Does a straightening brush damage hair?

Any heat usage on your hair can cause damage, but since a straightening brush lessens direct contact with heat than other products such as blow dryers and flat irons, it is a great choice for reducing potential damage. The main area to exercise caution is with your ends because you want to make sure that the ends don’t tangle on the brush—that could lead to split ends. To protect your hair as well as possible, always use a heat protector product before applying any heat to it.

Is a straightening brush better than a flat iron?

The right choice between a flat iron and a straightening brush depends on what your goals are with your hair. If you want to remove as much volume as possible, a flat iron will do the trick, and it may work more quickly, too. But a straightener brush is the better option for being able to keep the volume your hair naturally has and for adding more volume to it. That makes it an ideal choice for anyone with fine or thin hair or for people with thicker hair who want to be able to keep their hair’s natural thickness while straightening it.

Can I use a straightening brush every day?

While minimizing your hair’s exposure to heat is one of the ways to keep it safest from damage, it’s less damaging to use a straightening brush daily than it would be to use a flat iron, due to the heating element not touching the hair directly. If you do opt to use a flattening brush daily, take steps to mitigate heat damage. For those with natural hair , Byrdie writer Tameka Abraham suggests that in addition to always using a heat protectant, you should perform deep conditioning regularly, detangle often, wrap your hair at night, and visit a salon quarterly so any potential damage can be assessed before getting worse.

Do straightening brushes work on thick hair?

Yes, straightening brushes work on thick hair . Unlike a flat iron, which removes volume, a straightening brush will straighten your hair while allowing it to remain full so your hair will still have the same thick look as before, only without any waves or curls. They can take several passes to fully straighten, so those with thick hair may need to plan on spending some additional time for their hair to get fully straightened.

The 12 Best Hair Straightening Brushes of 2022

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Sick of wrestling with your blow-dryer as you try to reach the back of your head? Tired of having to do that and then reach for the flat iron to get your strands perfectly smooth? Meet your new go-to multi-tasker, a straightening brush.

These brilliant hot tools are exactly what they sound like—electric brushes that pull double-duty, distributing heat quickly and evenly so you can score a smooth, sleek style faster than ever. You will have to dry your hair, but a rough dry is totally fine; the hair shouldn’t be wet, but don’t worry about it blowing it out perfectly. Then, simply brush through as you would with a regular brush. The bristles not only make it easier and faster to disperse the smoothing heat but also greatly minimize heat-induced damage, always a good thing.

Check out the best straightening brushes below, and get ready to ditch the flat iron once and for all.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Drybar Heated Straightening Brush at Sephora

Best Budget:

Infiniti Pro by Conair Paddle Brush at Walmart

Best Drugstore:

Remington Heated Straightening Brush at Amazon

Best for Thick Hair:

Revlon XL Hair Straightening Brush at Amazon

Best for Frizzy Hair:

Moroccanoil Ceramic Heated Brush at Sephora

Best for Damaged Hair:

L’ange Straightening Brush at Ulta

Best for Curly Hair:

amika Thermal Straightening Brush at Sephora

Best for Second Day Hair:

GHD Hot Brush at Sephora

Best Detangling:

CNXUS Ceramic Hair Straightener Electric Brush at Amazon

Best Splurge:

Dyson Airwrap Styler at Sephora

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For

Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Hsn.com

What We Like

Works on all hair types
Adds shine
Decreases frizz

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options

No matter whether your hair is fine and straight or thick and coily, a few passes with this brush will have you looking like you just left the salon. It heats up to 450 degrees, though it has a digital temperature control so you can adjust the heat based on your hair texture. Meanwhile, ionic technology works to both tamp down frizz and increase shine.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: Ionic technology, 60-minute auto shut-off, 9-foot cord | Wireless: No

Infiniti Pro by Conair Hot Paddle Brush, Model BC8

View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Works on all hair types
Decreases frizz

What We Don't Like

Difficult to get close to your roots

Despite the fact that this rings in for less than twenty dollars, it still offers many of the same features as its pricier counterparts. We’re talking an instant heat-up and automatic safety shut-off, three different heat settings, and a combo of nylon, silicone, and ceramic bristles that glide smoothly through the hair. It does only go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, though if your hair is fine, naturally straight, or damaged, that’s totally hot enough.

