No, a thermal brush is a hot styling tool with a heated ceramic barrel and no airflow, so it can’t dry wet hair. Use only fully dry hair that has been allowed to completely air dry or been dried with a hair dryer after you’ve applied heat protection.
Questions like this and more come up commonly when talking about thermal brushes, and like any innovation, learning all the tips and tricks is key to making it part of your best hair story. This easy to use heated round brush can save you both time and energy when doing your hair, so read on for the whole tea on how to make your new styling bestie work for you.
Can you use a thermal brush on wet hair?
No, a thermal brush should not be used on wet hair. A thermal brush is a combination round brush and curling iron and is designed for use on completely dried hair. It is not equipped with a dryer component and is not intended to be used in place of a hair dryer.
There are two main variations of combination brushes in popular use today - the dryer brush and the thermal brush, also known as a hot round brush. The dryer brush combines a hair dryer with a round brush, basically allowing you to do a blowout with one hand instead of two. A thermal brush combines a round brush and curling iron, allowing for a freshly blown out look on hair that’s already blown dry or air dried.
Do thermal brushes damage hair?
Thermal brushes carry the same risk for hair damage that any hot styling tool does, but applying heat protection before styling and using the brush according to manufacturers directions can help reduce the risk.
Hair brushes in general are capable of causing friction and strain on hair, which can result in damage if done too often, too roughly or on wet hair. The risk of damage is even greater if hair is already fragile or chemically processed. But specifically, are thermal brushes bad for your hair? Mane’s range of thermal brushes heat to one set temperature: 355°F, a medium styling temp for most hair types (380°F for the Jumbo), which is lower than the higher temps you may be used to. To minimize damage as much as possible, just remember a few dos and don’ts when it comes to using your thermal brush.
- Do use your brush on detangled hair. Don’t use the brush for this step, go with a detangler like Hydration Hugs Leave-In Conditioner and a wide tooth comb before drying.
- Do dry your hair thoroughly before brushing. Don’t use the thermal brush on wet hair.
- Do apply heat protection for day 2 touch ups, like Temp Check Heat Protector that can be used on dry hair. Don’t assume your heat protection from yesterday is still hanging around!
- Do move the brush through hair with minimal pausing like you would a curling iron. Don’t hold a heated brush in the same spot for more than a few seconds.
- Do wrap hair once around the brush barrel before pulling through to add bend and wave. Don’t wrap the hair around the barrel multiple times, which can cause tangling.
Is the Mane thermal brush dual voltage?
Yes, each Mane thermal brush is dual voltage, coming in at 100-240V, 60/50Hz - which means they can travel with you worldwide (just don’t forget to pack your plug adapter).
That’s not the only techie benefit these brushes offer either. Expertly designed to give you that salon-style experience right at home, the Mane brushes each come equipped with Nano Ceramic Technology + Negative Ions to help reduce frizz, tame static & deliver a polished, even finish and Dual PTC Heaters that reach and maintain a temp between 355° and 380° (depending on which brush you choose) in under 1 minute. There’s also an automatic shut off after 60 minutes of inactivity for increased safety.
“Our hot round brush was something that all of my clients and friends were going nuts over,” Celebrity hair stylist and Mane founder Jen Atkin told PopSugar. “Nothing is going to work like ceramic heat to really manipulate the hair, make it smooth, and make it last throughout, like different types of weather.”
How do I use a thermal brush?
Thermal brushes are very easy to use and can help create a versatile array of styles. Be sure you’ve picked the right barrel size for your hair length and style goals, then follow these simple steps.
- Always start with fully dried hair (no damp or wet locks!)
- Apply heat protection before every styling sesh. Temp Check Heat Protector offers up to 450°F heat protection and can be used both damp and dry (so just before your blow dry or just after you’ve completely air dried.)
- Tap the power button to turn your tool on. (Mane’s brushes reach optimal styling temp in under 60 seconds.)
- Section your hair, taking smaller sections for bouncier curls or getting closer to the root for more volume.
- Place the thermal brush under the section, hold for a few seconds, then slowly glide down the full length of your strand. For curl or wave, twist the brush away from your face as you glide it through (being careful not to wrap the hair around the barrel more than once to avoid tangling).
- Hold at least 2-3 inches away from your face when styling bangs to prevent direct contact with skin.
- Once you’re done, tap the power button again to turn your brush off.