amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 Review: Worth Switching?
I bought a blow dryer brush because my arms hurt. Holding a dryer in one hand and a round brush in the other felt like a workout I never signed up for. The amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 promises to do both jobs at once. I tested it for weeks to see if it actually saves time or just adds another tool to my drawer.
This brush targets one clear problem: frizz with no shine. If your hair air-dries puffy and dull, this tool claims to fix both in a single pass. I wanted to know if that claim holds up on real, slightly stubborn hair.
I also wanted to test it on thick, wavy hair that takes forever to dry. Many brushes work fine on fine hair and fail on dense hair. So I pushed this one hard before forming an opinion.
In a Nutshell
- 2-in-1 design: It combines a round brush and a blow dryer, so you dry and style at the same time with one hand.
- 3 heat and speed settings: You get 115°F, 190°F, and 230°F, which covers everything from gentle drying to a fast, hot finish.
- Tourmaline-coated oval barrel: This generates negative ions and infrared heat to smooth the cuticle and cut frizz.
- Mixed bristles: Long nylon ball-tip bristles detangle, while short bristles add bounce and polish.
- Lightweight build: At 0.85 lb (380 g), it stays comfortable through a full blowout without arm fatigue.
- Best for: Wavy, straight, and color-treated hair that needs volume and shine. It struggles on tight curls and soaking-wet hair.
What Is the amika Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
- Gives 2x the shine*
- Increases volume
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The 2.0 is the updated version of amika’s bestselling hot brush. amika redesigned the internal parts after testing for tool longevity, which matters because the original had reports of dying early.
It is a single fixed brush head with an oval barrel. The oval shape is the main design choice. Round barrels wrap hair evenly, but the oval gives more root lift and a flatter, sleeker mid-shaft.
The tool runs at 950 watts on 120V. That is moderate power, not salon-grade. It is built to style as it dries, not to blast wet hair from scratch.
The Unboxing and First Impressions
The packaging is clean and simple. You get the brush, a long cord, and a manual. No travel pouch, no extra attachments. The box feels premium but not flashy.
The first thing I noticed was the weight, or the lack of it. It feels almost too light in the hand, which is a good problem. My wrist never ached, even during a 15-minute dry.
The 9-foot cord with a 360° swivel is genuinely useful. I could move around my bathroom mirror without yanking the plug or twisting the cable into knots.
The Barrel and Bristle Design
The oval barrel is the heart of this tool. The tourmaline coating releases negative ions, which break up water droplets and lay the cuticle flat. In plain terms, that means less frizz and more shine.
The bristles come in two lengths. The long nylon ball-tip bristles grip and detangle without scratching the scalp. They glide through medium to thick hair with no painful snags.
The shorter bristles sit closer to the barrel. They press the hair against the heat for that smooth, polished finish. Together they create tension, which is what gives you a real blowout shape instead of just dry hair.
Top 3 Alternatives for amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
If the amika is sold out or over budget, these three are the closest matches I trust.
REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Styler
- Upgrade Your Blowout, 75% Shinier Blowout in One-Step: Style, Dry & Volumize Your Hair with this Hair Dryer Brush for healthy looking blowout results at home and experience 75% shinier blowouts*
- Elevated Brush Design: More versatile 2.4” hot round brush size allows you to style closer to the root and explore more styling options from flips, soft waves and more
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Drybar The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush
- blow-drying has never been easier! drybar's the double shot combines the hot air of a blow-dryer with the structure of a round brush to create a smooth, shiny blowout with tons of volume in one quick, simple step.
- ionic technology reduces frizz and adds tons of shine while styling. strategically-placed vents provide maximum airflow for a faster blowout. ergonomic, lightweight design provides maximum comfort.
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush
- Salon-Quality Blowouts: Combines the drying power of a hair-dryer brush with the structure of a round brush
- Get Waves, Curls, and Body Effortlessly: Creates loose waves and curls; 2.25-inch round barrel is great for bangs and shorter hair too
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The Revlon is the budget pick and the most popular by sheer volume. The Drybar Double Shot is the closest oval-barrel rival at a higher price. The Single Shot suits shorter hair and bangs.
How It Performs on Different Hair Types
I tested across a few hair types to be fair. The results were not equal, and that matters for your buying choice.
On straight and wavy hair, it shines. It dried and smoothed in one pass and added real root volume. This is the sweet spot for the tool.
