Table of Contents
- Best Hot Air Brushes in 2019
- 10. Wazor Brand Negative Ionic Air Brush
- 9. MHU Air Brush / Volumizer, 1.25” Diameter
- 8. Vidal Sasson Model VS433C Hot Air Brush
- 7. Calista Pro Hot Air Brush with Digital Temperature Control
- 6. InfinitiPro by Conair, Spinning Hot Air Brush with Two Brushes
- 5. Conair Supreme “2-in-1” Hot Air Brush
- 3. Helen of Troy Model 1579 Hot Air Brush
- 2. John Frieda Brand Hot Air Brush, 1.5” Diameter
- 1. Revlon Brand One Step Hair Dryer/Volumizer
- What Should You Look for in a Hot Air Brush?
- Conclusion
What Is a Hot Air Brush?
You can do much more with a hot air brush than you could with a curling iron. A hot air brush allows you to straighten hair or style it while it is still damp. Hot brushes are better than the alternatives if your hair is thin or damaged. They aren’t hot enough to damage hair. It does take longer to style hair than a curling iron. Conversely, it maintains your hair’s volume and adds shine.
Best Hot Air Brushes in 2019
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10. Wazor Brand Negative Ionic Air Brush
This hot air brush by Wazor has a 1.25” diameter. It is truly a hot product – it can put out 1000 watts of heat. It is not dual voltage like one of the other airbrushes on this list.
The 1.25” diameter means it won’t work well with short hair. However, the size means it works rather well for almost everyone else. Furthermore, the bristles rarely ever tangle in your hair.
It generates negative ions to minimize the frizzing of your hair.
One of the downsides of this model is its tendency to short out. And the lack of safety features mean it can burn you when that happens. Another issue is the air flow. The air barely blows through the brush itself. Instead, the air blasts out of the top of the handle. That can get in the way when you’re trying to style your hair, though it makes this brush a viable alternative to a hairdryer.
- Generates negative ions
- An ideal middle diameter that nearly everyone can use
- When it does fail, it overheats
9. MHU Air Brush / Volumizer, 1.25” Diameter
This is a hot product, literally. This professional grade hot air brush can put out 1000 watts of heat. The ceramic coating of the central body prevents it from burning your hair. It can be close to your scalp, as well.
The 1.25” diameter barrel is perfect for those who want larger curls and generally curved swaths of hair. There are two heat settings, high and low.
The cord is almost impossible to tangle up. The hot air brush itself is rather lightweight. The brush only catches hair somewhat on its own, so you may need multiple passes to get all of your hair.
It has a negative ion generator. One of the downsides of this model is the lack of safety features when there is an electric short; the central heating element in these cases overheats and can melt the bristles. In most cases, though, it simply shorts out and stops generating heat.
- Ideal combination of high heat and safety when working right
- Light weight
- Tendency to short out
8. Vidal Sasson Model VS433C Hot Air Brush
Vidal Sasson is a brand name that you’ve probably seen if you’re in an upscale salon. That’s why they’re willing to put their name on a hot air brush. It has the standard two heat levels, low and high.
This hot air brush has a narrow one-inch barrel that works well on short hair and for those who want tight curls. It won’t grab fine hair very well, regardless of its length. It is somewhat lightweight.
One point in favor of this model is the barrel lock; you can easily release your hair if it gets tangled up. However, it isn’t made to be a curling iron, so don’t try to use it as one.
One issue with this model is its low power level. It only puts out 250 watts. High heat on this hot air brush is equal to low heat on others. Conversely, it does have a cool tip so you can’t burn yourself that way.
- Easy de-tangling of hair
- Lightweight
- Low power
7. Calista Pro Hot Air Brush with Digital Temperature Control
This 1” diameter hot air brush is one of the most expensive on our list. For that premium price tag, you get a number of top of the line features.
It has a built-in ionizer. The main feature, though, is the customizable temperature control. The ceramic barrel creates even heating. One of the reasons we recommend this model is the automatic shut-off after one hour.
It is available in several colors. The 1” diameter brush makes this product the best choice for those with short hair or wants ultra-tight curls. The ability to modify the temperature in ten-degree increments allows you to work equally well, course or heavy hair. It will give you professional results though you’re working with your hair at home.
The main downside of this product is how easily it is damaged. The manufacturer has poor customer service when it is defective out of the box, too.
- Safety features
- Customizability
- Price
- Customer service by manufacturer
6. InfinitiPro by Conair, Spinning Hot Air Brush with Two Brushes
The InfinitiPro hot air brush by Conair has several points in its favor. One is the fact that you can swap out the 2” brush for a 1.5” brush seamlessly, using whichever works better for your needs.
Another point is the spinning head. This hair brush can spin in either direction. Note that it will not spin on the cool setting. It has two different heat settings. The tourmaline ceramic coating on the central cylinder creates an even heat profile. This hot air brush comes with a built-in ionizer.
One of the concerns with this unit is that it won’t stop spinning if your hair gets tangled in it. It will continue to wrap up the hair until it cannot turn, and then it is hard to get out of your hair.
