Hair straightener brush: Does it really work?

Ok, so, we know what you’re thinking: what on earth is a hair straightener brush? Well, to answer your question, it’s exactly what it says on the tin: a brush that also straightens your hair. No longer will you have to brush and then straighten your mane: this wonder product claims to do both at the same time. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, they are part of new generation of heated straightening appliances that promise to detangle and straighten, while adding a beautiful sheen to your hair. But the big question here is: “do they really work?” We’ll let you decide…

Pros of the hair straightener brush

Although the hair straightener brush only debuted in 2015, there have already been improvements to the original design. One clear modification is that newer models now have seamless bristles and nibs, to help reduce the risk of the nibs coming off and damaging your hair. Other positives of the hair straightener brush include fast-heating time. Plus, like traditional straighteners, some hair straightener brushes emit negative ions, which are supposed to counteract the positive ions present in frizzy hair.

The ion technology and “detangling shape” of the hair straightening brush are its biggest USP, making it a practical heated appliance that also helps to protect the hair. Most models heat up to around 185°C, and boast specially-designed bristles with insulated tips. The best part? This allows you to brush your hair as you would with a traditional brush without any fears of burning your scalp.

So, if you’re looking to purchase one, what should you be looking for in terms of technology? Similar to hair straighteners and curling irons, you should look out for ceramic and tourmaline technology due to their even and fast-heating properties. And again, in the same way that you would choose the straightening plate or curling barrel size according to your hair type, the same should be done with the hair straightening brush. Options range from oval brush styles that look like traditional brushes and round hair straightening brushes that have a barrel-like head, with some even boasting a rotating head function.

What to bear in mind

As good as it all sounds, there are, however, some small caveats that come with the hair straightener brush. One thing to bear in mind is that they’re designed to be used only on dry hair, so if you’ve just washed your hair, you’ll have to air dry or blow dry your hair first. And because of its brush-like design, it’s been said that it doesn’t work as well on shorter hair, which is a bummer if you have a cute crop.

So does it really work? Well, let’s put it this way: if you are expecting the same poker straight results you’d get by using a hair straightener, you may be a little disappointed; the finish of a hair straightener brush is more akin to a beautiful blow-out. But yes, ultimately, the hair straightening brush is a variable option for straightening your hair – and there plenty of YouTubers that have used them on a range of hair textures to much success. But whether it’s the right product for your personal needs? Well, that’s something you’ll have to find out and let us know!