Thick hair is beautiful — but it can also be challenging to style. Two of the most popular tools for smoothing, shaping, and straightening thick hair are the blow dryer and the hot brush. Each has its strengths and limitations, and understanding how they work will help you choose the best tool for your hair goals.
Let’s break down both tools so you can decide which one is right for you.
Understanding Thick Hair
Thick hair usually means:
✔ A high density of hair strands
✔ Stronger, coarser texture
✔ More volume
✔ Longer drying and styling time
Because thick hair has more strands and often more texture, it needs tools that deliver heat evenly and efficiently without excessive damage.
Blow Dryer: Powerful, Versatile, Professional Results
What It Is
A blow dryer uses hot air to dry and style hair. When paired with a round brush or paddle brush, it can smooth, add volume, or help straighten hair.
Why It’s Great for Thick Hair
1. Quick Drying Time
Blow dryers move hot air quickly through dense hair, dramatically reducing overall drying time.
2. Flexible Styling
With the right attachments and brush:
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Smooth and straight
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Big, bouncy volume
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Curled ends or flipped styles
3. Professional Finish
When used properly, blow dryers mimic salon results — sleek and polished.
Best For
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People who love versatility
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Those with very thick or coarse hair
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Styles requiring volume or body
Considerations
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It takes practice to use with a brush
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Can be tiring to handle for long sessions
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Heat damage if used incorrectly (always pair with heat protectant)
Hot Brush: Simple, Sleek, User-Friendly
What It Is
A hot brush combines a brush with heated elements, allowing you to style and dry at the same time — a cross between a hairbrush and a straightener.
Why It Works Well
1. Easy to Use
No need for brush + dryer coordination. You simply glide the hot brush through sections of hair.
2. Adds Smoothness
It smooths hair while drying, which can reduce frizz and create a polished look with minimal effort.
3. Great for Everyday Styling
Perfect for quick styling at home without salon tools or skills.
Best For
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Beginners or styling newcomers
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Busy mornings
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Those who want gentle smoothing
Considerations
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May take longer than a blow dryer alone
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May not fully straighten very thick/coarse hair
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Limited style versatility compared to a blow dryer
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Blow Dryer If:
✔ You want salon-level styling
✔ You’re comfortable with tools and technique
✔ You want to control volume and shape
✔ Your thick hair is coarse or very long
Choose a Hot Brush If:
✔ You want fast, easy styling
✔ You’re new to hair tools
✔ You want smoother hair without complicated technique
✔ Your thick hair isn’t extremely coarse
Tips to Protect Thick Hair From Heat Damage
No matter which tool you choose, always protect your hair!
✅ Apply a heat protectant spray/cream
✅ Use medium heat first, then increase only if needed
✅ Keep the tool moving — no holding heat in one place
✅ Finish with a serum or light oil for shine
✅ Deep condition weekly to restore moisture
Quick Routine Examples
Blow Dryer Routine
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Towel dry gently
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Apply heat protectant
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Section hair
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Blow dry with a round or paddle brush
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Finish with cool shot and serum
Hot Brush Routine
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Start with damp (not wet) hair
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Apply heat protectant
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Divide into small sections
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Glide hot brush from roots to ends
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Seal with lightweight oil
Final Thoughts
Both the blow dryer and hot brush have their place in styling thick hair. If you crave power, speed, and versatility, the blow dryer is your go-to. If you want simple, smooth styling with minimal fuss, the hot brush is a fantastic everyday tool.