How To Use a Hot Brush - Tips and Step-by-Step Tutorials | Sam Villa (2024)

Could hot styling brushes be the ultimate hair hack? These hybrid toolscombine a hairbrush with a blow dryer and/or a flat iron, promising easy andno-fuss styling.

Thanks to new technologies, rocking beautifully styled hair every day is(almost) as easy as running a brush through your strands.

However, it’s important to know how to properly style your hair with a hot airbrush. Here’s how to use a hot air brush correctly:

• Wash and condition your hair
• Towel dry and/or air dry your hair 80% of the way
• Apply a heat protectant product
• Divide your hair into four sections: crown, right side, left side, and back
• Turn on the brush and glide through each section SLOWLY from roots to tips
• Finish with hairspray

It really is that simple! The key is to work with damp hair and use the bestproducts and techniques for YOUR unique hair goals.

Read on to discover how to use a hot brush to create a wide variety of looks.

FAQs

What is a hot brush for?

A hot brush reduces your styling time by allowing you to smooth, volumize,dry, and straighten your hair in one step!

This versatile, easy-to-use tool combines a hairbrush with a flat iron or blowdryer (orboth!).

Just choose your desired setting and brush slowly through dry or damp hair.The hairbrush bristles help control and guide your hair, while the heatedplates or hot airflow smooth and polish the hair’s cuticle. It’s the perfectway to get sleek, shiny hair with less time and effort-- no need to juggle abrush in one hand and a heat tool in the other!

NOTE: A hot brush does not have the drying power of a regular blow dryer, soit should NOT be used on wet hair.

Make sure to air dry or blow dry your hair at least 80% of the way beforepicking up your hot brush.

Hot brushes are great for taming frizz and touching-up hair between blowouts.

Back to Main Index

How do you use a hot hair brush?

Whether you’re an at-home hairstyling pro or a total novice, using a hot brushis easy! Just follow these simple steps to use a hot air brush:

• Start with damp hair. Make sure your hair is at least 80%dry before using your hot brush. This will minimize heat damage and ensureyour hair gets fully dry when you style it (which means less frizz).
• Heat protection. To quote Sam Villa, “Product is not anoption, it’s a necessity!” Prep your strands with a blowout product designedfor your hair type.
• Section and clip. For optimal styling results, divide yourhair into 4-5 sections and secure them with clips. Working in sections helpsyou avoid brushing through the same hair multiple times. (For quicktouch-ups, feel free to skip this step.)
• Brush it out! Plug in your hot brush and let it heat up toyour desired temperature. Working in small sections, brush SLOWLY throughthe hair from roots to tips. For extra volume, lift each section up and awayfrom your head as you glide the brush down the hair.
• (Optional) Curl your ends. For curled ends, opt for a roundhot brush instead of a hot air paddle brush. After brushing through to theends of the hair, wrap the hair back around the barrel and roll the brush uptowards your roots. Hold the brush in place for 5-10 seconds, then press the“cool” button and wait a few more seconds to allow the curl to cool beforereleasing it.
• Finish with product. Lock in volume and shine with alightweight hairspray and apply serum to your ends if needed.

Back to Main Index

How do you dry your hair with a hot brush?

A hot brush allows you to get sleek, polished hair at home-- without jugglinga heavy blow dryer in one hand and a round brush in the other! Just followthese simple steps to dry your hair with a hot brush:

Step #1: Pick the right heated brush.

Hot brushes come in both paddle brush and round brush shapes. Paddle brushesare best for straightening and smoothing hair, while round brushes can be usedto create straight hair or curls.

Make sure to choose a heated brush with hot airflow that works on damp hair.

Step #2: Wash and condition your hair.

A volumizing shampoo and conditioner are recommended if your hair tends tofall flat.

Don’t skimp on the conditioner-- it’s essential for sealing moisture in yourhair and reducing heat damage!

Step #3: Towel-dry and/or air-dry 80% of the way.

Wring your hair out in the shower, then use a soft cotton t-shirt ormicrofiber towel to thoroughly towel-dry your hair. If possible, let your hairair dry at least 80% of the way.

Step #4: Plug in your styler and let it heat up.

Remember that thin, fine hair requires less heat, while very thick or coarsehair may need a higher temperature.

