This is a common question because hot air tools use heat to straighten or curl your hair. Hot air brushes are combined with technology like double ionic generators, automatic temperature locking and ceramic heaters that do the job without causing damage to your hair. You want the best brush to avoid split ends. So don’t’ automatically assume they are all bad for your hair.
A hot air brush is not bad for your hair because they are not like flat irons which sandwich your hair between two hot ceramic plates. Hot air brushes are a safer option due to they straighten hair using hot air combined with heated plates and bristles that glide through dry hair strands to relax the curly molecular bonds. They straighten the hair and add brightness while keeping the volume. Using a hot air brush is not likely to cause damage to your hair.
The high temperatures of a flat iron’s ceramic plates can dry out your hair and cause hot spots. Hot spots or burns can appear on hair which are left by the hot metal plates if left on you hair too long.
If your hair is thin or damaged already then a hot brush is going to be a better choice for you. Many brushes feature ceramic and ion technology, such as tourmaline or diamond infusion, which adds brightness, neutralizes static to remove frizz and protects your hair from damage at lower temperatures and no hot spots.
Also, consider using a high quality ceramic hair dryer. They are much better on your hair than conventional dryers.
What Is A Hot Air Brush For Short Hair?
According to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, “For short hair you are going to want a brush with a smaller diameter barrel and bristles that will hold tension when brushing through hair.” What comes to mind is the John Frieda 1 1/2 inch hot air brush. It features nylon and ball tipped bristles that provides good tension on short hair while gently detangling.
Another hot air brush that comes to mid is the Jinri Hot Air brush. It features a 1 1/25 inch barrel.The biggest Con I have with the Jinri is the manufacture has no contact information on their web site. At least at the time of this writing they do not. Other than that, it’s a solid product.
Hot air brushes are really not too good for short hair due to the size of the brush head. On most all hot air brushes and hair straighteners the brush head is just too large to get close enough to grab short hair. Your best bet is to go with a brush head that is round. This way you can get closer to your scalp. The Calista Perfecter Fusion Hair Styler Hot Air Brush comes to mind.
The next big problem is you are going to have is putting tension on your hair due to you hair is just too short. Short hair will just fall through the bristles. It’s not going to have the same effect as longer hair would. You would do better with something like the Calista Styledryer Custom Airbrush, where you have a bristle head attachment which is round and has bristles almost like a brush. This option give you the ability to grab shorter hair. still not ideal but much better.
Honestly if you have short hair, I would not waste my time with a hot hair brush. You are going to be much better off purchasing a really good high quality hair dryer and a high quality round brush. In the 60 seconds it takes for the hot air brush to get to operating temperature you can be finished using a professional hair dryer like the Sam Villa Light Professional IONIC Blow Dryer and a round brush like the Olivia Garden EcoCeramic Soft Bristles Round Thermal Hair Brush.
These are two of my favorite high quality styling tools that puts you in control. Plus you can control when you want ions and when you don’t. This makes a huge difference in volume. Using the right technique you will be able to easily add so much more volume to your hair than by using a hot air brush.
What Does A Hot Air Brush Do?
Bristles on a hot air brush are made of nylon, silicone and ceramic materials that glide through the hair gently and smoothly to straighten your hair. Hot air brushes give you a smooth shinny straight look and feel to your hair. They are excellent at diminishing frizz and fly-a-ways by sealing the hair cuticles. Gives you that smooth salon style look. Works good on all hair types including natural curly hair. If you want to style while drying damp hair, hot air brushes are a great option. And if you have thin damaged hair and want the safest way to style your hair a hot brush is going to be the best option for you.
Which Is Safer For Hair a Hot Air brush Or A Flat Iron?
Flat Irons Are Better And Safer Than Hot Air Hair Brushes When:
- You have thick, very curly, difficult to style hair and you need high or higher temperatures. This requires a careful touch to avoid damage to your hair. Thicker hair can withstand higher heat as compared to thin, fine hair.
- You want quicker results, but are not concerned with adding volume.
- Best for infrequent use like once a week or less is recommended to avoid damaging your hair.