Max Temp: 400 F | Features: Nylon, silicone, and ceramic bristles, 3 heat settings, auto shut-off, ion generator | Wireless: No

Remington Pro 2-in-1 Heated Straightening Brush

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Affordable
Decreases frizz
Comes in various colors

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for short or finer hair

Believe it, you can find quality hot tools at the drugstore; this multi-tasker is proof positive. Ceramic bristles glide seamlessly through your hair, while the anti-static coating and ionic technology work in tandem to smooth frizz. There are three heat settings to choose from, and in true drugstore fashion, it won’t break the bank.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: Thermaluxe Advanced Thermal Technology, anti-static coating, ion generator, 3 heat settings, LED indicators, cool tip bristles, tangle-free swivel cord, heat-protective pouch | Wireless: No

Revlon Salon One Step XL Straightening Heated Hair Brush

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Lightweight
Works on all hair types
Volumizes

What We Don't Like

Cannot be used on wet hair

Byrdie Senior Editor Hallie Gould is a fan of this option, which boasts an especially large surface area that makes it great for reaching more hair with every pass, a major win for those with thicker textures. It’s lightweight and ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold, has 10 different heat settings, and the detangling bristles glide through even ultra-coarse strands. And let’s not forget to mention the affordable price tag.

Max Temp: 430 F | Features: Ceramic plates, duo detangling bristles, 10 heat settings, automatic worldwide dual voltage, 60-minute auto shut-off, ion generator | Wireless: No

We Tested 12 Hot Air Brushes on All Hair Types and Lengths—These 8 Are Worth Buying

Moroccanoil Smooth Style Ceramic Heated Brush

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Can reach your roots
Decreases frizz

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options

These multi-tasking tools are perfect to reach for on those days when frizz is seemingly unavoidable, and this one is especially choice. Along with frizz-fighting ionic technology, the brush has unique heated and beveled edges that let you reach even the hairs closest to the root—i.e. the spot where errant flyaways often crop up.

Max Temp: 430 F | Features: Advanced ionic technology, cool-tip bristles, heats quickly, ergonomic grip, 60-minute auto shut-off, heat-resistant pouch | Wireless: No

View On Ulta View On Langehair.com

What We Like

Decreases frizz
Works on all hair types

What We Don't Like

Cannot be used on wet hair

If your strands are a little beat-up, minimizing any and all hot tool styling is always going to be your best bet. That’s where these two-in-one brushes come up huge, and particularly this one. The ceramic bristles deliver a far-infrared heat to dry hair quickly (this brush works in half the time of a straightener), as well as preserve natural moisture, a major boon for damaged tresses. Plus, they also have a cool-tip to ensure your scalp never gets burned.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: Cool-tipped ceramic bristles, heats up quickly, negative ion technology, infrared heat technology, LCD display, soft-touch rubber finish, swivel cord, 30-minute auto shut-off, dual-voltage | Wireless: No

AMIKA Polished Perfection Straightening Brush 2.0

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Decreases frizz
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

Cannot be used on wet hair

At the risk of pulling a Captain Obvious, straightening curly hair requires way more elbow grease, making a brush like this a huge asset. This particular one, another of Gould’s favorites, is especially choice. Double negative ion technology (the maximum type of ionic technology) amps up shine and fights frizz in a major way, while far-infrared heat travels from the inside of the hair cuticle, out. Translation? Hair heat ups—and gets smoothed out—in half the time.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: iRed Beam Technology, ion generator, digital temperature control, temperature lock, 60-minute auto shut-off, 9-foot swivel cord, cool-tip ceramic bristles | Wireless: No

GHD Glide Professional Performance Hot Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like

Great for touch-ups
Decreases frizz
Can reach your roots

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options

Nothing against dry shampoo, but this just may be the secret to stretching out a great hairstyle for days on end. Because it only heats up to 365 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s perfect to use as a smoothing touch-up on already styled hair, without any extra heat damage. The combination of ceramic and ionic technology also helps combat frizz, and with both short and long bristles, it’s ideal for reaching every layer of your hair.

Max Temp: 365 F | Features: Ceramic technology, ionic technology, different bristle lengths, heat-up light indicator, auto shut-off | Wireless: No

CNXUS Ceramic Hair Straightener Electric Brush

View On Amazon

What We Like

Helps detangle
Affordable
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Doesn't work on all hair types

As a general rule of thumb, you want to make sure hair is pretty much snarl-free before using one of these brushes, but if you’re prone to lots of tangles, this pick is great. The slightly curved design of the brush head helps keep hair smooth, and it also heats up in just one minute. Other noteworthy features include a 360-degree swivel cord and a 30-minute automatic shut-off.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: MCH heating, LED screen, heats up quickly, ionic technology, swivel cord, 30-minute auto shut-off, dual voltage | Wireless: No

4.7

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Can be used on wet hair
Provides lots of styling options
Decreases frizz

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options

The Dyson Airwrap Is Really Worth It—See My Results

Yes, this tool is extremely pricey, but for someone who likes to mix up their style—with minimal effort—this is well worth the investment. You’re essentially getting six tools in one, with different attachments that can create different styles. As far as straightening goes, there are two options, both firm and soft smoothing brushes, you can play around with depending on just how sleek you want to go. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of a pre-styling dryer that helps ensure your hair isn’t soaking wet, though this tool can be used on damp strands (unlike the others on this list, which will only work on dry hair).

