Having a head full of bouncy curls can be chaos. Curly hair is more prone to being unruly and less likely to appear sleek and purposeful. If you have curly hair, no matter how tight of curl, you’re probably used to the daily battle to get your hair to behave. While sometimes curls are exactly what you want, it’s nice to have options and a hair straightening brush will give you exactly those. Without research, though, it’s hard to determine which is the best for what you want. Don’t stress it, though – We have you covered.
We reviewed dozens of hair straightening brushes to identify the best of the best. We looked at mini brushes that are perfect for travel, and those that will work great for your every day use. We found the top ceramic brushes and those round brushes that will rid you of your wild curls and still let you keep the volume you love.
Early in our search, we found the MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Straightening Brush and it remained the obvious choice as our top pick. With safety features like an auto-off and an anti-scald function, you’ll be able to easily use this straightening brush without any worry about hurting yourself or your home.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hair Straightening Brushes
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Straightening Brush | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Buy | SwanMyst Ceramic Ionic Hair Straightener Brush | 4.0 |
| Best Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush | GLAMFIELDS Electrical Heated Irons Hair Straightening | 4.2 |
| Best Round Hair Straightening Brush | John Frieda Hot Air Brush | 3.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Straightening Brush
The MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Straightening Brush is perfect for any type of hair you can imagine. Because of the range of temperature possibilities, you’ll be able to use this brush on anything from thick and curly hair, to thin, bleached hair and all types in between. And with your choice of 2 colors, pink or red, you can customize more than just your hair style.
With a double ionic generator, you’ll be able to not only avoid stripping your hair, but nourish and replenish some of the moisture that is lost with heat styling. The brush includes bristles that are anti-static and high density, so that you’ll be able to straighten your hair in just minutes while keeping it smooth all the while.
With an impressive overall rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, the number is made even more impressive when you consider how many customer reviews it has to earn it such a rating. After all, over 1,000 people have thought highly enough about this hair straightening brush that they came back to review it.
MiroPure 2-in-1 Ionic Straightening Brush Key Features:
- Fast heating; 30 seconds
- Includes storage bag and heat resistant glove
- 330 degree rotating power cord
Our Runner Up Pick: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler
The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler is ideal for both straightening and smoothing your hair and for some light blow drying as well. You won’t want to use this to dry completely saturated hair, but you can definitely start straightening and styling after just a quick towel dry.
The power cord on this hair straightening brush is a tangle-free swivel cord, but bear in mind you won’t want to twist or wrap this cord around the appliance. While doing so can work for compact storage, it will also damage the cord over time, making the overall life of this brush shorter.
With an impressive number of customer reviews on Amazon, (nearly 2,000) this hair straightening brush has still earned an overall rating of 4.1 stars. And while that’s certainly nothing to scoff at, the price can’t be ignored either. You can pick one up for a very reasonable $40.
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler Key Features:
- 2 color choices
- 2 heat/speed settings
- 1100 Watts of drying power
Best Budget Pick: SwanMyst Ceramic Ionic Hair Straightener Brush
The SwanMyst Ceramic Ionic Hair Straightener Brush has an impressive twelve temperature settings, giving you maximum customization for your hair straightening. It features an eight foot power cord with a swivel joiner that will allow you to rotate the brush 360-degrees. It also has a hanging hook that will allow you to store it out of the way, yet readily accessible at all times.
Rather than worrying about the temperature changing by an accidental hit of the heating button, there is a three second auto-lock that will keep your straightening brush at the temperature you want, for as long as you’re using it. In fact, it will even shut off on its own after 30 minutes. (Which does mean you’ll want to make sure it is maintaining the proper temperature for your longer hair straightening tasks.)
The numbers just don’t lie, and the numbers on this hair straightening brush certainly suggest customer satisfaction. With an overall rating on Amazon of 4.0 stars and over 200 customer reviews, we’re more than just tempted. But without a doubt the best number is the price; you can pick up this quality hair straightening brush for right around $20.
SwanMyst Ceramic Ionic Hair Straightener Brush Key Features:
- Includes storage bag, 2 clips, and heat resistant glove
- 60 minute auto shut-off
- 30 second heat time
Best Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush Pick: GLAMFIELDS Electrical Heated Irons Hair Straightening Brush
The GLAMFIELDS Electrical Heated Irons Hair Straightening Brush will keep your hair healthy and smooth by releasing negative ions to allow a deep nourishing rather than a stripping action some of its competitors perform. It has a ceramic glaze that will not fade even after 5 million times – And that’s not just an exaggeration, that’s what the manufacturer literally claims.
In just 30 seconds, you’ll have your desired heat to start your task straight away. (Forgive the pun.) The power cord is anti-winding, with a 360-degree rotation and hanging hook located directly on it. The power switches are easily used, just a simple push to each of three concave button will control everything.
