Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
If there’s one styling tool our editors rely on the most, it’s the best blow-dryer brushes. These innovative, two-in-one tools help you achieve a professional-level blowout, no salon appointment (or sore arms) required. While they won’t fully replace your blow-dryer—you’ll still want to rough-dry first—they’re a game-changer once hair is damp, cutting down on frizz, styling time, and the dreaded arm workout. Even if you've gotten used to—or resigned yourself to—maneuvering your blow-dryer and round brush simultaneously, trust us when we say hair-dryer brushes make styling more controlled, easier, faster, and smoother.
Our Top Hair-Dryer Brushes
- Best Overall: T3 Airebrush, $150
- Best for Quick Styling: GHD Duet Blowdry, $429
- Best for Curly Hair: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush, $180
- Best Volumizing: Drybar The Double Shot, $155
- Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, $70
The concept of a hair dryer brush is simple yet intuitive: The handy, two-in-one tool combines the detangling ability of a brush with the power of heat, allowing you to style, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. “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. Interest piqued? Keep reading to learn more about our tried-and-true picks
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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
Best Overall: T3 Airebrush
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T3
Airebrush
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate director of audience development Melanie Curry using the T3 Airebrush with the oval brush head
Melanie Curry
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: 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. Head’s up (literally): There are two versions of the Airebrush. 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. The oval brush is slightly wider in diameter, making it ideal for thicker, longer hair. Its flatter edges help add soft waves, bends, and that just-left-the-salon lift. The round brush, on the other hand, is slimmer and better for shorter hair that doesn’t require as much surface area. It gets into hard-to-reach edges around the crown of the head way easier and creates 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. Finish with the Cool Shot setting, which activates a burst of cool air to lock in shine and set your style.
Curry before using the T3 Airebrush with the oval brush attachment
Melanie Curry
Curry after using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Melanie Curry
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 associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“I never thought too much about blow-dryers—before now. TBH, I usually just grabbed the cheapest one at Walmart and called it a day. But since upgrading from a $20 tool to the T3 (oval version), I can faithfully say I've been convinced of the prowess that is luxury hair dryers. The T3 evenly distributes heat so my strands are fully dry with just a few passes, so I'm not at risk for extra damage. It's not heavy at all, so my arms don't get tired out.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“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 producer
More to know
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- 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 Quick Styling: GHD Duet Blowdry
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GHD
Duet Blowdry
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
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 could never: It keeps your blowout bouncy and humidity-resistant for up to 24 hours—so even muggy weather won’t ruin your look. Its 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. And for damage-conscious stylers, GHD’s clinicals report “no thermal hair damage detected after 100 cycles of four passes on thoroughly towel-dried hair.” Translation: This tool checks every box for a long-lasting, damage-free blowout. “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.
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
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“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
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- Best for: all hair types
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
- Wattage: Approx 260W
- Noise level: moderate
- Attachments: none
Best for Curly Hair: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
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Shark
Glossi Blowout Brush
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: If you have curly or coily hair and want a blow-dry brush that protects your texture instead of fighting it, the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush has a teardrop-shaped barrel that hugs close to the roots and gently smooths hair from end to end. Combining a round brush, ceramic hot tool, and air styler in one, it glides through textured hair (no annoying snagging) for quick drying, defined volume, and long-lasting shine. The brand’s Gloss Lock Technology locks in up to 24 hours of frizz-resistant smoothness, while Smart Heat Sense Technology monitors temperature 1,000 times per second to stay below 302°F—the sweet spot in protecting delicate curls prone to breakage.
Shipin before using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“My fastest routine hack ever? Using this Shark Glossi brush. This gets me and my curly hair out of the shower and through the front door in 20 minutes, flat. The handle is smaller than the average blow-dryer brush that I've used, making it easier and more comfortable to maneuver around my head (especially important if you're in a rush to begin with), and it can be used on dry or wet hair. I love how straightforward the product is, but be patient with the motions: you'll need to practice a bit to ensure you use the straightening section correctly when transitioning from wet to dry. Once you have it down, the whole thing is a breeze. It's not a tool I'd use for styling—given that the head is so large, I definitely need to get closer to the roots or S-wave my hair with a straightener—but that's not what it's for! The Glossi is great for quick and smooth utility drying, and would be great for travel. Don't want to chance it on a hotel blow dryer, or pack multiple tools? This is your one and done. (PS: The Shark Speed Style has a much smaller head that lets you style and blow-dry simultaneously; I use this one more often when I have time on my hands.)” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types and textures, especially curly or coily hair
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Wattage: 1300W
- Noise level: 11.25 amps
- Attachments: none
Best Volumizing: Drybar The Double Shot
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Drybar
The Double Shot
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
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. The technology is straightforward: ionic technology reduces frizz, while a combination of nylon and tufted bristles walks a careful line between tension and control. Plentiful vents ensure even, strong airflow that leaves your hair with a springy bounce (without looking like Shirley Temple ringlets). Pro tip: If you have very thick or very 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
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"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
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- 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
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Revlon
One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Amazon
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
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"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
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- 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.
Volume is even easier to achieve, especially for straight or wavy textures. "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.
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. “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.
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 hair-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.