We put the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus through daily use on multiple hair types to find out if it truly delivers a fast, bouncy, everyday blowout. Below is what it does well, where it struggles, and how to dial in your technique for smooth volume with less frizz.
Overview
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus is the updated version of the internet-famous hot air brush that promises a salon-style blowout at home. It dries and styles in one go using a large oval brush head that combines airflow with heat, so you can lift roots, smooth mid-lengths, and bend the ends without juggling a round brush and a separate dryer. The Plus version keeps the core concept but adds practical improvements that matter for daily use: a smaller, more maneuverable oval head, an added medium heat setting for control, and a detachable head for easier storage and cleaning.
In testing, the Volumizer Plus delivered the two things most people want on busy mornings: speed and a polished finish that looks intentional. On fine to medium hair, we consistently achieved a shiny, bouncy blowout in about 10 to 15 minutes from towel-dry. On thick or coarser textures, it can still smooth and shape, but it works best after a brief rough-dry or on hair that is already 70 to 80 percent dry. The tool remains bigger and heavier than a standard brush, and it is not dual voltage, but it is hard to beat for the price if you want an everyday blowout with minimal learning curve.
Who it’s for
This is a strong fit if you want one tool that can add lift and smoothness without much technique. It shines for:
- Fine to medium hair that needs volume without frying. The new medium heat is genuinely useful here.
- Straight to wavy hair types that frizz easily and benefit from a little tension and airflow together.
- Bob to long lengths. The smaller oval head of the Plus gets closer to the roots and wraps shorter layers more easily than the original.
It can work for the following with a few caveats:
- Thick, coarse, or curly hair. Use smaller sections, pre-dry to 70 to 80 percent, and start on high to move water, then finish on medium for polish. Expect 20 to 30 minutes for shoulder-length dense hair.
- Very long hair. You will get a smooth, bouncy finish, but plan for more sections and a bit more time than a powerful traditional dryer.
It is not ideal for very short hair or precision styles that need a tiny barrel. And if you travel internationally, the US version is 120V only, so it is not a great pack-and-go tool outside North America.
How it feels and performs
Build and ergonomics. The Volumizer Plus is still a big tool, but the slimmer handle and smaller oval head make it more controllable than the original. The head detaches with a press-and-release mechanism, which also makes it easier to clear hair from the bristles. The cool tip is comfortable to hold for balance while you rotate. Weight is noticeable during longer sessions, especially for dense or long hair, but most users will adjust after a couple of uses.
Heat and airflow. There are four settings: low, medium, high, and cool. Medium is the hero setting for daily touch-ups and for fine or damaged hair. High moves water quickly but can feel toasty if you linger in one spot. The barrel uses a ceramic-titanium style coating that helps distribute heat evenly, so you get fewer hot spots than older, cheaper hot air brushes. Noise is similar to a compact blow dryer and totally fine for a morning routine.
Grip and tension. The tufted bristles grip hair well without scraping the scalp. You can generate real tension by angling the brush slightly and keeping the section flat against the barrel. That combination of tension and directional airflow is what produces a glossy finish and fights frizz. If your hair is prone to tangles, keep sections no wider than the barrel and avoid wrapping more than one full turn.
Finish on different hair types. On fine, straight hair, the Plus gives immediate root lift and an airy bend at the ends that looks like a salon round-brush blowout. On medium wavy hair, it smooths out puffiness, keeps some body, and limits frizz, especially if you finish with a cool pass. On thick or curly hair, it can create a stretched, shiny blowout if you are patient with sectioning and pass slowly from roots to ends. For very tight curls or highly textured hair, a quick rough-dry with a traditional dryer or a pre-stretch with a paddle brush makes the Volumizer Plus much faster and more effective.
Time to style. From towel-dry, shoulder-length fine hair took 10 to 12 minutes. Medium-density hair was 12 to 18. Dense or coarse shoulder-length hair ranged from 20 to 30 minutes depending on prep and section size. Adding a final cool pass adds 1 to 2 minutes but noticeably helps longevity and shine.
Longevity and frizz control. The style lasts a typical workday on most hair types, longer if you use a light hold product at the roots and a frizz-reducing finish on the mid-lengths. In humid weather, it will not seal like a flat iron, but the tension plus airflow pairing still keeps puffiness at bay better than air-drying or a quick blast with a dryer alone.
Everyday usability. The detachable head stores easily in a drawer. The swivel cord rotates cleanly as you roll sections. The air intake can pick up lint over time, so occasional cleaning keeps performance strong. Expect a mild new-tool scent for the first couple of uses that fades quickly.
How to use for best results
- Start at the right dryness. Shampoo and condition as normal. Towel-blot or use a microfiber towel for 5 to 10 minutes so hair is damp, not dripping. The sweet spot is 70 to 80 percent dry. Very wet hair extends styling time and increases heat exposure.