- When cost is a factor due to flat irons are less expensive than hot brushes.
Hot Air brushes Are Better And Safer When:
- You have hair type that is average or thin or even damaged hair.
- You want to use daily.
- You want to use a lower temperatures for less chance of damaging your hair.
- You have more time and are not in a rush. Takes a little more time, but adds shines and maintains volume.
- You want to straighten dry hair. Willing to spend a little more due to its a little more expensive compared to flat irons.
- You want to dry and style at the same time.
- Need a refreshing between shampoos.
Is It True That Hot Air Brushes Work?
Hot air brushes are part blow-dryer, part curling iron, and part straightener. Hot air brushes allow you to dry your hair and, at the same time and create smoothness, curls and straighten in one brush stroke. Hot air brushes straighten your hair, adds shine, and controls frizz. Instead of having to use a blow dryer, a brush, and a flat iron, all you need is one hot air brush.
Budget Or Premium Hot Air Brush?
There is a big difference between budget hot air brushes and high priced hot air brushes or what I would call premium hot air brushes. The quality of higher end hair straightener brushes are much better. You can immediately tell when picking up a higher priced brush. It just feels and looks more finished and handles better. For example, take the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler and compare it to the ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush. There is a very big price difference between the two brushes, so I would expect a likewise difference in quality.
My anticipation is that the ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush is going to be way better. And it is. Pick up the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler and it fills your hand. Actually it has a rather large diameter handle. Some folks may need to hands just to hold on to it. Now pick up the ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush, wow. What a big difference. The handle on the ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush is nice and fits your hand very well. You can immediately it’s a better brush.
Now all that being said there are some folks that are not going to pay that much for a hot air brush. And for that reason I created the mega list above in which covers brushes ranging from budget models all the way up to some excellent premium models like the ghd and Dyson airwrap.
Hot Air Brush For Adding Volume To Hair?
The best hot hair brush for volume is either the Revlon or the Drybar hot air brush. It basically all comes down to how much are you willing to spend. Do you want a budget brush or a premium brush? The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler is an excellent hot air brush but has a few short comings in my opinion. It has over a thousand watts of power but the air flow through the brush head is uneven. It comes out more at the top.
The Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush in my opinion has better and more even air flow though the brush head than the Revlon One-Step. But the Revlon beats the Drybar in price by a lot. If you have the money and are willing to spend it on a hot air brush I believe the Drybar is a better option.
Hot Air Brush For Thin Hair?
Well you are not going to like what I have to say because I can’t really recommend the best hot air brush for thin hair. If you have thin hair you are out of luck. You are like the short hair folks. They don’t really make a hot air brush that is going to work really well for you. Te closest thing I can think of is going to be a brush that has bristles and is round go you can get some tension while styling.
Basically if you have thin hair and you try to use a hot air brush the bristles are just too widely spaced for you get an tension and you hair is going to fall through. I personally would not waste my time or money on purchasing a hot air brush. sorry I know that is not what you want to hear. you might try the Calista Styledryer Custom Airbrush or the FHI Heat Stylus Successor Dual Heating Thermal Styling Brush? Your best option is going to be purchasing a really good high quality hair dryer and a high quality round brush.
See the above best hot air brush for short hair if you have not already read that section. You can read more and my other recommendations here, for hot air brushes for thin hair.
Hair Dryer Brush And Hair Dryer
When I talk about the best hair dryer brush I am referring to a hot air brush that can dry your hair in addition to styling it. It’s a dryer/styler brush combination. And, my favorite, is hands down, the Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush. Before using the brush you are going to have to towel dry your hair. Your hair can’t be wet.
I do not recommend using the brush on really wet hair. It’s not as good as a hair dryer. In addition, I also recommend you detangle your hair. If you have really thick long hair you are going to have to use a blow dryer. Sorry, that is just a fact. These hot air tools, event he best ones like the Drybar, just can’t compete with using a blow dryer and a round brush. Once your long thick hair is partially dry, then you can finish your style using the dryer brush. If you are on a budget I would recommend the John Frieda Hot Air Brush or the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler.
