If you jostle with a blow dryer in one hand and a round brush in another, trying to mimic that salon-blown bounce. Then it’s time you get acquainted with your new best friend: the hot air brush. This multipurpose styling tool combines a blow dryer’s functionality with the shape of a round brush, allowing you to dry, straighten, and curl your hair all in one go. This article will guide you how to use hot air brush effectively. It takes you one step closer to achieving salon-standard hair from the comfort of your home.
Understanding the Hot Air Brush
Before we delve into the how-tos, it’s crucial to understand what a hot air brush is and what it can do for your hair. A hot air brush is a heated styling tool with bristles that release hot air as you brush, essentially blow-drying your hair while you style it. They come in various shapes and sizes, with features such as adjustable heat settings, interchangeable brush heads, and ionic technology to help reduce frizz and add shine.
Hot Air Brush Vs Hair Dryer
Hair dryers and hot air brushes serve the primary function of drying hair, but they do so with differing methods and results.
Hair Dryer
A hair dryer, also known as a blow dryer, is a standard tool for quickly drying wet hair. It directs a stream of hot air onto the hair, typically while the user manually manipulates the hair strands with a separate brush or their fingers to achieve the desired style.
Key characteristics of hair dryers include
- Blowing Power: Hair dryers often provide more powerful air flow compared to hot air brushes, which means they can dry hair faster.
- Heat and Speed Settings: They usually come with various heat and speed settings to suit different hair types and applications, from gentle drying to rapid moisture evaporation.
- Attachments: Many come with attachments like concentrator nozzles for precise styling or diffusers for enhancing natural curls without causing frizz.
- Styling: While hair dryers are excellent for drying, their styling capability is somewhat limited when used alone. They require the use of separate styling tools, like brushes or combs.
- Technique: It usually requires more manual dexterity, as the user needs to manipulate both the dryer and a brush or other styling tool.
Hot Air Brush
A hot hair styler combines the hot air delivery of a hair dryer with the structure of a round or paddle brush. It allows you to brush through the hair while simultaneously drying it, simplifying the styling process.
Key characteristics of hot air brushes include
- All-in-One Styling: They let you dry and style your hair simultaneously, which saves time and effort and can lead to a more seamless styling experience.
- Versatility: Hot air brushes can straighten, curl, or add volume to hair based on the technique used.
- Ease of Use: They tend to be more user-friendly, especially for those who struggle with holding multiple styling tools at once.
- Adjustable Heat: Like hair dryers, hot air brushes also offer different heat settings to cater to various hair types and styles.
- Ion Technology: Many hot air brushes use ionic technology to produce shinier, smoother hair and reduce frizz.
- Less Damage: Because of their lower blowing power and the capability to style hair at a lower heat, hot air brushes may be less damaging than traditional hairdryers, especially when used properly.
The hair dryer is primarily a drying tool, requiring additional tools and effort to style hair, while the hot air brush offers a more integrated approach, aiming to make the drying and styling process more fluid and less cumbersome. The choice between the two depends on personal preference, hair type, and the desired styling outcome.
Step-By-Step Guide to Using a Hot Air Brush
1. Choose the Right Hot Air Brush
The first step to using a hot air brush is selecting the right one for your hair type and desired style. If you have short hair or want tighter curls, opt for a smaller barrel. For longer hair or for more volume and waves, use a larger barrel.
2. Preparation is Key
Start with clean, towel-dried hair. For best results and to minimize damage, apply a heat protectant product before you begin. Detangle your hair thoroughly to ensure smooth brushing.
3. Section Your Hair
To achieve an even style, divide your hair into manageable sections. Smaller sections are recommended as they’re easier to work with and ensure that the hot air can circulate through your strands evenly.
4. Pre-Dry Your Hair
Although a hot air brush will dry your hair, starting with excessively wet hair can be time-consuming and less effective. Pre-dry your hair to about 80% dryness either by air or a quick blast with a regular hairdryer.
5. The Right Technique
Turn on your hot air brush to the desired heat setting. Begin with the lower half of your hair, holding the tool horizontally. Place the brush under a section of hair close to the roots and start rolling it towards the ends. As you move the brush downwards, simultaneously drying and straightening the hair.
For more volume, place the hot air brush under the hair near the roots and hold it in place for a few seconds before continuing with the length of the hair. Use a rolling motion at the ends if you desire a curled effect.
6. Maintaining Tension
Maintaining tension while using a hot air brush is essential. This tension helps smooth out frizz and creates a sleeker look. When using the brush, pull the hair slightly taut as you glide and rotate the brush through your hair.
7. Work Your Way Up
After completing the lower sections, release additional hair from your clips and continue the process, until you reach the topmost layers. For the hair at the front and crown, you can lift the hair upwards with the brush to create more lift and volume at the roots.
8. Cool Down
Many hot air brushes come with a cool shot button or a lower heat setting. Use this function at the end of styling to set the shape and add shine. As the cool air helps to close the hair’s cuticle.
9. Final Touch-Ups
Once your hair is completely dry and styled, you can finish with a light spray of hairspray for extra hold, or apply a serum to add gloss and tame any flyaways.
10. Cleaning and Maintenance
Always ensure that your hot air brush is switched off and cooled down before attempting to clean it. Remove any hair from the bristles and gently wipe the handle and body of the brush with a damp cloth.
Tips for Mastery
- For curls, wrap a section around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, and then gently unwind.
- Use a lower temperature setting if you have fine or damaged hair to avoid heat damage.
- Thick and curly hair types may benefit from a higher heat setting for better control and smoother results.
- A rotating hot air brush can be particularly effective in creating bouncy curls and more volume.
- Patience and practice make perfect. The more you use your hot air brush, the better you’ll get at personalizing your styling routine.
Conclusion
A hot air brush is a versatile and invaluable tool in your hair styling arsenal. Whether you’re looking for a smooth blowout, bouncy curls, or sleek straight locks. Mastering the use of this tool can elevate your hair game. Always remember to start with the appropriate preparation and use the brush in a way. It caters to your specific hair type and desired outcome. With some practice, you’ll soon find yourself achieving the salon-look at home, with less effort and more time to enjoy your gorgeous locks.