If you’re yet to master the art of using a hair brush and hair dryer at the same time, hot air brushes provide a genius solution.
These hybrid tools allow you to style using minimal coordination and skill (hallelujah), with the ability to create curls, volume and lift or, if preferred, a smooth, sleek finish – it all depends on how you use it.
How to use a hot air brush
For a C-curl: To achieve volume at the crown with flicked in ends (AKA the C-curl), you’ll want to place your hot air brush underneath each section and at the root of the hair. You’ll then brush up and outwards for the first few centimetres of length to create lift, before returning inwards once your reach the ends of your hair. You’re essentially creating the letter ‘C’ for each section in one smooth brushing movement.
For bouncy blow-out waves: To create a wavy style synonymous with a salon blow-dry, start by sectioning your hair. The bigger the section, the looser the wave; the smaller the section, the tighter the wave. Place your hot air brush vertically behind each section, and then as the air blows, rotate and slide the brush down the section of the hair in the direction away from the face. Repeat for each section, leave to cool and then set with hairspray and brush out.
For a sleek, straight finish: For a super smooth and straight look, start by creating very even and clear sections. Similar to the C-curl, start underneath each section and brush out and downwards, only with less of a flick inwards towards the end. Then, switch to the top of each section and run the brush downward again for a super sleek and frizz-free finish.
Of course, these techniques will vary depending on the tool and brush attachment. Some have rotating brushes, others have big or small barrels, and some wrap the hair for you.
To help you navigate which one is best for you, here’s beautyheaven’s edit of the best hot air styling brushes.
The best hot air brushes available in Australia
VS Sassoon Hot Air Brush ‘N’ Style
Ideal for: Short hair
If you were thinking you’d have to have long hair for the use of a hot air brush, think again. Designed specifically with shorter styles in mind, the VS Sassoon Hot Air Brush ‘N’ Style comes with both a 25 and 38mm brush attachment. The 38mm can be used for all-over blow-drying, while the smaller 25mm provides the finishing touches for fringes and shaping shorter ends.
$42.95 at vssassoon.com.au
Babyliss Pro Rotating Hot Air Brush
Ideal for: A frizz-free blow-wave
After frizz-minimisation and a classic blow-dry? This rotator brush has plenty of loyal fans. The ceramic coating of the barrel, plus its bigger 40 and 55mm size, creates bouncy curls without the static.
$154.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Essentials One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush
Ideal for: Those on a budget
If you’re unsure if you’ll get the knack of a hot air brush (or use it very often), perhaps start here before spending your savings. The barrel may look big, but it’s an oval shape rather than a circle, so you can still achieve those straighter styles as well as waves.
$35.99 at Dick Smith
Silver Bullet Genesis Hot Air Brush
Ideal for: Fine hair
This particular hot brush performs best on fine and flat hair, providing lift and volume in a flash. However, if you have thicker hair, you may find the dry time is a lot slower. The barrel is static but slim, so you can save a lot of room packing this for a weekend away as opposed to taking both your brush and hair dryer.
$99.95 at Adore Beauty
Dyson Airwrap™
Ideal for: Those ready to make an investment
Yes, we realise it’s $800, but have you ever had someone tell you they regret buying it? If you’re someone who styles your hair every day, it’s likely to be worth it considering it will replace every other hair tool you’ll ever own for years to come.
$799 at dyson.com.au
ghd Rise Volumising Hot Brush
Ideal for: Those who want styling minus the air-flow
Like the idea of a brush that creates movement but don’t want the air-flow? We get it, some of us just prefer to air-dry. And if that’s the case, the ghd rise is all about creating the same lift, flicks and waves, just with dry hair only.
Save up to 30% on select items at ghd’s Winter Sale now on!$221.25 (usually $295) at ghd.com/au
Main image credit: @nicolescherzinger
Have you ever tried a hot air brush? Which of the above would you most like to try?
i want one!
I’d love to try this
Agree!!
Great, informative article.
I have a Remington one that I got in black Friday sales last year for very good price. It is great for summer for me, my hair gets to 80% dry really quickly, so I find it is quick and easy to give my hair a more done look in minutes much easier than the hair dryer, though in winter in stick to the hairdryer
Would love the Dyson Air wrap! I bought a cheap one from Priceline that doesn't quite get the results i'd like
oooo this looks cool!
The GHD one looks interesting.
The Dyson Airwrap looks so cool 🙂 Shame is so expensive.
I've been thinking of getting one of these for my Mum. She's had surgery and not able to manage a brush and hair dryer so she resorts to velcro rollers. The GHD one would be perfect for her. Thanks for helping me do my homework Beautyheaven. You made my choice easy.
Sparkle, I've only just seen your comment!! You would not believe it but it's true. Hair sticking out in any direction but where it should be!!! I do not lie. haha.
I like that the hot air brush can be used for different styles.
A budget hot air brush would probably suit me as I’m not sure if I’d get the hang of using one as I have pain and stiffness in my hands.