Straightening Hair Brush Is To Do One Thing Only
I define straightening brush as a hot air brush that does only one thing and one thing only and that is straighten your hair. It’s not going to be great at adding curls and or waves in your hair. It’s main purpose is to straighten and remove frizz in your hair. And I might add, it does an excellent job. My top two choices are going to be the Drybar The Brush Crush and the ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush. Each is excellent at straightening hair and removing frizz. These are top quality hair styling tools. And, if you are on a budget I recommend the MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Hair Straightener Brush. another very good option for folks not wanting to pay triple the amount for a straightening brush.
Hot Air Brush Conclusion
| Hot Air Brushes | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 1. Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler | I love the 1100 Watts ans super low price. This is my pick for one of the best budget hot air brushes on the market today. According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “The air flow is a little uneven but its still a great value for what you get.” You get ionic technology to help dry hair faster without damage. Great value for the price. Air flow is not even and has no temp display, otherwise a solid budget hot air brush. Another fan favorite from Revlon, this traditional round brush dryer allows you to easily and effectively dry and smooth frizzy hair, and even coarse, unruly hair. You can get closer to your scalp due to the oval design. Best budget hot air brush. |
| 2. John Frieda Hot Air Brush | Same as the Infinity Pro by Conair (Infinitipro By Conair Wet/Dry Hot Air Brush Styler). Very good budget hot air brush that gets the job done at a reasonable price. I like it because it’s easy to use, but it can malfunction. I question it’s reliability. But I would purchase due to the low cost and ease of use and would return if mine broke during the limited 3 year warranty. The brush is actually made by Conair Corp. |
| 3. Revlon XL Hair Straightening Heated Styling Brush | I recommend this brush for those who have lots of long hair due to the XL “paddle brush” heated head design has 30% more surface area to get you done styling faster. Plus the brush protects you hair with snag free styling. Recommended for long hair. |
| 4. MiroPure Ionic Straightening Brush | I like the 4 temp settings and the even heat distribution you get with the ceramic heater. Good for healthy hair. I like it heats up fast and give you silky and bouncy hair in minutes. Very good budget hot air brush. Great value. For lots more information read my article on the MiroPure Ionic Straightening Brush. Great budget brush. |
| 5. Jinri Hot Air Brush | I like the ionic and ceramic technology you get at such a low price. Does a good job at preventing over-drying for healthy hair. My top choice for short hair. |
| 6. Glamfields Straightening Brush | I love the temperature lock function and the 4 temp settings with digital display that saves your hair from damage. Also has a 30 minute auto shut off in which I am a big fan. For lots more information read my article on the Glamfields Straightening Brush. Great budget brush. |
| 7. TYMO RING Hair Straightener Brush | I like TYMO for the price because you get Smart chips for precise heating. 210 F for thick curly hair to 130 F for thin hair. Having many temp setting ensure healthy hair and no hot spots. And I love the 30 minute auto shut off – it’s like they read my mind on this one, I’ve been saying hot brushes need this feature for almost 2 years. Very good, has a lot of controls and features for a hot brush in this price range. The purple teeth generates heat that enters hair rapidly, allowing you to straighten your hair without using too much heat or causing damage. The black teeth on the hairbrush may not only protect your scalp from burning, but they can also assist you in keeping your hair cool while you style it. This feature assists you in setting and maintaining the shape of your hair. Will give you a silky & natural lustrous hair. Great budget brush. |
| 8. InStyler MAX PRIME 1.25” 2-Way Straightener & Styler | I like the two-way rotating barrel to reduce frizz, gives a nice polished healthy shinier hair. Plus gives you ability to easily add curls and more body. My number one choice for rotating hot air brush. |
| 9. InStyler Straightening Brush | Gives you the ability to straightens and curl at the same time plus I like the 30 second heat up. All Instyler are great quality. I recommend Instyler because they produce a quality product at a reasonable price. |
| 10. Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush | I love the digital temp control and the high quality. Better than 99% of all other hair straighteners on the market today, in my opinion. Great for straightening thick hair and allows you to style in less time. My top pick for a hot air brush. According to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, “I love this brush because the back of the head does not get really hot like other cheaper brushes do. Top quality with many great features.” #1 Choice for thick hair |
| 11. Drybar The Double Shot | Has three temperature settings. Low heat setting or “cool setting” , a medium setting warm enough to dry thin hair. And a high setting. High quality product from Drybar with an oval shape. |
| 12. Conair 3-in-1 Tourmaline Ceramic Hot Air Brush Combo Kit | Good budget hot brush, price is really good at less than $30,00. No temp display at this price. Will give you more volume but it’s harder to get close to your scalp on top due to the handle is large and it’s not that easy to maneuver over your head with one hand. |
| 13. Ricank Professional Hair Straightener | Budget model, does not handle 4c hair very well, but the price is very good. |
| 14. Drybar The Baby Brush Crush | Same as the larger Drybar The Brush Crush but in a travel friendly size. Top quality. |
| 15. Rifny Hair Straightening Comb | Great brush for the price, not recommended for short hair. Has 3 heat setting and is not overly priced. Great budget brush. |
| 16. FHI Heat Stylus Successor Dual Heating Thermal Styling Brush | I recommend for medium to long length hair styles and full curl and wave patterns. |
| 17. Lena Hair Dryer Brush And Volumizer | I love because of the powerful negative ion care & far infrared technology. Very good for straightening, volumzing, smoothing and flipping. |
| 18. Infinitipro By Conair Hot Air Spin Brush | 2-inch spin air brush creates voluminous curls but not for thick hair types. |
| 19. ghd Glide Hot Brush, Professional Hot Brush | According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “I love because this is the simplest hot hush to use period! Fantastic to tame and smooth dry hair for quick and effortless styling.” #1 Choice for thin hair less damaging and best overall. |
| 20. ghd Rise Hot Hair Brush | Fantastic for volumizing and flawless body and lift for you hair. I recommend to use with heat protect spray. My #1 choice for damaged hair. |
| 21. Dyson Airwrap | Excellence. I love everything but the price. However, I highly recommend. Very high quality, with excellence fit and finish. Great performance. Like all excellent hot hair brushes it need no gloves. Read my article on how to use the Dyson Airwrap. |
For Short Hair – Jinri Hot Air Brush
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1000 watts | No way to contact Jinri that I know of – not able to find a phone number |
| 9 foot 360 swivel cord | Not a hair dryer – that’s OK, not really expecting it to dry hair – more for styling |
| Gives volume to hair | Bristles are soft |
| Minimizes frizz | Not great for long hair |
| Adds shine | Bristles 0.4 inch – which are short – that’s why I recommend for short hair |
| Easy to use | |
| Light weight |
For Short Hair- John Frieda Hot Air Brush
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Not great for thick hair |
| Gives volume to hair | Hair can get stuck |
| Minimizes frizz | 500 watts – I would like to see more power |
| Adds shine | Not a hair dryer – that’s OK – more for styling |
If you want to style while drying damp hair, hot air brushes are a great option. And if you have thin damaged hair and want the safest way to style your hair a hot brush is going to be the best option for you.
Hot air brushes are definitely considered safer options than hot irons or even curling tongs. Primarily because they don’t press hair between heated plates, but instead it blows hot air.
In addition, the brush’s surface is usually coated in ceramic. Ceramic material is not only safer for hair, but also has the special property to make your hair smooth and silky.
If you have damaged hair or just want an extra level of protection I recommend you choose a good hydrating shampoo and use one of my favorites, Argan oil after styling to achieve a fabulous look.
I hope this article was of use to you and you found it interesting or at least came away knowing a little more about hot brushes. Please comment below, Readers and myself would love to hear what your use and any advise you can give.
Hot air brushes create salon-worthy blowouts quickly. Hot air brushes are better for your hair because hot air brushes and hair straightener brushes do not cause as much heat damage as other styling tools when used properly. I am not distinguishing between hot air brushes and a straightener brushes although they are technically very different. If you want to know the difference between the two then read my article called hot brushes. My list below contains both, hot air brushes and hair straightener brushes.
