Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
No knock to the flatiron you've been loyal to since 10th grade, but the best hair-straightening brushes—styling tools that combine a flatiron and hairbrush—are changing the game. More intuitive than a traditional straightener (which clamps your hair between two heated plates), hot brushes comb through the hair the same way you use a regular brush, but use lower, targeted heat to smooth strands. (Translation: Less frizz and damage.) The result? Hair that looks polished and sleek but still has plenty of movement, rather than the ultra pin-straight finish you might get from a flatiron.
Our Top Hair-Straightening Brushes
- Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily, $750
- Best for Frizz: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush, $180
- Best for Thick Hair: GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush, $239
- Best for Curly Hair: TYMO Ring Plus, $70
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What's the difference between a hair-straightening brush and a flatiron?
- Is a hair-straightening brush better than a flatiron?
- What should I look for when choosing a hair-straightening brush?
- Are hair-straightening brushes safe?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
If you've dismissed these tools in the past after trying a model that left your hair more scorched than smooth, we promise this new crop of innovative gadgets will change your mind. Below, we break down the hair-straightening brushes that deliver silky-smooth results without sacrificing bounce.
Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily
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Dyson
Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer (Curly to Coily)
Dyson
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Shanna Shipin
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Jenny Bailly
Why it’s worth it: The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2.0 is the brand’s smartest, most powerful multi-styler yet—and yes, it’s even better than the original. With double the air pressure, a new motor, and automatic heat adaptation, it smooths, stretches, and styles hair faster than ever. Whether you’re going for a voluminous blowout, loose waves, or sleek, straight strands, each of the six intelligent attachments adapts automatically to your styling needs (and hair type) for salon-level results at home. Reach for the Anti-Snag Loop Brush 2.0 for your straightening sessions because it glides through hair effortlessly (no tugging, pulling, or snags). Those with thick or curly hair will especially appreciate how effortlessly it smooths frizz and defines texture without the need for a flatiron.
The best part? It connects to the MyDyson app via Bluetooth to create a custom heat and airflow profile. And because it automatically shuts off when set down, it’s as safe and thoughtful as it is high-performing. Translation: red carpet hair in minutes.
Shipin before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Shanna Shipin
Bailly before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Jenny Bailly
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). This is coming from someone with low-porosity hair that takes seemingly forever to dry. The fact that I can get my curly hair handled before one of my two kids notices I'm gone is a miracle in itself. I love using the round brush to create gentle tension that makes my blowouts last for days on end; IMO, the attachment is a huge improvement over the older version. This new iteration gets far closer to the roots for a more natural finish. There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary. And the diffuser? There are two settings and both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me.
If you have the original Airwrap, if you're new to multistylers, or if you're Dyson-curious, this is the product to buy. For curly girls especially, it's nice to have a tool that feels tailor-made for your routine. The only person I might not recommend it for? A constant traveler who loves doing their hair on the go; the power cord is heavy and not very compact, making this less frequent flier-friendly than other stylers on the market.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“As an OG Airwrap owner, I had my doubts that the Co-anda2x could possibly be worth another $200+. Then I used it. If, say, you take the 8:32 train and sometimes wait until 8:15 to blow-dry your hair—I’d definitely consider investing. Since I started using this multi-styler, my blow-dry time has been cut down by at least five crucial minutes. This tool is powerful and it is hot (so hot that I must warn you to wait a beat before switching out attachments during your blow-dry). The dryer attachment is–on my long, wavy, medium-thickness hair–as effective as Dyson's dedicated Supersonic dryer. (If you have very thick or coarse hair, you might feel differently but, for me, this can replace a regular blowdryer.) After a couple minutes of rough-drying, I go in with the large round brush to smooth and get some volume at my roots. Four minutes of sectioned brushing and I switch to the larger of the two curling barrels to create loose waves. In less than 10 minutes—a first for me—I’m done.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types, especially curly and textured hair
- Heat: up to 302°F
- Weight: 2.14 lbs
- Attachments: 6 (Fast Dryer 2x, Tension Comb 2x, 1.6" Co-anda2x Curling Barrel, Round Volumizing Brush 2x, Anti-Snag Loop Brush 2x, Wave+Curl Diffuser 2x)
Best for Frizz: Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
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Shark
Glossi Blowout Brush
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: For anyone battling frizz—no matter if your texture is curly, straight, or somewhere in between—the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush tames static and flyaways without flattening your hair’s personality. Its teardrop-shaped barrel hugs the roots and smooths hair from end to end without snagging or tugging. Think of it as a round brush, ceramic hot tool, and air styler all in one: It has two modes to accommodate wet or dry strands (a rarity for straightening brushes) and leaves behind a bouncy, glossy finish every time. The brand’s GlossLock Technology seals in up to 24 hours of frizz-resistant shine, while Smart Heat Sense Technology keeps the temperature below 302°F to help protect fragile hair types from heat damage.