Step #5: Prep your hair with products.

Apply a heat protectant spray or mousse that’s appropriate for your hair type.

Step #6: Section and clip up your hair.

Divide your hair into four sections: crown, left side, right side, and back.Secure each section in place with clips.

Step #7: Dry and style hair.

Beginning with the back section, brush through narrow pieces of hair fromroots to tips.

For maximum volume, place the brush close to the roots and lift the hair upand out as you glide through the hair.

Pull the brush all the way through the hair for straight ends, or wrap theends around the barrel of the round brush to create curls.

Repeat this process with the side sections, then dry and style the topsection.

Step #8: Finish with hairspray.

Use a light volumizing product to avoid weighing down your hair.

For thick, extra-dry or curly hair, apply a few drops of argan oil to yourends.

Back to Main Index

Do hot air brushes really work?

Hot air brushes might sound too good to be true. Can you really dry,straighten and style your hair just by brushing it?

The answer is YES-- hot air brushes actually work! Theseultra-versatile styling tools combine a hairbrush with a flat iron and/or blowdryer, making them perfect for travel, busy mornings, or quick hair touch-ups.

Keep in mind that a hot air brush lacks the powerful airflow of a regular blowdryer, so it shouldn’t be used for a full blowout on wet hair. Here are a fewgreat ways to use your hot air brush:

• Add polish to air-dried hair. To get that salon-fresh lookwith minimal heat damage, apply a smoothing product to wet hair and let yourhair air dry 80% of the way. Then turn on the hot air brush and glidethrough your hair for beautiful softness and shine.
• Pump up the volume in limp hair. Are your second- orthird-day strands looking a little flat? Use your hot air brush to boost thevolume in minutes.
• Curl or straighten your hair. Use a round hot air brush toshape and style your hair, instead of a curling wand or flat iron. You’llget the same look with less heat damage.

Back to Main Index

Can you use hot air brush on dry hair?

For best results,it’s recommended to use a hot air brush on damp hair.

This is because damp hair is more malleable and easier to style than dry hair.

Also, applying hot airflow from a blow dryer or hot air brush can dehydrateand damage dry hair.

If you plan to use your hot styling brush on dry hair, look for a thermalstraightening brush or acombination brushwith ceramic plates.

This will work like a flat iron to smooth and polish dry hair, but with lessstyling time and less heat damage.

And don’t forget the heat protectant spray!

Back to Main Index

Can you use a heated brush on wet hair?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to using a heated brush onwet hair.

Thermal straightening brushes with ceramic plates are similar to flat irons--they should NEVER be used on wet hair.

Applying heated plates to fragile wet hair can cause over-heating, shatter thecuticle and ruin your hair.

But what about heated brushes that use hot airflow to dry and style hair?Hot air stylers are finishing tools and are not intended for a full blowouton wet hair.

These tools don’t have the drying power of a regular blow dryer.

If your hair is wet and you want to style it with your hot air brush,rough-dry it 80% of the way with your blow dryer (or let it air-dry until justdamp).

Then use your hot air brush to finish the look, volumize and shape your hair.Heated brushes are also perfect for touch ups in-between blowouts.

Back to Main Index

Are heated brushes bad for your hair?

While any form of heat styling can damage your hair, heated brushes are one ofthe safest styling tools out there.

Heated brushes create minimal damage because they use less direct heat thancurling irons or hair straighteners.

Instead of holding your hair against a hot surface (the barrel of a curlingiron or the ceramic plates of a flat iron), heated brushes are designed toglide smoothly through hair.

Heat is applied through the base of the hairbrush and/or the bristles. Thisreduces the risk of hot spots, dryness and straw-like ends.

If your hair is color-treated or heat-damaged,look for an ionic heated brush that allows you to cut back on stylingtime.

Ionic technology neutralizes static, infuses moisture and polishes your hair’scuticle for brilliant, healthy shine.

Back to Main Index}

How Tos

How to use a hot brush

Hot air brushes are designed to make styling your hair easy and fast-- butthat doesn’t mean you should just grab your hot air styler and start brushingaway!

Think about finishing your hair with a hot brush as a “mini”blowout.For optimal results, use the same products and section your hair as you wouldfor a full at-home blow dry.

