Which Round Brush Is Best for Blowouts—Ceramic or Boar Bristle?
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TL;DR
If you’re torn between a ceramic and boar bristle round brush for your blowouts, here’s what I found after testing both:
- The Nylon Bristle Blowout Brush (ceramic-coated barrel) is best for volume, bounce, and faster drying.
- The Boar Bristle Round Brush gives you shine, control, and a sleek, frizz-free finish.
Both brushes are affordable, beginner-friendly, and salon-tested. Your choice depends on the finish you want.
“Although the barrel is ceramic-coated, Aimike refers to this ceramic brush as their nylon bristle round brush, so we’ll use that wording throughout the article.”
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Aimike. While I was compensated for sharing it, I only feature brands and products I believe in, and all opinions expressed are my own.
You know the feeling. You spend nearly an hour on a blowout; arms aching, heat blasting, only to look in the mirror and see puff, frizz, or a style that falls flat by noon.
It’s frustrating. And most of the time, the issue isn’t your hair or your technique, it’s your brush.
The right round brush doesn’t just smooth your strands. It shapes your style, controls frizz, and holds the volume you worked so hard to build. The wrong one? It pulls, poofs, and leaves you wondering why your hair never looks quite like the salon version.
So when Aimike sent me two of their most popular round brushes—a nylon bristle blowout brush and a boar bristle round brush—I didn’t just unbox them. I tested them in real-time, side by side, to see what they actually do to real hair.
What Happens When You Blowout with a Ceramic vs. Boar Bristle Brush?
With over 10 years behind the chair, I’ve styled hundreds of blowouts on every hair type imaginable, from ultra-fine strands that won’t hold volume to thick, frizz-prone curls that need serious tension to smooth out.
I’ve used both nylon and boar bristle round brushes on clients, but never directly compared them on my own hair. And let me tell you, the difference is instantly noticeable.
The nylon bristles glided through the roots effortlessly, lifting and shaping quickly. Meanwhile, the boar bristle brush gripped the strands more firmly, smoothing every layer with that high-shine, controlled finish my frizz-prone clients always ask for.
What surprised me most? How much your hair goals—not your hair type—should guide which brush you reach for.
👉Related Read: How You Blow Dry Hair for Volume That Actually Stays (Even on Fine Hair)
Unbox the Aimike Round Brushes with Me
Source: Personal Image
I’ll be honest, when these two brushes arrived, I didn’t expect to notice a huge difference right away. But even just holding them in my hands, I could tell they were designed for completely different things.
The pink nylon bristle brush feels light and easy to maneuver. It has an anti-slip rubber handle that fits comfortably in your hand (even if you're juggling clips and a dryer). The barrel is vented, which means faster heat flow and quicker drying time; a win if you’re doing your hair before work or school.
The boar bristle brush, on the other hand, feels sturdier. The bristles are more densely packed and offer a firmer grip on the hair, which is exactly what you want if you're dealing with layers, frizz, or just need more control. It also has a vented barrel and the same grippy handle, but the styling experience is totally different.
Both feel way more high-end than their price tag suggests. They’re under $25 on Amazon, but the build quality genuinely reminds me of tools I’ve stocked in the salon.
I Blew Out My Hair with Both Brushes (Here’s What I Noticed)
Source: Personal Image
I’ve done hundreds of blowouts over the years; on clients, on models, on myself. But testing two brushes back-to-back on the same head of hair? That gave me a whole new perspective.
I prepped my hair like I always do: freshly washed, towel-dried, then rough-dried until about 75% dry. I used the same heat protectant and sectioning clips, keeping everything consistent so I could really focus on how each brush performed.
With the nylon bristle brush, I noticed how lightweight it felt in my hand and how quickly it created volume. The vented barrel helped speed things up, and the tension was just right for lifting at the roots without pulling too much. It gave me that classic bouncy, blowout feel in less time than I expected.
Then I switched over to the boar bristle brush, and the vibe completely changed. This brush had more grip, which meant more control over each section. It took a little longer to get through, but the payoff was noticeable: sleeker ends, smoother layers, and a shinier overall finish. My hair looked like I’d sealed it with a gloss, even though I didn’t change a single product.
The biggest surprise? I loved both, but for totally different reasons.
Nylon Bristles = Volume + Speed
Boar Bristles = Polish + Control
Ceramic vs. Boar Bristle: What Each Brush Really Does for Your Hair
Let’s break it down.
Both brushes are designed for blowouts. Both are vented, heat-safe, and easy to handle. But when it comes to how they actually perform on your hair, the differences matter if you’re trying to solve for volume, frizz, or time.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Ceramic (nylon) Bristle Brush | Boar Bristle Brush |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Volume, bounce | Shine, control |
| Tension | Light to medium | Medium to firm |
| Finish | Bouncy & lifted | Sleek & smooth |
| Dry Time | Faster | Slower (but more precise) |
| Ideal For | Fine, flat, or medium hair | Thick, frizzy, or layered hair |
| Styling Skill | Beginner-friendly | Better with a bit of practice |
The Pros & Cons of Each Round Brush (From My POV)
Every brush has its sweet spot, and knowing the strengths and limitations of your tools is what turns a frustrating blowout into a smooth, confidence-boosting routine.
