Best for: people who want versatility | Heat: 355°F | Weight: 1.3 lbs
Best Under $50: Revlon Hair Straightening and Styling Brush
Why it’s worth it: Nothing gets us revved up like a Revlon hair tool—affordability being key to our obsession—and the brand’s Hair Straightening and Styling Brush is no exception. The long, flat brush head has bristles in two shapes, making it easier to detangle and get as close to your roots as possible. It’s lightweight, straightforward, snag-free, and your hair’s newest bestie. Because this brush gets very hot, start low to see what temperature your hair tolerates best.
Best for: everyone | Heat: up to 430⁰F | Weight: 0.9 lbs
Best Accessories: Tymo Ring
Why it’s worth it: Few things make us feel more spoiled than a stacked set, and Tymo agrees. That’s why the brand bundled a few handy extras with its Ring straightening brush—because why stop at just the tool? This fast-heating hot brush comes with a heat-proof glove (so your hands stay burn-free), two clips for sectioning, and a travel bag to keep it all together. The device boasts five heat settings, an anti-scald exterior, a 20-second warm-up time, and 25 ceramic heating plates for evenly distributed hotness. Even better: The bristle tips stay cool, reducing the chances of singed fingertips or forehead mishaps.
Best for: people who want accessories | Heat: up to 410°F | Weight: 0.8 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a hair-straightening brush and a flatiron?
It turns out that telling the difference between hair-straightening brushes and flatirons doesn’t require any rocket science. “A thermal brush has bristles, resembling a brush, and a hair straightener does not have any bristles,” says Toth. Capisce? Both tools use heat to style your hair, delivering results ranging from pin-straight tresses to bouncy waves, but employ different construction to do so.
What should I look for when choosing a hair-straightening brush?
Your choice of hair straightening brush depends on price range, personal preference on shape and size, and the results you want from your new tool. “I think most tools in this space have similar features, so I would look for a barrel shape and size that resembles the tightness of curl you are trying to achieve,” suggests Toth. “For example, a flat thermal brush will give you straight hair, a thermal brush with a tiny barrel shape will give you curl, and a thermal brush with a large barrel shape will give you more of a bouncy blowout.”
Are hair-straightening brushes safe?
As with any hair thermal hairstyling tool, hair-straightening brushes are safe as long as you’re smart about use. “Keep them moving and don’t overheat any one area of hair for too long,” says Toth. “And don’t use the highest heat setting unless you absolutely need to.”