With well over 500 customer reviews on Amazon, there’s every reason to believe you’ll be satisfied with this hair straightening brush. After all, it has an overall rating of 4.2 stars and that means you’re very likely to be one of hundreds of pleased patrons.
GLAMFIELDS Electrical Heated Irons Hair Straightening Brush Key Features:
- 360-degree swivel power cord
- Includes storage bag and heat resistant glove
- 30-minute auto shut-off
Best Round Hair Straightening Brush Pick: John Frieda Hot Air Brush
The John Frieda Hot Air Brush uses an advanced Ionic Technology to produce, what the manufacturer claims, is twice the shine and three times the frizz control of other hot air brushes. This will allow you to use the hot air to pull your curly hair straight and the round brush will let you add in extra, or simply keep some of your hair’s natural volume without damaging it in the process.
The bristles on this brush are both nylon and ball tipped to add a bit of comfort for your scalp and control to your straightening and styling. For care, you’ll just need to spot clean with a damp rag or your own hands; never submerge this brush.
This has an overall rating of 3.8 stars and while that may not be the best rating on our list, there are more than an average amount of customer reviews to consider, as well. In fact, there are over 6,000 customers and 70% have come back to sing this hair straightening brush’s praises.
John Frieda Hot Air Brush Key Features:
- 2 size options
- 3 temperature settings
- Swivel cord for ease of use
Who Should Buy a Hair Straightening Brush
If you have a full head of curls and want to tame them into a smooth mane of sleek locks, a hair straightening brush can do just that. After all, curly hair may not give you the variety of hair style options you want and being able to straighten those curls is a luxury you’ll definitely appreciate. Not only is it an efficient and fast approach for straightening your hair, it is a more gentle way to do it and you will very likely find you no longer need your flat iron.
Even if you have straight or just slightly wavy hair, there’s a good chance that you’ll still want a hair straightener on hand. Not only does it straighten those slighter waves to create a more sleek appearance for your hair, the extra boost of heat in your daily brush will go a long way for minimizing the frizz and static of your hair. If you want to add curls after you smooth your hair with a straightener, you can do so with full control. That means that you will have the ability to transform tight curls into big beach waves or your wavy hair into those tight, bunched, individual curls in your hair. Of course, the right shampoo helps to tame frizzy hair, too, so check out our review of the best shampoos to find a great smoothing option.
And while straightening the hair on your head may be your intended purpose, don’t discount other uses. Even those who are completely bald can use a hair straightener – to create a glorious beard. While often overlooked, the hair on one’s face is often coarse and curly; not at all tidy. If you or a family member wants to create a beard so epic it could have ballads of it sung for years to come, a hair straightener is the way to go.
Important Features to Consider
A hair straightening brush should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a straightening brush for your hair:
- Round. Even without the electric heat or blown hot air, even a standard round brush will give your hair a bit more volume than a paddle-type. With either a blowing or heating element, the volume is all the more likely to hold when made with heat. While a round brush will traditionally add in a bit of curl to your hair, the act of pulling the heated brush through your hair will also smooth out waves or frizz that you struggle with so you won’t want to discount it just because you want a straight hair style.
- Ceramic/ionic. Introducing heat to your hair has a way of damaging it, even if you take the precautions of adding a heat protection product before you begin. Using a ceramic brush will prevent one part of the brush from getting hotter than the other parts, and that goes a long way to preventing hair damage. Adding negative ions back into your hair will balance the positive ions that frizz your hair by fraying your hair’s cuticles. Negative ions will smooth your hairs cuticles, leaving it shiny and flatter.
- Non-electric. Not all hair needs the extra “work” of an electric hair straightening brush. If your hair is healthy and naturally straight, just a bit prone to frizz and static, a hair straightening brush that reduces frizz and clamps together to allow you to pull it straight and smooth using nothing but your own muscle, may be just what you need. If nothing else, it’s still wonderful to keep in your car or purse so that you can do some fast mid-day maintenance.
- Beard straighteners. You may not consider other uses beside the hair on your head, but should you know someone with a beard, this hair straightening brush may get used double duty. While there may not be a huge market for beard straighteners, you may find the ease of just brushing through a beard too tempting. And should you try to experiment with this on your spouse, don’t be surprised if he likes it so much that your hair straightening brush never gets put away again.
- Mini. If you plan on using a hair straightening brush everywhere you visit, a mini one may be just the ticket. Not only is it compact, but a hair tool that will satisfy your frequent, but basic needs is perfect for your busy and already cluttered life. Not to mention, it’s a perfect size for a beard if you want to add a little variety in use and share.
