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Thermal brushes are a heat styling tool that is having something of a comeback after years of flying under the radar. And to me at least it’s not hard to see why they would be so popular. Thermal brushes are my go-to heat tool for hair that is easy to make sleek and shiny very quickly. The convenience factor of these tools is matched by how gorgeously sleek they can make your hair, giving your hair a blowout without much fuss.
With all the different heat styling tools on the market, it can be confusing though to understand how a thermal brush can fit into your routine, and if you should think about replacing your curling iron or blow dryer with a thermal brush. We’ll give you all the information on what they are, how to use them of the best results, and which thermal brushes we recommend for a quick blowout.
A thermal brush (also called hot brushes) is a hair styling tool that combines the functions of a hairbrush and a heated styling tool. Think a curling iron with bristles. It is meant to help you achieve smooth, straight, or wavy hair by using heat to style and shape your hair while you brush it. Thermal brushes typically have a barrel or brush head that heats up, but unlike a typical curling iron you can brush through your hair instead of using your fingers to curl it around the barrel, making it really easy to use and get sleek, slightly curled hair.
Thermal brushes focus on using heat to style the hair, while blow-dry brushes use air to both dry and style hair. Thermal brushes are better for styling hair, especially already dry hair and can make hair sleeker quickly. Blow dry brushes are better for drying hair and adding some volume.
Blow dry brush (top) and thermal brush (bottom)I like to think of thermal brushes as a easy and convenient alternative to curling irons while blow dry brushes are a better alternative for an blow dryer.
Any hair tool that uses heat to dry or style your hair is at risk of causing some damage to your hair and thermal brushes are no exception. Thermal brushes though do often have different heat settings, allowing you to lower the heat for less potential damage.
To minimize the potential for damage when using a thermal brush, follow these tips:
Always apply a heat protectant spray or product to your hair before using a thermal brush to create a barrier against heat damage.
Adjust the heat setting on the thermal brush according to your hair type. Lower heat settings are generally safer for most hair types.
Avoid using thermal brushes daily. Give your hair time to recover between styling sessions.
Brush your hair smoothly and evenly with the thermal brush, avoiding excessive pressure or friction.
Use moisturizing and conditioning products regularly to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Detangling your hair before using a thermal brush will keep your hair from experiencing breakage. I like to use a detangling brush.
Use a heat protectant that works on dry hair. Spread it throughout your strands without weighing down your hair for the least amount of damage.
You use the thermal brush by brushing it through your hair, just like you would with a regular hairbrush. The heat from the brush helps to smooth out frizz, eliminate kinks, and style your hair as you brush. Twist the brush as you reach the ends of your hair for flipped ends.
Depending on your technique and the type of thermal brush you have, you can achieve different styles. For example, if you want straight hair, you can simply brush your hair while the brush is heated. If you want curls or waves, you can wrap sections of your hair around the heated barrel and hold them for a few seconds before releasing.
Thermal brushes are easy to use and can be used to create a lot of different hairstyles, making them very versatile. With adjustable temperature settings, it can be tailored to suit your hair type and styling preferences, minimizing the risk of damage when used correctly.
Furthermore, a thermal brush can save you time by combining brushing and heating in one step, making your morning routine more efficient. It's also a great tool for touch-ups throughout the day, helping you maintain your hairstyle.
However, it's crucial to use a thermal brush responsibly and take steps to protect your hair from excessive heat exposure. Regularly using heat protectants, using lower heat settings, and allowing your hair to rest between styling sessions are essential practices to ensure the health and longevity of your hair.
In the end, whether you want to achieve salon-quality results or simply streamline your hairstyling routine, a well-chosen thermal brush can be a valuable tool for helping you achieve your hair goals while keeping your hair healthy and looking its best.
