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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.
Top Picks
- Best Round Brush Overall: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush, 1.75", $26
- Best for Shine: Ibiza Hair B Series Round Brush, $63
- Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush, $30
- Best for Tangles: The Knot Dr. Hair Brush by Conair The Rounds Styler & Detangler, $13
- Best for Bounce: Drybar Double Pint Large Round Brush, 2.75”, $42
- Best for Short Hair: GHD Ceramic Vented Round Brush, 1”, $35
- Best for Fine Hair: Spornette Deville Round Brush, 2.25”, $20
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to achieve your dream blowout? These expert-approved brushes are here to make it happen.
Best Round Brush Overall: 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.
Editor's tip: To keep your brush in top shape, just regularly swipe out any trapped hairs with a comb and give it a quick wash with some gentle soap.
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.
Editor's tip: Boar bristles work their magic by spreading your hair’s natural oils sealing the cuticle for that smooth, shiny finish.
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.
Editor's tip: For a salon-level blowout, partially dry hair until it’s about 80% dry.
Bristle material: nylon | Who it’s for: people with medium-length hair that’s thick and frizzy
Best for Detangling: The Knot Dr. Hair Brush by Conair The Rounds Styler & Detangler
Why we love it: For a little more than the price of a latte, you can get The Knot Dr. Hair Brush by Conair The Rounds Styler and Detangler that features bristles to gently glide through knots while minimizing breakage and discomfort. Its carefully spaced bristles glide through knots effortlessly, minimizing breakage and discomfort, so no more tugging or painful pulls. It’s gentle enough for wet or dry hair—and a total game-changer for kids who wake up with bedhead tangles. Plus, the cushioned handle gives extra comfort and control, making detangling smoother and quicker.
Editor's tip: Start brushing from the ends and work your way up—that way, you’re not making those tangles even worse
Bristle material: boar and nylon | Who it’s for: people with medium-length to long hair that’s fine, medium, or coarse
Best for Bounce: Drybar Double Pint Large Round Brush, 2.75”
Why we love it: If you've ever visited Drybar and wished you had one of their stylists on speed dial, the Double Pint Large Round Ceramic Brush is the next best thing. “Drybar is synonymous with amazing blowouts, so it's no surprise that their brushes are top-notch,” says David. “This one is perfect for creating smooth, voluminous blowouts on medium to thick hair, with just the right grip for tension and control.” The boar bristles add a beautiful shine, while the large ceramic barrel uses ionic technology to create swoon-worthy waves and volume while zapping frizz.
Editor's tip: Divide your hair into small sections and work through each to maximize body and bounce.
Bristle material: nylon | Who it’s for: people with thick, short to medium-length hair
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.
Editor's tip: If you’ve gone a little too wild with the volume, a lightweight styling spray like Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Spray will settle things down without starting over.
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.
Editor's tip: Avoid submerging the handle in water when cleaning a brush with a wooden handle. Instead, dip just the bristles in soapy water and gently scrub them clean with a toothbrush or your fingers.
Bristle material: boar | Who it’s for: people with fine, medium-length hair
Best For Curly Hair: Ibiza Hair G Series Round Brush
Why we love it: Whether you're craving volume, gloss, sleekness, or a frizz-free blowout, the Ibiza Hair G Series Round Brush is up to the task. “This is hands-down the most used brush I own,” says Nino. Great for coarse or curly hair, “it combines boar and nylon bristles, giving it a strong grip for thick hair, while the cork handle keeps it lightweight and comfortable for longer styling sessions.” The unique swirled bristle pattern amps up the density, providing incredible root lift and volume while leaving the rest of the hair smooth, polished, and glossy.
Editor's tip: For extra movement for those with longer hair, wrap the ends around the brush and hold briefly for a natural-looking curl.
Bristle material: boar and nylon | Who it’s for: people with coarse or curly hair
Best For Coarse Hair: Philip B. Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
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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.
Editor's tip: Coarse hair loves moisture, so apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner like the Davines OI All in One Milk Hair Milk Spray to soften hair and reduce frizz before styling.
Bristle material: boar and nylon | Who it’s for: people with coarse or thick hair
Best for Medium Hair: 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.
Editor's tip: Once you’ve got that perfect shape, blast each section with the cool shot on your dryer to lock in volume.
Bristle material: nylon | Who it’s for: people with fine to medium-length hair that’s frizzy
Best For Thick Hair: Dom Dom Nylon Boar Bristle Hair Brush, 2.5”
Why we love it: Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid boar and nylon bristle brush. The DomDom Nylon Boar Bristle Hair Brush is a pro at smoothing tangles and frizz without tugging, thanks to the gentle boar bristles. Meanwhile, the nylon bristles give it the strength to handle thicker, coarser hair by easily penetrating denser textures. “It reduces static and frizz, and the ergonomic cork handle also makes it super comfortable to grip. It’s a go-to in my kit for my clients—and myself,” says Nino.
Editor's tip: Remember to brush your hair before bed to redistribute your hair oils that can help with bedhead and tangles.
Bristle material: boar and nylon | Who it’s for: people with thick, dense hair
Best for Fast Drying: Hairitage Round We Go Ceramic + Ion Thermal 54mm Round Hair Brush
Why we love it: The Hairitage Round We Go Ceramic + Ion Thermal 54mm Round Hair Brush is the brush that makes drying our hair feel less like a chore. With its 54mm ceramic barrel, “it heats quickly and distributes heat evenly to speed up drying time,” says stylist Nino. The built-in ion technology is like a shield against frizz—while adding shine and protecting your hair from heat damage. This brush is perfect for adding volume, lifting at the roots, and creating soft waves in medium-to-long hair, leaving it smooth and polished. Plus, the rubber handle ensures a secure grip as we twist and style.
Editor's tip: Once you're done with your blow dryer, a final brush-through with the ceramic-barrel brush smooths flyaways, reduces frizz, and gives your hair an instant shine boost.
Bristle material: nylon | Who it’s for: any hair type
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:
- 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. 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,” she says.
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. Their different sizes and materials—like ceramic, boar, and nylon—allow for customized and controlled results so that they can be better for certain styling needs 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
- Nino Margic, a hairstylist at Belle Sirène Salon in La Jolla, CA.
- Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC
- Mia Santiago, a celebrity hairstylist based in NYC and Columbus, Ohio
- Angelo David, a hairstylist, and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC
- Marie Nino, a hair stylist and colorist 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.
Read more about hair products we swear by:
- 17 Best Detangler Sprays for Knot-Free Hair
- These Creams Are the Way to Pillowy-Soft, Defined Curls
- 15 Best Air-Dry Creams to Perfect Your Heatless Styles
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