What are Thermal Brushes: Pros and Cons + Tips for Redheads

It seems like every year or so, there’s a hair tool that becomes the must-have item. This year? Thermal brushes are taking over the beauty community. It’s no surprise with the rise in sales of blow dry brushes a few years ago and the massive popularity of tools like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark Flexstyle. What are thermal brushes? How can you use one and what are the pros and cons? We’ve got you covered:

What is a thermal brush?

Thermal brushes are a hot tool that combines your straightener/curling iron with your round brush. Similarly to the blow-dry brush, they give the look of a blowout or big bouncy curls without the hassle of using two tools at once. Unlike blow-dry brushes, thermal brushes are meant to be used on dry hair as a styling tool, not a drying tool. The most popular thermal brushes are round, perfect for blowouts, but you can also find flat ones which is great for sleek hairstyles with less volume. 

How to use a thermal brush?

There are multiple ways to use a thermal brush depending on the style you want to achieve. For a sleek look, you can brush through the hair starting at the root and drawing everything downward. You can also wrap the ends of the hair around the thermal brush and spin hair, moving up the hair shaft to create more of a bouncy curled look. This technique is similar to the one you would use with a blow dryer and round brush or a blow-dryer brush. 

@laurenlovelessss

took my own spin on it also I LOVE this @BondiBoost heated brush #fyp #hairtok

♬ Gud – Monika Moni

@millyjsmith

obsessed with this hot brush @ghd <3

♬ original sound – e + b

The pros & cons of using a thermal brush: 

There are some pros and cons to using a thermal brush, let’s talk about them: 

Pros
1. Efficiency: Thermal brushes combine the functionality of a brush and a hair dryer, allowing you to style and dry your hair simultaneously, which saves time.

2. Volume and Smoothness: They can add volume to your hair and help achieve a smooth, polished look. The heat helps to shape the hair, making it more manageable.

3. Ease of Use: They are generally easy to use, even for those who are not skilled at styling hair. The brush design allows for better control compared to traditional blow dryers.

4. Less Damage: Compared to flat irons and curling irons, thermal brushes can be less damaging as they often operate at lower temperatures and distribute heat more evenly.

5. Versatility: They can be used for various styles, such as straightening, curling, or adding waves.

Cons
1. Heat Damage: Despite being less damaging than other heat styling tools, frequent use can still lead to heat damage and dryness, especially if not used with heat protectant products.

2. Learning Curve: While easier to use than some tools, there is still a learning curve to achieve the desired results, particularly for more complex styles.

3. Limited Styling for Certain Hair Types: People with very curly or coarse hair might find thermal brushes less effective compared to other heat-styling tools. It might not provide the necessary heat or tension to straighten or style such hair types fully.

4. Cost: High-quality thermal brushes can be expensive. Investing in a good one is important to ensure better results and longevity, but it might be a significant initial expense.

5. Bulkiness: Some thermal brushes can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, especially when styling the back of the head.

Choosing the right thermal brush depends on your hair type, styling needs, and budget. It’s important to use heat-protectant products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize potential damage.

Tips for how redheads can use a thermal brush: 

Like any hair tool, there is a learning curve when it comes to using a thermal brush. Here are a few styling tips to help you:

• Brush through your hair first, it’s easy for these brushes to snag on your hair so give it a good detangling first. 
• Use a heat protection spray. Since we know that using any sort of hot tool exposes your hair to heat that can cause damage, it’s important to make sure you’re using a good heat protection product. 
• Let your hair become cool to the touch before brushing, finger combing, or doing any other styling. This will ensure your style lasts longer. 
• Part your hair evenly to ensure you’re styling even chunks. This will ensure that all parts have equal contact with the brush and some won’t fall before others. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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