With its heated ceramic paddle surface, flexible bristles, and air-drying function, the Amika Double Agent is designed to transform damp hair into a sleek, straight finish — all in one tool.
BeautiLAB Overall 4.0 out of 5
The Amika Double Agent 2-in-1 Blow Dryer + Straightening Brush combines airflow with heated ceramic technology to smooth and straighten hair in one go. While it doesn’t offer the curling or volumizing features of a round or oval brush, it’s a strong choice for users who want sleek results fast. Its paddle-shaped ceramic brush, gentle heat range, and heated tongs deliver tension and control without clamping hair like a flat iron. With three versatile settings, it transitions easily from wet to dry to straight — all from one brush.
For a full breakdown of how it compares with top-rated tools, see our list of best hot air brushes of 2025.
Who It’s For:
The Amika Double Agent is best for:
👉 Medium to thick or coarse hair types
👉 Users who want to dry and straighten hair in one step
👉 Anyone who prefers a paddle-style tool for faster smoothing
👉 People who want gentler alternatives to flat irons
👉 Those looking for a no-fuss straight style without curls or volume
It’s not ideal for short hair, adding curls or bend, or creating lift at the roots. But for sleek, frizz-free styling, it’s an efficient, no-switch solution.
What Sets the Amika Double Agent Apart:
The Amika Double Agent is more than a hot air brush or a straightening brush — it’s a hybrid tool with three intelligent settings:
- Air-only setting (~120°F) – Use to gently dry damp hair
- Combo setting (~300°F) – Air + heated ceramic paddle smooths and dries at once
- Thermal setting (~380°F) – Use on dry hair to straighten or touch up blowouts
Unlike tools that rely on airflow alone, this brush features heated ceramic tongs that grip and stretch hair for smoother results. Its flexible outer bristles help guide strands evenly, reducing snagging while maintaining tension. Though it doesn’t create curls or volume, it excels at straightening textured or frizz-prone hair, making it a solid pick for one-step smoothing.
Key Specs at a Glance
| RRP: $120 | Barrel shape: paddle |
| Barrel width: 2.4″ | Barrel material: ceramic |
| Weight: 18.5 oz | Cord length: 9 ft |
| Heat settings: 120/300/380°F | Noise level: 90 dBA |
| Wattage: 700 watts | Voltage: 125 volts (single voltage) |
| Model name: HMS0038 | Warranty: 1 year |
Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Reaches up to 380°F — smooths thick/coarse hair well, but too hot for fine strands on high |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Simple settings and fast results, but heavier than average |
| Grip & Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Flexible bristles guide hair well, but paddle size limits root access |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2) | Best for straightening only — no curl, bend, or root volume |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ceramic barrel and ionic tech reduce frizz and boost shine |
| Travel Friendly | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2) | Heavy and single voltage; not ideal for travel |
What We Like ✅
✨ Design & Build
✅ Sleek paddle shape – Great for straightening wide sections quickly
✅ Ceramic-coated barrel – Delivers even, gentle heat
✅ Flexible outer bristles – Help grip and stretch the hair while styling
✅ Temp lock + dial – Simple and safe for consistent use
✅ 9-ft swivel cord – Offers salon-style freedom of movement
✅ Velcro strap – Keeps the cord tidy during storage
💡 Performance
✅ 3 smart settings – Separate modes for drying, combo styling, or touch-ups
✅ Up to 380°F – Strong enough to smooth coarse textures without scorching
✅ Doubles as a thermal straightening brush – Great for post-blowout refining
✅ Ionic technology – Helps reduce frizz and boost shine
What We Don’t Like ❌
⚡ Power & Heat
❌ Lower wattage (700W) – Slower drying than most blow-dry brushes
❌ Not hot enough for some very coarse or textured hair types
🖐️ Ergonomics
❌ Heavy (18.5 oz) – Can cause fatigue during longer styling sessions
❌ Thick handle (1.85″) – May feel bulky for smaller hands
🔧 Styling Limitations & Features
❌ Paddle-only design – Can’t create curls, waves, or root lift
❌ No sound alerts – No indicator when brush reaches full heat
❌ Not dual voltage – Not travel-friendly for international use
❌ No detachable filter – Slightly harder to maintain
❌ Short warranty – Just 1 year of coverage
✨ Design & Build
The Amika Double Agent blends sleek design with straightforward function. Its 2.4″ ceramic paddle base and 4.3″ brush section make it the widest paddle-style tool we’ve tested — ideal for smoothing large sections quickly and efficiently.