To get beautifully sleek hair with less heat damage, follow these simple stepsto dry your hair with a hot brush:

Step #1: Start with damp hair. Make sure your hair is atleast 80% dry before using your hot brush.

This will minimize heat damage and ensure your hair gets fully dry when youstyle it (which means less frizz later on).

Step #2: Heat defend. To quote Sam Villa, “Product is not anoption, it’s a necessity!”

Prep your strands with a blowout product designed for your hair type.

Step #3: Section and clip. For optimal styling results,divide your hair into 4-5 sections and secure them with clips.

Working in sections helps you avoid brushing through the same hair multipletimes.

(For quick touch-ups, feel free to skip this step.)

Step #4: Brush it out! Plug in your hot brush and let it heatup to your desired temperature. Working in small sections, brush SLOWLYthrough the hair from roots to tips.

For extra volume, lift each section up and away from your head as you glidethe brush down the hair.

Step #5 (Optional): Curl your ends.

For curled ends, opt for a round hot brush instead of a hot air paddle brush.After brushing through to the ends of the hair, wrap the hair back around thebarrel and roll the brush up towards your roots.

Hold the brush in place for 5-10 seconds, then press the “cool” button andwait a few more seconds to allow the curl to cool before releasing it.

Step #6: Finish with product.

Lock in volume and shine with a lightweight hairspray and apply serum to yourends if needed.

Back to Main Index

How to use a hot brush to curl hair

Did you know that you can use a hot brush to curl your hair?

When you’re short on time but want a curly or wavy style, a hot air brush isyour best friend! Here’s how to dry and curl your hair with just ONE tool:

Step #1: Wash and condition your hair.

If your curls tend to fall flat, consider using a volumizing shampoo andconditioner to give you that extra UMPH.

Step #2: Wait until your hair is 80% dry to start styling.

A hot brush lacks the drying power of a full sized blow dryer, so it’sessential to start with DAMP (not wet) hair.

Squeeze excess water out of your hair in the shower and pat your hair dry witha soft cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Then let your locks air-dry untiljust damp.

Step #3: Heat protection.

Prep your hair with a heat-protectant product that’s made for your hair type.

Step #4: Section your hair.

Divide your hair into three horizontal sections: the crown section (the top ofyour head), the center section (the hair around your ear level), and the lowersection.

Secure each section in place with clips.

Step #5: Go curl crazy!

Beginning with the lower section, separate a small piece of hair and place theends over the barrel of the round brush.

As you apply hot airflow, twirl the brush away from your face and spin thehair around the barrel. When you reach your roots, hold the brush in place for15-20 seconds. If your hot brush has a “cool” button, apply cool airflow for5-10 seconds to seal the cuticle.

Release the curl and repeat with the rest of the section. Then move on to thecenter section, and finally the hair at the crown.

Step #6: Polish and shine.

Apply a shine-boosting hairspray to help your curls hold for longer and smoothout any stray hairs.

Back to Main Index

How to use a hot brush to straighten hair

Getting sleek, silky-smooth hair might be as simple as changing up yourhairbrush! A hot brush uses heated ceramic plates and/or hot airflow to relaxthe molecular bonds that make hair curly and flatten the hair’s cuticle. It’ssuper easy to use, and less damaging than a traditional flat iron.

Here’s how to use a hot brush to straighten your hair:

Step #1: Start with clean, dry, detangled hair. If your hotbrush uses ceramic plates, you should make sure your hair is fully dry, as youwould before flat ironing. If your brush uses hot airflow, it’s OK to startwith damp hair.

Step #2: Heat protection. While straightening hair with a hotbrush is less damaging than using a flat iron, any level of heat can dehydrateand damage your hair. Always prep your hair with a heat protectant productthat’s appropriate for your hair type.

Step #3: Section your hair. Separate the hair at the crown ofyour head and secure it in place with a clip or elastic.

Step #4: Straighten your hair. Beginning with the lowersection of hair, pick up a small piece of hair and place the hot brushunderneath near the roots. Glide the brush slowly through the hair, lifting itup and away from the face to create more volume. Repeat this process as youwork your way around your head.

