Editor’s tip: Once you’re done with your blow dryer, a final brush-through with the ceramic-barrel brush smooths flyaways, reduces frizz, and gives your hair an instant shine boost.
Bristle material: nylon | Who it’s for: any hair type
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 give big smooth volume, big loose waves and even beach waves.” As a general rule:
- Small brushes (1-1.5 inches) are great for tight curls 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. 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,” she says.
Are round brushes better?
Round brushes are super versatile. “They’re excellent for adding volume, creating waves, and achieving a smooth blowout, making them a versatile choice for many styles,” says Nast. Their different sizes and materials—like ceramic, boar, and nylon—allow for customized and controlled results so that they can be better for certain styling needs 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.
Meet the experts
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.
