best tension—I was a bit of a contortionist!
Something about this blowout is fluffier and more voluminous than my normal result with the Dyson Airwrap comb attachment, and I’m not sure if I like that. Overall, the process takes the same amount of time—45 minutes to an hour. The brush is great at getting the tension you need to smooth coily hair, so much so that I was a little worried I was pulling too hard on my fine hair. However, it was hard to get the very ends smooth.” —Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief
Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
"My long, thick, naturally wavy hair easily takes and holds whatever shape I put it in, which makes styling pretty easy for me, especially with heat. This makes me not want to reach for hot-air brushes as often as other tools because they create an in-between effect that isn’t quite what I’m after: They don’t retain my natural waves, but they also don’t give me the super-bouncy, polished look I want. (The heads are usually too big for that.) My primary interest in Dyson’s iteration of the tool was the promise of ‘faster drying’ and ‘healthier hair.’ If a hot-air brush can give me a look I’m thrilled with and quickly, then that’s money well-spent.
To test it, I sprayed my hair with water so it was slightly wet. Then, I prepped it with the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion, working a quarter-size amount throughout the lengths of my hair and sectioning it off with a scrunchie (I ultimately created three sections). Next, I set my tool to the highest setting. The teardrop shape and bristles made it easy to grab my hair close to the root and create tension to smooth and dry my hair. (It never got too hot as I held it close to my roots.) As I became more comfortable with it, I began moving faster, grabbing bigger and bigger sections, and was still able to get the same effect as opposed to the smaller sections I started with. I had to manipulate the dried sections with my hands to get my flippy ends, but I didn’t mind that at all, as that’s usually what I do with air-dry brushes.
It took less than 15 minutes to style my whole head. All in all, this was the most seamless experience with a hot-air brush I’ve ever had. My hair is smooth and has nice shine and movement. However, for the price, I don’t know if I’d invest in it. While it gave me a very pretty result, I already have an Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer that gives me a style I'm even happier with." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types, textured hair included
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Wattage: 950W to 1080W
- Noise level: low-medium
- Attachments: none
Best for Shine: Drybar The Double Shot
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Drybar
The Double Shot
$155
Nordstrom
$155
Ulta Beauty
$155
Sephora
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: The Drybar The Double Shot packs everything we love about visiting a Drybar salon into a handy hot tool. Its ionic technology reduces frizz by smoothing the hair shaft, while a combination of nylon and tufted bristles walks a careful line between tension and control for more ease and less tug-of-war. Plentiful vents inside its large barrel also ensure even, strong airflow that leaves your hair with a springy bounce (without looking like Shirley Temple ringlets) and a larger-than-life lift. Pro tip: If you have very thick or long hair, you can do a preliminary rough dry with a regular blow-dryer to prep for The Double Shot.
McGrath before using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
McGrath after using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
"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, former content director
More to know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- 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 Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Revlon
One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
$66
Amazon
$66
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 brush's innovative, groundbreaking design (which has inspired many copycats) is so good that we’ve given it not one, but two Allure Best of Beauty Awards. (In fact, the original One-Step arguably started the entire blow-dryer brush trend!) Let’s run through all of its pros: The under-$70 tool has four heat settings that suit different textures and a slightly smaller brush head (compared to the original’s)—so it’s easier for those with shorter hair to use, or if you’re looking for extra volume, and a slimmer handle that's easier to grip. During Best of Beauty testing, one of our editors got away with styling their whole head with just one hand.
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
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
"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
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Best for: all hair types and textures
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Wattage: 1100W
- Noise level: 75 dBs
- Attachments: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the most out of a hair-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. And even if a blow dryer brush claims to incur minimal heat damage, applying a heat protect (or a leave-in with one) helps protect your style and hair health.
For straight or wavy hair, volume is even easier to achieve, especially with the right technique: "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 hair-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.
As previously reported, 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 hair-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional hair-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 hair-dryer brushes, even if you are a beginner. “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 hair-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 (and ultimately lead to damage or breakage).
How do I clean my hair-dryer brush?
Hair-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
- Linda Gattineri, a 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
- Jennifer Korab, 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 hair-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.
Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
