Curly hair can be tricky to work with when it comes to heat styling, but just because the world of silk presses is a bit complex, that doesn't mean you didn't do your best with curls at home! If you have curly hair, I would personally recommend our B.R.U.S.H 30/40 thermal brush. I know, I know the hot styling brush has been a lifesaver for me because every single time with this product leaves my curls smooth and frizz-free and really shiny! In this guide, I will take you through why a thermal brush such as the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 is so effective for curly hair, how to prep your hair for heat styling and what key products help you protect those curls.
Why they work for curls: Thermal Brushes vs. Flat Irons
As heat styling needs differ for curly hair. Even though flat irons are an extremely common tool, their design with smooth edges tends to just press down curls into a sleek look (which can eliminate the natural volume and movement of beautiful curly hair). A thermal brush, on the other hand, provides you much greater control so that your curls maintain their body and form without frizz but are also left smooth and shiny.
A great thermal brush for versatility is the B.R.U.S.H 30/40. The 30 is suitable for short to shoulder-length hair, and the 40 works for medium to long hair—yeah, it's a hefty two-inch-wide size difference! That covers a nice spectrum of curly hair types and lengths. B.R.U.S.H has been designed to smooth each curl without taking away the texture (in contrast with flat irons), leaving a naturally polished finish.
This gentle thermal brush provides just the right amount of power for proper styling, no matter your routine. It has a single heat setting—356°F (180°C)—that will work wonders on curly hair! The steady heat level reduces the risk of harm, and this is particularly important for curly hair as it can be more sensitive to high temperatures. Not to mention, the ion technology in B.R.U.S.H 30/40 naturally cuts static and improves shine so curls look bouncy and full of life with no frizzy halo hanging around.
Preparing Curly Hair for Heat Styling
Proper preparation is essential when heat styling curly hair, as it helps achieve better results and protects hair from damage. Here’s my step-by-step prep routine with the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 to get the best out of each styling session:
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Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Always start with clean, dry hair when using the B.R.U.S.H 30/40. Washing your hair removes product buildup and leaves your curls fresh, allowing the oils infused in the brush to work their magic. If you want to style between washes, make sure hair is at least towel-dried to avoid excess moisture that could cause steam and potential heat damage.
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Use a Light Leave-In Conditioner: Applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner helps maintain moisture in your curls without weighing them down. This step is especially important if your curls tend to get dry, as it provides a layer of protection before heat styling.
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Detangle Carefully: Gently detangle your curls to avoid snags or pulling when styling. A wide-tooth comb works great for curly hair, ensuring curls stay intact and aren’t stretched or broken.
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Apply a Heat Protectant (Optional): While the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 can be used without additional heat protectant thanks to its temperature control, adding one can provide extra moisture and protection for those with particularly sensitive curls.
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Section Your Hair: Dividing your hair into small sections ensures that every curl gets equal attention. With the B.R.U.S.H 30/40’s 3-meter 360-degree cable and anti-slip handle, it’s easy to maneuver through each section for consistent results.
Achieving Smooth, Frizz-Free Curls Every Time
The B.R.U.S.H 30/40 is designed to make styling curly hair quick, simple, and effective. Here’s my go-to method for using this thermal brush to achieve smooth, frizz-free curls:
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Begin with the Underlayers: Start with the lower layers of your hair, working from the back to the front. Hold the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 near the roots and glide it gently down to the ends for a smooth, frizz-free finish. This brush is perfect for either curling or straightening, allowing you to create gentle waves, loose curls, or a straight look depending on your preference.
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Use a Rolling Motion: For defined curls, wrap small sections of hair around the brush barrel, rolling it towards your scalp. Hold for a few seconds, then release. The B.R.U.S.H 30/40’s infused oils will leave a shiny finish, giving your curls an added boost of luster.
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Go for Volume: If you love voluminous curls, use the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 at your roots and lift sections upward while gliding it down the hair length. This technique adds lift without the need for extra products or teasing, ensuring a natural and lasting volume.
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Seal the Style: After you’ve styled your entire head, let your curls cool completely before touching or combing through. This cooling period helps lock in the style, making it last longer.
Essential Products for Protecting and Enhancing Curly Hair
Healthy curls require the right balance of nourishment and protection. Here are a few essential products I recommend pairing with the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 to keep curls looking their best:
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Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner: Curly hair tends to be drier, so invest in a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with ingredients like macadamia oil or argan oil. These ingredients, also infused into the B.R.U.S.H 30/40, work wonders in maintaining shine and moisture in curls.
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Leave-In Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner provides an extra layer of moisture, especially on the ends, which are more prone to frizz and dryness. Apply sparingly to avoid weighing down your curls.
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Lightweight Serum or Oil: After styling, finish with a small amount of lightweight hair oil to seal in moisture and add shine. Macadamia and argan oils are fantastic choices that complement the nourishing effects of the B.R.U.S.H 30/40.
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Curl-Enhancing Spray: A curl-enhancing spray can help refresh curls on non-wash days. Just a few spritzes can bring back bounce and reduce frizz, extending your style between uses of the thermal brush.
The B.R.U.S.H 30/40 Difference: Why It’s the Ultimate Tool for Curly Hair
Unlike many thermal brushes, the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 goes beyond styling by enriching hair with keratin, argan oil, and macadamia oil. These natural ingredients are released as the brush heats up, coating each strand to add shine, smoothness, and a healthy look. The advanced ion technology reduces static, which is essential for keeping curly hair sleek and frizz-free.
Here’s why the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 is my go-to choice:
- One-Setting Safety: With a single heat setting of 356°F, it’s perfect for achieving smooth curls without the risk of excessive heat damage.
- Effortless Maneuverability: The anti-slip handle and 3-meter swivel cord make it incredibly easy to handle, giving you salon-quality results without any hassle.
- Easy, All-in-One Solution: Whether you’re looking to straighten, curl, or add volume, this brush simplifies it all. Say goodbye to juggling a blow dryer, round brush, and other tools – the B.R.U.S.H 30/40 does it all.
Final Thoughts
Heat styling curly hair doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a thermal brush like the B.R.U.S.H 30/40, achieving frizz-free, shiny curls is both quick and easy. Its thoughtful design, infused with keratin, argan oil, and macadamia oil, provides nourishing care with every use, making it a powerful tool in any curly-haired person’s arsenal. Plus, the flexibility to create various looks, from smooth waves to voluminous curls, gives you a range of styles to try.
Invest in the right tools and preparation techniques, and you’ll have curly hair that looks salon-fresh every day. The B.R.U.S.H 30/40 is more than just a styling brush – it’s a reliable partner for beautiful, healthy curls.
