By Ed Shears, with hands-on testing by Meesh Switch & Stacey Bee
There are flat irons, and then there’s the InStyler Pro the new 2-in-1 Ceramic Flat Iron & Hot Brush. This thing isn’t just another straightener with bells and whistles. I tested it, Meesh gave it a whirl, and even Stacey put it through her fine-hair gauntlet. Spoiler: it ain’t your mama’s flat iron.
What Makes the InStyler Pro Different?
Flat irons typically press and flatten. This one smooths and volumizes thanks to the built-in bristles. That’s not just marketing fluff. Those bristles add tension as you glide, and they lift the hair slightly so it doesn’t get smashed flat.
- Dual functionality: ceramic plates + brush bristles
- Heat control: 4 settings from 285°F to 425°F
- Floating plates: for flexibility across hair types
Ed’s Take: “It glides smoother than my old CHI but adds volume like a round brush blowout. My coarse beard-hair test? It passed.”
Durability Warnings (Read Before You Toss It in a Drawer)
Now let’s talk real-world use. We all noticed the same issue during testing: the bristles fall off. It’s an inherent design flaw.
- The brush has bristles on both sides, so if you set it down on your counter, those heated tips might touch and snap.
- Heat cycles + tension = breakage. These little guys heat up, cool down, and if they’re under stress, they crack or fall off.
- The locking latch that holds it shut? Doesn’t feel durable either. One drop and we’re guessing it’s toast.
Meesh says: “You can’t just jam it in a drawer with your curling wand. It needs VIP treatment.”
Stacey’s Take: “Definitely on the cheaper build side. But hey if you treat it gently, it still works well.”
Keep your expectations realistic. It does the job, just don’t expect salon-grade longevity.
Who It’s Best For
If your hair gets flat and lifeless after flat ironing, or you fight frizz daily, this tool is for you. Great for:
- Thick, frizzy, or hard-to-manage hair
- Anyone who wants volume and straightening in one pass
- Blowout fans who don’t want to fuss with a round brush and dryer
Meesh says: “It’s flat-iron-meets-hug. Not too aggressive, but just enough tension.”
Stacey’s Note: “My layers didn’t get flattened like a pancake actually fluffed a bit. Total surprise.”
InStyler Pro vs. Traditional Flat Irons
| Feature | InStyler Pro | Typical Flat Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Bristles | Yes (adds tension + lift) | No |
| Volume | Preserved | Usually lost |
| Curling Ability | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Frizz Control | Strong | Varies |
If you’ve ever tried a flat iron that left your roots limp and your ends crispy, this is your redemption arc.
Studio-Tested Performance
We tested on:
- Coarse, color-treated hair (Ed)
- Fine, layered hair (Stacey)
- Medium-thick waves (Meesh)
Results:
- Smoothness: 9/10
- Volume: 8.5/10
- Frizz Control: 9.5/10
- Ease of Use: 10/10
Worth Buying?
Absolutely with a caveat. It does what it promises, but it’s built like a budget tool. If you treat it gently and store it smartly, it’s worth the price.
👉 Check today’s price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: AS an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some inks on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
FAQs
Q: Will it replace my blow dryer + brush combo?
A: For many hair types, yes. If you’re doing a daily blowout, this cuts the time and tools in half.
Q: Is it safe for fine or color-treated hair?
A: Yes. Use the lower heat setting (285°F) and section hair. Stacey had zero breakage or damage.
Q: Can it curl too?
A: Light curls and flips, yes. It’s not a curling wand, but it can finesse shape.
Q: What makes it different from the Revlon One-Step?
A: The InStyler Pro straightens more like a flat iron with better precision, while the Revlon tool focuses more on blowout volume.
Matched and reviewed by the HairBrushy Team Ed, Meesh & Stacey
Hello, I’m Ed Shears, Editor and Author at HairBrushy.com and your trusted guide on the journey to healthier, more vibrant hair. At HairBrushy.com, I utilize my extensive expertise in research of hairbrushes to curate and create educational, dependable content that empowers readers to take control of their hair care routines.
Hello, my name is Meesh Switch, I am a contributing editor and hairbrush product analyst. I am focused on hairbrushes for young adults. I have enjoy writing, testing, and analyzing hairbrushes. I have contributed to hundreds in-depth articles and provided sound advice on hairbrushes based on testing and research.
Hello, my name is Stacey Bee experienced research analyst. I specialize in hairbrushes for adults with over 30 years experience. As we get older, our hair changes and so do our hairbrushes needs. What worked while we were young may not work as we get older. For than 30 years I have researched and tested hundreds of hairbrushes and contributed to just as many or more hairbrushes articles. I am about providing sound advice to help people look their best.