Finding a styling tool that suits your hair can be a real challenge, especially if you have an unpredictable mane like mine. Factor in a specific budget, and the hunt can feel never-ending.
In my search for affordable hair stylers, Revamp is a brand that has consistently appeared. It not only offers a broad range of popular tools, but also prioritises hair health through its feature-rich designs – an impressive focus at such an accessible price point.
I've recently been trying out the Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush, one of the brand's newer stylers. Keep reading to find out whether its performance is just as attractive as its price point, or whether it's best to avoid altogether.
Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush review: price and availability
The Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush is priced at £49.99, offering an affordable styling solution compared to many high-end alternatives. Launched alongside Revamp’s Pro Blow Dry 7-in-1 Ionic Air Styler and Straight & Style Ceramic Ionic Hair Straightener in September, it's one of the brand’s latest product releases.
The Hot Brush is available to buy at Argos and Very, but is currently reduced in Revamp's Black Friday sale.
Take a look:
Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush review: design and features
Due to its low price point, the Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush keeps things straightforward in its design. Its 40mm round brush is perfect for short to medium length hair, and its 5mm bristles are a beneficial length for optimising volume. It also features a 3-metre swivel cable which is ideal for far away plug sockets.
The Hot Brush is pleasantly lightweight, which is a big plus if you spend a while styling your hair. However, the lightness does give it a somewhat less sturdy feel. It would have appeared more premium if there was a bit more weight there.
In terms of features, the Hot Brush has two separate heat settings. The standard setting heats hair up to 180ºC for any style, whereas the Ionic Jet setting is designed to enhance smoothness and shine. The Hot Brush itself has an ultra-fast heat up time, meaning you can start styling within seconds.
Just like other Revamp products, the Hot Brush is infused with Progloss super smooth oils. The ceramic barrel releases Keratin, Argan and Coconut oil into your hair when styling, aiming to prevent heat damage. I was slightly dubious of this when I came across it during my Revamp iGen Progloss Straightener review. However, whilst you may not notice it right away, it's definitely one of those things that becomes apparent as time goes on.
Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush review: performance
Before diving into the details, let me just say that the Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush's standout feature is the incredible volume it provides. I've mainly been using it to revive my hair after two or three days without washing, and it's been great at creating a bouncy blow-dry effect in no time at all. With the right products, I also found the style to hold up all day. Recommending hair styling tools is always a tricky task, especially as a lot of it comes down to the technique, but this Hot Brush is definitely one to rave about.
It took around 15 seconds to get to the maximum temperature, which was a godsend when rushing about during the morning. The 3-metre cable is also a game-changer, providing a degree of flexibility that’s hard to find in most styling tools.
One downside was the Hot Brush's singular heat setting. Although you can switch between the standard mode and the Ionic Jet mode, both operate at the same temperature. A lower heat option would have been ideal, especially since it's generally recommended to stay below 150ºC to protect hair health. That said, I enjoyed the flexibility of the two styling modes, especially the standard mode for a bouncy look, and the Ionic Jet mode for a smoother finish.
Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush review: verdict
The Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush has impressed me, especially when it comes to its voluminous results. Whilst choices are limited in terms of temperature and features, it does exactly what it's designed to do, and for a great price. If you're looking for a high performing hot brush to rely on, this is a great choice.
Revamp Ceramic 40mm Hot Brush review: alternatives to consider
If you'd like something slightly more premium than Revamp's Hot Brush, I'd recommend the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Brush. It's a little more expensive, but it specifically uses infrared technology to gently heat the hair and lift it at the root, working towards improving and maintaining good hair health. It can also heat hair between 120°C – 220°C, providing a bit more of a choice.
Another alternative to consider would be the Shark SmoothStyle. It can style either wet or dry hair, and it features ceramic-coated plates designed to reduce heat damage. It's rather bulky and can take a while to work its magic, but it's another affordable styler that does exactly what it's meant to.