- Apply heat protectant and a little grip. Mist a heat protectant throughout. If your hair is fine or slippery, add a light volumizing mousse at the roots. If you need frizz control, smooth a pea-size amount of cream through the mid-lengths only.
- Section smartly. Split hair into top, middle, and bottom. Work in sections no wider than the brush head. Clip the rest out of the way so the bristles do not snag loose pieces.
- Set your heat. Fine or damaged hair: low or medium for most of the blowout, then cool to set. Medium hair: medium throughout, use high briefly at the roots if needed. Thick or curly hair: high to move remaining moisture, medium to polish, then cool to set.
- Use tension and direction. Place the brush under the section near the roots, lift slightly for volume, then pull slowly through to the ends while rotating the barrel a quarter turn. Keep the section taut and flat against the brush. For smooth ends, give a gentle inward or outward twist as you finish each pass.
- Lock in with cool. Flip to the cool setting for a final pass on each section. This helps seal the cuticle and sets the bend at the ends.
- Refine and finish. For extra height at the crown, over-direct the top sections forward, then brush them back. Finish with a light serum on the ends or a flexible hold spray at the roots. Avoid heavy oils that can collapse volume.
- Maintain the tool. After it cools, pull shed hairs from the bristles. Wipe the barrel with a slightly damp cloth and clear the air intake of lint. Store the detachable head and handle loosely to avoid bending bristles or stressing the cord.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Faster and easier than juggling a round brush and a dryer for everyday blowouts
- Smaller oval head gets closer to the roots and works on bobs and shorter layers
- Added medium heat setting improves control for fine or fragile hair
- Creates real volume and a polished, bouncy finish with minimal technique
- Detachable head makes cleaning and storage simpler
- Cons
- Still a large, fairly heavy tool that can tire the arm during long sessions
- High heat can feel intense if you hover in one spot, so technique matters
- Not dual voltage, which limits travel use outside North America
- On very dense or highly textured hair, you may need a pre-dry or more time
- Finish is shiny and smooth, but not as sealed as a flat iron on humid days
Final verdict
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus earns its place as an everyday blowout tool for most hair types and lengths. It hits a rare sweet spot of price, speed, and results that look like a round-brush salon finish without the coordination challenge. The smaller head and added medium heat setting address the most common complaints about the original model, and the detachable head is a thoughtful upgrade.
It is not a perfect match for everyone. If your hair is very dense or tightly coiled and you want glass-smooth results in one pass, you will need more prep or another heat tool to finish. If you travel internationally, the 120V limitation rules it out. But if you are after quick volume, smooth mid-lengths, and ends that curve instead of fray, the Volumizer Plus is one of the most practical, budget-friendly ways to get it done before your coffee cools.
See also
If you prefer an ultra-sleek finish or need a tool for second-day touch-ups, our ghd Chronos Styler review compares speed, shine, and control to a professional flat iron. Whatever you style with, do your hair a favor and pick something from our guide to the best heat protectants for everyday blow drying.
For gentle detangling and daily maintenance, see our best hair brush for fine hair picks that minimize breakage and add shine. If you want a multi-styler vibe without the splurge, browse the best Dyson Airwrap dupes, then lock in your blowout with options from our best hairspray for fine hair roundup.
FAQ
What changed in the Volumizer Plus compared with the original Revlon One-Step?
The Plus has a smaller, more maneuverable oval head that gets closer to the roots and wraps shorter layers more easily. It adds a true medium heat setting for better control on fine or fragile hair, and the head detaches for easier cleaning and storage. The handle is slightly slimmer and the bristle layout gives better grip without feeling scratchy.
Can I use the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus on very wet hair?
It works best on damp hair that is about 70 to 80 percent dry. Towel-blot thoroughly or rough-dry for a couple of minutes with a regular dryer before switching to the Volumizer Plus. Using it on sopping wet hair increases styling time and exposes your hair to more heat than necessary.
Does daily use cause damage?
Any heat styling can cause damage if overdone, but the Volumizer Plus can be gentler than a high-heat flat iron because it combines airflow with moderate heat. Use the lowest setting that gets the job done, apply a heat protectant, keep sections moving, and finish with a cool pass. If your hair is compromised or color-treated, limit passes and alternate with air-dry days.
Will it smooth thick, curly, or coily hair without a separate dryer?
It can, but technique matters. Pre-dry to damp, work in smaller sections, use high to move remaining moisture, then switch to medium to polish and finish with cool. For very tight curls or dense coils, a quick pre-stretch with a paddle brush and dryer makes the process faster and results glossier.
Is the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus dual voltage for international travel?
No. The US model is designed for 120V only and should not be used with a simple plug adapter on 220 to 240V outlets. If you travel internationally, pack a dual-voltage tool or plan to style without heat.
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