Flat Iron, Hot Brush or Hot Air Brush? Making the Right Choice

If you are looking for the best styling tools for straightening hair and wondering which is best for your type of hair, the flat iron vs hot brush argument stops here. It's time to set the record straight! Read on for a helpful comparison of flat irons, hot brushes and hot air brushes.

 

Using a flat iron, hot brush or hot air brush to straighten hair is an easy decision if you clearly understand the characteristics of your own hair. There are a few other issues that come into play as well, so let’s get straight to the point.

 

Naturally Curly Hair

Curly hair comes in a variety of types, from natural coarsely-textured hair to gentle waves. Regardless of where you are in the spectrum, the straight hair experience is within reach for just about anyone with the right tool. Conair® has a wide selection of both flat irons, hot brushes and hot air brushes to help you achieve the ultra-straight hair style you envision. So, which one is right for you?

 

  • Woman using flat iron

    Flat Irons

    Flat irons press hair between two heated metal plates using high temperatures that relax the hydrogen bonds in the hair strands. High temperatures can dry out hair fast and the metal plates can have hot spots that can burn hair. So, always choose a flat iron with ceramic technology to ensure even heat for less damage. Good quality flat irons typically feature ceramic and ion generating technologies like tourmaline that add shine, reduce frizz and prevent damaging hot spots.

    Image of the CS710NRN flat iron

    InfinitiPRO by Conair® 1-inch Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

     

    The InfinitiPro by Conair 1-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron helps create shiny, frizz-free, straight styles. The 1-inch floating plates glide smoothly through hair with no hot spots.

    Flat irons are powerful and therefore best for thick, very curly, and hard-to-control hair. They are easy to use and get quick results. In comparison, a hot brush usually takes a longer time to get similar results. Flat irons also come in various plate widths from ¾ inch to 2 inches to accommodate different hair lengths and textures. Shorter, kinky hair is easier to style with a narrow plate while longer hair responds better with a wider plate. Take a look at the different flat irons available from Conair.

  • Woman using the BC7N hot brush

    Hot Brushes

    Hot Brushes straighten hair using heated plates and bristles that glide through the dry hair strands to relax the molecular bonds that keep hair curly. They straighten hair and add shine while maintaining volume.

    If your hair is of average to thin thickness or if it's damaged, these hot straightening brushes are a good choice. Many of them feature ceramic and ionic technology like tourmaline or diamond infusion that add shine, neutralize static to remove frizz, and protect your hair from damage with lower temperatures and no hot spots. Bristles are made of nylon, silicone and ceramic materials to glide gently and smoothly through hair. Take a look at the various types of hot brushes and hot air brushes available from Conair.

    Image of the BC7N hot brush
     
    Infiniti Pro by Conair® Diamond BrillianceTM Hot Brush

     

    The Infiniti Pro by Conair Diamond Brilliance Smoothing Hot Brush combines diamond-infused ceramics with ionic technology to help transform your hair to a straighter style. It also features a powerful, high voltage ion generator that flattens and seals the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and leaving hair shiny and more manageable.

  • Woman using the BC120 hot brush

    Hot Air Brushes

    Hot Air Brushes are a great option if you like to style while you dry damp hair. Many hot air brushes feature a round brush head that’s more frequently used to add volume by creating waves and curls. On some models, the brush head rotates for more efficient performance. InfinitiPRO by Conair® offers a hot air brush straightening solution with the Conair Hot Air Brush Styler that features interchangeable brush heads. The paddle brush head attachment with ball tipped bristles is ideal for straightening hair while you dry it.

    Image of the BC120 hot air brush

    InfinitiPRO by Conair®Hot Air Brush Styler

     

    The InfinitiPRO by Conair Hot Air Brush Styler lets you straighten as you dry using a paddle brush head attachment. Take a look at the full selection of flat irons, hot brushes and hot air brushes from Conair and InfinitiPRO by Conair. Check out the descriptions and features to help you make the right choice.

  • Image of a flat iron, hot brush and hot air brush for comparison

    Quick Comparison: Flat Irons vs. Hot Brushes vs. Hot Air Brushes

    Flat Irons:

    • For thick, very curly, difficult to style hair
    • High temperature requires a careful touch to avoid damage
    • Quicker results, but does not add volume
    • Best for infrequent use, once a week or less
    • Less expensive than hot brushes

    Hot Brushes:

    • For average to thin or damaged hair, can be used daily
    • Lower temperatures for less chance of damaging hair
    • Takes a little more time, but adds shines and maintains volume
    • Use a hot brush to straighten dry hair
    • A little more expensive compared to flat irons

    Hot Air Brushes:

    • Dry and style at the same time
    • For average to thin or damaged hair, can be used daily
    • Also works on thicker hair but may take a little longer to dry
    • Lower temperatures for less chance of damaging hair
    • Smooths, creates volume and adds shine
    • A little more expensive compared to flat irons
    • Perfect for refreshing hair between shampoos