TikTok says blowouts are back—and we’re taking note
Some beauty tools are eternal (the trusty blow dryer, your go-to curling iron) and others come and go faster than a TikTok micro-trend. But then there are the game-changers—the tools that shift how we style our hair forever. And what may that be? The straightening brush.
If you’re side-eyeing this because you’ve been a ride-or-die flat iron girlie since middle school, same. For years, the flat iron was the final word on sleek, shiny hair. But here’s the thing: the new generation of straightening brushes is not the same clunky, hair-singeing models your older cousin tried once in 2007 and shoved to the back of her bathroom drawer. Today’s versions are smarter, faster, and way kinder to your strands. Translation: smooth, frizz-free hair without two hours of arm workout or sacrificing your ends to the heat gods.
And it’s not just us saying this—scroll TikTok for 15 seconds and you’ll see it too. Every girlie is chasing that bouncy, 90s-supermodel blowout, and the best straightening brushes are officially the secret weapon making it possible. They cut through frizz, add shine, and somehow leave you looking like you booked a last-minute salon appointment… all while you’re still in your pajamas.
So, if you’ve been wondering if these brushes are worth the hype, the short answer is yes. The long answer? We’ve rounded up the 5 best straightening brushes that actually deserve a spot on your vanity. From TikTok cult-faves to pro-level picks, we’re breaking down what makes each one worth your coins, plus how to use them for that glossy, frizz-free finish.
Why straightening brushes are having a moment
Look down your FYP right now and you’ll spot it—the glossy, bouncy blowout. Big, soft hair that says “I’ve got my life together” even if you’re running late for work with coffee on your shirt. And while flat irons and blow dryers have been holding us down for decades, there’s a new player making waves (literally): straightening brushes.
What makes them so addictive? They combine the smoothing power of heat with the speed and simplicity of, well, brushing your hair. Instead of clamping your strands between two hot plates or juggling a round brush and dryer, you just glide the brush through and watch the frizz melt away. It’s glossy, it’s fast, and it doesn’t kill all your volume the way some flat irons do.
And let’s bust a couple of myths while we’re here:
- “They don’t work on curly hair.” Wrong. The new generation of brushes are designed with ceramic or titanium bristles that heat evenly and distribute tension across strands. Translation: smoother curls, less puff, more shine.
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“They’ll fry your hair.” Not if you prep correctly. Because the heat is spread out across multiple bristles, you’re getting a gentler, more consistent pass—way less concentrated than two plates pressing together. Think of it as roasting in the oven vs. searing in a pan. One’s slower but often more even.
The best part? They’re lifesavers for second-day (or third-day, no judgment) hair. A quick brush-through revives bedhead, smooths your ends, and buys you another day before wash day.
Science-y side note: the magic is in the heat distribution. Each bristle transfers just enough energy to relax the hydrogen bonds inside your hair (aka what controls your texture) without blasting one section with too much heat. That’s why strands look smooth but not stiff.
Basically, if you’ve been chasing the Sabrina Carpenter blowout, this is your shortcut tool. Straightening brushes are having a moment, and honestly? It’s about damn time.
The all-rounder: ghd Glide Hot Brush
If there’s one straightening brush that can handle Monday-morning chaos and Friday-night glam with equal ease, it’s the ghd Glide. This brush has been crowned the queen of hot brushes for good reason—it works fast, it’s consistent, and it gives you that glossy, salon-fresh finish without a full-blown styling session.
The secret? A perfectly balanced heat of 365ºF, which is basically the sweet spot for smoothing hair without frying it. Add in its combo of short and long ceramic bristles, and you’ve got a brush that grips every layer of your hair at once—surface frizz, hidden tangles, and everything in between. That means fewer passes, less time, and more shine.
Imagine you overslept, you’ve got five minutes before a Zoom call, and your hair is serving static-cling realness. Enter the Glide. One slow pass down each section and it’s like you actually tried this morning.
Best for: medium to thick hair, girlies who want their strands sleek but not stiff.
Why we love it: smooths in half the time of a flat iron, leaves bounce and movement, revives second-day hair instantly.
The budget baddie: Revlon One-Step Styler
This brush is basically the Beyoncé of drugstore hot tools—it dominates every conversation, it’s always trending, and everyone secretly wants one. The Revlon One-Step Styler is the ultimate budget-friendly hot brush that does more than just straighten. With its oval barrel and airflow technology, it smooths, volumizes, and shapes in a single pass.
Translation: your hair looks like you booked a $75 blowout, but you actually did it in your bathroom while listening to your getting ready playlist.
Yes, it’s chunkier than some of the sleeker hot brushes, and you’ll want to prep with PLENTY of heat protectant since its temps can get a little spicy. But the tradeoff is insane volume paired with frizz-free straightness. The One-Step is particularly beloved by fine-to-medium hair types who crave body but don’t want to wrestle with a round brush and blow dryer.
It’s the brush you pull out when you’ve got minimal energy but maximum need to look good—think happy hour after work, weekend brunch, or literally anytime you want hair that looks effortful but wasn’t.
Best for: fine-to-medium hair, volume lovers, hot tool beginners.
Why we love it: under $50, multitasking genius, delivers that ‘90s supermodel vibe on a budget.
The blowout dupe: Shark FlexStyle Brush Attachment
If you’ve been side-eyeing Dyson’s Airwrap price tag but still craving that bouncy, Cindy Crawford ‘90s blowout, the Shark FlexStyle is basically your budget-friendly fairy godmother. It’s technically a whole multi-styler, but the brush attachment is where the magic happens. Pop it on, and suddenly you’ve got a tool that smooths, straightens, and gives your ends that chic little flip—all in one pass.
