8.07.2014

Blow Out Brushes 101


Earlier this week I posted a tutorial (check it out here) on how to do a beginner blow out at home. And one of the keys to doing a blow out is to have the right tools, which I briefly touched on in the video. Today, I'm sharing more details on which brush will work best for your blow out.


Brush Type
Vent--This is the standard brush that many of us have. It will blow dry your hair fast, thanks to the vents.

Straightening Brush--I originally shared a tutorial on using this here, but if you are looking for a sleek, straight look (and want to skip the flat iron), try this. I found mine at Sally Beauty.

Round--I consider this to be THE essential to a good blow out. You'll get volume, smoothing, and the bouncy curls. The size of the barrel depends on the amount of hair you are working with. I use a larger one since I have longer hair. I also suggest a round brush has some sort of venting. See examples below:


Round Barrel Material Type
Ceramic--Once round brushes moved from plastic or wood, the barrels became ceramic. Ceramic barrels help distribute heat evenly and cause negative ions (this helps with frizz). Most brushes will have ceramic mixed with other materials. All hair types can use this type.

Tourmaline--Think of this as a step up from ceramic. Tourmaline barrels help with frizz, static, and give a silkier look to hair than ceramic. All hair types can use this type.

Titanium--This is my personal favorite, as I've found these brushes to feel the lightest and give the best results. I feel like my hair dries faster and is shinier. Best for coarse, thick, or damaged hair, but can sometimes be the most expensive.


Bristles
Boar--Thick, coarse, and medium hair will love this type of bristle as it helps to distribute oils in hair for the smoothest blow out.

Nylon--Medium and fine hair will love this type and it is less expensive than boar brushes. I personally use a combo of boar and nylon.

Plastic--Fine for all hair types, but not the best for styling or a blow out, more like a quick dry.

Recap:
  • Now that you know about the different types of brushes, you can choose the right one for the effect you are looking for. If you are going for a traditional blow out (think volume and curls) I suggest a round brush.
  • Next, determine the size of the barrel, the type of barrel, and the bristles. I suggest a round brush with vents. Read the labels to make sure you know what type of barrel you are getting.
  • While in the store, hold the brush in your hand to get a good feel for the handle. Is it too heavy? Does it feel comfortable? 
  • Prices range from drugstore to professional prices, making finding a good brush an affordable process. I've seen great ones around $10-$20. While there are decent brushes at the drugstore/box stores, try Sally Beauty, Ulta, or Sephora.
PS: 

48 comments:

  1. What a useful post, thank you for sharing!

    X Sara

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  2. Such great info! I love a good round brush! xo

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  3. I need to get a good round brush! I've never seen that straight one! That looks like it would work awesome!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

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  4. thanks for the tips! i need to buy a new brush! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  5. Great tips, I'll have to look into the titanium brush.

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  6. I'm the WORST at using a blow out brush. Actually I'm the worst at doing my own hair in general. I'm definitely going to have to check out these brushes though, maybe it will help me out!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

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  7. Round brushes scare me to no end - I'm so afraid my hair will get eaten by them and I'll have to chop it off lol!! I have to let the professionals do that for me!

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  8. This was so helpful! I have been looking for a blow out brush for my daughter! Thanks Elle! Susan

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  9. I rarely blow dry my hair so using brushes like those you're reviewing, Elle is a new idea to me. I'm guilty of passing by on the minimalistic route, yet again will try to put some more thought and discipline in my beauty routine. Summer is the best time to do it xx

    www.todaymyway.com

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  10. I have a round brush that changes color when you put heat on it.

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  11. You have no idea how helpful this post is to me. I seriously need to invest in a good hair brush as I blow dry my hair nearly everyday.

    http://reflectionofsanity.blogspot.com/

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  12. This is great info, Elle! I've never done a blow out but it's nice to know that you can learn how to do one at home :)

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  13. So glad you posted - this is one thing I'm terrible at!

    www.madeintheshadeblog.com

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  14. I totally rely on my huge round brush to give a great blowout! Great post, Elle! :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  15. Great post. I am in need of a new brush!

