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12 Best Hair Straightening Brushes That Really Work
These top-rated hair tools will give you smooth, silky hair in no time.
We updated this article in May 2023 to add more information about each featured product, plus added new picks selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.
News flash: while flat irons are a great option for sleek, smooth strands, they are not the the only option out there. Hair straightening brushes work as a flat iron and a brush in one to help streamline the smoothing process, detangling as they style. These tools are essentially hot hair brushes, so you can effectively brush and detangle your hair while you straighten it for frizz-free, shiny hair in a single step.
Quick tip: Unlike hair dryer brushes, you should use a hair straightening brush on completely dry hair, and make sure to apply a heat protectant before you get started.
We put many of these tools to the test at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab with both consumer and Lab testing. A total of 55 women tested 11 hair straightening brushes (five for each tool) and shared their findings after, rating multiple factors including ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction. In the Lab, experts measured other elements including weight and cord length and more. Keep reading for the best hair straightening brushes which include top picks from our GH Beauty Lab test and highly vetted top sellers online.
Our top picks:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Best Hair Straightening Brush for Fine Hair
Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
Read more
You can read more about how we chose and tested the best hair straightening brushes — plus everything you need to know to shop for the perfect one for you — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to improve your hair game? Check out our guides to the best detangling brushes and the best at-home hair color for your money.
ghd Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
ghd Glide Smoothing Hot Brush
Pros
- Minimizes frizz
- Ionic technology for minimal static
Cons
- Can't see or control temperature
- Pricey
Boasting a perfect performance score in the Lab along with being the fastest tool to heat up, this brush from ghd styled hair quickly and effectively. "I loved pretty much everything," shares one tester with thick, curly hair. "It effectively tamed my thick hair and left it with body." The brush contains bristles specifically designed to help detangle and smooth, and has anti-static technology which claims to help prevent frizz after styling. The one downside: there is only one temperature setting and no digital temperature display.
| Max temperature | 365º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
Revlon Straightening Heated Styling Brush
Revlon Straightening Heated Styling Brush
Pros
- Covers a large amount of surface area
- Well-priced
Cons
- The setting buttons aren't in an ideal location
Ceramic coating and detangling bristles help ensure your hair is as smooth as possible. "I love this straightener," one reviewer says. "It works so well on my thick hair without having to use such a high heat setting." While we didn't test this one in the Lab, we love that this budget-friendly option features a larger brush head than many of the other picks, making it ideal for thicker or longer hair. The one reviewer complaint that popped up is the location of the on/off and settings buttons and that it's hard not to press them accidentally when using.
| Max temperature | 430º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shutoff | Yes |
L'Ange Hair Le Vite Hair Straightening Brush
L'Ange Hair Le Vite Hair Straightening Brush
Pros
- Ionic technology to minimize frizz and static
- Ceramic and nylon "cool tips" prevent hot bristles from touching the scalp
Cons
- Some users feel it doesn't heat up enough to effectively straighten hair
This straightening brush has "cool tips" made of nylon — a feature that while we didn't test in the Lab, we think is great — which serve as a guard to prevent the hot sections of the bristles from coming in contact with the scalp. "I love this hair straightening brush," one reviewer raves. "I have long, thick curly hair and straightening with a flat iron would take 45 minutes, but with this straightening brush it takes 20 minutes. It's very easy to use, warms up quickly and fits comfortably in my hand." While you can also change the temperature of the brush while using it (to avoid overheating your hair), some customers noted in reviews that they found the brush doesn't feel warm enough to fully straighten their hair.
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 30 minutes |
T3 Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush
T3 Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush
Pros
- Covers a large amount of surface area
- Edges of the brush heat up to maximize styling
Cons
- Some find it bulky and heavy
Maximizing surface area, this large brush features an extended styling surface all the way to its edges to get sleek, smooth hair. It received perfect scores in our testing for making hair look smoother and less frizzy, for gliding through hair easily and for minimizing static. It also includes nylon bristles, ionic technology and three heat settings to get static-free results with less damage. "I have thick, frizzy hair," shares our Beauty Assistant. "Even with just one pass, this brush significantly smoothed, straightened and tamed my hair." Using this brush can be a bit of a workout, though. "This brush is bigger and heavier than many others I've tried," she adds.
| Max temperature | 410º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
Pros
- Users like how quickly it straightens their hair
- Users like that it's not as harsh on their hair as a flat iron
Cons
- May not be as effective on thick or curly hair
If you're looking for an option that's great for thin hair and has lots of setting options, this brush from Drybar may be for you. Multiple testers with fine hair noted how well it worked on their hair type. "I was so pleased with the smooth and consistent results," shares one. "This is a go-to styling tool for me now — I love it!" However, it may not be ideal for those with thicker strands, as it scored low in our testing for gripping and smoothing hair.
