With so many options on the market, there are a few things you should keep in mind before committing to a blow dryer brush. Here are a few:

Heat Settings

When considering a tool’s heat settings, consider your hair texture first, says Uribe. “If you have fine, thin hair, you don’t need the ‘strongest’ or ‘hottest’ dryer. Too much heat can lead to damaged hair.” So, avoid unnecessary heat.

“On the other hand, dryer brushes with higher heat settings are best for women with thick, coarse hair,” adds Uribe. But women with coarser hair should still keep in mind how much heat they’re using on their strands. One tip Uribe recommends before using a hair dryer brush is to towel dry hair, and then let it air dry for at least 10-15 minutes. “By doing so, you will have a much easier time styling your hair,” Uribe explains. He also recommends using a heat protectant spray or cream before blow drying for added protection.

Bristles

When considering bristles, you will want to look for ones that are gentle on the hair, such as ceramic or tourmaline bristles, says Becca Raziuddin, director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. If you are looking for a smoother look, boar bristles may be a feature you want to consider, she adds.

You should also consider the size and spacing of the bristles, Uribe adds. “For thicker hair, I prefer a brush with stiff bristles. If a client has thinner hair, I typically prefer a brush that has flexible bristles.” When it comes to spacing, dryer brushes with bristles that are spread wide apart add time to the drying and styling process and make it harder to comb through and smooth your strands, he explains. “Combining the right bristles for your hair and the right heat setting will result in a frizz-free, va-va-voom, voluminous, and smooth blowout when chosen correctly!”

Design

Lastly, you should also keep the brush’s design in mind. For example, some brushes offer a cool setting while others don’t, or some are bulkier and bigger than others.

The size of the brush you should opt for depends on your hair length and thickness. “If you have long hair, you may find a larger barrel on the brush works better for you. Thin hair can get away with a smaller barrel size,” says Raziuddin.

You should also opt for something that you’re comfortable holding, preferably cordless or with a swivel cord. “It’ll allow you to move the brush in different directions and angles without the cords tangling during use, adds Raziuddin.

You’ll find that hair dryer brushes also vary in weight, price, and size of the barrel. When it comes to weight, pick something you’ll feel good about holding for at least 20 minutes, and at a price that’s within your budget. When it comes to barrel size, you should keep in mind that wider barrels create bouncier looks, and smaller barrels are for tighter curls. They work best with thinner, short hair, says Uribe.

Your number one goal is to choose something you feel comfortable using. ” You will create your best styles when you are most at ease and confident, not feeling like styling is a strenuous task,” says Uribe.

If you need a quick cheat sheet on design, here’s what Maine says you should look for depending on your hair type and goals.

• If you have short hair or want more volume, look for a round brush with a smaller brush size

• To smooth out hair or do a simple blowout, get a larger round brush shape.
• To straighten your hair or get it dry faster, opt for a flat brush.
• If you like to mix up your look, find one with attachable heads.