Max Temp: 302 F | Features: Coadana effect wraps hair for you, 8 one-click attachments, cool-touch tips, quick-release button, storage case, filter cleaning brush, non-slip mat | Wireless: No

InStyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Comes in various colors
Travel-friendly
Can reach your roots

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the bristles break easily

No matter whether you’re looking for something to travel with, or just need a small brush to touch-up your bangs or face-framing layers, this mini fits the bill. Tiny but mighty, it still packs a powerful punch. It heats up to 450 degrees and has a built-in heat recovery feature to ensure you’re getting that same level of heat with every pass ensuring consistent results every time.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: Ceramic heated plates, cool-tip ionic bristles, auto shut-off, swivel cord, 7 heat settings, digital temperature display | Wireless: No

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Comes in various colors
Works on all hair types

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the bristles break easily

Happy reviewers (with various hair textures) repeatedly comment on how well this guy works. A whopping six million ion generators work to smooth frizz and minimize damage, while the widely-spaced bristles distribute heat more evenly to decrease styling time. It also has 15 different temperature settings, along with a helpful feature that automatically recalls your preferred temp so you don’t have to mess with it every time.

Max Temp: 450 F | Features: Double ionic generator, 15 heat settings, LCD display, ceramic coated comb, temperature lock, recalls last temperature used, 60-minute auto shut-off | Wireless: No

What to Look For in a Straightening Brush

Ceramic Plating

When shopping for a straightening brush, celebrity hairstylist Ryan Trygstad suggests looking for a device with ceramic plating technology. “Ceramic glides through the hair more easily without pulling or catching,” he says. As you know, heat styling can already be damaging to the hair, so by reducing the potential for pulling and catching, you’re helping to further prevent breakage and other damage to the hair.

Heat Settings at or Below 375 Degrees

Trygstad doesn’t recommend using a product that exceeds 375 degrees. “Too hot of tools can damage your hair’s keratin protein,” he says. “Finer hair types can suffer keratin degradation at 390 degrees while coarser hair will start to become damaged at 410 degrees.” With that in mind, it’s best to stay on the safer side when it comes to the temperature of your tool. He also recommends looking for a tool that can maintain even, consistent heat. This will prevent you from having to pass the device through your hair multiple times, thus reducing the chance of damage.

The Right Size Brush for Your Hair Type

Trygstad says the size of the brush is another factor to take into consideration. “I suggest a larger brush for refreshing the style of thicker, denser hair, or a smaller brush to spot treat sections such as the hairline or nape,” he says. Those with finer or less dense hair can get away with using smaller tools.

FAQ

Does a straightening brush damage hair?

Any heat usage on your hair can cause damage, but since a straightening brush lessens direct contact with heat than other products such as blow dryers and flat irons, it is a great choice for reducing potential damage. The main area to exercise caution is with your ends because you want to make sure that the ends don’t tangle on the brush—that could lead to split ends. To protect your hair as well as possible, always use a heat protector product before applying any heat to it.
Is a straightening brush better than a flat iron?

The right choice between a flat iron and a straightening brush depends on what your goals are with your hair. If you want to remove as much volume as possible, a flat iron will do the trick, and it may work more quickly, too. But a straightener brush is the better option for being able to keep the volume your hair naturally has and for adding more volume to it. That makes it an ideal choice for anyone with fine or thin hair or for people with thicker hair who want to be able to keep their hair’s natural thickness while straightening it.
Can I use a straightening brush every day?

While minimizing your hair’s exposure to heat is one of the ways to keep it safest from damage, it’s less damaging to use a straightening brush daily than it would be to use a flat iron, due to the heating element not touching the hair directly. If you do opt to use a flattening brush daily, take steps to mitigate heat damage. For those with natural hair, Byrdie writer Tameka Abraham suggests that in addition to always using a heat protectant, you should perform deep conditioning regularly, detangle often, wrap your hair at night, and visit a salon quarterly so any potential damage can be assessed before getting worse.
Do straightening brushes work on thick hair?

Yes, straightening brushes work on thick hair. Unlike a flat iron, which removes volume, a straightening brush will straighten your hair while allowing it to remain full so your hair will still have the same thick look as before, only without any waves or curls. They can take several passes to fully straighten, so those with thick hair may need to plan on spending some additional time for their hair to get fully straightened.

Meet the Expert

Ryan Trygstad is a hairstylist and the co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon in NYC. A former assistant to the legendary Sally Hershberger, he’s best known for his mastery of haircutting and his ability to translate trends and harness texture to create customized looks. He’s become a favorite amongst celebs such as Laura Dern, Emma Roberts, and Kelly Ripa, and his editorial work can be seen in a number of famed fashion publications.

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