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  16. This was so useful! With my short hair out of control... I really need to invest in a better brush ^^
    xoxo

    Novelstyle

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  17. I have honestly never heard of a straightening brush. I know what I'll be shopping for next!

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  18. oh my this was super helpful!!! i've been using the wrong tools! thanks so much! =)

    xoxoxo
    www.simplyxclassic.com

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  19. Definitely pinning this to my hair board! very helpful!! xo

    xo, Tiffany |  Tiffany Style Blog 

    Insta | Twitter | Pin | Facebook 

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  20. Wait, am I reading this right (or just dreaming) that the blowout straightening brush does the drying AND would straighten my wavy hair?

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  21. I wish I could give myself a good blow dry, I am jus too lazy!!

    Laura xxx

    maquillagemagic.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. That straightener brush looks awesome! And I love my boar bristle brush. It helps with frizz a lot!

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  23. This post is SO helpful! Thanks for putting it together :)

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  24. such an informative post. you don't realize how much difference the brush makes!

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  25. Elle, I am always amazed by your knowledge.

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  26. Wow what a breakdown. I knew a few of the things you mentioned here and there but to have it out laid out in a post like this super helpful, thanks Elle!

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  27. I had no idea there were so many different brush types, haha!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  28. I always use a round brush at home. My hair is wavy so it helps get it straight while still adding volume. Love the info on the different types of material of brushes.

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  29. I so need to invest in a decent brush... Having read this post, I'm thinking titanium with boar + nylon bristles. Have a fab Friday! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  30. This was a great post. I need to get a blow out brush and this really really helped! Came at the perfect time too thanks!!

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  31. Great tips! I have three different brushes and the one I use the most is a plastic one, that is so true, it is really fast for a quick dry, and that is because I'm always in a hurry, LOL!

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  32. The only brush I have is a wide toothed wooden comb, lol! And as far as tools go, a hair dryer.

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  33. thank you thank you THANK YOU.
    ok i need a round, nylon, ceramic or tourmaline brush. buying this weekend and then i am going to retry whilst watching the video lol

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  34. I didn't even know some of these existed, lol, thanks for the brush with education! Thanks so much for your great comment…have a wonderful weekend!

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  35. This is soo helpful, you don't even know! I need to purchase a new hairbrush and this told me everything I needed to know. Thanks!

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  36. Love the straighner brush. These look like a must try. I am going to check out the blow out at home post too!
    Just saw that!
    Www.theurbanumbrella.com

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  37. Great review
    Fashionitazbybuiti.blogspot.com

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  38. That straightening brush looks like something I could use!

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  39. Great tips. I just bought myself a new brush for volume/curls. In the hope it will bring volume to my hair! Fingers crossed!

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  40. So helpful! We love our big round brush for almost everything.

    xx 365hangers

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  41. I learned SO much from this! I had no idea the brushes were made of different materials and that made a difference. I'll have to get a brush to help when I do occasionally blow dry and straighten my hair. :)

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  42. Your tutorials are so helpful! I'm definitely trying these tips for Monday - I'm going to a blogger meetup and need my hair to be on point :) Thanks, girl!

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  43. Fantastic reference guide, Elle! Thank you! x

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  44. This is an awesome reference! I've always wondered what was the difference with the ceramic/titanium/tourmaline brushes so thank you for breaking it down! And I have never seen one of those straightening brushes before but now I NEED one!!

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  45. Do you have telepathy? I was just talking about brushes with my stylist. Do you have recos for paddle brushes?

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  46. Awesome post! This will be very useful when my hair is longer :)

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  47. Elle.. these are some great tips and ideas :-)

    Thank you for your comment on my blog, have a lovely week ahead ♡

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  48. Thanks for all the info! I'm horrible and clueless when it comes to beauty tricks

    http://thebudusadventure.blogspot.mx/

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