


A quality blow dryer brush can make or break your hair — literally. Whether your hair falls more pin-straight or lion mane-curly, it’s important to have one of these on hand and at arm’s reach.
The multi-purpose tool is one I resort too frequently (about 99.9% of the time when I don’t air-dry my natural curls). Its two-in-one brush and blow dryer combo is exactly what makes styling convenient, user-friendly and salon-worthy at the end.
“A blow dryer brush is a combination hot air tool with a round brush bristle attachment designed to dry and style in one go,” Amy Abramite, creative director and hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, told the New York Post. “They are easy to grip and use for a one step blow dry that looks like a professional blowout.”
While blow dryer brushes have risen in popularity as of late, this isn’t a product I’ve picked up yesterday. In fact, I’ve been testing some of the best blow dryer brushes as early as three years ago — including ones from amika, Dyson, the new debut from Moroccanoil, and more.
What’s more, I’ve been product-testing a variety of hair products for years, including hair mousses, stay-all-day hair sprays, dozens of shampoos and conditioners, after-shower leave-in conditioners and more.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for: a comprehensive review of the best blow dryer brushes you can buy for efficient, easy styling (note: I also put together a comparison table at the end of this review so you can see all of them at a quick glance).
For more intel on blow dryer brushes and an expert-backed, step-by-step guide on how to use one, check out our FAQ section following our product picks.
While reviewing the top blow dryer brushes on the market (side note: my hair is naturally curly, sometimes frizzy and blow dries in loose curls, so you can say I’m a mutt of different hair types and textures), here’s the official New York Post Shopping criteria I ran through for each tool:
Pros:
Cons:
I’ve been using the Moroccanoil 4-in-1 Blow-Dryer Brush for about a month now (it recently launched, so I had to get my hands on it). The brand is known for its much-adored smoothing hair products — like its Hydrating Styling Cream ($36) and All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner ($30), so I knew its stunning, new hair tool was on that same agenda.
The best part? Not only does the brush satisfy my hair-styling expectations (only 10 minutes to look like I came fresh out of a salon!) but it works well with frizzy hair, has impeccable heat distribution (so, it doesn’t feel like I’m using a “hot” tool at all) and has a sleek, durably made look. It also helps increase shine.
Not to mention, it’s fairly priced compared to others I’ve used — and my most-recommended hair tool to date.
Read our full review here.
Pros:
Cons:
Everyone and their mother (and probably, their grandmother, too) has been talking about the Revlon One-Step Volumizer and Hot Air Brush since its launch a few years ago. It’s pretty much the leader of blow dryer brushes — starting the craze and having everyone follow suit by purchasing one.
Now an all-around Amazon best-seller, this hair tool does the job, IMHO. It’s not the best compared to others I’ve tested, but it’s a quick, easy-to-use product that doesn’t damage my hair. It just doesn’t have as even of heat distribution as some other high-end ones. Overall, it takes about 20 minutes to dry.
Read our full review here.
Pros:
Cons:
Enter the coveted Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long. It’s on everyone’s wishlists for a reason (and yes, it’s worth the hype).
Honestly though, I don’t find myself reaching for it say, as much as my Moroccanoil or Drybar options, simply because how I prefer my simple blowout doesn’t require a plethora of attachments. However, I’m satisfied with the results nearly every time — it came with a learning curve, let me tell ya — and I love the versatility it provides.
Simply put, it may be the only hair tool you need: part blow dryer, part curling iron and part hair straightener. However, it does take about an hour to use.
Read our full review here.
Pros:
Cons:
Real talk — one of my friends brought Drybar’s The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush on a trip we went on together and, the second I returned, I picked it up, too. The reason? I saw how she navigated her damp hair so simply (and, frizz-free!) — a feat for her naturally kinky curls.
It’s one of my favorites to reach for and the most similar to Moroccanoil’s, the blow dryer brush I awarded the “best overall” accreditation to. It has a true round brush design, and it’s evident how much the brand pored over every last detail before launching it at beauty counters nationwide.
Its one con is that it isn’t the best for some finer sections of my hair. One- to two-inch sections of my hair work best (aka, the front sections), and the bottom strands of my hair, near the nape of my neck, take longer to dry. It’s not a dealbreaker, but just something to note. It takes me about 25 minutes to use.
Pros:
Cons:
The T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush has to be one of the most unique hair tools on the market. If you’re someone (like me) who loves to straighten away their frizz — even after blow drying your hair —this is the snazzy grab for you.
Notably, its round brush head is more tapered (in contrast to a traditional round shape), allowing the finer ends of your hair to efficiently wrap around. Its bristles are softer than any other blow dryer brush I’ve tested — giving it a more “brush-like feel.” Oh, and it’s incredible for bouncy curls — largely due to its luxe bristles.
That said, I’ve noticed it’s more suited for advanced hairstylists. Though I’m not a cosmetologist, it came with a slight learning curve, and it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to achieve a full blowout.
Read our full review here.
Pros:
Cons:
In short, I swear by amika. Its Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 was one of the first I used and one that’s super easy to use. It offers excellent volume, more notable than most others I’ve used, and takes about 15 minutes to use — almost as quick as the Moroccanoil model.
When used with the brand’s Blowout Bombshell Blowout Spray ($28) and The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer ($29), you’ll find that your hair will feel soft and light. Even better, its slight rectangular brush head helps wrap sections of hair easier than other blow dryer brushes tested — seriously, a genius concept.
Ahead, Abramite gives us the 411 on blow dryer brushes — including their benefits and how to properly use one, step by step.
First things first — let’s understand why it’s worth picking up a newly minted blow dryer brush and using it on your locks.
“The benefits are taming flyaways and frizz for smooth shiny texture while maintaining healthy strands,” Abramite tells The Post. “A blow dryer brush is easy to use to create round brushed styles on any texture and type of hair.”
Above all else, the shape of a blow dryer brush is different than the norm you’re used to seeing.
“A traditional blow dryer has a pistol shaped barrel and requires more skill to use because the tool and brush is separate,” she explains. “A blow dryer brush is easier to handle because they are connected.”
In short, this makes it simple to operate and requires less effort to achieve a classic blowout finish.
According to Abramite, variety of air pressure and temperature choices are important to control the style and protect moisture levels in the hair.
“Easy gripping on the tool for handling is key, as well as quality bristles to glide through the hair when styling,” she adds.
Ahead, Abramite shares her ultimate hairstyling guide to reference as you get started with a blow dryer brush:
“For coarse thick hair, use the high setting and for fine fragile hair, use low,” she suggests. “Doing so will control strands while styling and protect hair from the heat. To lock in the shape, use the cool setting for a long-lasting style after each section.”
Brand | Ranking | Why it’s worth it | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Moroccanoil | Best overall | Quickest blow dry time (only 10 minutes!); Even heat distribution for frizz-free, smooth locks | $$ |
Revlon | Best budget | Affordable price for an efficient hair product; Easy to use | $ |
Dyson | Best splurge | Several attachments to professionally interchange, depending on your preferred look; Even heat distribution | $$$$ |
Drybar | Best for frizzy hair | Easy to use; True “round brush” design | $$$ |
T3 | Best for curly hair | Unique blow dryer and hair straightener hybrid that makes an excellent value; Soft bristles help the hair feel bouncy and smooth | $$$ |
amika | Best for volume | Slight rectangular brush head helps wrap sections of hair easier than other blow dryer brushes tested; Easy to use | $$ |
Check out the New York Post Shopping sections for more content.