Is there anything the best round brush can’t handle? Round brushes are perfect for creating everything from big, bouncy blowouts to soft, beachy waves. And while nothing beats that fresh-from-the-salon feeling, regular visits aren’t always realistic. Mastering a DIY blowout allows you to create that salon-level style at home—and it all starts with the right round brush.
With one in hand, you’ve got a multitasking tool that can do the job of a curling iron, paddle brush, and straightener all in one. “Round brushes are amazing for creating wavy, curly, and sleek styles—all without needing a curling iron or flat iron,” says Nino Margic, a hairstylist at Belle Sirène Salon in La Jolla, CA. But don’t be fooled—round brushes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right round brush is key to “achieving movement, volume at the root, and sleekness throughout the hair,” says Mia Santiago, a celebrity hairstylist based in NYC and Columbus, Ohio.
Our Top Picks
Ready to achieve your dream blowout? These expert-approved brushes are here to make it happen.
Frequently asked questions
Best Overall: British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Why we love it: At first glance, it might not seem like there’s much variety between round brushes—but this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner upends that assumption. The British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush has a vented barrel that’s designed to conduct and evenly redistribute heat, which in turn reduces styling time and minimizes damage. It has nylon teeth that deliver just enough tension to pull and curl hair, but not so much that you risk breakage or snapping. Bonus: The lightweight handle spares your arms, and has a matte finish and beveled edges that make it especially easy to grip.
“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.”
Bristle material: nylon
Who it’s for: all hair types
Best Boar-Bristle: Sisley The Blow Dry Brush No. 2
Why we love it: The majority of round brushes come with nylon pins, but Sisley The Blow-Dry Brush No. 2 pairs longer nylon bristles—which are 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, although the combination would work for most people.
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 that use it at the roots of my hair to give them a little lift at the crown.”
Bristle material: nylon and boar
Best for: all hair types
Best Hot Brush: Drybar The Double Shot
Why we love it: If you’re looking to streamline your blow-dry routine, consider a blow-dryer brush like the Drybar The Double Shot. The barrel is lined with vents that deliver a powerful, even airflow and decked out with a combination of nylon and tufted bristles, which create just the right amount of tension. Like any good blow dryer, it’s also equipped with ionic technology, which works to smooth hair and prevent frizz while you’re styling—meaning flyaways have no chance here. Also, it comes with three temperature settings, and the 2.4-inch barrel is ideal for creating big, bouncy waves, not tight curls.
“If you want people to ask if you just got a professional blowout—that is, super smooth with loads of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the tool for you. Since the barrel is larger than others, it gives tons of volume, but is still thin enough to create some curls as well (and to really get into the cowlick that curses my bangs).”
Bristle type: nylon
Best for: fine-to-medium hair textures, straight-to-wavy hair types, short-to-medium lengths
Best for Curling Hair: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush, 1.75”
Why we love it: If blow-drying your hair takes forever, the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush is about to change your getting-ready game. “The ceramic barrel heats up quickly and evenly, speeding up drying time and helping create curls that actually last,” says NYC hair stylist and colorist Marie Nino. “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.” With its turbo-vented design for maximum airflow, this brush cuts down blowout time faster than most others.
Bristle material: nylon
Who it’s for: any hair type
Best for Shine: Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush
Why we love it: The Ibiza B Series round brushes are a must-have for those smooth, healthy-looking blowouts we all want, especially if you’ve got fine or color-treated hair. With a blend of boar and carbon fiber bristles, these brushes are total overachievers—adding shine, nixing frizz, and even distributing your scalp’s natural oils to keep hair moisturized. “My go-to brush is the Ibiza Hair B4 brush for smooth, sleek blowouts,” says Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC, 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 perfect tension and gentle bristles, it’s a dream for adding volume without pulling, so fine and color-treated hair stays vibrant and glossy.
Bristle material: boar and carbon fiber nylon
Who it’s for: people with fine or color-treated hair
Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
Why we love it: Angelo David, hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC, says he’s a longtime fan of Moroccanoil’s high-quality haircare lineup. “The Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush is no exception. It’s fantastic for medium to thick hair—straight, wavy, or curly,” he says. “The ceramic barrel heats up quickly and evenly, which speeds up drying time and delivers a smooth, shiny finish.” Its ionic technology keeps frizz at bay, giving hair that sleek, polished look. Plus, with multiple sizes available, you can pick the perfect one based on hair length and the volume or curl you’re aiming for.
Bristle material: nylon
Who it’s for: people with medium-length hair that’s thick and frizzy
Best for Short Hair: GHD Ceramic Vented Round Brush, 1”
Why we love it: If you have shorter hair, like a pixie cut, and struggle to get volume and bounce, the GHD Ceramic Vented Round Brush with a 1-inch barrel is a must-have. The smaller barrel size is perfect for grabbing those shorter layers, giving you the control you need for lift, shape, or even adding a soft wave. The ceramic core heats up fast without sneaky hot spots, so you’re styling faster with less heat exposure, which is always a win for hair health. Plus, the vented design lets air flow easily, reducing blow-drying time and flyaways.
Bristle material: nylon
Who it’s for: people with short hair
Best For Fine Hair: Spornette Deville Round Brush, 2.25”
Why we love it: If your fine hair is experiencing breakage, the Spornette Deville Round Brush is Nino’s top pick to protect delicate hair. “Made entirely of boar bristles, it’s gentle enough for sensitive scalps and fine hair while distributing natural oil evenly for a beautiful shine. I always reach for this brush to create sleek styles without pulling or causing damage,” she says. As we tested it, it was great for smoothing frizz and giving soft waves to medium-length hair. And the lightweight, wooden handle? No more arm workouts just to get a smooth blowout.
Bristle material: boar
Who it’s for: people with fine, medium-length hair
Best For Coarse Hair: Philip B. Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
Why we love it: The Philip B. Large Round Hairbrush is a game-changer for handling thick, coarse hair. Its densely packed bristles grip even the toughest tangles, giving you total control as you style—no more wrestling with your hair. “The high bristle density smooths and shapes coarse textures effortlessly, making it easy to create sleek styles or add volume and bounce,” says Santiago. Plus, the larger barrel is perfect “for smoothing out thick hair and adding volume right at the root,” she adds. And with its ergonomic handle, designed for an “extremely easy grip,” this brush makes styling something you actually look forward to. Though the price is high, it’s made to last.
Bristle material: boar and nylon
Who it’s for: people with coarse or thick hair
Best for Volume: T3 Volume 2.5 Round Professional Ceramic Coated Brush
Why we love it: Some brushes excel at just one thing, but the T3 Volume 2.5 Round Brush is an overachiever through and through. “T3 has set the standard in hair styling tools, and this brush is a top choice for stylists and beauty enthusiasts,” says David. “It’s my go-to for giving fine to medium hair that much-needed boost. The combination of the vented design and ceramic-coated barrel adds incredible volume and body without any frizz.” When we tested it, we loved the thoughtful details, especially the rubberized, no-slip grooves on the handle, ensuring the brush stays steady as you work your magic. “It feels like a luxurious experience every time, and the results are nothing short of pro-level,” says David.
Bristle material: nylon
Who it’s for: people with fine to medium-length hair that’s frizzy
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: