When it comes to styling our hair, convenience is key. Many of us rely on traditional tools like hair dryers and straighteners to quickly achieve the desired look. While there have been alternatives introduced to the market, few can truly replace our trusted appliances. However, one particular tool managed to do just that for me – the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer.
I initially tested the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer in January 2022. While I was impressed with the results, I didn’t expect it to become a permanent fixture on my vanity desk. However, as I continued to use it, I grew to appreciate its convenience. Now, over a year later, I hardly give my hair dryer a second thought. Here’s why.
What Is a Hot Air Brush?
A hot air brush typically features a large, barrel-shaped brush head that emits hot air to simultaneously dry and style your hair. You can use it to add body and volume while reducing frizz. Think of it as a combination of a low-powered hair dryer and a rounded brush.
The concept of this appliance immediately appealed to me. I have naturally thin and frizzy hair, so even when I use the nozzle attachment to focus the hot air from a hair dryer, I end up looking like a dandelion. If there was a way to style my hair that would last while avoiding the heat damage caused by straighteners, I was eager to try it.
I’ve experimented with other quick-fix solutions to control my hair, such as heated curlers and straightener brushes, but they often take too long to yield satisfactory results compared to my standard straighteners or curling tongs. I also have access to the Dyson Airwrap, but it’s a time-consuming process, so I reserve it for special occasions.
About the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer
I initially tested the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer due to its widespread popularity. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to the Dyson Airwrap, although they serve different purposes. The Dyson Airwrap offers more versatility, including curling individual strands of hair.
The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer is readily available online, priced at around $42 on Amazon. Its success has led to the release of new models in various sizes with additional heat settings, and even copycat brands with a similar design.
The model I tested is simple and straightforward, with no additional accessories or travel cases. It features three settings: cool, low, and high, adjustable via a wrap-around dial near the base. All you need to do is plug it in, set the desired setting, and start brushing to style your hair.
At first, it took some practice to style my hair with this tool, especially when curling the ends. I noticed that one side often looked better than the other, which was a natural consequence of being right-handed. However, the results were immediately noticeable – my hair was smoother and less frizzy after drying compared to using a regular hair dryer. While it did experience some frizz later on, it was far less than what the hair dryer typically leaves me with.
I typically shower at night and sleep on my dry hair before straightening it in the morning. However, after using this hot air brush, the results remained visible the next day. It’s best described as partially straightened with more body and a natural finish.
I initially switched back to my trusty hair dryer after completing my review for a couple of reasons. First, the brush took longer to dry my hair, about three times as long as the hair dryer. It also required more effort to style my hair while drying it compared to simply blasting it with the dryer.
However, when I rediscovered the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and remembered the pleasing results it delivered, I decided to give it another try.
Why I Made the Switch from Hair Dryer to Hot Air Brush?
My decision to leave behind the hair dryer and embrace the hot air brush came down to several key factors that made this new tool a game-changer in my hair care routine.
First and foremost, I realized that while the hair dryer was faster, it ultimately cost me more time in the morning when I had to style my hair with straighteners. With the hot air brush, I could skip straightening on many days and avoid the additional heat damage that styling can cause.
Moreover, the hot air brush is lighter and more maneuverable, reducing the strain on my arm during the drying process. Its more compact and user-friendly design also makes it easier to store compared to the bulkier hair dryer. As I continued to use the hot air brush, I became increasingly skilled at styling my hair, achieving a more consistent and even appearance.
However, it’s important to be aware of some potential drawbacks associated with hot air brushes. While certain designs claim to minimize damage, they still apply heat to your hair, often in close contact. The extent of the damage can depend on your specific routine and heat settings. In my case, I haven’t noticed any significant additional damage compared to my previous method, as skipping the straighteners has its own protective effect.
One notable limitation of the hot air brush is that it may not completely dry your roots during use, especially when compared to the efficiency of a hair dryer. This is a natural consequence of its drying method. Even when I direct the brush over my roots, some dampness may persist. While this hasn’t been a significant issue during the hot summer months, I may need to switch back to the hair dryer when the colder winter weather arrives.
In the end, I appreciate the option to occasionally skip the straightening routine. Of course, if I require a perfectly straight look, I can still rely on my trusted tools. However, the hot air brush offers a natural yet styled appearance that the hair dryer struggles to achieve, at least not as easily. It’s important to note that the suitability of this tool can vary depending on your hair type and patience level. Those with particularly thick or long hair may find the process less efficient.
