Hair Stylists Share the 12 Best Straightening Brushes to Dry & Smooth Strands All at Once
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There are many things to consider when shopping for the best straightening brushes. First, they should have a long handle that won’t force your hand into awkward and uncomfortable angles (hello carpal tunnel!). Second, there should be more than one heat setting, none of which get too hot and cause irreversible scalp damage. Trust me, I’ve been there and it sucks. Lastly, the bristles should be strong enough for thick hair, but slender enough for finer strands too. And if it happens to be travel-friendly, you probably have a true-blue unicorn on your hands.
Best Straightening Brushes at a Glance
- Best Straightening Brush for Curly Hair: CHI 3-in-1 Hot Smoothing Dryer Brush , $120
- Best Straightening Brush for Frizz: MiroPure Enhanced Ceramic Hair Straightener Brush , $40
- Best Straightening Brush for Long, Thick Hair: Nicebay Hair Straightener Brush , $40 (originally $134)
- Best Affordable Straightening Brush: L’ANGE HAIR Le Vite Hair Straightener Brush , $39 (originally $89)
- Best Splurge-Worthy Straightening Brush: ghd Glide Hot Air Hair Brush , $169 (originally $209)
- Best Viral Straightening Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Styler, $49
The dual benefits of a straightening brush are obvious—it packs the heat of a hair dryer, the detangling powers of a paddle brush, and the straightenig abilties of a flat iron. Of course, not all versions are created equal. For every popular option that can’t back up its hype is a sleeper hit on Amazon that will convince you to actually write a review. Thankfully, there are more than enough options to peruse and test-drive. You can count on your own trial and error, or you could consult the pros first. Take it from the five hair stylists we spoke with. Together, they recommended 12 hair straightening brushes that’ll leave you with a salon-worthy blowout.
As of late, the best straightening brushes are courtesy of well-known brands like ghd, Dry Bar, and Revlon, along with labels that might be new to you. If you keep a hot tool in the bathroom, chances are you’ll want to try at least one of the expert-backed models below, especially when they cost as low as $39 on Amazon.
Our Experts
- Founder of Balayage by Gigi and master hair colorist Gigi Pogosyan
- Owner and head stylist of WiP Salon Ransome Brown
- Celebrity hair stylist and owner of Polished Pub Hair & Nail Bar Natalie Lamorena
- Celebrity hair stylist Emilio Uribe
- CHI executive hairstylist Lorena Guevara
What is a hair straightening brush and how does it work?
Pogosyan: “A hair straightening brush is a styling tool that combines the features of a traditional hairbrush and a flat iron. It is designed to straighten hair while simultaneously detangling it, making the styling process quicker and easier.”
Guevara: “A straightening brush gives you a voluminous blowout—the salon look. It straightens hair without making it super flat. To start, always use a heat protectant and then brush out your entire hair to remove any tangles. Next, grab a 2-inch subsection, applying tension to your section. Then, start from the top working your way slowly towards the ends and do one pass. Repeat if necessary.”
What should you look for in a straightening brush?
Here are nine things to consider before buying a straightening brush, according to Pogosyan:
“Heat Settings: Look for a brush with adjustable temperature settings. Different hair types require different heat levels (e.g., fine hair typically needs lower temperatures, while thick or coarse hair may require higher settings).
Material: The bristles and heating elements should be made from high-quality materials. Common materials include ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium, which distribute heat evenly and help reduce damage.
Ionic Technology: Brushes with ionic technology can help reduce frizz and static, providing a smoother finish by releasing negative ions that neutralize positive ions in the hair.
Bristle Type: Look for brushes with heat-resistant bristles that can detangle while styling without causing damage. Some brushes have mixed bristles (e.g., nylon and boar bristles) for better grip and smoothing.
Design and Ergonomics: Consider the size and shape of the brush. A lightweight, well-designed handle can make it easier to maneuver during styling. Some brushes have a 360-degree swivel cord to prevent tangling.
Safety Features: Look for features such as an automatic shut-off function, which turns the brush off after a certain period of inactivity to prevent overheating and potential accidents.
Size and Width: The width of the brush can affect how much hair you can straighten at once. A wider brush may be more efficient for long, thick hair, while a smaller brush can be better for shorter hair or detailed styling.
Heat-Up Time: A good straightening brush should heat up quickly, ideally within a minute or two, so you can start styling without waiting too long.
User Reviews: Check customer reviews and ratings to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the product. Real-world experiences can provide insights into how well the brush performs.”
What’s the difference between a straightening brush and a flat iron?
Pogosyan: “Both straightening brushes and flat irons are popular tools for achieving straight hair, but they have distinct differences in design, functionality, and user experience. A straightening brush combines the features of a hairbrush and a flat iron. It has bristles that help detangle and smooth the hair as it straightens. On the other hand, a flat iron consists of two heated plates that clamp together to straighten hair. The hair is pulled between the plates to achieve a sleek finish.”
Guevara: “A straightening brush has the plates built inside so it is harder to burn yourself. You are able to brush hair and smooth at the same time. It allows you to take bigger, thicker subsections which cuts your styling time in half. Flat iron plates leave hair very sleek and you have two plates come together. As a result, you need to take smaller subsections of hair at one time.”