- Multiple heat temperatures. Thick, incredibly curly hair will not straighten with lower temperatures and fine, thin hair will absolutely fry with the higher temperatures that thick hair needs. If you plan on using your one simple straightener brush for the same style on your same head of hair forever, you may not need variable temperatures, but you absolutely do need to make sure you’re getting a brush that will provide the temperature you need. Don’t buy unawares, you will absolutely be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a straightening brush and what does it do?
Hair straightening brushes are often also called “Hot Brushes” and will utilize heat to help you straighten your hair. The tool itself will look like an electric brush, with a standard-looking brush on the end and a power cord to supply that heat. The bristles will separate your hair to have a faster effect and straighten with a much shorter hands-on time than the flat iron. In fact, a hair straightening brush will often replace your flat iron completely. You’ll be able to breeze the hair straightening brush through your hair without separating pieces and working on sections at a time, which in itself will save time. You’ll also be able to do it on your own; there is no additional skill required because you’ll use it just as you would your standard brush. It will pull the curls out gently with a heating element or (slightly less common) by blowing air through gaps along the base of the bristles. The act of combing or brushing your hair while applying heat will flatten and smooth your hair so you can style it just the way you like it.
Are straightening brushes bad for your hair?
Just as is the case with any question regarding specifics of a broad genre of hair styling tools, the answer to whether your hair straightening brush will damage your hair is entirely dependent on the type of brush you get and the way you use it. If you follow the instructions and use a high quality brush, you won’t damage your hair with a hair straightening brush. In fact, they are significantly more gentle on your hair, as a rule, than flat irons or chemically straightening your hair.
However, there are a few glaring considerations you’ll need to make before you take this as a definitely answer of “No, they aren’t bad for your hair.” You’ll need to make sure you’re going to follow the instructions; and be honest with yourself. For example, if you know you won’t be able to wait until your hair is completely dry before you begin straightening it, then make sure you have a hair straightening brush that will compensate for a bit of dampness. You’ll also want to look into finding a product to put into your hair that will protect it from heat, and find one that is quality and affordable. You may not keep up with the product if it costs an arm and a leg and using it just for special occasions won’t prevent (or heal) the damage you do using the brush on those “ordinary” days.
Can straightening brushes be used on wet hair?
You can use just about any kind of heating tool on your wet hair and it will dry it. But it isn’t that simple and you will need to take extra care. Not only is it more likely to damage your hair, using a hair straightening brush on wet hair is a lot like drying your hair with a curling iron. You can do it, but it’s going to take more time and the results will be less desirable. For most hair straightening brushes, (unless they’re also blow dryers), you will want to towel or air dry your hair until it is, at most, damp. Fully saturated hair can burn, melt, and even (and often) smoke while drying with this method. Remember that smoking hair is a surefire way to predict damaged hair.
If you find a hair straightening brush that is a “2-in-1” and acts as a blow dryer as well, this is the preferred method. There are a lot to choose from, especially if you want a round brush, and you’ll be satisfied with the result. It will give you the desired result and prevent at least some of that heat damage, as well. When in doubt, always check the instructions.
How hot should a straightening brush be?
How hot you’ll want your hair straightening brush will depend entirely on your hair type. If you have thin or fine hair that doesn’t need much effort to straighten, you’ll need it to be a lower temperature. If you use a high temperature straightening brush on that fine hair, you will undoubtedly damage it; possibly even melt it off or pull it out entirely. For thin hair that doesn’t need a lot of straightening, but rather a de-wave or smoothing brush, you’ll want to avoid temperatures above 320 degrees. You’ll probably still need at least 250 degrees to achieve the styling ability you want, but make sure to stay in your safe window. Hotter temperatures will straighten faster, but straight hair does you no good if that hair is falling out.
For super thick, extra curly hair, you will probably want at least 410 degrees. Your straightening brush may go all the way up to 550 degrees, but that is the absolute max, and you won’t want to keep that kind of heat on your hair for very long; even with proper preparation using heat protection products. No matter how thick your hair, that high heat will definitely melt your hair with more than a pass or two. Most hair stylists recommend sticking between 410-450 degrees for your thick, very curly hair. If you have neither extreme (fine or thick), you will want to stick right around 350 degrees.
Other Hair Straightening Brushes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other hair straightening brushes. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best hair straightening brushes list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your hair. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Ceramic Hair Straightening Brushes
- Non-Electric Hair Straightening Brushes
- Paddle Hair Straightening Brushes
- Round Hair Straightening Brushes
Ceramic Hair Straightening Brushes
Buture Mini Hair Straightener Brush
This mini hair straightening brush will go where you do and fit just about anywhere.
Key Features:
- 2 color choices
- 5 temperature settings
- 360-degree rotating power cord
Cost: $35
Entil Hair Straightening Brush
This hair straightener will heat to your desired temp in 30 seconds and disperse 2.0 negative ions to keep your hair healthy and smooth.
