Best of
The Best Dryer Brushes (2027)
The best blow-dryer brushes for 2027, ranked on blowout smoothness, volume, drying speed, and gentleness across hair types and lengths.
The short answer
The Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step is the best dryer brush for most people in 2027: even gold-surface heat, strong tension bristles, and a detachable head. Short hair should choose the Revlon Root Booster. For wet-and-dry versatility, the Shark SmoothStyle stands alone.
Our top picks at a glance
- Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold One-Step Dryer and VolumizerGold-surface oval volumizer with charcoal bristles and three heat settings.Best overall
- Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer BrushSalon-chain oval brush with ionic tech and strategic vent placement.Best salon blowout
- L'ANGE Le Volume 2-in-1 Volumizing Brush DryerTitanium-barrel oval dryer brush in 60mm and 75mm for salon volume.Best for long hair
- Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer BrushDual-mode tool: dryer brush for wet styling, heated comb for dry smoothing.Most versatile
- Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0Updated oval brush with mixed bristles and a smaller, lighter body.Best for fine hair
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Salon-style blowouts at home in noticeably less time than dryer-plus-brush routines
- One-handed styling being far easier to learn than coordinating a dryer and round brush
- Root volume that survives the day when finished with the cool setting
- Smoother, shinier lengths compared with air-drying or flat drying
Common complaints
- Large oval heads feeling clumsy on short hair, bangs, and tight root areas
- Arms tiring on heavy models during long, thick-hair sessions
- Bristles clogging with shed hair and needing frequent cleaning
- High settings being too hot for fine hair when sections are held too long
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Barrel | Heat settings | Wattage | Bristles | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold One-Step Dryer and Volumizer | Best overall | Oval, 24K gold surface | 3 heat / 2 speed plus cool | 1100W | Charcoal-infused Boar Tech mix | Detachable head (current models), ALCI plug |
| 2 | Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush | Best salon blowout | Oval, 2.44 in width class | 3 temperatures plus cool | 1100W | Nylon plus tufted combination | - |
| 3 | L'ANGE Le Volume 2-in-1 Volumizing Brush Dryer | Best for long hair | Oval titanium, 60mm or 75mm | Low / high plus cool, model dependent | 1100W | Tufted with cool tips, nylon and boar-style mix | - |
| 4 | Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush | Most versatile | Brush head plus heated comb plate | 3 air/heat settings in wet mode | 900W class | - | - |
| 5 | Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 | Best for fine hair | Oval, compact 2.0 design | 3 heat / speed settings | 950W class | Mixed short and long nylon/tufted | - |
| 6 | Revlon One-Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer | Best for short hair and roots | Round, 1.5 in | 3 heat / speed settings | 820W class | - | - |
| 7 | CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush | Best system | - | Multiple heat / speed plus cool | 1000W class | - | - |
| 8 | Conair INFINITIPRO The Knot Dr. Dryer Brush | Best for tangles | Oval with Flexalite bristles | 3 heat / speed settings plus cool | 1000W | - | - |
| 9 | Bed Head One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer | Best budget volume | Oval volumizer head | 3 heat / speed settings | 1100W class | - | - |
| 10 | Nicebay Hair Dryer Brush Blow Dryer Brush in One | Best starter brush | Oval, ceramic coated | 3 modes (cool / low / high) | 1000W class | Nylon pins with tufted bristles | - |
Best overall
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold One-Step Dryer and Volumizer
Gold-surface oval volumizer with charcoal bristles and three heat settings.
The Hot Tools One-Step pairs an even-heating gold oval surface with charcoal Boar Tech bristles that grip like a stylist's round brush, so the blowout comes out smooth and bouncy rather than merely dry. Three heats, a cool shot, and a detachable head make it the most complete everyday package here.
Strengths
- 24K gold styling surface for even heat distribution
- Charcoal-infused and Boar Tech bristles grip and smooth while refreshing hair
- Three heat and two speed settings plus cool shot
- Detachable head design on current models eases storage and travel
Limitations
- Oval head is large for very short hair and tight root work
- Gold surface needs regular bristle cleaning to stay effective
- Not dual voltage on standard US models
| Barrel | Oval, 24K gold surface |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 heat / 2 speed plus cool |
| Wattage | 1100W |
| Bristles | Charcoal-infused Boar Tech mix |
| Features | Detachable head (current models), ALCI plug |
Best for: Most hair types wanting a smooth, bouncy blowout with less frizz.
Skip if: You need a compact travel tool; the full-size head is generous.
Best salon blowout
Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush
Salon-chain oval brush with ionic tech and strategic vent placement.
The Double Shot is tuned by a chain that sells blowouts for a living: strong tension bristles, smart vents, and ionic shine. If your reference point is a salon finish, this is the closest home tool here.
Strengths
- Ionic technology aimed at sealing the cuticle for shine
- Combination nylon and tufted bristles create real blowout tension
- Strategically placed vents maximize airflow for faster drying
- Three temperature settings including a cool option
Limitations
- Premium salon-brand price
- Large oval head is awkward on short hair and fringes
- Single voltage US model limits travel use
| Barrel | Oval, 2.44 in width class |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 temperatures plus cool |
| Wattage | 1100W |
| Bristles | Nylon plus tufted combination |
| Cord | 9 ft professional cord |
Best for: Blowout devotees wanting Drybar-style body and shine at home.
