Best Hot Air Brush for Short Hair

Budget Option
Revlon Perfect Style Hot Air Brush

This 2-in-1 ceramic and ionic hot air brush dryer kit features a triple ceramic coating and IONIC technology to help reduce frizz and add a brilliant shine.

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Your hairstyle can either be your crowning jewel or it may look like a used and abused mop!

So what if your locks barely brush your shoulders?

With the best hot air brush for hair, those trim tresses can be arranged and teased into a spectacular hairdo that can turn heads. These babies can help you achieve a sleek and clean look or accentuate a bob, but not every brush will give you the results you are looking for. The worst thing you can do is buy one that does not pay for itself in the long run.

Our personal favorite is the Revlon One-Step Volumizer because it ticks all the boxes on what makes a great appliance for short hair. The barrel is made from ceramic to prevent heat damage and burns and the bristles are soft on the scalp. Plus, it comes with two heat settings that only a few other hot air brushes offer.

What Is the Best Hot Air Brush For Short Hair?

The best hot air brush for short hair is one that has a convenient button layout and can glide through your hair without causing frizz. It can curl hair as close to the roots as possible without scratching or burning your scalp.

The following is a list of the best ones that come close:

1. Revlon One-Step Hairdryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush

The Revlon One-Step Hairdryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush comes with an in-built ion generator that speeds up the drying process and prevents over-styling with even heat distribution. The oval brush design smoothens hair and the round edges create volume for bouncy ‘dos. According to reviews, it can create full-bodied curls from root to tips at a single pass, thus the name. For more lift under the roots, hold the volumizer for a couple of seconds under them.

Pros:

  • It comes with nylon pin and tufted bristles for easy detangling and better volume control.
  • It offers 1100W of power.
  • Dries and volumizes at the same time.

Cons:

  • The metal between the bristles can get hot enough to burn.
  • Not ideal for super short or pixie hairstyles.
  • It can feel a bit bulky.

Where to buy it: Amazon

2. Revlon Perfect Style Hot Air Brush Kit

Budget Pick
Revlon Perfect Style Hot Air Brush

This 2-in-1 ceramic and ionic hot air brush dryer kit features a triple ceramic coating and IONIC technology to help reduce frizz and add a brilliant shine.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

If you are in search of a cost-efficient hot air brush, check out our budget pick – the Revlon Perfect Style Hot Air Brush. You get three heat/speed settings and half-inch thermal brush attachments that can style damp hair. This includes a concentrator for drying, a tangle-free swivel cord, and a ceramic coating to reduce heat damage.

Pros:

  • A built-in generator releases negative ions to maintain a neutral charge.
  • 1200 watts of power generated by the styler.
  • It comes with half (for soft curls) and one-and-a-half (for bouncy blowouts) attachments.

Cons:

  • The bristles can melt or deform at high settings so use it quickly.
  • It can be unsafe near the scalp.
  • The buttons take some effort to slide.

Where to buy it: Amazon

3. John Frieda Hot Air Brush

John Frieda Salon Shape 1.5 Inch Hot Air Brush

The John Frieda Hot Air Brush with Advanced Ionic Technology releases up to 50% more ions for shiny, frizz-free hair; 2x shine, 3x frizz control.

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The John Frieda Hot Air Brush makes it to the number two spot in our list of best hot air brushes for short hair, and there’s a good reason for that. It combines the smoothing effect of a typical round brush with the drying capabilities of the simple blowdryer.

The soft bristles are also gentle on the scalp and it has two heat settings that can reduce frizz without compromising shine. You won’t need a hairdryer once you use it. The titanium ceramic barrel allows even heat distribution to reduce damage.

Pros:

  • Ceramic coating reduces heat damage to hair.
  • It comes with two heat settings (cool and hot).
  • 50% more ions for shiny and frizz-free hair.

Cons:

  • The one and a half-inch barrel can be a bit unwieldy.
  • No dual voltage.
  • Doesn’t spin.

