11 Best Blow-Dryer Brushes for Fast and Simple Styling in 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Editor Tip: This brush features charcoal-infused bristles, which is said to zap oil from hair strands to give you a perfect second-day hair blowout.

Product Specs: 3 heat settings, 3 fan speed settings, no attachments | Who It’s For: All hair types and textures

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the most out of a blow-dryer brush?

Even with the fanciest hot tool, the key to a glorious blowout starts with prep, prep, and more prep. Always start on clean, detangled, damp hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. Sturdivant-Drew tells Allure readers, “Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair.”

Volume is even easier to achieve, especially for straight or wavy textures. “Twist the dryer as you go in a circular motion to add volume if that’s what you are looking for,” says Sturdivant-Drew. If your hair is on the curly or coily side and you’re going for a sleek look, you can follow up with a flatiron or brush it out with the heat off. “If you want it straight, you should use the blow-dryer brush and, right under it, use another brush to smooth those kinky strands all the way out,” she explains.

How do I minimize heat damage from a blow-dryer brush?

To minimize the risk of heat damage, opt for a blow-dryer brush that features several temperature settings, so you can better moderate the amount of heat your hair is undergoing. Not all hair types call for the same heat level, so if you’re getting acquainted with a new blow-dryer brush, pay attention to how your hair reacts to different temperature settings as you become more familiar with the tool.

Another tried and true defense mechanism is to prep your blowout with a heat protectant. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells Allure, “If you’re using heat styler or any heat products directly on hair, using a heat protectant, usually made with meadowfoam seed oil, light polymers, or even silicone, can help to minimize damage as they can form a coating on hair.” But, the best way to fend off heat damage? Try not to overuse heat on your hair — plain and simple.

Are blow-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional blow-dryers?

Choosing a new hair tool is a matter of personal preference, but shoppers and professional hairstylists alike vouch for the ease of use of blow-dryer brushes. “I predict that soon, all consumers will be using blow dry brushes when styling their manes,” Hairstylist Devin Toth tells Allure. “Drying your hair with two hands (a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other) could become a thing of the past. Less effort and more efficiency will always be the trend,” he adds. Additionally, if you have pain or limited mobility in your hands or arms, a blow-dryer brush is an excellent alternative to a traditional blow-dryer.

How do I clean my blow-dryer brush?

Blow-dryer brushes come in a range of designs, so depending on the type of barrel, bristles, or shape of your tool, cleaning techniques may vary. “Every brand has different features, but if yours has a filter, remove the dust from it every week,” says Toth. “If you are interested in removing hair from the bristles, use either a comb or a boar bristle brush cleaner — a brush used to clean other brushes,” he suggests.