Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
The best round brushes are the Goldilocks of hair tools. In conjunction with a hair dryer (and your heat protectant or leave-in conditioner of choice!), they can sculpt your strands into a full, bouncy blowout, coax out soft, beachy waves, or straighten and smooth everything that feels straight out of an ‘80s shampoo ad. And while nothing compares to the magic of an in-salon blowout, mastering a DIY version brings that same commercial-worthy shine home. Blow-dryer brushes may make the job easy, but there’s a reason stylists still reach for a classic round brush and blow-dryer duo. “[Round brushes] provide tension to offer movement, volume at the root, and sleekness throughout the hair,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in New York City and Columbus, Ohio. Nino Miftarovski, a hairstylist based in La Jolla, CA, adds that they’re amazing for creating wavy, curly, and sleek styles without needing a curling iron or hair straightener.
But don’t be fooled—round brushes aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right one can make or break your blowout. Here, stylists break down exactly how to choose the best brush for your hair type and goals, and Allure editors share the tried-and-true favorites they keep in constant rotation.
Our Top Round Brushes
- Best Overall: British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush, $26
- Best Boar-Bristle: Sisley-Paris The Blow Dry Brush, $110
- Best for Shine: Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush, $63
- Best for Curling Hair: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush, $29
- Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush, $32
- Best for Fine Hair: Spornette Deville Round Brush, 2.25”, $24
Frequently Asked Questions
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- What kind of round brush is best?
- Are round brushes better?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
British M
Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Amazon
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 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.
NYC-based hairstylist Sofia Meyer says ceramic brushes are her favorite, as the center of the brush holds a ton of heat from your hair dryer, speeding up the entire process. And, this option from British M is one of our top ceramic brushes because no matter what size you buy it in (33 mm or 43 mm), the price stays the same, so you don’t have to spend more on a bouncier blowout.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Sarah Hoffmann
Allure social media director Kassidy Silva using the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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I let my hair air-dry with one major exception: my bangs. They need a hit of heat to behave, so if I'm going for a split-down-the-middle curtain bangs look, the British M Ceramic Round Brush plus a blow dryer is a dream team. Starting at one side of my face, I push the brush inward while rotating it away from my face to create a swooping effect. It doesn't need to be super precise—I'll usually do this motion with each half for less than a minute, then readjust the brush to grab slightly different sections of hair until the whole section is dry. The middle part gets the air in both directions, which sounds wrong, but it's how I learned to get them to meet in the middle, and it works! I use the 33mm brush for this since it's a small amount of hair, and the ceramic core of the brush heats up quickly so the whole process takes less than two minutes.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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"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."—Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it's for: all hair types
- All sizes: 33 mm, 43 mm
Best Boar-Bristle: Sisley-Paris The Blow Dry Brush No. 2
Sisley-Paris
The Blow Dry Brush No. 2
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce writer Deanna Pai drying her hair with the Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Blow-Dry Brush No. 2
Deanna Pai
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
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“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.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Bristle material: nylon and boar
- Best for: all hair types
- All sizes: medium (No. 1), large (No.2)
Best for Shine: Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush
Ibiza Hair
B Series Hair Brush
Amazon
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Ibiza B Series Hair 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 have 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 hairstylist 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 balance of tension and gentle bristles, it’s a dream for adding volume without pulling, so fine and color-treated hair stays vibrant and glossy.
California-based hairstylist Linda Gatt is also a fan, touting the lightweight, slightly cushy cork handle that’s easier to maneuver, so even when she’s styling an entire head, it doesn’t drain her wrist. “These brushes are beautifully made, long-lasting, and deliver that polished finish clients always want,” she says.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"A brush so nice I bought it twice. I love the Ibiza boar bristle round brushes for super-smooth, super-shiny, super-volumized blowouts that I can do at home. I first learned about these brushes while getting my hair done; my stylist had a massive Ibiza round brush that gave me the shiniest blowout ever. I decided to get two for myself: one large size for the majority of my hair and a smaller one just for my bangs. After just one tug and pull, your hair looks healthy, shiny, and so fluffy (in a good way). These give you a really special blowout that has more movement and volume than I think a typical blow-dryer brush can get you." —Shana Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Bristle material: boar and carbon fiber nylon
- Who it’s for: people with fine or color-treated hair
- All sizes: 35 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm
Best for Curling Hair: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush 1.75”
Olivia Garden
Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If blow-drying and styling 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-based hairstylist 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 on blowout time more than most others.
More to know
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- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: any hair type
- All sizes: 2", 2.5", 3.25"
Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
Moroccanoil
Ceramic Round Brush
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Bluemercury
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.
More to know
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- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with medium-length hair that’s thick and frizzy
- All sizes: 25 mm, 35 mm, 44 mm, 55 mm
Best for Fine Hair: Spornette Deville Round Brush, 2.25”
Spornette
Deville Round Brush, 2.25”
Amazon
Why we love it: For fine, breakage-prone hair, 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. And the lightweight, wooden handle? No more arm workouts just to get a smooth blowout.
More to know
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- Bristle material: boar
- Who it’s for: people with fine, medium-length hair
Best For Coarse Hair: Philip B. Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
Philip B.
Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
Philip B
Dermstore
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.
More to know
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- Bristle material: boar and nylon
- Who it’s for: people with coarse or thick hair
- All sizes: 45 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm
Best for Volume: T3 Volume 2.5 Round Professional Ceramic Coated Brush
T3
Volume 2.5 Round Professional Ceramic Coated Brush
Amazon
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
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.” We love the thoughtful details, especially the rubberized, no-slip grooves on the handle, which ensure 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.
More to know
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- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with fine to medium-length hair that’s frizzy
- All sizes: 2", 2.5", 3"
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 create smooth volume, big and loose waves, and even beach waves.” However, if you’re not comfortable with using a round brush, start with a larger one, as it's easier to style with, says Meyer. 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. A 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,” Nast says. Cork or contoured handles are also important as they make the brush more comfortable to hold and easier to control during styling, adds Gatt.
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. Different sizes and materials—like ceramic, boar, and nylon—allow for more customized and controlled results 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
- Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC
- Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC
- Linda Gatt is a California-based hairstylist
- Mia Santiago, a celebrity hairstylist based in NYC and Columbus, Ohio
- Marie Nino, a hair stylist and colorist in NYC
- Nino Margic, a hairstylist at Belle Sirène Salon in La Jolla, CA
- Sofia Meyer, a hairstylist based in NYC
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.
For our list of the best round brushes, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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.
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