Key specs – Material: Titanium-ceramic barrel; Barrel size: 38mm; Bristle material: Nylon mix; Heat settings: 2; Cool blast: Yes; Cord length: 2.2m; Auto switch-off: No Parenting editor Cat Bowen has gone from a 3a/3b texture to a slightly less coiled 2c, but she says that the Revlon Dryer Brush still does its job. She says, “I have naturally curly hair, and it’s one of the few products that smooths and shapes my hair without fuss. I also recently bleached my hair, and that really changed the texture of my strands, so I’ve been relying on the styler more than ever.” ➥ Quirks and Limitations Whether you’re looking to create a straight, sleek finish, or a bouncier finish with more volume at the roots, the barrel-shaped GHD Rise has you covered. Like the Glide, the heated ceramic barrel of the Rise banishes frizz and straightens hair, but with a softer and more lifted finish with movement at the ends. For additional protection, the installation of a residual current device (RCD) having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA is advisable in the electrical circuit supplying the bathroom. Ask your installer for advice. When testing, we first note the styling method (ceramic hot plate or hot air styler), and for ceramic hot plate brushes we measure the time the tool takes to heat up after being switched on. We consider the time taken to style a full head of hair (noting the hair length and texture on which we’re testing), and evaluate the overall ease of use of the hot brush. We take note of the softness, shine and feel of the hair after styling, and how well styles last over the course of a typical day. Finally, we confirm the weight and dimensions of the hot brush and note any extras included in the box.

Best hot brushes and hot air stylers to buy in 2023 1. Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer & Volumiser: Best hot brush for an at-home blow dryWARNING: When the appliance is used in a bathroom, unplug it after use since the proximity of water presents a hazard even when the appliance is switched off. And while the Revlon’s “One-Step” moniker may be true for people with straight or fine textures who can dry and style their hair in one fell swoop, beauty reviewers with curly or natural hair have noted that the Revlon Dryer Brush actually doesn't have the capability to straighten their hair in the same way. It can still work great as a hairdryer alternative for those with coily hair, but ultimately, a flat iron would be needed to provide that straightened finish that this dryer brush promises. What’s the bottom line?

WARNING: Do not use this appliance near bathtubs, showers, basins or other vessels containing water. Any hair care appliance that uses heat to style will damage the outer protective coating of hair, known as a cuticle. The cuticle is formed of layers of overlapping cells known as scales. I recently made a vow to myself that I would only apply heat to my hair once a week. (Trust me, with the amount of bleach it’s seen – and a questionable box dye – you'd understand my urgency). I introduced a heatless curler into my routine which completely changed my life, but on the days when I’m looking for a sleeker style, this is the tool I reach for. However, if you have curly or textured hair, it’s best to leave a bit of moisture in your lengths or some leave-in conditioner or oil), to help the brush glide through – without having to pull and tug. If you regularly curl your hair, you’ll find a hot air styler that has a grip on the tong invaluable as it means you don’t have to hold the tresses while they’re wrapped around the attachment. Similarly, smaller brushes are best suited to those with shorter, to mid-length hair, as if a brush is too wide, you’ll struggle to get a defined wave unless your hair is long.When it comes to Airwrap dupes, most are very similar to the original Dyson hot air styler when it comes to their versatility. Most of the models in this list use hot air to smooth, volumize and create soft curls and waves in hairs by switching out the attachments connected to the body of the styler. In the box you’ll find a gentle drying attachment to rough-dry wet hair, two different barrel sizes to create looser or tighter curls, two paddle brushes for smoothing, and one round brush for salon-style volume. There are three heat and three speed settings that can be independently selected for maximum control over styling, and buttons for both are built neatly into the handle and intuitive to find and use while styling the hair.

Initially, I was a little thrown by the design of the Airflow curler. Rather than using auto-wrap technology – which curls your hair around the tong like a mini vacuum – in this case, you have to manually wind your hair around the barrel and hold it in place. To be fair though, this does mean you can keep a strong retention so that heat is evenly distributed. I have naturally curly hair, and it's one of the few products that smooths and shapes my hair without fuss. I only use it on low or cool settings because it's hotter than the surface of the sun." Cat Bowen However, none of these Airwrap dupes are able to recreate the Coanda effect - the aerodynamic technology built into the Airwrap, which attracts hair towards the barrel and automatically wraps it around to create curls, or when using the paddle brush, smooths and straightens tresses. Brushes that blow out warm air usually work best on damp hair, which has been washed and towel dried to around 80% dry. Section the hair, then start at the root, pulling the brush slowly through it. Similar to blow drying, the tension from gently but continuously pulling through the hair creates the style. If your brush rotates, pull it smoothly through the hair in the direction of rotation and allow it to wrap hair around the barrel as it goes. Key details – Material: Ceramic; Barrel size: 32mm; Bristle material: Nylon; Heat settings: 1; Cool blast: N/A; Cord length: 2.7m; Auto switch-off: Yes (30 mins)Subsequently, they will (likely) cause damage to your hair if used untreated. To mitigate this, always apply a heat protection styling spray before blow drying, and keep the heat level at the lowest setting that still enables the hair to be manipulated into the style you want. How we tested these Dyson Airwrap dupes A sleek,shiny and voluminous salon blowout can be a great way to elevate your look; but, until recently, it hasn’t been easy to recreate that freshly styled look at home. Help is at hand, however, with one of the latest hot-brush styling tools.