Conclusion And Summary
The hot air brush, a beauty tool that’s been the talk of the town, especially with all these brand names floating around, like Bondi Boost Blowout Brush Pro and Hot Tools One-Step Pro Blowout Styler. Let’s not forget the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long and the classic Revlon Brush. These brushes promise bouncy hair with less direct heat, but is it too good to be true?
Expert hairstylists and even a few celebrity hairstylists have weighed in. The consensus? It’s all about how you use it. Blasting your hair on the hottest setting might not be the best idea. Most of these tools come with different heat settings for a reason. Proper heat distribution is key, so take advantage of those design features.
Now, if you’re all about that drying power, hot air brushes do have a leg up on traditional drying systems. They can significantly cut down on your styling time. Just ask Amazon Shoppers, who swear by these tools for a quick drying and styling session. Oh, and if you’re into high-end shopping, Nordstrom View and Sephora View have some exclusive options too.
Shiny hair is the end goal, right? Well, if you’ve got the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling brush, you know it’s possible. But let’s talk about that hefty price tag. Is it worth it? According to marketing efforts, yes, especially if it comes with a paddle brush attachment for that smooth finish. But there are similar options out there that won’t break the bank.
As with all beauty trends, protecting your hair is crucial. Always use a heat protection spray to lock in surface moisture before you begin styling. Some brushes even come with a concentrator nozzle for more focused heat, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you use it.
So, in summary, a hot air brush isn’t inherently bad for your hair. It’s all about how you use it and what you use it with. Happy styling!
FAQ Section
Q: Is Revlon hot air brush bad for your hair?
A: The Revlon hot air brush is not inherently bad for your hair. However, like any heat styling tool, improper use such as using the hottest setting for an extended period can cause heat damage. Always use a heat protection spray and follow the guidelines provided in the manual.
Q: Is hot air brush better than a hair dryer?
A: A hot air brush offers the benefits of drying and styling your hair simultaneously, which can save you time. Hair dryers provide more powerful drying but less styling. The choice between the two depends on your needs and hair type.
Q: Are hot air brushes better than straighteners?
A: Hot air brushes and straighteners serve different purposes. While hot air brushes provide volume and a blown-out look, straighteners are designed to make hair pin-straight. Both can cause heat damage if misused, so it’s essential to use them with care.
Q: Do hot air brushes damage curly hair?
A: Hot air brushes can be used on curly hair, but caution should be exercised. High heat can disrupt the natural curl pattern and cause damage. Always use a lower heat setting and a heat protectant spray to minimize potential harm.
Q: Are hot air brushes good for fine hair?
A: Hot air brushes can be beneficial for fine hair as they provide less direct heat compared to traditional hair dryers. However, because fine hair is more susceptible to heat damage, always use the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant.
Q: How often should you use a hot air brush?
A: The frequency of using a hot air brush depends on your hair type and condition. Using it too often, especially on the highest heat setting, can lead to heat damage. Moderation is key.
Q: Can hot air brushes cause hair loss?
A: There is no direct evidence to suggest that hot air brushes cause hair loss. However, excessive heat styling can weaken hair strands, leading to breakage, which may appear as though you’re losing more hair.
Q: Are expensive hot air brushes worth the investment?
A: Higher-end hot air brushes often come with additional features like variable heat settings, better heat distribution, and higher quality bristles. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on how often you plan to use it and what specific needs you have for your hair.
Q: Can hot air brushes replace my regular hairbrush?
A: While hot air brushes can style and dry your hair, they shouldn’t completely replace your regular hairbrush, which is essential for detangling and general hair maintenance.
Q: What are some trusted brands for hot air brushes?
A: Some popular brands include Revlon, Dyson, Hot Tools, and Bondi Boost. Reviews and recommendations from Amazon Shoppers, as well as expert hairstylists, can help you make an informed decision.
References:
Jinri
John Frieda
Image by 729714 from Pixabay