What makes it different? The airflow plus heat combo. Instead of blasting your strands with flat heat, it uses controlled air to mimic a professional blow-dry.
Translation: your hair keeps movement, shine, and volume, without the “stick-straight” look that some tools leave behind. It’s also way kinder to your hair over time—your cuticle doesn’t take the same beating.
The FlexStyle has become a TikTok darling for good reason: it delivers that glossy, bouncy finish you thought only your stylist could pull off. It’s the kind of tool you whip out before a date or event when you want the compliments to roll in.
Best for: anyone craving that runway-worthy blowout without Dyson money.
Why we love it: pro-level results at home, saves arm strength, leaves you looking like you walked out of a salon chair.
The curly-hair queen: Drybar Brush Crush
Curly girls, this one’s for you. The Drybar Brush Crush isn’t your regular hot brush—it’s designed to fight frizz, glide through curls, and smooth without erasing your texture. With ionic technology and consistent heat across every single bristle, it works section by section to give you polished strands that still feel touchable and alive.
Unlike some brushes that only play nice with fine or medium textures, the Brush Crush actually gets through thick or coily hair without snagging. The wide paddle design means you can cover more ground in less time, and the adjustable temperature controls let you customize based on your hair’s mood that day (because we all know curls have moods).
If your blow-dry brush graveyard is proof that not all tools are curl-friendly, this one’s the exception. It smooths without deflating, straightens without frying, and tames frizz without leaving that crunchy, overly hot finish.
Best for: curly, coily, and textured hair types who want frizz-free sleekness without sacrificing volume.
Why we love it: ionic tech = instant smoothness, truly inclusive for all textures, cuts styling time in half.
The pro pick: T3 Edge Heated Brush
If you’re the kind of girlie who likes precision with a side of polish, the T3 Edge Heated Brush is your dream tool. This one feels like it belongs in a stylist’s kit—simple, minimal design, customizable digital temperature control, and bristles that heat evenly from root to tip. Basically, it’s like giving your strands VIP treatment every time you brush.
What makes it stand out is the edge design (literally in the name). The brush has beveled edges that let you smooth closer to your roots and shape your ends more cleanly than standard paddle designs. So if you’re aiming for that straight-but-bouncy finish—think shiny, healthy strands that still have movement—this brush nails it.
It’s also a favorite for anyone who wants consistency. Each pass gives the same results, no random hot spots or patches of frizz making an unwanted comeback. That means less going over the same section again and again, which is a huge win for hair health.
Best for: type-A stylers who want precise, salon-level sleekness at home.
Why we love it: digital heat settings, polished finish with movement, pro-level reliability.
How to get the most from your straightening brush
Owning one of the best straightening brushes is only half the glow-up. The other half? How you use it. Because even the fanciest hot brush can’t save you from rushing through damp roots or skipping heat protectant (don’t do it, babe). Here’s your playbook for making every stroke count.
Prep is everything
It’s just like your makeup—you wouldn’t apply foundation without moisturizer and primer, right? Same rules here.
- Start fresh (but not squeaky). Wash with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner that won’t leave residue weighing your strands down. Heavy formulas = flat results.
- Get your hair 80–90% dry. Hot brushes aren’t blow dryers, so don’t go in with dripping wet hair. Damp at most.
- Add slip + shield. Always mist a heat protectant (like this Heat Protectant + Moisture Spray) before you brush through. It keeps strands glossy and minimizes damage.
Technique tips
Here’s where the magic really happens.
- Work in sections. Clip up the top half of your hair and start underneath. This gives every layer a chance to smooth out.
- Slow and steady wins. Don’t just rip the brush through like you’re late for brunch. Glide slowly, with tension, for the shiniest finish.
- Shape your ends. Roll the brush slightly under for that ‘90s supermodel bounce, or flick them out for a cheeky edge.
Finishing touches
Your brush gives you the base—but the extras lock it in.
- Cool it down. Once you’re done, let your hair cool before touching or brushing through. That’s what “sets” the sleekness.
- Shine insurance. A light gloss spray or flexible hairspray keeps frizz at bay without stiffening your vibe.
- Hands off. Constantly running your fingers through your hair = oils + static = style killer. Resist the urge.
Quick fixes for common mishaps
- Frizz creeping back? Run the brush over the top layer only for a fast refresh.
- Hair feeling flat? Flip your head upside down and brush the underneath layers for a subtle lift.
- Dry ends showing up? Smooth a drop of lightweight serum through the tips—don’t re-brush, or you’ll overheat.
The bottom line on straightening brushes
The era of juggling a flat iron in one hand and a round brush in the other? Officially retired. Straightening brushes are the glow-up we didn’t know we needed—frizz-free shine, less damage, and a glossy finish that feels salon-level without the appointment.
And here’s the kicker: they’re not a one-hair-type wonder. Thick, fine, curly, coily—there’s a best straightening brush that works with your texture, not against it. No matter if you’re chasing that ‘90s supermodel bounce or just need a quick refresh before heading out the door, the right brush makes it effortless.
Of course, don’t write off hot tools altogether. The TYME Iron Pro is living proof that one tool doesn’t have to equal damage. Unlike the stiff clamp-and-scorch curlers of the past, this multitasker smooths, waves, and curls while keeping your hair shiny and healthy. Think of it as your straightening brush’s stylish big sister.
Pair it with smart prep (hello, heat protectant), healthy maintenance (our shampoo brush multipack is a scalp game-changer), and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for smooth, glossy hair that actually lasts.
✨ Blowout envy doesn’t have to stay on TikTok—it’s literally one brush (or one TYME Iron Pro) away.
