While there are definitely ways to make unwashed hair look good, there comes a point in everyone’s day (or every other day, or week — depending on your hair washing schedule) where you’re stuck with wet hair and not a lot of time to give yourself the best blowout.
The good news? In 2022, you can turn to tech to help. Enter: the best styling product for a blowout right now — the blowout brush.
Blow-dry brushes combine the drying power of a hair dryer with the practicality of a hair brush. The result? It’s way easier and faster to get a blowout-inspired look at home — especially if you’ve never mastered the art (or acrobatic skill) of balancing a separate dryer and brush.
If you’re thinking of investing in a blowout brush but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with some shopping tips and our picks for the best blowout brushes for different budgets.
Related: Move over pixie cuts: the mixie haircut is the coolest cut for 2022.
What to look for in a blowout brush
Blowout brushes are popular now, but the basic concept is not new. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, hot-air brushes were popular for their time-saving properties, but the clunky, frizz-inducing designs fell out of favour. Today’s blowout brushes are designed to make drying and styling easier on you, and less damaging to your hair. No matter what your budget, consider these factors when choosing a blowout brush:
- Protective properties. Heat can be hard on your hair, so look for brushes with details like ceramic coating, ionic technology and non-tangle bristles.
- Brush-head size and shape. Different sizes and shapes will make it easier to dry your hair into different styles, depending on the #hairgoals look you’re going for. Rounded heads, for example, can be great for creating a voluminous blow-out look, while a flat, paddle-shaped brush is ideal for a sleeker, straight look.
- Number of settings. Just as you would with a traditional hair dryer, look for a blowout brush that offers multiple heat and speed settings so you can customize it for your hair type and look.
- Ergonomics and weight. No matter how much your best friend or an online reviewer loves a particular blowout brush, remember to think about your own personal preferences, since you’ll be the one using the tool. Be sure to consider things like the brush’s weight and handle design — and how well they suit you.
See also: I tried Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 and I’m going to need another bottle.
The best oval blowout brush under $55: Remington Wet2style Oval Dryer & Volumizing Hair Brush
Time-saving and cost-effective, the Remington Pro Wet2Style is a great option for achieving a sleek blowout look quickly and at home. While the oval barrel is on the larger size (which is great for achieving quick volume, but offers a bit less versatility in styling), it is coated with ceramic and titanium to help protect hair from dreaded heat damage (bonus). While its size can make it feel a bit cumbersome to maneuver, we’ve tested this one, and can confirm that it does a nice job of adding volume to fine (read: chronically flat) hair.
Remington Wet2style Oval Dryer & Volumizing Hair Brush, Amazon, $55.
The best cult-favourite blowout brush under $75: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer
Cult favourite beauty products are faves for a reason — they exceed expectations. The Revlon One-Step Dryer checks many of the same boxes as more expensive models (think: ionic technology and ceramic coating) at a more accessible price point. With dual bristles (that is, with a mix of nylon pin and tufted bristles), the Revlon One-Step is particularly effective for people with mega-thick or naturally curly hair — which can typically take an extra-long time and a lot of effort to blow dry.
Revlon One-Step Ionic Hair Dryer and Volumizer, Amazon, $65.
The best frizz-fighting blowout brush under $200: Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
While more of an investment, Drybar’s The Double Shot is one of the best blowout brushes for frizzy hair, thanks to ionic technology that creates a smooth, shiny look by helping to seal the hair’s cuticle. Ideal for all hair types (whether straight, wavy, curly or coily), The Double Shot features a 2.44-inch oval shape and strategically placed vents for lots of volume.
Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush, Sephora, $198.
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The best versatile blowout brush under $450: Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow-Dryer
Looking for lots of style options in a super-lightweight design? Drybar’s Reserve features three interchangeable attachments: a precision-airflow blow-dryer attachment, an oval-brush attachment for volume and shine and a paddle-brush attachment for a sleek blowout look.
Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow-Dryer, Sephora, $449.
See also: Bad Y2K hair trends that won’t be coming back.
The best high-end styler-meets-blowout brush under $700: Dyson Airwrap™ Styler Complete
Topping our list when it comes to budget, the Dyson Airwrap is an absolute investment, but it does offer more than just a blowout when it comes to what it can do. The styler — which uses a high-tech aerodynamic phenomenon, the Coanda effect, to attract, wrap and style hair without high heat — offers multiple styling attachments, so you can dry as well as curl, wave smooth and more.
Dyson Airwrap™ Styler Complete, Dyson, $700.
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