In the world of hairstyling, few tools possess the transformative power of the hot air brush. Once a luxury reserved for salon visits, this innovative styling tool now brings salon-quality results to the comfort of your home. But how do you use a hot brush to get the best results? Read our how to use a hot brush guide and learn everything you need to know about how to prep and style your hair when using a hot air brush.
How to Prep Your Hair Before Using A Hot Air Brush
To prep your hair effectively before using a hot air brush, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair: Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. This removes dirt, oils, and product buildup, ensuring a clean canvas for styling. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- Towel dry: After washing, gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid rough towel drying, as this can cause friction and damage to your hair cuticles. Pat your hair dry instead of rubbing vigorously.
- Apply heat protector: Before applying any heat styling tools, it's essential to protect your hair from heat damage. Apply a heat protectant spray or serum evenly throughout your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where the hair is most vulnerable to heat damage. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the heat of the styling tools, minimising damage and maintaining hair health.
- Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently remove any knots or tangles from your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, being careful not to tug or pull on your hair excessively. Detangling your hair before styling prevents breakage and ensures smoother, more manageable results when using the hot air brush.
- Partly dry your hair: Use the nozzle attachment to dry your hair until it's about 70% dry. This helps speed up the styling process and reduces the time your hair is exposed to extreme heat.
By following these steps to prep your hair before using a hot air brush, you can help minimise damage, achieve smoother styling results, and maintain the health and integrity of your hair.
How To Use A Hot Brush: A Step By Step Guide
Once you have washed, partly dried and applied heat protection to your hair, you can begin to use the hot brush to dry and style your hair. Follow our detailed guide on how to use a hot brush.
Step One: Prepare Your Hair
Step One: Choose Your Desired Attachment
Before you start using the hot brush, you need to choose and attach your desired styling tool. Different attachments offer various styling options, such as volume, curls, or straightening. For example, if you want to achieve volume or a bouncy blow out, use the round brush attachment.
If you plan to use one of the round brushes, you should make sure your hair is at least 70% dry before applying the hot brush to your hair. Alternatively, if you plan to use the curling wand, you should ensure that your hair is 100% dry and a heat protection spray has been applied.
Step Two: Section Your Hair
To ensure thorough styling and prevent tangling, divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips or ties. Begin by working on the underneath layers of your hair first. Once you've styled the first layer, release the next section of wet hair and continue styling. Repeat this process for each layer, working your way up to the top sections of your hair. This method ensures even drying and styling throughout your hair for a polished look.
Step Three: Style and Dry From Root To Tip
Begin by selecting a section of hair, roughly the size of an inch, and place the hot brush at the root of that section. With a gentle motion, glide the hot brush down towards the ends, following the natural direction of hair growth. Repeat this process for each section, gradually working your way up to the top layers of hair. Ensure that each section is thoroughly dried and styled before moving on to the next section of hair.
Step Four: Set With Cold Shot
After completing the drying and styling process for each section, utilise the cold shot feature on your hot brush to set the style. Activating the cold shot helps to lock in the style and enhance the shine of your hair. Hold down the cold shot button while gently passing the brush through your hair for a few seconds. This ensures a long-lasting and polished finish to your hairstyle.
Step Five: Apply Finishing Products
After styling, apply any desired finishing products to enhance the shine and hold of your hairstyle throughout the day. For example, apply a small amount of smoothing serum to tame flyaways or apply hairspray for extra hold.
Hot Brush FAQs
Can You Use A Hot Air Brush On Wet Hair?
It's best to use a hot air brush on damp hair rather than wet hair. Styling hair when it's damp instead of fully wet reduces the time your hair is exposed to high heat, which can prevent heat damage. By partly drying your hair before using the hot air brush, you can significantly cut down on the time it takes to fully dry and style your hair.
Can You Use A Hot Brush On Dry Hair?
Yes, you can use a hot brush on dry hair. In fact, using a hot brush on dry hair is a common practice for touch-ups or restyling between washes. Dry hair allows the hot brush to style and shape the hair without the added moisture, making it easier to achieve your desired look. However, it's important to ensure that your hair is not excessively dry or brittle, as this could lead to damage from the heat. Always use a heat protectant spray or serum before using a hot brush on dry hair to minimise the risk of heat damage and keep your hair healthy.
What Hairstyles Can You Create Using A Hot Air Brush?
With the Bellissima Italia 8 in 1 Hot Brush Styler, you can achieve a variety of hairstyles depending on your hair type and the type of styling attachment used, including:
- Round Brush 32mm: Straight or wavy hair with defined ends
- Round Brush 50mm: Straight or wavy hair, great for shaping
- Volumising Brush: Super bouncy voluminous hair
- Curling Iron 19mm: Defined bouncy curls
- Diffuser: Natural curls
- Detangling brush: Ideal for natural straight hair or detangling other hair types
- Nozzle: Regular blow dry
How To Make Your Hairstyle Last After Using a Hot Air Brush?
To make your hairstyle last after using a hot air brush, start with clean hair and use a heat protectant before styling. Set your hairstyle with cool air and finish with a light-hold hairspray. Avoid touching your hair unnecessarily and consider sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases to prevent frizz. These simple steps will help maintain your hairstyle's longevity and keep it looking great throughout the day.
Do Hot Air Brushes Cause Heat Damage?
Hot air brushes can cause heat damage if used incorrectly or excessively, however the Bellissima Italia 8 in 1 Airwonder and 6 in 1 Hot Air Styler feature either ceramic or keratin coating which guarantees hair protection and instant vitality for silky and elastic hair. The Ion Care technology of these products also keeps the hair feeling hydrated, shiny and frizz free. To minimise the risk of heat damage, you should use the lowest effective heat setting, limit heat styling sessions, keep the brush moving continuously, use heat protection products, and consider incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine.
Should You Clean Your Hot Air Brush After Use?
Yes, it's advisable to clean your hot air brush at least every month to maintain its effectiveness and prevent the buildup of hair products, oils, and debris. Cleaning your hot air brush regularly helps to prevent bacterial growth and ensures that it continues to work efficiently. You can clean a hot air brush by gently removing any hair trapped in the bristles using a comb or your fingers, wiping the surface with a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution, and allowing it to dry completely before storing it. For more information, read our How To Clean A Hot Brush guide.
Explore Hot Brushes by Bellissima Italia
Now that you know how simple it is to use a hot brush, why not upgrade your hair styling game with the Bellissima Italia 8 in 1 Airwonder or 6 in 1 Hot Air Styler. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect salon worthy blow dry at home or effortless waves, our styling tools are perfect for creating sleek, flawless hairstyles that last.
