What size hot round brush should you use? It’s as simple as matching the barrel size to your hair length: the Petite Mini (1”) for short hair and bangs, the Medium (1.5”) for short to shoulder-length hair, the Large (1.77”) for medium to long hair, and the Jumbo (2.3”) for really long hair.
The look of the beloved salon blowout-inspired style has always been popular, but achieving one at home… not so much. Juggling dryers and round brushes, then curling irons or straighteners can be a little intimidating.
But fear not, voluminous hair enthusiasts! Your happiest hair days are a-head. Designed for simple, at-home styling with no complicated techniques required, the thermal brush can help achieve that classic blowout look on dry hair without the classic blowout fuss. “This is like a curling iron and a brush had a baby,” says Mane founder and professional stylist Jen Atkin. “You can put a wave in [your hair], you can get an actual bend, you can get a really cute curl, or you can do your hair nice and smooth and make your hair look like you got a blowout.”
What size round brush should I use?
Choosing a thermal brush barrel size depends on your specific hair type, length and the styling results you’re looking to achieve - similar to a round brush size guide outlining which round brush sizes are ideal.
| Brush | Barrel | Best for | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s Giving Petite Mini | 1" (27mm) | Short hair, pixies, bobs, curtain bangs, face-framing layers | Precise control, flipped ends, soft bends |
| It’s Giving Body Medium | 1.5" (38mm) | Short to medium length | Bouncy curls, soft waves, major volume |
| It’s Giving Body Large | 1.77" (45mm) | Medium to long | Classic ’90s styles, loose bends, everyday volume |
| It’s Giving Body Jumbo | 2.3" (60mm) | Long hair | Maximum root lift, a smooth Hollywood finish |
Still not sure? Take the 10-second size quiz.
As far as hair type goes, Mane’s thermal brushes are optimized to achieve a medium heat range of 355° to 380°, which is ideal for styling most hair types including medium hair, chemically-treated hair, finer type 2, type 3, and natural hair as well as thicker type 3 hair.
Can I use a thermal brush for short hair?
A thermal brush is a great option for short hair if you’re looking to add some bend to the ends, a touch of volume or just a smoother end result.
Thermal brushes like Mane’s even help reduce frizz, tame static & deliver a polished, even finish thanks to nano ceramic technology + negative ions. Reach for the It’s Giving Petite Mini Hot Round Brush 1" (27mm) if your hair is short (think, chin length or shorter), if you have a pixie - or if you’re just looking to perfect shorter sections of your hair like styling bangs or face framing layers.
Would a thermal brush for thick hair work?
Yes, a thermal brush for thick hair would work very well as long as you choose the right barrel size for your hair length and take proper sections - ideally the size of the barrel you’re working with. For instance, if your hair is long and thick, a Jumbo barrel is best - but if your hair is medium to long in length a Large barrel would be more appropriate.
In fact, a thermal brush is fantastic for thick hair thanks to its ability to simplify styling. Anyone with thick hair will tell you, it can be on the fatiguing side to round brush dense amounts of hair. By allowing your hair to air dry or doing a far less strenuous rough dry with just a paddle brush to get all of the moisture out, the heavy lifting of the round brushing can be replaced with a hot brush that offers a similar end result with less effort.
Which size thermal brush is best for shoulder-length hair?
Shoulder length hair is considered medium length, so a medium diameter barrel size would be the best option. The It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Round Brush comes in at 1.5" (38mm), which makes it the perfect size for shoulder length hair.
Shoulder-length hair is a very versatile hair length when it comes to styling options, so adding a thermal brush to the routine is perfect for maximizing all of that potential. Mane’s Best of Beauty Award winning brush creates soft, refined waves and makes layers easy to style.
How do I use a thermal round brush?
Once you’ve chosen your size, styling with your new brush is super simple.
- Apply heat protectant - Hydration Hugs Leave-In Conditioner and Temp Check Heat Protector both provide up to 450°.
- Dry your hair completely
- Turn the power on
- Divide your hair into sections with alligator clips to make life easier.
- Style as you would with a round brush or curling iron, being sure to avoid direct contact with skin just as you would any hot tool.
Your new styling bestie awaits
No matter your hair length, texture, or styling goals, there’s a hot round brush that’s made just for you. From soft waves and sleek ends to full-bodied bounce and head-turning volume, achieving your dream blowout has never been easier—or more fun.
With salon-worthy results, simple use, and innovative design features built into every ceramic barrel, thermal brushes are more than just styling tools—they're your shortcut to great hair days, every day.
Ready to meet your match and transform your routine? Your best blowout yet is just a brush away.
FAQ
Should I prep my hair before using a thermal brush?
Before using a thermal brush, make sure your hair is completely dry and detangled. Apply a heat protectant, then section your hair before styling for the best results.
What size hot round brush should I get?
A mini thermal brush with a barrel around 1” in diameter or less is ideal for short hair. If your hair is short to medium in length, a medium brush with a barrel around 1.5” is best. Medium to long hair needs a large barrel with around a 1.77” diameter. If your hair is very long, a 2.3” jumbo barrel is the right size for you.
What size round brush is best for short hair?
The best hot brush for short hair has a small barrel, around 1” in diameter. A thermal brush for short hair with this small size works well to add bend and movement to short hair while making detailing for shorter layers and bangs quick and easy.
What size round brush should I use for bangs or curtain bangs?
A small or mini barrel hot round brush is ideal for styling bangs or curtain bangs, fringe, and shorter face framing layers. The It’s Giving Petite Mini Hot Round Brush with its 1” barrel diameter is expertly designed for this type of styling.
What size is best for shoulder-length or medium-length hair?
A medium thermal brush with a barrel around 1.5”, like the It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Round Brush, is designed for creating smooth, bouncy styles for shoulder-length or medium-length hair.
What size works for long or thick hair?
Choose which size hot round brush you use based on the length of your hair: the Large (1.77”) for medium-to-long thick hair, the Jumbo (2.3") for long hair.
Does a bigger barrel give more volume?
Bigger barrels (Large, Jumbo) give smoother, looser bends and more body through the lengths of longer hair. Smaller barrels (Petite Mini, Medium) give more curl and bend on shorter hair. Choose by hair length first, then by the finish you want.