For short hair, Gibson recommends working in small sections, lifting the hair away from the scalp, and rotating the brush through the ends as you blow-dry for maximum volume. The brush’s petite size also makes it particularly useful for styling bangs: “I move the brush from side to side first to soften the natural part, and then roll the hair forward and slightly under for shape without making it look too curled,” he says. “That’s how I get hair red-carpet-ready and paparazzi-approved.”
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, bangs, 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.
Other features to look out for include: “balanced tension, heat-resistant bristles, good ventilation, a lightweight ergonomic handle, and seamless construction that won’t catch or snag the hair,” says Gibson. “A great round brush should give you control without forcing you to pull excessively or rely on unnecessary heat.” In other words, work with your hair, and not against it.
Are round brushes better?
If you’re looking for versatility, yes. “They’re excellent for adding volume, creating waves, and achieving a smooth blowout,” 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.
What bristles should you use for blow-drying?
Before you pick and choose your round brush, consider its bristles based on your hair type. “Boar bristles are wonderful for smoothing the cuticle, controlling frizz and creating shine, while nylon or polyamide bristles provide more grip and tension, which can be especially helpful on dense, curly, or textured hair,” says Gibson. Ceramic thermal brushes are best for a faster blow-dry, volume, and shaping that most hair types, especially straight, can benefit from. However, “For fine, fragile, or color-treated hair, or extensions, I tend to look for something softer and more flexible so I can work without putting unnecessary tension on the hair,” he adds, such as a combination of boar and nylon teeth.
Because hairbrushes can be prone to product buildup, don’t forget to care for them, too: “It’s really good to clean your round brushes frequently to maintain the longevity of their use,” by removing excess hair and washing them clean with gentle soap, Marshall says.
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.
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.