Shipin before using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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“My fastest routine hack ever? Using this Shark Glossi brush. This gets me and my curly hair out of the shower and through the front door in 20 minutes, flat. The handle is smaller than the average blow-dryer brush that I've used, making it easier and more comfortable to maneuver around my head (especially important if you're in a rush to begin with), and it can be used on dry or wet hair. I love how straightforward the product is, but be patient with the motions: You'll need to practice a bit to ensure you use the straightening section correctly when transitioning from wet to dry. Once you have it down, the whole thing is a breeze. It's not a tool I'd use for styling—given that the head is so large, I definitely need to get closer to the roots or S-wave my hair with a straightener—but that's not what it's for! The Glossi is great for quick and smooth utility drying, and would be great for travel. Don't want to chance it on a hotel blow-dryer, or pack multiple tools? This is your one and done. (PS: The Shark Speed Style has a much smaller head that lets you style and blow-dry simultaneously; I use this one more often when I have time on my hands.)” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types prone to frizz, including curly, textured or fine hair
- Heat: up to 302°F
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Attachments: 1
Best for Thick Hair: GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
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GHD
Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Allure contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman using the GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Annie Blackman
Why it’s worth it: The GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush is an unassuming powerhouse of a straightening brush. Don’t let its minimalist design fool you—it delivers sleek, salon-level results with zero fuss. Maintaining a steady 365ºF (the brand’s signature “optimal styling temperature”), its oval head smooths strands without causing heat damage or static. A clever mix of short and long ceramic-coated bristles glides through even the thickest sections effortlessly without snagging or tugging. That combo means faster styling, less frizz, and a glossy finish that works on every hair type, from fine to ultra-dense. Plus, its sleek, minimalist design looks just as good sitting on your vanity as it does mid-blowout.
Blackman before using the GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Annie Blackman
Blackman after using the GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Annie Blackman
Tester feedback from contributor Annie Blackman
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"I don't know how I wasn't hip to straightening brushes sooner. I'm so bad with a flatiron, so this totally changed the game for me. I love a tool with no learning curve—especially one that doesn't fry my hair as I use it." —Annie Blackman, contributor
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types, especially thick
- Heat: up to 365ºF
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Attachments: 1
Best for Second-Day Hair: Drybar Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
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Drybar
Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Your blowout may be struggling on day two, but a few passes of Drybar’s Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush help smooth down bedhead and bring it back to life. With a digital temperature setting up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, an extra-long 9-foot cord, automatic shut-off, and a small paddle body, it’s as user-friendly as it is time-savvy. “The adjustable temperature settings also offer more control across different hair types, and are especially helpful when working with fine, fragile, or color-treated hair,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Leticia Llesmin. While the ionic hair straightener brush smooths hair like a flatiron, Llesmin adds that it won’t leave strands overly flat or compressed. In other words, it’s the perfect tool for taming flyaways and smoothing out second-day frizz without you needing to do a full redo.
If you have fine hair, New York City-based hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante suggests “keeping it at a lower temperature and working in small sections for a smooth, polished finish.”
