Best overall round brush for long-lasting curls: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush 1.25–1.75 in — fast heat, smooth tension, reliable shape on most hair types. Rating: 4.7/5
Best for fine hair and frizz-prone lengths: Boar + nylon mixed bristle round brush 1.25 in — grips without snagging and adds shine while you curl. Rating: 4.6/5
Best hot-air brush for easy curl and shape: Hot Tools Black Gold 1.5 in Volumiser — lift, curl and set in one pass for those who struggle with a brush + dryer. Rating: 4.5/5
The right brush can set bouncy curls, polished waves, or a soft bend that actually lasts. The trick is matching barrel size and bristles to your hair length and texture, then setting the curl properly so it does not drop by lunchtime.
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Barrel size cheat sheet (choose before you buy)
- Short hair or face-framing layers: 1.0–1.25 in
- Medium lengths (collarbone): 1.25–1.5 in
- Long hair: 1.5–1.75 in
Smaller barrels give tighter curls and more lift. Larger barrels give big bends and blowout waves.
Deep dives
Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush (1.25–1.75 in)
Finish/feel: Smooth, fast-heating ceramic barrel with anti-static bristles
Why it works: Ceramic heats quickly and evenly, so you get consistent tension and curl memory without frying ends. The vents allow air to pass through the section, helping curls set faster when you cool-shot.
Best for: Normal, thick or slightly coarse hair that needs stronger tension to lock in a curl.
Watch outs: Can run hot at the crown if you park the dryer too close. Keep the nozzle moving.
Pros
- Even heat distribution for reliable curl formation
- Multiple diameters for true shape control
- Lightweight handle that reduces wrist fatigue
Cons
- All-nylon bristles can be too slippy on very silky fine hair
- Ceramic coating can scuff if tossed loose in a bag
Rating: 4.7/5
Boar + Nylon Mixed Bristle Round Brush (1.25 in)
Finish/feel: Natural boar for polish plus nylon pins for detangling and grip
Why it works: Mixed bristles grip fine strands so they do not slide off the barrel, while boar distributes oils for a smoother, shinier curl. Ideal for frizz-prone or delicate hair that collapses with all-nylon.
Best for: Fine to normal hair, frizz-prone lengths, anyone who struggles to keep hair wrapped on the barrel.
Watch outs: Not as fast as a vented ceramic barrel. Allow a few extra seconds per section.
Pros
- Better grip on silky fine hair
- Polishes the cuticle for shinier curls
- Gentle on fragile ends
Cons
- Slower dry time than highly vented barrels
- Needs regular cleaning to remove shed hair and oil
Rating: 4.6/5
Hot Tools Black Gold 1.5 in Volumiser (Hot-Air Brush)
Finish/feel: Built-in dryer with a round brush head for one-hand styling
Why it works: Combines airflow and a heated barrel so you can lift at the root and curl the lengths in a single pass. Great for those who find a separate brush and dryer awkward.
Best for: Medium to long hair that wants a salon-style blowout with large curls or bends.
Watch outs: Hot-air brushes can be too strong for very short crops; keep sections small and avoid high heat daily on fragile hair.
Pros
- One tool for lift, curl and smoothing
- Easy learning curve for non-pros
- Black Gold barrel coating resists wear
Cons
- Bulkier than a standard brush
- Heat exposure can add up if you go over the same section repeatedly
Rating: 4.5/5
How we chose
We prioritised brushes that make it easier to form a curl and hold it:
- Barrel options from 1.0–1.75 in for true control over curl size
- Bristle design that grips without snagging fine or frizzy hair
- Heat handling and venting that speed drying without hot spots
- Owner feedback on durability, shine, and how long curls last after the blowout
Technique that actually helps curls last
- Work in small sections. If the section is wider than your barrel, it will not heat evenly.
- Tension is the secret. Keep hair taut as you roll from roots to ends.
- Cool to set. Hit each curl with the dryer’s cool shot for 3–5 seconds before releasing. That locks in shape.
- Finish light. A touch of flexible hairspray or a pea-size styling cream through ends helps curls resist humidity without crunch.
Pros and cons of each type
Ceramic round brushes
- Pros: Fast, even heat; great for strong curl memory
- Cons: Can slip on very fine hair without mixed bristles
Boar + nylon mixed round brushes
- Pros: Best grip for fine and frizz-prone hair; extra shine
- Cons: Slower drying; needs more maintenance
Hot-air brushes
- Pros: One-hand simplicity; lift and curl in one pass
- Cons: Bulky; repeated passes can over-dry if you rush
FAQs
What size round brush should I choose for curls
Short hair and bangs do best with 1.0–1.25 in. Shoulder length prefers 1.25–1.5 in. Long hair can handle 1.5–1.75 in for big, bouncy waves.
Why do my curls drop after an hour
Sections are often too big or not cooled before release. Use smaller sections, keep tension, and cool-shot each curl to set the shape.
Are hot-air brushes damaging
They can be if you repeatedly go over the same section on high heat. Keep passes slow and controlled, and dial heat to the lowest setting that works.
Do boar bristles work on thick hair
Yes with nylon pins mixed in. Pure boar can struggle to penetrate very dense hair, so a boar + nylon combo is more versatile.
Should I use hairspray before or after curling with a brush
After. Finish with a light flexible hold mist once curls are set and cooled to avoid stickiness on the barrel.
See also
If your curls fall flat because the wash routine is too heavy, swap to lighter cleansers and conditioners that support volume. Start with Best Shampoos for Fine Hair and slip without collapse from Best Conditioner for Fine Hair. If frizz is the real villain, the routines in Best Shampoo for Frizzy Hair help curls set smoother so your brush work holds.
Working with curls and waves daily Check Best Shampoo for Curly Hair for gentle cleansers that do not strip, and add a weekly recovery step from Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair if heat styling is frequent. For oilier roots that kill lift by lunchtime, a lighter wash cycle from Best Shampoo for Oily Hair will keep the crown bouncy.
