If you’re stepping into the world of hairstyling and looking for the perfect hot air brush, you’ve likely come across two standout contenders: the Drybar Double Shot and the Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush. At first glance, they might seem quite similar—but what really sets them apart?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore their design, performance, features, and pricing to help you decide which one suits your hair styling needs best.
In This Article:
- What are the Drybar Double Shot and Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush?
- Design Comparison
- Performance Analysis
- Price Breakdown
- Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
Overview: Drybar Double Shot vs Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush
Both Drybar and Hot Tools Pro Artist are respected names in the beauty industry, each known for innovative tools that cater to a wide range of hair types and styling techniques.
Drybar Double Shot
Drybar is famous for pioneering the blowout bar concept and developing a line of high-quality tools and products. The Drybar Double Shot is a 2-in-1 styling brush that combines the power of a hair dryer with the shape and control of a round brush. Its signature oval barrel enhances airflow and contact, delivering smooth, frizz-free results while adding volume.
Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush
Hot Tools Pro Artist focuses on empowering both professionals and everyday users to create salon-worthy styles. The Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush is a multi-functional styling tool equipped with a vented barrel and flexible, ball-tipped bristles designed to create everything from sleek locks to voluminous curls. It includes variable heat settings and barrel size options for more personalized styling.
Though both tools aim to simplify styling at home, they cater to different hair needs. Let’s take a closer look.
Design Comparison
Drybar Double Shot
- Overall Design: Oval-shaped 2-in-1 hot air brush with a sleek, lightweight build. Ideal for smoothing and adding volume to longer hair.
- Materials: Combination of nylon and tufted bristles, enhanced with ionic technology.
- Heat Settings: 3 temperature settings – cool, medium, and high.
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 9.3 x 4.3 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Wattage: 1100 watts
- Color Options: Yellow, Black, Grey
- Key Features:
- Ionic Technology® to reduce frizz and enhance shine
- Strategically placed vents for optimal airflow
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Oval barrel adds volume and smooths ends
Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush
- Overall Design: Round, multi-vented barrel with soft-touch handle and 8-ft swivel cord. Lightweight and ergonomic for comfortable use.
- Materials: Silicone-based flexible, ball-tipped bristles.
- Heat Settings: Variable heat and speed settings, with a maximum temperature of 430°F.
- Dimensions: 13.1 x 5.1 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Wattage: 1100 watts
- Color Options: Black and White
- Key Features:
- Three interchangeable barrel sizes: ¾”, 1″, and 1 ½”
- Curl release switch for easy detangling
- Multi-vent design for faster styling
- Removable brush sleeve for cleaning
- Textured, soft-grip handle for added comfort
Performance Comparison
Drybar Double Shot
The Drybar Double Shot is designed to give you a smooth, voluminous blowout with minimal effort. Its oval barrel and ionic technology help reduce frizz while delivering shine. The concentrated airflow through its narrower vents allows for focused styling, which is great for creating specific shapes and finishes. However, these narrower vents can slightly increase overall drying time.
This tool does not come with multiple attachments, but it’s ideal for those who want simplicity and smooth styling results—especially users with longer or thicker hair.
Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush
The Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush stands out with its interchangeable barrels, allowing users to achieve everything from tight curls to loose waves. Its flexible bristles gently grip and guide the hair while the rotating barrel feature helps release curls without pulling or tangling.
However, it’s worth noting that this tool is not intended to dry fully wet hair. For best results, towel-dry your hair before using. Thanks to its lightweight design and ergonomic grip, it’s ideal for styling on the go or for quick touch-ups.
In short:
- Drybar Double Shot = better for drying and smoothing
- Hot Tools Pro Artist = better for styling and curling pre-dried hair
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, the two tools are positioned very differently:
- Drybar Double Shot: Approximately $155
- Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush: Ranges from $40 to $44
This makes the Hot Tools option significantly more budget-friendly. However, that lower price comes with fewer drying capabilities and a more basic build quality compared to the more premium Drybar Double Shot.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Drybar Double Shot and the Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush offer great value, but they serve distinct styling needs:
Choose the Drybar Double Shot if:
- You want a tool that dries and styles in one step
- You’re looking for volume, shine, and frizz control
- You have medium to long or thick hair
- You’re willing to invest in a premium styling tool
Choose the Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush if:
- You want to create varied curl styles with one device
- You prefer a more affordable styling option
- You typically towel-dry hair before using hot tools
- You have short to medium-length hair and prioritize styling flexibility
Conclusion
In the battle between the Drybar Double Shot and the Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush, the right choice depends on your hair type, styling habits, and budget.
If you’re after a quick, salon-quality blowout with volume and shine, the Drybar Double Shot delivers professional results at a higher price point. But if you’re more focused on styling versatility and want to experiment with different curl types without breaking the bank, the Hot Tools Pro Artist Hot Air Brush is an excellent alternative.
Whichever you choose, both tools are designed to elevate your at-home hairstyling game.