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types
- Heat: up to 450°F
- Weight: 1.83 lbs
- Attachments: 1
Best for Curly Hair: TYMO Ring Plus
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Tymo
Ring Plus
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If your curls need a little extra smoothing, the TYMO Ring Plus seals the deal. Unlike traditional paddle brushes, this tool features wavy, nano-titanium-coated teeth instead of bristles, helping to smooth, boost shine, and minimize damage while evenly distributing heat as you comb. Its range of fancy settings is just as impressive—an LED screen, nine temperature settings, an auto shut-off, and a swivel cord—but its guarded teeth are a game-changer for curly to coily hair types. They make it easier to get right near the root to smooth down puffiness without putting your scalp so close to the heat. The result? “Smooth and polished [curls] while still maintaining some natural body,” says Llesmin. Plus, it comes with two clips to section hair, a protective glove, and other styling essentials.
More to know
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- Best for: curly, coily or coarse hair
- Heat: up to 410°F
- Weight: 0.69 lbs
- Attachments: 5
Best Under $50: Conair Infiniti Pro Tension Control Straightening Brush
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Conair
Infiniti Pro Tension Control Straightening Brush
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: Jonathan Hanousek, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, says Conair’s Infiniti Pro Straightening Brush doesn’t require much skill to get quick, polished results—and it’s priced just right at $50. “The standout feature is the tension control; creating the right amount of tension is key to getting hair really smooth,” he says. “The heated teeth glide through the hair, while keeping it in contact with the heat, helping create a smoother, shinier finish.” And for peace of mind, the brush’s anti-burn design—which is thanks to its 1-inch ceramic teeth—makes it easier to safely comb around your hairline.
More to know
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- Best for: all hair types
- Heat: up to 400°F
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Attachments: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a hair-straightening brush and a flatiron?
"A hair-straightening brush has bristles, resembling a brush, and a hair straightener does not have any bristles," says New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth. Capisce? Both tools use heat to style your hair, delivering results ranging from pin-straight tresses to bouncy waves, but employ different constructions to do so. A hair-straightening brush will also have either a row of heated bristles or teeth that resemble a comb.
Is a hair-straightening brush better than a flatiron?
It depends on how you see it: A hair-straightening brush doubles as a blow-dryer and flatiron, saving you time in the morning compared to the traditional two-step process. “They get the hair smoother and with fewer flyaways than just blowing the hair; it's shinier and silkier,” says Nashville-based colorist Leslie Shores. “I love that you can use them wet or dry. It's easier on your arms than the tension you have to apply with a regular hairbrush and a blow-dryer.”
What should I look for when choosing a hair-straightening brush?
The best hair-straightening brush for you depends on price range, personal preferences on shape and size, and the results you want from your new tool. "I think most tools in this space have similar features, so I would look for a barrel shape and size that resembles the tightness of curl you are trying to achieve," suggests Toth. "For example, a flat [paddle] thermal brush will give you straight hair, a thermal brush with a tiny barrel shape will give you curl, and a thermal brush with a large barrel shape will give you more of a bouncy blowout."
Other important features to keep an eye on: temperature settings (whether they are adjustable or not, for instance), ionic technology, and even heat distribution. These can help smooth hair and eliminate frizz while minimizing the amount of heat you’re using. You’ll also want comb-like teeth that separate without pulling, especially if you have fine or thin hair, and an overall lightweight design that feels comfortable to hold and maneuver while styling.
Are hair-straightening brushes safe?
Although they don’t apply as much heat compared to a traditional blow-dryer-straightener combo, you need to be smart about pacing while using hair-straightening brushes. "Keep them moving and don't overheat any one area of hair for too long," says Toth. "And don't use the highest heat setting unless you absolutely need to." Finally, before using any heat on your hair, always prep using a heat protectant.
Another tip? Keep your hot tool spick and span (a.k.a. removing hair and product buildup after each use), so it heats evenly and doesn’t snag your hair, Los Angeles-based hairstylist Joseph Maine points out.
Meet the experts
- Devin Toth, a hairstylist based in New York City
- Jonathan Hanousek, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles
- Joseph Maine, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and founder of Trademark Beauty
- Leslie Shores, a Nashville-based colorist at Eric Marshall Salon
- Leticia Llesmin, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
- Rogerio Cavalcante, a New York City-based hairstylist and founder of Brazil Edition
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 hair 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.
For our review of the best hair-straightening brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—who have different types of hair, concerns, and desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.