Editor Trudi Brewer says these are the best multitasking tools for all hair types, ranging from top-flight ghd to a complete set of Dyson and a brilliant cheeky beauty buy.
Image BeautyEQ
Combining the skill of a round brush (the ultimate for a salon volume blow dry) but with the drying ability of a hair dryer and the styling power of a straightening iron, the hot brush is the ultimate multitasker. Here's everything you need to know about using a hot brush and how to find the perfect match to suit your hair type.
Do hot brushes damage your hair?
When wet, your hair is more fragile, so dry it thoroughly before using a ceramic-plated hot brush. Some hot brushes are designed with hot air to dry and style hair simultaneously. Remember, a heat protector spray must accompany any hot tool you use before styling. Not only does this save your hair from becoming dry and brittle, but it can also help to minimise frizz and prevent colour fade.
Hot brush or hair straightener?
Both tools can achieve similar styles, but hot brushes are generally better at creating looser, beachy waves that look completely natural. They can be used on all hair types, from voluminous curls to poker-straight ends. Hot brushes, straighteners and wands all have their purpose, but hot brushes are easy to use. They're great at smoothing the hair while giving it body and movement, making them ideal for medium to fine hair. They also effectively eliminate frizz from thick, wavy, curly hair. So armed with that knowledge, here’s the best on offer.
Easy to use
ghd Dreamland Collection GLIDE Hot Brush in Alluring Jade, $300.
For a hot brush that sold out within minutes when it launched in 2019, I can confirm it lives up to that hype. What I love most is that it’s lightweight and creates a salon-worthy finish to my curly locks without the risk of annoying flyaways. It heats up faster than my straighteners and doesn't leave hair flat or poker smooth. It is so brilliant on those days you are short on time and want to give your hair the polish it gets from a fresh blow dry. While it’s not cheap, It delivers with every stroke. I would not be without this hot brush. Any hair length will benefit from this brush. The new colour, Jade, is Pictured here: it’s also available in black.
Price: $300.
For versatility and Long-lasting movement
Dyson Airwrap multi-styler and dryer Complete Long, $849.
Dyson, air famous for air, from fans to vacuums, when they moved into the beauty world, made a a big splash with their lightweight, power shot blow-dryer back in 2016. Since then, the brand has been making waves with new innovations, including this multi-use styler that can dry, curl, wave, or smooth your hair. Now, this is not easy to get your head around, but with some practice, it’s a brilliant hot tool with six attachments at your fingertips to dry, blow out, smooth, or curl the hair. Three different heat settings, as well as a cold shot, help set the curls in place if you’re using the wand attachments, and three different air pressure settings to protect the condition of the hair and boost shine. While this hot air brush is expensive, five hot tools, including a hair dryer, fit in one box. It’s also worth noting this comes with a two-year warranty—so your investment is protected. Ideal for any hairstyle on mid-length hair.
Price: $849.
Brillant budget buy
Lady Jayne Salon Pro Rechargeable Volumising Hot Brush, $63.
With the cost of living biting, this portable, travel-friendly USB charging hot brush is epic. It quickly smooths or boosts your hair's volume at home or while sitting in traffic. It is a game-changer because it is wireless, compact (fits in a small handbag), lightweight, and portable. Using the power of heated fins, 37 in a double-row, 3D-like prong, these are longer than most hot brushes and coated with ceramic and ionic powders. It smooths frizz and static in one pass because it boosts the shine of your style at the same time. There are five different digital temperature options, which means you can protect damaged hair with heat that starts at 120-140 degrees, ideal for fine or bleached hair, to 200 degrees, best for thick, wavy hair like mine. This cutie works on any hair length or style.
Price: $70
The Wet-to-dry blowout
VS Sassoon SHINE LUSTRE BLOWOUT BESTIE HOT AIR BRUSH, $100.
This is your hairdryer with a built-in hot brush. It effortlessly creates lift and volume, smoothing frizz thanks to the ceramic and aloe vera-infused barrel. It has two heat settings for thick or fine hair (one of the first things I noticed was how fast it heats up) and a cool shot to set your style. Above all, it is lightweight, so no more sore arms trying to brush dry your hair—it did more than cut down my dry time. You can transform your hair from damp, frizzy, and wavy to shiny, voluminous, healthy-looking strands in five to 10 minutes. Ideal for medium to thick hair; make sure your hair is damp, not wet before you start styling.
Price: $100.
Coconut-infused ceramic hot brush, anyone? That’s right; this hot tool has smooth, healthy hair in mind; with each glide, your hair is treated to micro-coconut conditioners, boosting shine while you give your hair a smooth finish. There are two heat and speed settings and a cool shot to set your style. What I love most about this brush is the dual brushes, 50 mm and 30 mm, which are ideal for layered hair and fringes. And the best news is that it comes with a three-year warranty.
Who can use it? All hair lengths and textures will love using this brush.
Price: $130.
