Mornings are busy enough without spending ages trying to get your hair to cooperate. In fact, 47% of people say their hair makes styling a chore. So having the right tool can help save you time and take the hassle out of hair care.
That’s where hot brushes and straighteners come in. Both help create smoother-looking hair, but they’re built for different jobs. So which one should you choose? It all comes down to your hair type, styling goals and daily routine. Let's break down the differences.
What is a hot brush?
A hot brush looks like a hairbrush but uses heat to style. As you brush, heated bristles or a heated barrel work to tackle frizz, shape your hair and add body at the same time.
There are several types available, including heated styling brushes, hot air brushes and multi-stylers that dry and style at the same time. Unlike straighteners, hot brushes are designed to smooth and shape rather than create a pin-straight finish.
Instead, hot brushes create a softer, bouncier blow-dry effect with natural-looking movement. They're a great choice for quick, everyday styling, especially for fine or wavy hair.
Check out our full range of hot brushes.
What are hair straighteners?
Hair straighteners clamp hair between heated plates to smooth out strands. As you glide them through each section, they help flatten the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and boosting shine.
They come in different varieties, including ceramic, titanium and advanced airflow straighteners. Ceramic plates distribute heat evenly for gentler styling, while titanium plates heat up quickly and are often preferred for thicker hair. Airflow straighteners combine heated plates with airflow technology to help reduce overall heat exposure while styling.
While they're known best for straightening hair, they can also be used to create curls and waves with the right techniques. They're a great choice for anyone looking for long-lasting smoothness, particularly those with thick, curly or frizz-prone hair.
Check out our full range of hair straighteners.
Hot brush vs straightener: What’s the difference?
| Comparison point | Hot brush | Straightener |
|---|---|---|
| Styling result | Soft, natural finish | Sleek, polished finish |
| Styling options | Best for adding volume, shape and movement | Best for straightening, curling and creating waves |
| Volume | ✅ Excellent | ➖ Limited |
| Frizz control | ✓ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Straightening ability | ✓ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly | Takes more technique |
| Time to style | Fast for everyday styling | May take longer for some styles |
| Heat exposure | Lower | Higher |
So if you want more bounce, a hot brush would be the better option. But if you're aiming for a sleeker style, a straightener is the way to go.
Which is better for different hair types?
Fine, thick, curly, wavy and frizzy hair all respond differently to heat styling. Understanding what each tool does best can help you get better results while protecting your hair.
Hot brush vs straightener for fine hair
Fine hair usually struggles to hold volume, so a hot brush can be a great way to make hair look fuller. Models like the Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush helps create lift at the roots and adds body throughout the lengths, making hair look fuller.
On the other hand, straighteners can help fine hair look smooth and glossy. The Panasonic Nanoe is a great option that keeps hair moisturised for a shinier finish. To keep strands healthy, stick to a lower heat setting and always use a heat protectant.
Hot brush vs straightener for thick hair
Thick hair can take longer to style and usually needs more heat to hold the finished look. A hot brush works great on thicker hair to add natural-looking shape and lift. The Revamp DeepForm Ceramic Straightening hot brush has extra-long bristles so it can reach deeper into thicker hair.
Straighteners can help tame bulk and frizz for a silkier look. The Revamp Wide Ultra X Shine has wider plates making it easier to style larger sections of thick hair. Whichever tool you choose, it’s best to work in small sections and adjust the heat setting to suit your hair type.
Hot brush vs straightener for wavy hair
Wavy hair sits somewhere between straight and curly, so you’ve got lots of options when it comes to styling. A hot brush can help minimise frizz and boost your hair's volume for an easy blow-dry look. The Revamp Volume & Wave is infused with keratin, argan and coconut oils, so waves look extra shiny.
If you'd prefer a silkier look, straighteners gently smooth your hair. Or you can embrace your waves by angling the straighteners as you style to create more defined shapes. The Babyliss Onyx Styler has rounded metallic plates which makes it easier to create curls. To help maintain your hair's natural texture, use a moderate heat setting and always apply a heat protectant.
Hot brush vs straightener for curly hair
Curly hair can be styled in different ways depending on how much texture you want to keep. A hot brush like the Babyliss Volume Boost can help stretch curls and reduce frizz while maintaining some of their bouncy shape.
For creating longer-lasting smoothness, particularly on tighter curl patterns, straighteners are a great tool. The Shark SilkiPro Straight is a solid choice for curly hair as it combines airflow and heated plates to tackle texture and frizz more effectively.
Hot brush vs straightener for frizzy hair
Frizzy hair often needs a styling tool that controls frizz without making hair look flat. A hot brush can help tame flyaways while keeping your hair full of movement. Brushes with ionic technology like the Revamp Straight & Go reduces flyaways and leaves hair looking glossy.
If your goal is a polished finish, straighteners are the better option. Models like the Remington AIRvive have ionic air technology which helps achieve a smoother result. To keep frizz at bay, always use a heat protectant and finish with an anti-humidity product, especially in damp weather.
Ready to find your styling match?
The best styling tool comes down to your hair type and the finish you're looking for. Hot brushes are ideal for creating lift and movement, while straighteners are better for sleek styles, waves and curls.
Browse our full range of haircare devices to find styling essentials for every hair type.
FAQs
Is a hot brush better than a straightener?
Not necessarily, as it depends on what style you’re going for. A hot brush is great for adding lift, while straighteners are usually the better choice for pin-straight styles.
Can a hot brush replace a straightener?
For everyday smoothing and volume, yes. But for that super-straight look, a straightener does it best.
Which styling tool causes less heat damage?
Generally a hot brush uses lower, more distributed heat and doesn’t clamp your hair between hot plates like straighteners. You can minimise heat damage by using a heat protectant before styling.
Are hot brushes suitable for thick hair?
Yes, hot brushes are a great pick for thick hair. Look for a model with strong, adjustable heat and section your hair for the best result.
Can you use a hot brush on curly hair?
Absolutely. A hot brush stretches curls, reduces frizz and keeps some natural volume. However, it might not fully straighten very tight curls.
Which is better for frizzy hair: a hot brush or a straightener?
For maximum sleekness, choose a straightener. For softer, fuller styles with less frizz, a hot brush is often the better option.