Step #5: Style the hair at your crown. Secure the lowersection of hair with a clip, and release the upper section of hair from theclip or elastic. Part your hair and glide the brush through the upper layersof your hair. Remember to lift the brush up at the roots as you guide thebrush through your hair.

Step #6: Finish the look. Release the lower section from itsclip and check your hair for any frizz or flyaway strands. Finish with anon-greasy shine spray (for fine to wavy hair) or a nourishing hair oil (forthick or curly tresses).

Back to Main Index

How to use a hot brush for volume

Hot air brushes are great tools for adding lift and body to all hair types.

For gorgeous, eye-catching volume, use volumizing products and be sure to liftthe brush up and out as you dry your hair! Here’s how to use a hot brush forvolume:

Step #1: Wash and condition your hair.

Big, bouncy hair starts with the products you use in the shower! Reach for avolumizing shampoo and conditioner.

If your hair tends to be limp or flat, use conditioner only on your ends.

Step #2: Towel dry and comb through your tresses.

Step #3: Pick the right heat protectant.

Apply a volumizing mousse to your hair, working from back to front.

Step #4: Rough dry 80% of the way.

Take the nozzle off your blow dryer, flip your head upside down, and rough dryyour hair until it’s just damp.

Step #5: Section and clip up your hair.

Divide your hair into four sections: crown, left side, right side, and back.Secure each section in place with clips.

Step #6: Lift, twirl and curl.

Starting with the lower section, place the barrel of your hot brush underneatha small piece of hair close to the roots.

Turn on the hot airflow and slowly roll the brush up and away from your facewhile twirling the hair around the barrel.

For straight ends, pull the brush all the way through the hair. For beveledends, curl the tips of the hair around the brush and hold them in place for5-10 seconds.

Repeat with the rest of the lower section, then move on to the side sections.

Step #7: Style the hair at your crown.

For maximum volume, lift the hair on your crown straight up and back (awayfrom your face) as you twirl the brush.

Step #8: Pick the right finishing product.

Hairspray is key, but avoid heavy oils and creams that could squash yourgorgeous volume! Instead, look for a lightweight, non-greasy setting spray toboost longevity and shine.

Back to Main Index

How to use a hot air brush on short hair

If you have short hair, consider upgrading your hairstyling routine with a hotair brush. This easy-to-use tool allows you to dry, shape and style yourtresses in less time, thus reducing the damaging effects of heat styling.

Wondering which hot air brush is best for short hair? Look for a styler with asmall barrel that you can place right up against your roots for tons of lift.Then follow these quick and simple steps to use a hot air brush on short hair:

Step #1: Wash and condition your hair.

To pump up the volume, go for a lightweight volumizing shampoo andconditioner.

Step #2: Air dry.

Squeeze out excess water, comb through your strands and let your hair air drymost of the way.

Step #3: Heat protection.

Apply a blow dry primer, such as a volumizing mousse, to defend againstbreakage and add some structure to short hair.

Step #4: Section your hair.

Divide your hair into four sections (left, right, crown, and back). Secureeach section with a small clip.

Step #5: Dry, shape and style.

Unclip one section of hair at a time, starting with the back section.

Place the barrel of your hot brush underneath the hair at the roots, as closeto your scalp as possible. Lift the hot air brush up and twirl the hair awayfrom your face while applying hot airflow. Brush slowly through each piece ofhair from roots to tips. Continue this process with the left, right and crownsections.

Step #6: Lock in your look with a soft hold hairspray, or usea texturizing product to define your ends.

Back to Main Index

Summary

If you want to add volume and polish to your hair, but you’re not intospending hours in front of the mirror,a hot styling brush could be a total game changer for your look.If you can brush your hair, you can style your hair with a hot brush!

Remember that hot brushes come in different varieties-- thermal straighteningbrushes work like flat irons on dry hair, hot air stylers work likelow-airflow blow dryers on damp hair, and combination brushes can do both.

Choosing the right tool and prepping your hair with heat protectant will helpyou achieve healthy and beautiful hair in less time!

Whether you want to streamline your hairstyling routine or just freshen upyour tresses between blowouts, an all-in-one hot brush is a worthwhileinvestment to get sleek and silky hair.

View Index