On fine hair, it works fast but you must watch the heat. The high setting can over-dry thin strands, so I kept it on medium.
On thick or coarse hair, it works but slowly. You need to rough-dry first with a regular dryer, then finish with the brush. Used on soaking-wet thick hair, it takes too long.
On tight curls, it is not the right tool. It will stretch and smooth curls, not define them. Curly users should look elsewhere.
Does It Actually Reduce Frizz and Add Shine
amika claims 2x the shine versus the leading competitor. I cannot verify a lab number, but I can report what I saw. My hair did look glossier than air-drying, with noticeably less frizz.
The shine is real on the days I use a heat protectant first. Skip the protectant and the shine drops while the frizz creeps back in. The tool helps, but it is not magic on its own.
The frizz control held up for about a day in normal weather. In humidity, it faded faster, like most heat styling does.
The Heat Settings Explained
You get three combined heat and speed levels. This is simpler than tools that separate the two, which I actually prefer for daily use.
The low setting (115°F) is for fine or fragile hair and gentle finishing. The medium (190°F) is the everyday workhorse for most people. The high (230°F) dries fast but runs hot.
Here is my honest warning: the high setting gets very hot. Several long-term users, including hairstylists, say the same. I rarely needed it and kept to low or medium to protect my hair.
The Downsides You Should Know
- Gives 2x the shine*
- Increases volume
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
No tool is perfect, and this one has real flaws. I will not pretend otherwise.
First, durability is the big question mark. Older versions had units that died around the one-year mark. amika redesigned the internals for 2.0 and added a 2-year warranty, but I would still register it and keep the receipt.
Second, the high heat can damage hair if overused. Always pair it with a heat protectant and avoid daily high-heat use.
Third, it cannot dry soaking-wet hair well. Plan to towel-dry or rough-dry first, or you will stand there far too long.
Who Should Skip This Brush
This tool is not for everyone, and being honest here saves you money. A few groups should look at other options.
If you have tight, coily curls and want definition, skip it. This brush smooths and stretches; it does not form curls.
If you want a tool that dries fully wet hair from scratch, this is not it. The 950W motor is built to style, not to replace a high-power dryer.
If you are rough on tools or travel constantly, weigh the durability history and lack of a travel pouch before you commit.
Is the amika Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 Worth It
For the right hair type, yes. If you have wavy, straight, or color-treated hair and want an easy, salon-style blowout at home, it earns its spot.
The lightweight body, smart oval barrel, and frizz-cutting ions make daily styling faster and far less tiring. That is the core promise, and it delivers.
The price sits around $100, which is mid-range. It is cheaper than a Dyson and pricier than a Revlon. For most people wanting a reliable upgrade, it lands in a fair middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the amika brush on wet hair?
You can, but I do not recommend soaking-wet hair. Towel-dry or rough-dry to about 80% first. Used on very wet hair, the 950W tool takes too long and tempts you into using the hottest setting.
Does it cause heat damage?
It can if misused. The high setting (230°F) runs hot. Always apply a heat protectant, stick to low or medium for daily use, and save high heat for rare occasions. Treated carefully, it is no harsher than a standard blowout.
How long does the amika 2.0 last?
amika redesigned the internal parts for better longevity and added a 2-year warranty. Earlier versions had reports of failing near one year. Register your tool and keep proof of purchase so a warranty claim is easy if needed.
Is it good for thick hair?
Yes, with a step added. Rough-dry thick or coarse hair first, then finish with the brush for smoothing and volume. On dense hair it dries in roughly 15 minutes when pre-dried, but much longer from fully wet.
Does it work on curly hair?
Not for definition. It smooths and stretches curls into a sleeker shape. If you want defined ringlets, choose a diffuser or a curl-specific tool instead. For a smooth, voluminous look on curls, it performs well.
How does it compare to the Revlon One-Step?
The Revlon is cheaper and very popular, but users note it can run hot and feel drying. The amika has a premium oval barrel and ionic finish. Both get hot, so the choice comes down to budget and how much shine you want.
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Hi, I’m Julia Knight, a tattoo enthusiast and expert in tattoo trends. With a passion for art and self-expression, I’ve been fascinated by the world of tattoos for years. On this blog, I share my knowledge and insights on the latest tattoo designs, trends, and techniques. When I’m not writing, you can find me exploring new tattoo artists, attending tattoo conventions, or getting inked myself!