Key Features:
- 9 temperature settings
- Includes heat resistant glove, 2 hair clips, storage bag, and cleaning brush
- Ceramic coated
Cost: $40
GLAMFIELDS Hair Straightener Iron Brush
The auto-off function on this hair straightening brush will make it a safer addition to your home.
Key Features:
- Includes heat resistant glove, 2 hair clips, and storage bag
- 4 temperature settings
- Fast heating; 30 seconds
Cost: $40
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Wet/Dry Hot Air Brush
The stand out feature for this hair straightening brush is that it’s meant to be used on wet hair, minimizing your time spent styling your hair.
Key Features:
- 2-speed settings
- Includes ceramic tourmaline technology
- Lightweight; just over 1 pound
Cost: $35
InStyler STRAIGHT UP Ceramic Straightening Brush
This brush features 65 individual ceramic heated plates surrounding the majority of the bristles, making sure you get an even heat for your hair.
Key Features:
- 7 heat settings
- 30 second heat time
- Cool Touch Ionic Bristles
Cost: $45
Jinri Ionic Hair Straightener Brush
The anti-scald function will allow you to enjoy its fast heating function without hurting yourself.
Key Features:
- Auto shut-off
- Temperature lock
- 4 heat settings
Cost: $45
LARMHOI Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush
With three different temperature settings, you’ll be able to use this hair straightening brush no matter your hair type.
Key Features:
- 30 second heat up
- Auto shut-off
- Digital display
Cost: $35
USpicy Hair Straightener Brush
With an MCH ceramic plate, this brush will let you straighten your hair using temperatures up to 450 degrees.
Key Features:
- 7 temperature settings
- Includes storage bag, heat resistant glove, and cleaning brush
- Anti-scald design
Cost: $30
Non-Electric Hair Straightening Brushes
Denman Thermoceramic Straightening Brush with Boar Bristle
The natural bristles on this brush will work with and use your hair’s oils for a natural gloss and shine.
Key Features:
- Vented to allow air access to your hair
- Thermo-ceramic coating
- Clean with warm soapy water
Cost: $20
The ergonomic soft touch handle on this straightening brush will let you comfortably smooth your hair as often as you’d like.
Key Features:
- 2 color choices
- Ceramic coating
- Nylon bristles
Cost: $5
Herstyler Straightening Comb For Hair
This hair straightening comb will smooth mild hair disorder or prepare your hair for straightening with the best results possible.
Key Features:
- Heat resistant and anti-static
- 4 color options
- De-tangles hair
Cost: $10
ROSENICE Hair Comb Hair Straightening Comb
Squeezing the two bristled sides of this brush together will leave your hair de-tangled and smoothed.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Boar bristles
- Vented for air
Cost: $10
Paddle Hair Straightening Brushes
AsaVea Professional Hair Straightening Brush
This hair straightening brush utilizes the paddle design and has incorporated a mirror along its back.
Key Features:
- 1 button operation
- 3 temperature settings
- 360-degree swivel cord
Cost: $55
Lescolton One Step Hair Dryer & Styler Hot Air Paddle Brush
The ergonomic handle on this paddle hair straightening brush will allow you to comfortably use it long enough to straighten all your hair – no matter how long or how curly.
Key Features:
- Ionic generator
- 3 temperature settings
- 30 second heat time
Cost: $35
Miuphro Hair Straightener Brush
This hair straightening brush has an auto shut-off safety function that will turn the power off after 60 minutes.
Key Features:
- Includes storage bag
- 2 temperature settings
- 360-degree swivel cord
Cost: $45
Round Hair Straightening Brushes
ALWOA One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer
This round brush will blow your hair dry as well as smooth, straighten, and style all-in-one.
Key Features:
- 3 temperature and speed settings
- Ceramic coating
- Cool holding tip for safety
Cost: $35
fitTek Hair Straightener Brush
This round hair straightening brush features flexible brushes that won’t strip or break your hair.
Key Features:
- 3 heat settings
- 360-degree swivel cord
- Negative ion technology
Cost: $45
Each bristle of this round brush features an insulated silicone tip to ensure gentle and tangle-free use.
Key Features:
- Airflow vents along base
- Ergonomic handle design
- 3 heat settings
Cost: $35
MIRACOMB Hair Curler Straightening Brush
You can easily use this straightening round brush to also go ahead and curl your newly straightened hair to your exact wishes.
Key Features:
- Nylon brushes coated with non-stick Teflon
- Anti-static
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $40
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer
This brush may be more of an oval than circular round, but it offers a quality volume that will smooth your hair beautifully.
Key Features:
- Ionic; ceramic coated
- Blow dry, straighten, and style all at once
- De-tangling combination bristles
Cost: $60