Here’s what stood out to me while using each Aimike brush:
What I Loved
- ▪ Lightweight and super easy to handle
- ▪ Cuts down drying time with its vented design
- ▪ Creates quick volume and lift, especially at the roots
- ▪ Great for everyday use or fast morning routines
What Could Be Better
- ▪ Doesn’t offer as much tension on slippery or layered hair
- ▪ Can cause flyaways if you rush or over-dry a section
What I Loved
- ▪ Grips the hair with just enough tension to smooth and polish
- ▪ Adds noticeable shine (like, actual gloss-level shine)
- ▪ Ideal for taming frizz, especially around the crown and ends
- ▪ Gives that "finished" look you usually only get at a salon
What Could Be Better
- ▪ Takes a bit more time to work through each section
- ▪ Requires a steadier hand to avoid tugging
Which Aimike Round Brush Is Right for You?
Source: Personal Image
Ceramic (Nylon) Bristle Blowout Brush
Best for volume, speed, and everyday styling ease.
You want to cut down your blow-dry time
Your hair is fine, flat, or medium density
You love that bouncy, lifted blowout look
You prefer a lightweight brush that’s easy to handle
You need something beginner-friendly and fast
Boar Bristle Round Brush
Best for smoothing, shine, and frizz control.
You struggle with frizz, flyaways, or humidity
Your hair is thick, coarse, textured, or layered
You want a sleek, glossy, salon-finish
You like more grip and control when styling
You don’t mind taking your time for extra polish
Your Blowout Brush Questions, Answered
Are boar bristles good for blowouts?
Yes, boar bristles are amazing for smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz. They grip the hair with just enough tension to shape, shine, and polish without adding static. If your hair tends to puff or react to humidity, this brush is a great choice.
What round brush is best for frizzy hair?
The Boar Bristle Round Brush is your go-to. It is designed to control flyaways and seal in shine. Just be sure to work in smaller sections and let each one cool before moving on. It makes a big difference.
Is a ceramic bristle brush better for volume?
Definitely. The ceramic blowout brush heats up fast and helps lift at the roots without tugging. It is especially helpful if you want bounce and shape through the mids and ends.
Can I use both brushes in one blowout?
Absolutely! I do it all the time. Use the nylon brush to dry and build shape, then go in with the boar bristle brush to smooth the top layer and finish the ends.
Do both brushes work on thick or long hair?
Yes, but they serve different roles. For thick or long hair, the boar bristle brush gives more control and polish, while the nylon one is great for speeding up dry time and adding volume. You might find one works better for roots, the other for ends.
My Pro Styling Tips for Smoother, Shinier Blowout Results
Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a great blowout isn’t just the tools, it’s how you use them. Here are a few of my go-to techniques that make a noticeable difference, no matter which brush you’re using.
Start with 80% Dry Hair
Trying to style dripping wet hair? It’ll take forever, and you’ll lose tension. Rough-dry with your hands or a paddle brush first, then switch to your round brush for the final shape and smoothness.
Work in Small Sections
The smaller the section, the more control you have. This is especially true for the boar bristle brush, which grips best when you’re not overloading it.
Let the Hair Cool Before You Unroll
Heat shapes the hair, but cooling sets it. Hold each section in place for a few seconds before moving on; it’s the difference between a style that lasts 30 minutes or all day.
Clean Your Brushes Weekly
Product buildup and lint can weigh down your brush and your hair. Give them a rinse with gentle shampoo and a fine-tooth comb to keep the bristles fresh and tension sharp.
Use Both Brushes for Pro-Level Finish
My favourite trick? Nylon for volume, boar bristle for polish. Start with the nylon brush to dry and lift at the roots, then finish your top layers with the boar bristle brush for that smooth, glossy vibe.
Where to Snag the Best Deal on These Brushes
You can find both of these brushes online, but I always recommend ordering from verified Amazon listings, especially when it comes to heat tools and pro-quality brushes. It’s faster, safer, and way more reliable than grabbing a random version from a beauty supply store. Here's my trusted source:
My Final Verdict: Which Brush Actually Won the Blowout Test?
Source: Personal Image
After testing both brushes multiple times, here’s what I’ll say:
It’s not about one being “better”, it’s about which finish you want.
If I’m in a rush and want soft volume and movement? I reach for the Nylon Blowout Brush.
If I’m styling for an event or just want that glassy, frizz-free finish? I grab the Boar Bristle Brush without question.
Both are affordable, beginner-friendly, and way more effective than most brushes I’ve tried in this price range.
So if you’re tired of blowouts that puff, frizz, or fall flat by lunch, don’t blame your hair.
It might just be time to upgrade your brush.
I tested Aimike’s ceramic and boar bristle round brushes to see which gives better blowout results. Here’s what actually works.