The best round brushes are the Goldilocks of hair tools. In conjunction with a hair dryer (and your heat protectant or leave-in conditioner of choice!), they can sculpt your strands into a full, bouncy blowout, coax soft, beachy waves, or straighten and smooth everything that feels straight out of an ‘80s shampoo ad. While blow-dryer brushes are always solid options, there’s a reason stylists reach for a classic round brush and blow-dryer duo. “[Round brushes] provide tension to offer movement, volume at the root, and sleekness throughout the hair,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in New York City and Columbus, Ohio. They’re amazing for creating wavy, curly, and sleek styles without needing a curling iron or hair straightener, adds Nino Miftarovski, a hairstylist based in La Jolla, California.
Our Top Round Brushes
Here, stylists break down exactly how to choose the best brush for your hair type and goals, and Allure editors share the tried-and-true favorites they keep in constant rotation.
Best Overall: British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Why it’s worth it: At first glance, it might not seem like there’s much variety between round brushes, but this two-time Best of Beauty Award winner upends that assumption. British M’s Hot Curling Ceramic Brush has a vented barrel designed to hold a ton of heat and evenly distribute it, as Sofia, a New York City-based hairstylist, explains, which in turn cuts down on styling time and damage. Heat-resistant nylon bristles deliver just enough tension to pull and curl hair, but not so much that you risk snapping healthy hair. The lightweight handle has a matte finish and beveled edges that make it especially easy to grip, thus reducing strain on your arms. Bonus: Both barrel sizes (1.3” or 1.69”) are the same price.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
“I let my hair air-dry with one major exception: my bangs. They need a hit of heat to behave, so if I’m going for a split-down-the-middle curtain bangs look, the British M Ceramic Round Brush plus a blow dryer is a dream team. Starting at one side of my face, I push the brush inward while rotating it away from my face to create a swooping effect. It doesn’t need to be super precise—I’ll usually do this motion with each half for less than a minute, then readjust the brush to grab slightly different sections of hair until the whole section is dry. The middle part gets the air in both directions, which sounds wrong, but it’s how I learned to get them to meet in the middle, and it works! I use the 33mm brush for this since it’s a small amount of hair, and the ceramic core of the brush heats up quickly so the whole process takes less than two minutes.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
“My daily dose of bang maintenance comes down to one tool: the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush. After a quick spritz of water to dampen my bangs, I part them into two sections and hit them with a blow-dryer for about a minute on each side, while simultaneously working the brush backward to get a fluffy, feathered look.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- All sizes: 1.3”, 1.69”
Best Mixed Bristles: Sisley-Paris The Blow Dry Brush No. 2
The Blow Dry Brush No. 2
Why it’s worth it: Most round brushes use nylon pins, but Sisley-Paris’ The Blow-Dry Brush No. 2 pairs longer nylon bristles—capped with round beads for a gentler feel—with boar hairs. While the nylon creates the tension to blow out and smooth hair, the boar bristles help distribute moisture and deliver extra shine. That can make a world of difference if you’re prone to frizz or trying to straighten curly, coarse, or otherwise dry hair. The boar bristle hairbrush also comes in two sizes, No.1 and No. 2, for blow-drying different hair lengths and types. We suggest No. 1 for short hair and No. 2 for thick and curly hair for easier styling.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I don’t normally blow-dry my hair, but when I do, I prefer it to have movement and bounce. That’s why I like this brush: It has a smoothing effect that takes care of any flyaways, but it doesn’t make my hair flat and lifeless. In fact, I like using it at the roots of my hair to give them a little lift at the crown.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Bristle material: nylon and boar
- Best for: all hair types
- All sizes: medium (No. 1), large (No. 2)
Best for Shine: Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush
B Series Hair Brush
Why it’s worth it: The Ibiza B Series round brushes are a must-have for smooth, glossy blowouts, especially if you have fine or color-treated hair. With a blend of boar and carbon fiber bristles, these brushes are total overachievers—distributing your scalp’s natural oils to keep hair moisturized, adding shine, and nixing frizz. “My go-to brush is the Ibiza Hair B4 brush for smooth, sleek blowouts,” says Jennifer Nast, a hairstylist in New York City, who adds that it has great tension. “This larger size works on many hair textures and can be used for sleek styles or with a touch of movement and softness.” Thanks to the B4’s balance of tension and gentle bristles, it’s a dream for adding volume without pulling, so fine and color-treated hair stays vibrant and glossy.
