Your Blowout Brush Might Be Damaging Your Hair—Here’s How to Fix It

Do Blowout Brushes Damage Your Hair?

Like any hot tool, a blowout brush can damage your hair when it’s used incorrectly or too frequently. High heat can contribute to dryness, frizz, and breakage, while repeatedly pulling the brush through tangled hair can put additional stress on your strands. But that doesn’t mean you need to break up with your favorite styling tool.

The key is being mindful of how much heat and tension you’re putting on your hair. Using a lower heat setting, rough-drying and detangling your hair before styling, and working in small sections can all help minimize potential damage. The type of blowout brush you use matters too, from its heating technology to its bristles. And, of course, don’t forget your heat protectant. Ahead, hairstylist Shelly Aguirre shares her best tips for getting that smooth, bouncy blowout without unnecessarily stressing your strands..

How to Use a Blowout Brush Without Damaging Your Hair

Choose the Right Blowout Brush

One way to minimize excessive breakage and dryness is to reevaluate what type of brush you’re using. A metal brush can become intensely hot, and using one repeatedly could potentially burn the hair shaft. Instead, Aguirre recommends considering a blowout brush with ionizing technology. “A brush that generates negative ions will distribute heat more evenly, reduce frizz, and protect from heat damage,” she says.

Our pick? The ADAGIO 2" Professional Blow Brush features a tourmaline-infused barrel, ionic technology, and three different heat settings for more control while styling.

Rough-Dry and Detangle Your Hair First

Your blowout brush may technically be able to take your hair from wet to styled, but Aguirre recommends using it more as a styling tool than a drying one. Rough-drying first can reduce how long your strands are exposed to concentrated heat.

“Make sure to rough-dry your hair and detangle it, as knots can slow down styling and cause breakage,” says Aguirre. Once your hair is mostly dry and knot-free, you can reach for your blowout brush to smooth, shape, and finish your style.

Always Use Heat Protectant

Products matter too. A heat protectant can help minimize heat damage, while a leave-in conditioner can help keep strands moisturized as you style. “It creates a barrier between your hair and the styler,” Aguirre says of heat protectant.

We love the SUTRA Heat Guard® Blowout Cream, which contains argan and coconut oils to help nourish hair while protecting it from high temperatures

Turn Down the Heat

Hotter doesn’t necessarily mean better. Aguirre recommends using a lower heat setting and limiting how long you expose each section of hair to heat. You may need a little more patience, but your strands will thank you.

If your blowout brush has multiple heat settings, start lower and increase the temperature only if you need to. Combined with rough-drying beforehand, this can help cut down on unnecessary heat exposure.

Don’t Tug or Pull

As easy as blowout brushes are to use, technique matters. Raking or aggressively tugging the tool through your hair can cause unnecessary tension and breakage, especially if you hit a knot.

Instead, slow down and let the brush do the work. “Start by holding your hair taut at the root, then slowly pass the brush through your hair,” advises Aguirre. “You can gently turn the brush while you pull it through your hair to create movement.”

Work in Small Sections

Resist the urge to tackle half your head at once. Working in smaller sections helps heat distribute more evenly and keeps the bristles from snagging on your hair and pulling it out.

How small should you go? That depends on your hair. If you have thicker or longer hair, you’ll likely need more sections, says Aguirre. She recommends using clips to keep everything organized as you work your way around your head.

Choose the Right Bristles for Your Hair Type

Finally, take a look at the bristles on your brush. According to Aguirre, nylon and boar bristles may be too harsh for some fine or delicate hair types, while coarser or curly hair may benefit from them.

The SULTRA Compact Bombshell Blowout Brush features mixed bristles designed to comb through a range of hair types. No matter which blowout brush you choose, however, remember the golden rule: Slow and steady wins the blowout.

The Bottom Line on Blowout Brush Damage

Blowout brushes are an amazing styling tool and can give you some salon-worthy hair at home. Just like any other hot tool though, you’ll want to be careful of high heat and improper use to avoid hair damage. A heat protectant and leave-in conditioner will help protect your hair from heat, while gentle styling will prevent breakage. It’s also worth looking into different heating technology and bristle types to keep your hair looking (and feeling) healthy. Ready to ace your next blowout? Check out our curated hair care picks on IPSY Shop for more.