Tester feedback: “I love using the tiny 0.5-inch attachment to enhance my natural texture when it’s falling a little flat,” says Allure content director Kara McGrath. “I take small sections of hair and only wrap it around the barrel for about two seconds, then gently tug at the section while it’s still warm. This creates a more defined, less frizzy version of my natural waves, rather than tight ringlets.”
Best Thermal Brush: Wavytalk Pro Thermal Brush
Why it’s worth it: You’ve probably seen Wavytalk’s Pro Thermal Brush all over your FYP, and we can admit that it’s worth the viral hype. This thermal brush has a ceramic barrel and gentle bristles that work together to create loose, soft curls made for a runway. Five temperature settings and an LED display make it easy to navigate modes, and the double heaters make the warm-up and make the straightening process way faster. Plus? The Wavytalk comes with two clips to help section hair for salon-style results.
Tester feedback: “I’ll admit there’s a bit of a learning curve with this thermal brush but overall, I’m really happy with how easy it is to mimic the results of a blowout with this affordable tool,” says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “For my longer layers, wrapping my hair around the brush before gently pulling while twisting did the trick for creating a nice curl all the way through.” She admits its curling capabilities for short hair are a bit more limited, however, she found turning the brush towards her face added a nice “swoop” effect. “So if you’re in the market for a whole lotta volume up front, it’s totally worth the $50,” she says.
Best Volumizing Brush: Drybar The Double Shot
Why it’s worth it: Drybar’s The Double Shot is basically the at-home equivalent of having a Drybar salon in the palm of your hands. The Double Shot blow-dryer brush uses ionic technology to reduce frizz and a combination of nylon and tufted bristles for tension and control without breakage. The brush is lined with vents to ensure good airflow and leave your hair nice and bouncy.
Tester feedback: “If you want people to ask if you just got a professional blowout—that is, super smooth with loads of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the tool for you,” says McGrath. “Since the barrel is larger than others, it gives tons of volume, but is still thin enough to create some curls as well (and to really get into the cowlick that curses my bangs).”
Best for Curly Hair: InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer
Why it’s worth it: When curls need definition and bounce maintenance, whip out the InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer. Designed with dual ion therapy, this hair dryer emits positive ions to help with frizz and negative ions to build volume, so you’re getting the best of both worlds in one device. The tool is also built with ceramic coils, ensuring minimal heat damage.