California-based hairstylist Linda Gatt is also a fan, touting the lightweight, slightly cushy cork handle that’s easier to maneuver, so even when she’s styling an entire head, it doesn’t drain her wrist. “These brushes are beautifully made, long-lasting, and deliver that polished finish clients always want,” she says.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
“A brush so nice I bought it twice. I love the Ibiza boar bristle round brushes for super-smooth, super-shiny, super-volumized blowouts that I can do at home. I first learned about these brushes while getting my hair done; my stylist had a massive Ibiza round brush that gave me the shiniest blowout ever. I decided to get two for myself: one large size for the majority of my hair and a smaller one just for my bangs. After just one tug and pull, your hair looks healthy, shiny, and so fluffy (in a good way). These give you a really special blowout that has more movement and volume than I think a typical blow-dryer brush can get you.” —Shana Shipin, senior commerce director
- Bristle material: boar and carbon fiber nylon
- Who it’s for: people with fine or color-treated hair
- All sizes: 1.38”, 2.17”, 2.56”, 2.76”, 3.15”
Best Hot Round Brush: Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
Why it’s worth it: Though a hot round brush doesn’t quite replace the traditional round brush-blow dryer combo, getting the technique right is no small feat. It’s all good, though: Hot round brushes have heat built right in to streamline the blowout process. Mane’s It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush in Jumbo is a recent Best of Beauty winner and a favorite of Nashville-based hairstylist Eric Marshall Wright. The combination of nylon-plastic bristles and even heat distribution smooths hair while creating lasting, bouncy volume, all at a maximum temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit, which Marshall says is “much lower than most of our blow-dryers and flatirons.”
It’s Giving Body comes in three barrel sizes—medium, large, and jumbo—to refresh styles or achieve a smoother blowout based on your hair type and length. “The medium hot round brush is a great option if you have hair near your shoulders or if you want it a little bit more bouncy rather than a big blowout,” Marshall says. Allure editors, meanwhile, love the jumbo size for extra volume.
Silva before using the Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
Kassidy Silva
Silva after using the Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
Kassidy Silva
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Allure senior writer Elizabeth Gulino before using the Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
Elizabeth Gulino
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Gulino after using the Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
Elizabeth Gulino
“Nothing can fluff up my bob quite like Mane’s Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush. My hair naturally lacks a lot of volume and gets very greasy, so I stay light on products and heavy on the tools. After letting my hair air-dry to 75% dryness, I add a pump of the RŌZ Milk Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner and follow it up with my Dyson Supersonic until it’s fully dry. When sectioning, it’s important to not leave too much hair in each section, or it’s hard to work the brush through since it can catch the hair around it, which was a bigger problem when my hair was waist-length. I do three to four sections depending on my length and find these the easiest to work with my fine to normal hair type. Once I work the brush through each section, I tackle the top of my hair and spend extra time on my bangs to get that perfect flip. I’ll roll the brush to the root, hold for 7 to 10 seconds, then slowly pull down in the direction I want them to sit while gently rotating the brush. Once my hair cools, I’ll run my fingers through and fluff to my desired style.”—Kassidy Silva, social director
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
“I already own Mane’s heated brush in a smaller size and love it, so getting my hands on the larger version felt like a natural next step. It’s so easy to use and doesn’t snag on my hair when I’m styling it, which is a major plus. The brush doesn’t flatten out my hair either, but rather gives me bounce and body—exactly what I want when achieving a blowout look.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
- Bristle material: Nylon and plastic
- Who it’s for: any hair type
- All sizes: medium (1.5”), large (1.77”), and jumbo (2.3”)
Best for Thick Hair: Oli
Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush
Why it’s worth it: If blow-drying and styling your thick hair takes forever, or if your curls fall flat after a few hours, the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush is about to change your getting-ready game. The generous barrel sizing—available in 2, 2.5, and 3.25 inches—detangles and smooths thick hair without harsh tugging motions. What’s more: The ceramic material and turbo-vented design allow quick and even heating, which in turn cuts down on blowout time more than most others, regardless of your hair length. “[Round] thermal brushes like this are perfect for curling because they retain heat longer, setting the shape beautifully. Plus, the ion-charged bristles keep frizz at bay for a smooth, polished finish, and the handle is incredibly comfortable,” says New York City-based hairstylist and colorist Marie Nino. The bristles also have ball-pointed tips, so this brush will feel like a gentle scalp massage while you style.
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: any hair type
- All sizes: 2″, 2.5″, 3.25″
Best for Medium to Long Hair: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
Ceramic Round Brush
Why we love it: In case you weren’t privy, a secret culprit of frizz is styling and tugging at wet hair. This round brush, however, helps eliminate that step altogether. Angelo David, a hairstylist based in New York City, says he’s a longtime fan of Moroccanoil’s Ceramic Round Brush for smoothing down frizz across medium to thick hair. “The ceramic barrel heats up quickly and evenly, which speeds up drying time and delivers a smooth, shiny finish,” he says. Its ionic technology keeps static at bay, giving hair a sleek, polished look. Along with the quick-heating ceramic core, the majority of its barrel sizes (1.38, 1.73, and 2.17 inches) are ideal for medium to long hair since they cover more area and help prevent tangling that may otherwise occur with smaller barrels.
