According to beauty editor Laura Capon, a high-quality hot brush is one of the best investments for achieving salon-standard blow-dries at home. After testing numerous models priced from £40 to nearly £500, Capon has narrowed down the top six performers. The brushes were evaluated using consistent styling products from Arkive and R+Co, with results photographed for comparison.
Capon, who has over a decade of industry experience, focused on key factors such as ease of use, heat settings, and styling results. Her hair type is straight to slightly wavy with highlights, and she prioritised volume, body, and lasting styles. She declined brand demonstrations to ensure fair testing.
The Dyson Airwrap, despite its high price, stood out for delivering professional-level bounce and flick, inspired by Pamela Anderson's 1990s look. It includes five attachments: a dryer, curling tong, smoothing brush, volumising brush, and flyaway smoother. The updated design features a single barrel with a directional air switch, simplifying use. Capon found the hot brush attachment fast and effective, with results lasting all day with hairspray.
At the other end of the price spectrum, the cheapest option on the list was praised for creating flicks reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter's style. However, it lacks adjustable heat settings and has a basic design. Capon noted that while some attachments like the flyaway smoother were less useful for her hair type, the overall performance of the top picks justified their cost.
Capon's mission to recreate salon blow-dries at home drives her testing, ensuring only effective tools are recommended. She advises readers to consider their hair type and desired style when choosing a hot brush, as multi-purpose models can offer better value despite higher upfront costs.
