California-based hairstylist Linda Gatt is also a fan, touting the lightweight, slightly cushy cork handle that’s easier to maneuver, so even when she’s styling an entire head, it doesn’t drain her wrist. “These brushes are beautifully made, long-lasting, and deliver that polished finish clients always want,” she says.
“A brush so nice I bought it twice. I love the Ibiza boar bristle round brushes for super-smooth, super-shiny, super-volumized blowouts that I can do at home. I first learned about these brushes while getting my hair done; my stylist had a massive Ibiza round brush that gave me the shiniest blowout ever. I decided to get two for myself: one large size for the majority of my hair and a smaller one just for my bangs. After just one tug and pull, your hair looks healthy, shiny, and so fluffy (in a good way). These give you a really special blowout that has more movement and volume than I think a typical blow-dryer brush can get you.” —Shana Shipin, senior commerce director
- Bristle material: boar and carbon fiber nylon
- Who it’s for: people with fine or color-treated hair
- All sizes: 35 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm
Best for Curling Hair: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush 1.75”
Olivia Garden
Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush
Why we love it: If blow-drying and styling your hair takes forever, the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Turbo Vent Pro Hair Brush is about to change your getting-ready game. “The ceramic barrel heats up quickly and evenly, speeding up drying time and helping create curls that actually last,” says NYC-based hairstylist and colorist Marie Nino. “Thermal brushes like this are perfect for curling because they retain heat longer, setting the shape beautifully. Plus, the ion-charged bristles keep frizz at bay for a smooth, polished finish, and the handle is incredibly comfortable.” With its turbo-vented design for maximum airflow, this brush cuts down on blowout time more than most others.
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: any hair type
- All sizes: 2″, 2.5″, 3.25″
Best for Frizz: Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
Moroccanoil
Ceramic Round Brush
Why we love it: Angelo David, hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC, says he’s a longtime fan of Moroccanoil’s high-quality haircare lineup. “The Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush is no exception. It’s fantastic for medium to thick hair—straight, wavy, or curly,” he says. “The ceramic barrel heats up quickly and evenly, which speeds up drying time and delivers a smooth, shiny finish.” Its ionic technology keeps frizz at bay, giving hair that sleek, polished look. Plus, with multiple sizes available, you can pick the perfect one based on hair length and the volume or curl you’re aiming for.
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with medium-length hair that’s thick and frizzy
- All sizes: 25 mm, 35 mm, 44 mm, 55 mm
Best for Fine Hair: Spornette Deville Round Brush, 2.25”
Spornette
Deville Round Brush, 2.25”
Why we love it: For fine, breakage-prone hair, the Spornette Deville Round Brush is Nino’s top pick to protect delicate hair. “Made entirely of boar bristles, it’s gentle enough for sensitive scalps and fine hair while distributing natural oil evenly for a beautiful shine. I always reach for this brush to create sleek styles without pulling or causing damage,” she says. And the lightweight, wooden handle? No more arm workouts just to get a smooth blowout.
- Bristle material: boar
- Who it’s for: people with fine, medium-length hair
Best For Coarse Hair: Philip B. Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
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Philip B.
Large (65 mm) Round Hairbrush
Why we love it: The Philip B. Large Round Hairbrush is a game-changer for handling thick, coarse hair. Its densely packed bristles grip even the toughest tangles, giving you total control as you style—no more wrestling with your hair. “The high bristle density smooths and shapes coarse textures effortlessly, making it easy to create sleek styles or add volume and bounce,” says Santiago. Plus, the larger barrel is perfect “for smoothing out thick hair and adding volume right at the root,” she adds. And with its ergonomic handle, designed for an “extremely easy grip,” this brush makes styling something you actually look forward to. Though the price is high, it’s made to last.
- Bristle material: boar and nylon
- Who it’s for: people with coarse or thick hair
- All sizes: 45 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm
Best for Volume: T3 Volume 2.5 Round Professional Ceramic Coated Brush
T3
Volume 2.5 Round Professional Ceramic Coated Brush
Why we love it: Some brushes excel at just one thing, but the T3 Volume 2.5 Round Brush is an overachiever through and through. “T3 has set the standard in hair-styling tools, and this brush is a top choice for stylists and beauty enthusiasts,” says David. “It’s my go-to for giving fine to medium hair that much-needed boost. The combination of the vented design and ceramic-coated barrel adds incredible volume and body without any frizz.” We love the thoughtful details, especially the rubberized, no-slip grooves on the handle, which ensure the brush stays steady as you work your magic. “It feels like a luxurious experience every time, and the results are nothing short of pro-level,” says David.
- Bristle material: nylon
- Who it’s for: people with fine to medium-length hair that’s frizzy
- All sizes: 2″, 2.5″, 3″
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of round brush is best?
It depends on your hair type, length, and styling goals. First, consider the bristles. “For quick blowouts and lasting waves, ceramic brushes work well as they heat up evenly, while boar bristles add shine and smoothness, perfect for a glossy finish. Nylon bristles are ideal for coarse hair, providing the tension to tame frizz,” says Nast.
Size matters, too. “The smaller the brush, the more movement or curl you will get,” says Nast. “You can use round brushes to create smooth volume, big and loose waves, and even beach waves.” However, if you’re not comfortable with using a round brush, start with a larger one, as it’s easier to style with, says Meyer. As a general rule:
- Small brushes (1-1.5 inches) are great for tight curls and shorter hair.
- Medium brushes (1.5-2 inches) are ideal for volume and soft waves.
- Large brushes (2.5-3 inches) are a good bet for smoothing long hair.
Finally, look at the barrel material. A metal barrel does the trick if you’re after quick heat because it’s the best conductor, “but ceramic provides even heating and reduces damage risk,” Nast says. Cork or contoured handles are also important as they make the brush more comfortable to hold and easier to control during styling, adds Gatt.
Are round brushes better?
Round brushes are super versatile. “They’re excellent for adding volume, creating waves, and achieving a smooth blowout, making them a versatile choice for many styles,” says Nast. Different sizes and materials—like ceramic, boar, and nylon—allow for more customized and controlled results compared to flat brushes. “A round brush also allows you to create a ‘style’ with only the brush, whereas something like a paddle, while good for other things, does not give the opportunity to create a look,” says Santiago.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our list of the best round brushes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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