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with medium-to-long hair that’s thick and frizzy
- All sizes: 0.98”, 1.38”, 1.73”, 2.17”
Best for Short Hair: Ergo ER25 Ceramic Round Brush
ER25 Ceramic Round Brush
Why it’s worth it: ICYMI: Your round brush should match your hair length. Short hair may not fully wrap around a larger barrel, meaning you’re doing all of that hard work without the payoff: a gorgeous blowout. Instead, New York-based hairstylist Ted Gibson prefers a small round brush, like the ErgoER25, whose one-inch barrel gives you more styling control and lets you get right up to the roots. “The ceramic barrel holds heat beautifully, while the tourmaline and carbon-infused bristles help create a smooth, shiny finish without snagging the hair,” he says.
For short hair, Gibson recommends working in small sections, lifting the hair away from the scalp, and rotating the brush through the ends as you blow-dry for maximum volume. The brush’s petite size also makes it particularly useful for styling bangs: “I move the brush from side to side first to soften the natural part, and then roll the hair forward and slightly under for shape without making it look too curled,” he says. “That’s how I get hair red-carpet-ready and paparazzi-approved.”
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with short hair or bangs
- All sizes: 1”, 1.25”, 1.75”, 2”, 2.5”
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of round brush is best?
It depends on your hair type, length, and styling goals. First, consider the bristles. “For quick blowouts and lasting waves, ceramic brushes work well as they heat up evenly, while boar bristles add shine and smoothness, perfect for a glossy finish. Nylon bristles are ideal for coarse hair, providing the tension to tame frizz,” says Nast.
Size matters, too. “The smaller the brush, the more movement or curl you will get,” says Nast. “You can use round brushes to create smooth volume, big and loose waves, and even beach waves.” However, if you’re not comfortable with using a round brush, start with a larger one, as it’s easier to style with, says Meyer. As a general rule:
- Small brushes (1-1.5 inches) are great for tight curls, bangs, and shorter hair.
- Medium brushes (1.5-2 inches) are ideal for volume and soft waves.
- Large brushes (2.5-3 inches) are a good bet for smoothing long hair.
Finally, look at the barrel material. A metal barrel does the trick if you’re after quick heat because it’s the best conductor, “but ceramic provides even heating and reduces damage risk,” Nast says. Cork or contoured handles are also important as they make the brush more comfortable to hold and easier to control during styling, adds Gatt.
Other features to look out for include: “balanced tension, heat-resistant bristles, good ventilation, a lightweight ergonomic handle, and seamless construction that won’t catch or snag the hair,” says Gibson. “A great round brush should give you control without forcing you to pull excessively or rely on unnecessary heat.” In other words, work with your hair, and not against it.
Are round brushes better?
If you’re looking for versatility, yes. “They’re excellent for adding volume, creating waves, and achieving a smooth blowout,” says Nast. Different sizes and materials—like ceramic, boar, and nylon—allow for more customized and controlled results, compared to flat brushes. “A round brush also allows you to create a ‘style’ with only the brush, whereas something like a paddle, while good for other things, does not give the opportunity to create a look,” says Santiago.
What bristles should you use for blow-drying?
Before you pick and choose your round brush, consider its bristles based on your hair type. “Boar bristles are wonderful for smoothing the cuticle, controlling frizz and creating shine, while nylon or polyamide bristles provide more grip and tension, which can be especially helpful on dense, curly, or textured hair,” says Gibson. Ceramic thermal brushes are best for a faster blow-dry, volume, and shaping that most hair types, especially straight, can benefit from. However, “For fine, fragile, or color-treated hair, or extensions, I tend to look for something softer and more flexible so I can work without putting unnecessary tension on the hair,” he adds, such as a combination of boar and nylon teeth.
Because hairbrushes can be prone to product buildup, don’t forget to care for them, too: “It’s really good to clean your round brushes frequently to maintain the longevity of their use,” by removing excess hair and washing them clean with gentle soap, Marshall says.
Meet the experts
- Angelo David is a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in New York City.
- Eric Marshall Wright is a hairstylist and founder of Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville.
- Jennifer Nast is a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City.
- Linda Gatt is a California-based hairstylist.
- Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City and Columbus, Ohio.
- Marie Nino is a hairstylist and colorist in New York City.
- Nino Margic is a hairstylist at Belle Sirène Salon in La Jolla, California.
- Sofia Meyer is a hairstylist based in New York City.
- Ted Gibson is a hairstylist based in New York City.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our list of the best round brushes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
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Read more about hair products we swear by:
- 10 Best Leave-in Conditioners That Make Dry, Dull Hair Look Instantly Healthier
- 10 Best Luxury Hairbrushes for Glossy, Frizz-Free Hair
- 7 Best Gray Hair Treatments to Soften Your Silver
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