Where to buy it: Amazon

4. Phoebe Curling Iron Brush

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If you want to keep your short locks perfect, the Phoebe Curling Iron Brush can meet your needs. Designed for short hair and bangs, it boasts high-quality nylon bristles with long tips to prevent burns. It is not recommended for wet hair but it can lock moisture in your locks for a silky, smooth finish. It switches off in 60 minutes and boasts a ceramic Tourmaline barrel that generates negative ions that prevent heat damage.

Pros:

  • Ceramic Tourmaline ion technology saves hair from damage.
  • Shuts off after 60 minutes of use for safety.
  • Dual voltage 100 – 240V.

Cons:

  • The bristles are a bit hard and don’t move with the air.
  • Tough to clean.
  • It can entangle hair.

Where to buy it: Amazon

5. Infiniti PRO by Conair Hot Air Spin Styler

Conair InfinitiPRO Spin Hot Air Brush

This unique brush rotates in both directions to maximize volume and curls, and generates concentrated ions to reduce frizz and add luster.

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Wavy and curly hair can be difficult to manage even if you have short hair. The Infiniti PRO Hot Air Spin Styler from Conair is designed to tackle both issues. The two-inch-long brush can create full-body curls while the one and a half-inch spin air brush can be used to create natural waves and curls. It spins in both directions and the spin factor can be turned off as well for hands-on styling. It allows you to have a salon blowout from the comfort of your home.

Pros:

  • It comes with a one and half inch brush for short hair.
  • Brush rotates in both directions for more volume.
  • The slim handle is easy to handle.

Cons:

  • It has an input of 110 volts.
  • The bristles don’t have ball tips.
  • The handle can overheat with excessive use.

Where to buy it: Amazon

6. HOT Tools One Step Pro Blowout

HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer

This hair dryer helps maintain a neutral charge on your hair’s surface, leaving your hair looking conditioned and smooth, while helping reduce frizz and static for shiny, healthy-looking hair.

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The Helen of Troy (HOT Tools) One Step Pro Blowout can create and maintain beautiful short curls with its versatile rotating barrel.

Use the curl release switch to release curls to prevent tangles and adjust the heat settings. It also features flexible ball tips that allow the brush to run through hair without snagging.

Pros:

  • It comes with a lock setting for tight curls.
  • Flexible bristles massage the scalp.
  • It comes with an eight feet long professionals swivel cord for maneuverability.

Cons:

  • The brush cannot rotate on its own.
  • Has been accused of low wattage.
  • It can be difficult to clean.

Where to buy it: Amazon

What Makes A Hot Air Brush Good For Short Hair

A hot air brush works wonders if you have short or shoulder-length hair because of the convenience it offers. Yes, your short tresses can dry after a shower but unless it is treated with a hot appliance, your locks will stick up all over the place. A hot air brush can help you style your locks in the sweet spot – i.e. when your hair is damp enough to be teased into a hairdo. The appliance blows hot air through a vented barrel to dry damp locks as you style it with the round brush. This ensures greater volume, unlike a flat iron which may make your short hair look dull and lifeless. Plus, you can get a shiny finish that will pop.

Final Thoughts

In our opinion, you cannot go wrong with our favorite pick, namely the Revlon One-Step Volumizer. It may not be dirt cheap, but you get a lot of features for the price. If the price is too high, you can save a few bucks, and get the Revlon Perfect Style Hot Air Brush will also give you a perfect short ‘do you can rock for hours. However, don’t use it for too long or you may get burnt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a special hot air brush for short hair?

Hot air brushes that are made to style short hair are made small enough to accommodate short locks, which is what creates volume. Some long hair ones also come with attachments for shorter hair which you can use.

What is the best hot air brush for short hair?

In our opinion, the John Frieda Hot air brush does not disappoint in terms of safety, heat variation and application.

How do I use a hot air brush on short hair?

Keep the brush at the roots while using your hand to twirl the air brush outwards. Use your other hand to hold the section of hair down on top o of the brush with your palm as you brush.