- Spins in either direction
- Plug-and-play brushes of different sizes
- Tends to tangle hair
5. Conair Supreme “2-in-1” Hot Air Brush
This Conair brand hot air brush is one of the cheapest decent models on the market. You can switch between high-heat, low-heat and off. At 500 watts, it isn’t the hottest one on this list.
The aluminum barrel can get rather hot, though given its modest power level, it is difficult to burn your scalp with this hot air brush. The unit is middle of the pack in terms of weight.
One point in favor of this unit is its dual voltage; it will work whether you’re in the U.S. or visiting the E.U. However, this will require a separate plug adapter.
The biggest problem with this model is the physical locks for holding the two barrels / brushes. These locks tend to break off with extended use.
- Can be used abroad
- Decent functionality given its price
- Weak locking mechanism
4. BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush, 2” Diameter
This BaByliss hot air brush has a 2” barrel. This model stands out for the fact that the barrel not only rotates but can rotate in either direction at the push of a button. This can be invaluable when you want to untangle your hair from it. You can turn off the rotation, as well, and shape your hair as you see fit.
The temperature can be set at three different levels. The bristles are anti-static. Using this hot air brush won’t leave your hair frizzy. The brushes also pick up your hair well without being uncomfortable.
One minor issue with this hot air brush is its weight; it weighs more than a pound. It isn’t the most ergonomic on our list. A bigger concern is its not-so-great operating life. It sometimes breaks down too soon for a product that costs this much.
- Controllable rotation and heat
- Gentle on your hair
- Mediocre ergonomics
- Short operating life
3. Helen of Troy Model 1579 Hot Air Brush
This affordable hot air brush has a three quarter inch barrel. This hot air brush is perfect for creating tight curves. Another perk is the ergonomic handle. This air brush isn’t the lightest on the market, but it isn’t so heavy that it impacts the overall good ergonomics.
One of the major points in favor of this model is the tangle proof swivel cord. You can twist and turn it as required without damaging the cord. We’ll say the cool tip is more than cool – it is a safety feature many other models should emulate.
On the flipside, it cannot get very hot. This air brush’s wattage is only 250, a fraction of several others on this list. For some, that’s a plus because it is nearly impossible to burn yourself.
Sometimes the release button gets stuck, as well.
- Safety
- Ability to make tight curls
- Mediocre power
- Sometimes won’t release your hair
2. John Frieda Brand Hot Air Brush, 1.5” Diameter
This 1.5” diameter hot air brush is designed for thick curls or broadly curved hair styles. The ceramic barrel produces an even heat profile and minimizes frizz.
There are two heat settings, high and low, in addition to the off switch. The ball tipped bristles are comfortable against your scalp while picking up nearly all of your hair. You have excellent control of the hot air brush thanks to its design. You get a salon-grade swivel cord.
This hot air brush is heavier than average. It can only put out a maximum of 500 watts. A regular customer complaint is the unit dying after several months of use.
- Excellent control
- Comfortable to use
- Heavy
- Short operating life
1. Revlon Brand One Step Hair Dryer/Volumizer
This is a hot air brush that isn’t called a hot air brush. Bristle tip to bristle tip, it is four inches across. It will give you large curls, if that’s what you want. The oval brush makes it easy to create sculpted curved hair or brush it until it is straight.
The heating element puts out 1100 watts of power, as hot as a high powered hair dryer, but the hot air brush can be placed close to the scalp. The Revlon hot air brush has an ionizer, though this doesn’t do as much as they say it does. One of the major points in favor of this model is the three heat levels and easy to use a switch. In “cool” mode, you can run air through your hair to dry it without applying heat that could damage it.
The unit is lightweight and convenient to hold. You can use this for hours without any issues.
The only strike against this unit is how often it burns out literally in the high setting. The motor is prone to dying when you run it on the hottest setting for an extended period of time.
- Multiple heat settings
- Can create both curls and straight hair
- Motor failure is depressingly common
What Should You Look for in a Hot Air Brush?
- The main benefit of the hot air brush is the ability to curl hair around it and shape it as you brush it. The shorter your hair, the narrower your hot air brush should be. The tighter you want your curls, the narrower the air brush should be. If you want to straighten wavy hair, then you want a paddle-shaped hot air brush. The ideal hot air brush has multiple heat settings so that you can’t burn your hair and can take your time. Tangle free bristles are essential if your hair normally knots up.
- Anti-static features are a nice-to-have but not a necessity. Ionization is over-rated. A hot air brush that can spin is only a benefit if you have limited use of your hands or have carpal tunnel syndrome. If the hot air brush can spin, you want the ability to operate it without spinning. The ability to change the rate of spin is a plus only if you will actually use that feature a lot. Price is a consideration, but given how affordable most hot air brushes are, the features the product has relative to your needs are of greater importance. Safety features like automatic shut-offs and being safe to have near your scalp should be essential.
- One issue you may run into when shopping for a hot air brush is that many of these products are not called hot air brushes. They may be called hair dryers, volumizers or any of a number of names.
Conclusion
We’ve provided our recommended top ten list of hot air brushes so that you simply need to compare the features these brushes have relative to your needs so you can find one that is right for you.
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