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
amika Polished Perfection Thermal Straightening Brush 2.0
amika Polished Perfection Thermal Straightening Brush 2.0
Pros
- Ionic technology minimizes frizz, static and improves shine
- Users find it doesn't overheat or burn their hair
- Works quickly
Cons
- Some users find it's hard to get close to the roots
For those who are pressed for time, Amika's speedy straightening brush gets the job done quickly. "I really liked using this product as it styled my hair fast and smoothed out the slight curl some of my strands can have in the morning or after wearing a ponytail/claw clip," one reviewer shares. Another notes that "it is lightweight and very easy to use!" In our study, testers rated it the best for maintaining body and achieving the perfect hair style. In fact, 100% of testers agreed to both criteria. We were also impressed that it had the largest temperature range (170- 450º F), great for all hair types and textures. One caveat: a few reviewers noted that it is hard to get close to the roots and hairline.
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Heated Paddle Brush
CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Heated Paddle Brush
Pros
- Comfortable in hand
- Easy-to-use controls
- Straightens hair quickly
Cons
- No temperature guide for hair type
- Instructions not easy to follow
One thing we learned during testing: some brushes are easier to hold and maneuver while styling than others. This one from CHI received perfect scores for being comfortable to hold during use and easy to use the different controls. Reviewers also thought it was good for reducing frizz and to style hair quickly. "I like how it removed the frizziness from my hair," shares one tester. "I also liked the ability to set the temperature in small increments so that you can set it to the proper temp for your hair texture and type." One feature that a few reviewers noted was noticeably missing: a temperature guide in the directions for hair type.
| Max temperature | 410º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
Paul Mitchell Neuro Sleek Smoothing Hot Brush
Paul Mitchell Neuro Sleek Smoothing Hot Brush
Pros
- Works quickly
- Doesn't flatten hair
- Easy to use
Cons
- Fewer settings than others
Our testers loved that this brush straightened hair quickly without making it limp. "This brush was easy to use and worked quickly," shares one. "I especially like how it doesn't flatten my hair the way regular straightening irons do; it still had good volume." Plus, "the effect stayed overnight without needing a touch up." Just FYI, it only has five setting options and no digital temperature display for those who like to see it.
| Max temperature | 410º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
Moroccanoil Smooth Style Ceramic Heated Brush
Moroccanoil Smooth Style Ceramic Heated Brush
Pros
- Grips hair well
- Features ceramic "cool tip" bristles
- Doesn't burn scalp or ears
Cons
- Takes a long time to heat up
- Not easy instructions to follow
When styling short hair, you want to make sure you can get close to the roots without worrying about it burning your skin. Moroccanoil's heated brush received high scores in Lab testing for not burning the scalp or ears and gripping hair well. It also has unique curved bristles that help you smooth hard-to-reach spots. "This is the best hair straightening brush I have ever used," one reviewer raves. "Saves time, silky finish, hair doesn't smell burnt when finished." One area the brush didn't reach expectations: it took the longest of all of the tested tools to heat up which caused testers to rate it low for styling hair quickly. They also wanted better instructions and noted that the placement of the buttons wasn’t ideal.
| Max temperature | 430º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes, after 60 minutes |
Eva NYC Healthy Heat Thermal Straightening Brush
Eva NYC Healthy Heat Thermal Straightening Brush
Pros
- Gentle
- Features "cool tip" bristles
Cons
- May be best for extending the life of already-styled hair
This straightening brush aims to be more gentle on hair than some of the other options. While we haven't formally tested this one, we love that the ceramic bristles help smooth and distribute heat so you only need one pass to achieve silky hair. "This straightening brush helps straighten my natural wave so effortlessly," one reviewer says. "This brush heats up quickly, does not pull my hair and straightens my hair with just one pass. Some of my friends even asked if I got a blowout when I first used it." Other reviewers find it's better for extending a blowout rather than straightening air-dried hair. "The only time it works for me is when I have my hair done at the salon and this lets me maintain it for a few days," another user adds.
| Max temperature | 400º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes (time not listed) |
InStyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush
InStyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Features seven heat settings, more than many other options
Cons
- May not get your hair as straight as some other choices
Seven different heat settings and cool tip bristles make this brush, which we didn't test in the Lab, super easy to use. "It used to take me about an hour to straighten my thick, long hair with a regular iron. This thing cuts it down to about a third of that. Plus it won't flatten it pin straight so I get to keep all my sassy volume." Because it doesn't fully straighten hair, it's great for touch-ups or second day hair, but it may not be the pick for you if you want super sleek, straight hair.
| Max temperature | 450º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes (time not listed) |
Bed Head Smooth Operator Straightening Heat Brush
Bed Head Smooth Operator Straightening Heat Brush
Pros
- Well-priced
- Long brush head
Cons
- Doesn't work well on straightening ends
With a 4.5-inch long brush head, this straightening brush makes styling quick and easy. "I was a bit weary but very pleasantly surprised by the ease of use and the end results in 10 minutes," one reviewer says. "It straightened and tamed my hair and left it shiny." While we didn't test this one in the Lab, we love that the brush also features multi-dimensional bristles to help detangle your strands. Note that it doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature, and some reviewers said that the ends of their hair is still flipped up even after using the brush to straighten them.
| Max temperature | 430º F |
|---|---|
| Wireless | No |
| Automatic shut-off | Yes |
How we test the best hair straightening brushes
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has tested multiple types of hair tools including curling irons, hair dryers and flat irons. In this test, we evaluated 11 hair straightening brushes using consumer and laboratory testing methodology. A total of 55 women (five women per product) with various hair types were recruited to test each product. They were instructed to use the product following the manufacturer’s directions on at least two separate occasions. After the testing period, testers completed a questionnaire rating ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction. In the Lab, experts measured the weight, cord length and temperature (surface and plate) for 10 minutes of use for each product.
