Revlon One Step Volumizer Plus vs. T3 Airebrush Round | CNN Underscored

For years, Revlon’s viral One-Step has been the internet’s favorite blowout brush, and recently, even more hybrid hair styling tools have entered the market (and our bathrooms!) to cut down on styling time at home while still delivering a salon-worthy look. I have a lot of hair with a mind of its own, and the only thing that’s been able to tame my locks for the last 15 or so years is my trusty Chi flat iron. But as I’ve approached 30, I decided I wanted to switch things up and achieve that coveted bouncy blowout at home — something I’ve been terrified to attempt my entire life.

There’s no way I was going to use the traditional salon method by blowing my hair out with a hair dryer and regular round brush, so I opted to try two popular hair dryer brushes. While I’ve never tried the OG Revlon One-Step I’ve heard so much hype about, I decided to try the brand’s 2.0 version and compare it to T3’s latest iteration: The Airbrush Round. I was skeptical that they could handle drying all my hair in a reasonable amount of time, but I alternated using these over the last couple months to see if one reigns supreme. Keep reading to see how they compared.

This oval-shaped brush boasts 40% longer life than the original model and promises 50% less heat exposure for healthier locks. This version also comes with an additional medium heat setting and slimmer handle for a more comfortable grip. It also has a detachable head for easier transportation.

The newest version of T3's bestselling oval Airbrush, this 2.5-inch round model is designed to reach roots and detail ends and offers 2x faster drying. If you're looking for a bouncier, more voluminous blowout, opt for this over an oval brush.

3 (ranges from 200 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit)

3 (176, 212 and 248 degrees Fahrenheit)

N/A

Yes

Ceramic titanium tourmaline technology and charcoal-infused nylon pins

CeraGloss ceramic surface and SmoothGrip bristles

4 (colors vary by retailer)

2.4 inches (oval)

2.5 inches (round)

1.63 pounds

1.36 pounds

120V

125V

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Each device features a similar twist-dial design to control the heat settings and both were intuitive to use. Both have low (for fine hair), medium (for medium hair) and high (for coarse hair) heat settings, along with a cooling feature to lock in shine as a final step. The T3 also has two speed settings, while the Revlon doesn’t have any speed options. Additionally, the T3 boasts EvenStream vents and EvenFlow Technology that provide consistent heat and even airflow that’s fast, but more gentle on your strands. I used the highest speed setting (on the T3 only) and switched between the two highest heat settings on both.

My one qualm with the T3 is that because the bristles are more flexible, there was a bit more friction when styling my hair, and sometimes my hair would get stuck. However, using smaller sections of hair prevented this from happening.

One other minor thing to note: Sometimes I’d accidentally twist the dial while drying my hair and I’d have to readjust it. Not a major deal at all, though, and likely more of a human error.

I have a good amount of hair, so I get impatient very quickly when blow drying my hair (not to mention, my wrists start cramping). To speed things up if I was getting ready at the gym, after I did a towel dry, I did a rough dry with a regular blow dryer for a couple minutes before using both of these tools. As I got more comfortable using these, I realized the Revlon got significantly hotter so I didn’t need to do a preliminary dry anymore (more on that below). In total, I spent around 10 to 15 minutes styling my hair with each, but if I do say so myself, it looks like I spent at least double that time perfecting my salon-worthy blowout.

The skinnier shape of T3’s brush makes is easier to target roots and style ends versus Revlon’s round brush. The details are minor, but the T3 gave a little more flip at my ends.

Pro tip: Both tools are also handy for quick touch-ups post-workout. I’m trying to wash my hair less, so both are great are giving life back to sweaty hair without washing it.

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One key difference between the two tools: The Revlon feels a lot hotter than the T3 and has a slight burning smell on the highest setting, which isn’t… great. So, even though it dried my hair a bit faster, it might not be the best for your hair health to dial up the heat to the highest setting with the Revlon. Even more reason to not forget your heat protectant! At the highest setting on the T3 (248 degrees Fahrenheit), there was no burning smell and I didn’t feel like it was burning my scalp either. I sometimes had to turn off the Revlon when it got too hot.

I took both blow dryer brushes to my gym multiple times to see how they would weigh down my bag. Both are easy to carry, though the size and bulkiness can be cumbersome in a small gym bag. One nifty feature: The Revlon has a detachable head for easier packing. However, I prefer to style my hair in a spacious gym locker room with AC blasting versus my cramped studio apartment, so it’s worth the effort and backpack real estate.

The Revlon is 1100 watts and 120 volts and the T3 is 1200 watts and 125 volts. FYI: It’s not advised to use either while traveling outside the U.S., even with an outlet adapter, as it can damage the device.

Both offer similar features and a salon-worthy final result, so if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, opt for the Revlon — just be aware of a burning smell on the highest temperature setting. Though if you want a sleeker, more luxe design, slightly more targeted styling for your roots and ends and more speed options (which is especially helpful if you have a lot of hair or coarser hair), you might be okay shelling out about $80 more for the T3. I’ll definitely be incorporating a blow dryer brush into my hair care routine more often (but still plan on using my Chi to mix things up).

Tamara Kraus is the senior lifestyle editor for CNN Underscored based in NYC. She oversees Underscored’s lifestyle vertical, including fashion, beauty, home, gift guide and health and fitness content. In her free time, she's dancing at 305 Fitness, at Rumble boxing it out or hanging with her cats.