Even if you’re a bit of a novice in the hair-styling department, the best hot brushes are the kind of tools that make a blowout feel doable – even on a Monday morning. They combine the power of a round brush and hair dryer in one easy-to-use device, meaning you can smooth, volumise, curl or flick your hair into shape with minimal effort (and minimal arm ache).
Whether you’re after big, bouncy volume, sleek straightness, or just a polished look that says ‘I’ve got my life together,’ hot brushes are a total game-changer – especially for those of us who don’t have the time (or budget) for constant salon visits. And they’re not just for one hair type either. From thick, curly textures to fine, flat strands, there’s a brush out there for every length and texture, with options tailored to detangle, add volume, or simply make your hair more manageable.
The key is finding the right tool for your needs – barrel size, bristle type and heat settings all play a part in how your hair will turn out. According to celebrity hairstylist and ghd ambassador Patrick Wilson, “The Duet Blowdry is incredibly versatile and can work wonders on all hair types.” He adds: “For fine hair, it gently lifts the roots to add some volume. If you have medium to thick hair, the consistent heat will help smooth and add shine effortlessly. For those with curly or coily hair, the optimal temperature can help stretch and smooth the curls beautifully.”
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best hot brushes to shop now, including top picks for short, long, fine, thick, curly and coily hair – all tested and loved by the GLAMOUR team. Whether you have £50 or £500 to spend, you’ll be covered.
SKIP TO: Are hot brushes bad for hair health? | What’s the difference between a hot brush and hair straightener? | What features should I look for in the best hot brush for my hair type? | Can you use a hot brush on wet hair? | How often can you use a hot brush?
Meet the experts:
How do you use a hot brush?
“Section your hair, start at the roots, and slowly pull the brush through to the ends while it dries and shapes at the same time. Don’t rush it. Let the heat do the work,” says Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another Salon
She adds: “It’s basically a round brush and a hairdryer had a baby and honestly, it’s a game-changer for people who struggle with the old-school brush-in one hand, dryer in the other method.”
How we test hot brushes
At GLAMOUR, we’ve tried and tested dozens of hot brushes – from high-end icons to affordable underdogs – so you don’t have to. Our in-house editors and trusted freelance writers (with a mix of hair types, lengths and textures) put each tool through its paces IRL. We look at how well it styles, how easy it is to use, and whether it’s kind to your hair over time. We also consider things like heat settings, weight, design, and of course, whether it actually gives that bouncy salon finish that lasts. Basically, if we wouldn’t recommended it to our besties, it doesn’t make the cut.
Enter: GLAMOUR’s full edit of the best hot brushes for every budget and hair type
Best hot brush: Dyson Airwrap
Why we love it: A long time beauty-editor favourite for a reason, the Dyson Airwrap is a true all-in-one tool that you can use as a hair dryer, hot air brush and curler/styler. It may be pricey and take a little time to get the hang of, but it’s 100% worth it for the ultimate at-home blowdries. Just think: in the long run, this will save you money (girl math!). Its best features include its ability to create curls in both directions, monitor the product’s airflow temperature to prevent damaging the hair and using charged particles for a smooth finish.