Skip if: Budget matters; drugstore volumizers deliver most of the result for less.
Best for long hair
L'ANGE Le Volume 2-in-1 Volumizing Brush Dryer
Titanium-barrel oval dryer brush in 60mm and 75mm for salon volume.
Le Volume's 75mm titanium barrel covers long hair faster while heating evenly, and the 60mm option covers medium lengths in the same line. Size choice is its quiet superpower.
Strengths
- Titanium barrel heats evenly for smooth, shiny blowouts
- Two sizes: 60mm for medium and shorter hair, 75mm for long hair
- Negative ion technology and tufted bristles with cool tips for grip without pulling
- 360-degree airflow vents speed drying while styling
Limitations
- Heat settings are warm/hot tiers rather than precise temperatures
- Larger 75mm barrel is bulky on short layers
- Premium-mid price versus drugstore volumizers
| Barrel | Oval titanium, 60mm or 75mm |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | Low / high plus cool, model dependent |
| Wattage | 1100W |
| Bristles | Tufted with cool tips, nylon and boar-style mix |
| Cord | Swivel cord, professional length |
Best for: Medium to long hair wanting smooth volume with a premium-feel tool.
Skip if: Your hair is very short; choose the smaller barrel or a round brush format.
Most versatile
Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Dual-mode tool: dryer brush for wet styling, heated comb for dry smoothing.
No other pick works both wet and dry: brush mode blow-dries and styles, heated comb mode straightens and refreshes on day two and three. Two tools' jobs in one handle.
Strengths
- Wet Hair Mode dries and styles; Dry Hair Mode heated comb refreshes and straightens
- Heated comb aligns hair with less heat exposure than a flat iron for touch-ups
- Designed to style with no heat damage positioning in wet mode temperature control
- Works across hair types including curly and coily in brush mode
Limitations
- Premium price and more modes to learn
- Comb mode is a smoother, not a replacement for a flat iron on tight curls
- Heavier than simple oval volumizers
| Modes | Wet Hair Mode (dry + style), Dry Hair Mode (heated comb) |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 air/heat settings in wet mode |
| Wattage | 900W class |
| Barrel | Brush head plus heated comb plate |
| Cord | Swivel cord |
Best for: Users wanting one tool for blowouts and next-day straight smoothing.
Skip if: You want maximum root volume; the comb mode favors sleek over bouncy.
Best for fine hair
Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
Updated oval brush with mixed bristles and a smaller, lighter body.
The compact 2.0 barrel, lighter body, and moderate heat settings suit fine hair that big volumizers overwhelm, delivering polish without flattening.
Strengths
- Version 2.0 shrinks the barrel for better root access and control
- Mix of short and long bristles detangles while creating tension
- Three heat settings let fine hair stay on gentler airflow
- Lightweight body suits longer styling sessions
Limitations
- Smaller barrel means more sections on long, thick hair
- Premium price
- Maximum heat is moderate versus titanium-barrel rivals
| Barrel | Oval, compact 2.0 design |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 heat / speed settings |
| Wattage | 950W class |
| Bristles | Mixed short and long nylon/tufted |
| Cord | 9 ft swivel cord |
Best for: Fine to medium hair wanting a polished blowout with less arm fatigue.
Skip if: Your hair is very thick and long; larger-barrel rivals dry it faster.
Best for short hair and roots
Revlon One-Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer
Compact 1.5-inch round dryer brush for root lift, bangs, and short layers.
The 1.5-inch round barrel actually reaches roots, bangs, and bob-length layers that oval heads skate over. For short hair this is not the accessory pick; it is the main tool.
Strengths
- 1.5-inch round barrel reaches roots and short layers oval heads cannot
- Ceramic technology for even heat and less damage positioning
- Three heat settings with ionic frizz control
- Ideal size for bangs, bobs, and refreshing volume at the crown
Limitations
- Small barrel means many sections on long hair
- Round shape gives lift and curl rather than sleek oval smoothness
- Not a full-head dryer for dense, waist-length hair
| Barrel | Round, 1.5 in |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 heat / speed settings |
| Technology | Ceramic with ionic conditioning |
| Wattage | 820W class |
| Cord | Swivel cord with ALCI plug |
Best for: Short to medium hair, root lift, fringe styling, and second-day refresh.
Skip if: You have long, thick hair to dry fully; the small barrel is slow at scale. Note: this is a different product from the original One-Step Volumizer.
Best system
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush
Interchangeable-head system: oval, round, paddle, and nozzle in one handle.
Four heads, one handle: volumize, smooth with the paddle, curl with the round brush, or pre-dry with the nozzle. Households with mixed hair goals get the most from this format.
