The hair tools industry is rapidly expanding and we’re definitely here for it. While hair straighteners have long been many people’s go-to tools for sleek, smooth strands, they are no longer the only smoothing styler in town. Introducing hair straightening brushes: They work as a flat iron and brush in one to help streamline the smoothing process, detangling as they style. These tools are essentially heated hair brushes that allow you to achieve frizz-free, shiny hair in a single step.
1
Best Overall
ghd Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Pros
- Minimizes frizz
- Ionic technology for minimal static
- Heats up very quickly
Cons
- Can’t see or control temperature
- Pricey
Boasting a perfect performance score in the Lab along with being the fastest tool to heat up, this ghd brush styled hair quickly and effectively. The brush contains bristles specifically designed to help detangle and smooth and has anti-static technology, which the bran claims to help prevent frizz after styling. The one downside? There is only one temperature setting and no digital temperature display.
| Max temperature | 365º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | One |
2
Best Value
amika Polished Perfection Thermal Straightening Brush 2.0
Pros
- Ionic technology minimizes frizz, static and improves shine
- Users find it doesn’t overheat or burn their hair
- Works quickly
Cons
- Some users find it’s hard to get close to the roots
For those who are pressed for time, Amika’s speedy straightening brush gets the job done quickly. In Beauty Lab testing, 100% of users rated it the best for maintaining body and achieving the perfect hairstyle. We were also impressed that it had the greatest temperature range (170-450º F), ideal for all hair types and textures. One caveat: A few reviewers noted that it is hard to get close to the roots and hairline.
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | Multiple (brand doesn’t specify exact number) |
3
Best for Curly Hair
T3 Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush
Pros
- Covers a large amount of surface area
- Edges of the brush heat up to maximize styling
Cons
- Some find it bulky and heavy
Maximizing surface area, T3’s large brush features an extended styling surface that spans its edges to help you achieve sleek, smooth hair. It received perfect scores in our testing for making hair look smoother and less frizzy, for gliding through hair easily and for minimizing static. It also includes nylon bristles, ionic technology and three heat settings to get static-free results with less damage.
| Max temperature | 410º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | Three |
4
Best for Short Hair
Moroccanoil Smooth Style Ceramic Heated Brush
Pros
- Grips hair well
- Features ceramic “cool tip” bristles
- Doesn’t burn scalp or ears
Cons
- Takes a long time to heat up
- Not easy instructions to follow
When styling short hair, you want to make sure you can nab the roots without worrying about it burning your skin. Moroccanoil’s heated brush received high scores in Lab testing for not burning the scalp or ears and for gripping hair well. It also has unique curved bristles that help you smooth hard-to-reach spots.
One area the brush didn’t reach expectations: It took the longest of all the tested tools to heat up, which caused testers to rate it low for styling hair quickly. Users also wanted better instructions and noted that the placement of the buttons wasn’t ideal.
| Max temperature | 430º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | Multiple (customizable upto 430 degrees) |
5
Most Easy-to-Use
Paul Mitchell Neuro Sleek Smoothing Hot Brush
Pros
- Works quickly
- Doesn’t flatten hair
Cons
- Fewer settings than some others
The Beauty Lab testers loved that this Paul Mitchell brush straightened hair quickly without making it limp. Just FYI, it has just five heat setting options and no digital temperature display for those who like to see it.
| Max temperature | 410º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | Five |
6
Best for Fine Hair
Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
Pros
- Users like how quickly it straightens their hair
- Testeres like that it’s not as harsh on their hair as a flat iron
Cons
- May not be as effective on thick or curly hair
If you’re looking for an option that’s great for thin hair and has lots of setting options, this Drybar brush may be for you. Multiple testers with fine hair noted how well it worked on their hair type. However, it may not be ideal for those with thicker strands because it scored low in our testing for gripping and smoothing hair.
Tester says: “I was so pleased with the smooth and consistent results,” shares one person. “This is a go-to styling tool for me now — I love it!”
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
| Number of heat settings | Multiple (customizable upto 450 degrees) |