What to look for when shopping for a hair straightening brush
To find the most effective hair straightening brush, take into consideration the following factors:
✔️ Material: Straightening brushes typically have ceramic and/or tourmaline bristles that heat up to straighten hair, notes Good Housekeeping Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek.
✔️ Heat safety: While most heated hair brushes have cool-tip bristles, the GH Beauty Lab found that these types of brushes "should come with a heat protectant glove as many of our consumers indicated that they wanted to push hair into the bristles with a flat hand," says Wnek. "If the product you choose doesn’t contain a heat protectant glove, we encourage you to purchase one to keep hands safe from potential burns." Like flat iron plates, these bristles heat up to 300º or 400ºF or more, so take caution.
✔️ Voltage: Take a look at the voltage of your brush. Many are safe to use both at home and abroad, but always consult your instruction manual of the product you're using. "Standard voltage is 120V in the US, and 220-240V in Europe," shares Wnek. "If you see a range like 110-220V in a product manual or on the product’s electricals, it indicates that it is dual voltage and can be used at home and abroad."
✔️ Auto shut-off: Consider shopping for hair straightening brushes that feature an automatic shut-off for safety. No need to second guess yourself trying to remember if you turned it off or unplugged it!
✔️ Multiple heat settings: Having multiple heat settings on your hair straightening brush is helpful depending on your hair type. Fine or thin hair types don't always need as much heat as thick hair.
Do hair straightening brushes really work?
Yes, though they may be best for touch-ups rather than initially straightening hair. "Thick and/or curly hair consumers might find that they need to blow dry hair straight before use to make it easier to brush through hair with these devices," Wnek says. "Because of the design of these tools, it is hard to get into roots — you may need to use a flat iron or blow dry roots straight first." One other thing to note: these tools can take a while to heat up compared to other hair styling tools.
Those with thick or coarse hair may want to brush hair with their regular brush or comb first to remove any major tangles before using. If you want to maintain body, position the hot brush underneath the section of hair while styling. To smooth strands, glide the brush over the top of each section.
Do hair straightening brushes damage hair?
As with any hot tool, there is potential for hair damage. To avoid this, apply a heat protectant spray before using the straightening brush and try not to overuse it. "Exposing hair to excessive heat for long periods of time can cause damage to the structure of hair," Wnek says. "If applicable, always start at the lowest setting and increase as needed."
Are hair straightening brushes better than straightening irons?
It depends on the look you are going for. "You can achieve a sleeker pin straight look with flat irons and you can also get creative with looks like curling or flipping out the ends," says Wnek. If you are skilled enough, you can even curl your hair with a flat iron. Hair straightening brushes are more limited to the looks you can create. "Because they are a bit bulkier, consumers noted it was hard to get into roots and to flip or curl out ends," she explains. Unlike the sleek, straight look that can be achieved with flat irons, hair straightening brushes create more of a natural straight look and are great for quick touch ups. "The similarity with both tools is that you must use them on dry hair, and both can cause heat damage so make sure to use heat protectant and keep the tool moving when in contact with hair."
What's the difference between a hair straightening brush and a hot air brush?
"Hair straightening brushes are electric paddle brushes with ceramic and/or tourmaline bristles that heat up to straighten hair," explains Wnek. In simpler terms, these hot brushes are a paddle brush and flat iron in one. "Hot air brushes or hair dryer brushes, as we like to call this category in the Lab, are innovative styling tools that release warm/ hot air through the circumferential surface of a round or oval brush," she says. Meaning, an oval brush and hair dryer combined. "These brushes style and smooth hair by applying tension through the brush on the wet hair while evaporating the moisture from it to set it." They are a more user-friendly option for those who style their hair using a round brush and a hair dryer.
One factor to note: because hot air brushes don’t emit air through a concentrated point like hair dryers but rather 360 degrees, they have a much weaker air flow than traditional hair dryers, which means they can take longer to dry hair. "The biggest difference of all is that hot air brushes can be used on damp hair while straightening brushes should only be used on dry hair."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price updated this story, adding new information about testing, existing product picks and new picks. Dori has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.
For this story, she worked with Good Housekeeping Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek, who coordinated and conducted the Lab testing on hair straightening brushes, and also contributed her expertise on choosing the right brush and how they work. Wnek has spent seven years researching and developing testing protocols for haircare products for the Good Housekeeping Institute, including flat irons and hair dryer brushes.
Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of hair products, including professional hair treatments, hot tools, shampoos, conditioners, styling products and more.
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
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