Strengths
- Four attachments: oval volumizer, round brush, paddle brush, concentrator nozzle
- Ceramic and ionic technology for smooth, shiny results
- Attachments swap for drying, volumizing, smoothing, and curling finishes
- Compact storage versus four separate tools
Limitations
- Attachment fit and airflow are compromises versus dedicated tools
- Swapping heads mid-routine interrupts flow while they cool
- Mid price buys breadth over single-tool excellence
| Attachments | Oval brush, round brush, paddle brush, nozzle |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | Multiple heat / speed plus cool |
| Technology | Ceramic, ionic |
| Wattage | 1000W class |
| Cord | Swivel cord |
Best for: Households and experimenters wanting one handle for every blowout style.
Skip if: You want one perfect tool, not a system; dedicated heads outperform attachments slightly.
Best for tangles
Conair INFINITIPRO The Knot Dr. Dryer Brush
Flexalite-bristle dryer brush that detangles while it dries and volumizes.
Flexalite bristles detangle gently while drying, making wash-day far less combative for tangle-prone and tender-headed users, at a budget price.
Strengths
- Flexalite epoxy-tipped bristles detangle gently without pulling or snagging
- Tourmaline ceramic and ionic technology for frizz control
- Oval barrel adds root lift while lengths smooth out
- Detachable attachment and budget price
Limitations
- Gentler heat means slower drying on very thick, dense hair
- Detangling focus trades some tension needed for pin-straight finishes
- Bristles need frequent clearing to maintain airflow
| Barrel | Oval with Flexalite bristles |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 heat / speed settings plus cool |
| Technology | Tourmaline ceramic, ionic |
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Attachment | Detachable dryer brush head |
Best for: Tangle-prone and wet-detangling routines on fine to medium hair.
Skip if: You want maximum sleekness on coarse hair; its heat is comparatively gentle.
Best budget volume
Bed Head One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Oval volumizer with tourmaline ceramic and flexible bristle styling.
Tourmaline ceramic, real tension bristles, and an oval head at a budget price. Volume per dollar is the story here.
Strengths
- Oval design lifts roots and smooths lengths in one pass
- Tourmaline ceramic technology for shine and frizz reduction
- Mixed pattern bristles grip hair for real tension
- Three heat settings at a budget price
Limitations
- Airflow and heat run strong; fine hair should use low
- Build quality is budget tier for daily heavy use
- Large head, like most oval volumizers, on short cuts
| Barrel | Oval volumizer head |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 heat / speed settings |
| Technology | Tourmaline ceramic, ionic |
| Wattage | 1100W class |
| Cord | Swivel cord |
Best for: Budget blowouts with volume on medium hair and textured finishes.
Skip if: You need the gentlest heat; keep sessions moving on fine hair.
Best starter brush
Nicebay Hair Dryer Brush Blow Dryer Brush in One
Budget oval dryer brush with ceramic coating and three heat modes.
The Nicebay covers the format basics, ceramic oval barrel, three modes, ALCI safety, at the lowest cost of entry, ideal for deciding whether dryer brushes suit your routine.
Strengths
- Ceramic-coated oval barrel for even heat at the lowest price tier here
- Three heat modes including cool for setting volume
- Nylon pin and tufted bristles provide workable blowout tension
- ALCI safety plug and lightweight body
Limitations
- Heat and airflow consistency trail branded rivals
- Bristle durability under daily use is limited
- Brand support and documentation are thinner than major labels
| Barrel | Oval, ceramic coated |
|---|---|
| Heat settings | 3 modes (cool / low / high) |
| Wattage | 1000W class |
| Bristles | Nylon pins with tufted bristles |
| Safety | ALCI plug |
Best for: First-time dryer brush buyers testing the format on a tight budget.
Skip if: You style daily and want multi-year durability and premium bristles.
How we chose
Barrel shape matched to goal
Oval barrels smooth lengths while lifting roots for classic blowouts, round barrels add lift and curl for short hair, paddle and comb formats prioritize sleekness over volume.
Heat and airflow balance
Enough wattage to dry efficiently on damp hair without forcing maximum heat. Multiple settings and a cool shot matter more than raw power for hair health.
Bristle tension and gentleness
Mixed nylon and tufted bristles create the tension that smooths. Flexing, cool-tipped bristles protect tangle-prone and fine hair from pulling and breakage.
Size, weight, and safety
A dryer brush is held at arm's length for 10-plus minutes. Weight, head size versus hair length, detachable storage, and ALCI protection decide daily usability.
Questions, answered
Should hair be wet or damp before using a dryer brush?
Damp, about 80 percent dry. Rough-dry or air-dry first, detangle, apply protectant, then style in sections. Soaking-wet hair takes too long in the tool and absorbs unnecessary heat.
Oval or round dryer brush?
Oval for smooth blowouts with root lift on medium to long hair. Round for short hair, bangs, layers, and adding curl or bend. Many routines use round at roots and oval through lengths.
Can a dryer brush replace a flat iron?
For smooth, bouncy styles, yes. For pin-straight, sleek finishes on curly hair, a flat iron still wins; the Shark SmoothStyle's heated comb narrows that gap for touch-ups.
How do I keep volume from falling?
Lift sections upward and overdirect at the root, finish each section with the cool setting, and avoid touching or heavy products until hair is fully cool and dry.