At the core are 1.6 cm heated ceramic tongs, which warm strands from within, and 2 cm outer nylon bristles — as long as those on many hot air brushes — offering impressive reach and detangling power even on dense, thick hair. The bristles help guide the hair through the heated base, stretching and straightening as they go without tugging or clamping.
Unlike a flat iron, the Double Agent doesn’t press hair between plates, making it a gentler option for frequent use. It’s a great match for those who want a 2-in-1 tool to dry and straighten without switching devices. Start on damp hair with the air-only setting, then move to combo or thermal mode to smooth and finish.
That said, the flat paddle shape can’t curl or create root lift, and it may not reach close to the roots — especially on shorter styles or layered cuts. But for straightening thick, hard-to-manage hair in fewer passes, this design delivers.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Amika Double Agent features a 3-mode system that streamlines your routine by letting you dry, straighten, or do both — all with one tool. Its ceramic heated paddle works alongside gentle airflow to stretch and smooth the hair based on the selected setting:
- Air setting (~120°F) – For drying damp hair with no added heat
- Combo setting (~300°F + air) – Dries and straightens at the same time
- Thermal setting (~380°F, no air) – For touch-ups or straightening dry hair
The maximum heat of 380°F isn’t as intense as pro-level flat irons, but it’s effective for smoothing coarse or thick hair. For fine or damaged hair, only the first setting (air only) is gentle enough — the other two may be too aggressive and lead to unnecessary heat exposure.
During testing, we found the handle reached 130°F when using the combo setting. While it doesn’t pose a safety concern, it can feel noticeably warm if you’re holding the brush close to the base.
The brush uses ceramic heating elements for even heat distribution and incorporates ionic technology to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and smooth flyaways. Though it lacks smart heat sensors or sound indicators, the temperature lock function keeps heat stable while in use.
Its 700W motor is on the lower end for hot air tools, so it may take slightly longer to dry dense hair. However, the trade-off is a quieter, gentler airflow that’s well-suited for users who prioritize a calm and controlled styling experience.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
The Amika Double Agent is designed for ease of use, but its size and weight may require a bit of adjustment — especially for longer styling sessions. At 13 inches long with a 1.85″ handle width, the tool feels thick in hand and may be bulky for smaller grips.
It weighs 18.5 oz, making it one of the heaviest brushes we’ve tested — noticeable during extended use but still manageable thanks to a balanced design. The 9-ft swivel cord gives salon-level reach and flexibility, and the included Velcro strap keeps the cord tidy when stored.
While it doesn’t include a detachable filter or interchangeable brush heads, it does feature an ALCI safety plug and a simple dial control with temperature lock, so you won’t accidentally change the setting mid-style.
The noise level stays around 90 dBA, which is on the quieter end for hot tools — a bonus if you’re sensitive to sound or style early in the morning. One thing to note: although the handle gets noticeably warm on higher settings (up to 130°F), it’s not unsafe — just something to consider if you tend to grip near the top of the tool.
🔄 How It Compares
The Amika Double Agent stands out for its 2-in-1 approach: drying and straightening in one go. It’s a smart pick for users who want to simplify their routine and skip the flat iron — but it’s not the most powerful or versatile hot tool out there.
Here’s how it compares to other top options:
- Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0
A strong oval hot air brush with high heat and airflow, ideal for adding volume, shape, and root lift. It’s better suited for users who want bouncy, blowout-style results. While it can smooth and stretch thick hair, it doesn’t provide the same sleek straightening effect as the Double Agent. - CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush
The most versatile option of the three, this tool includes multiple attachments (round brush, paddle brush, diffuser, concentrator), making it ideal for those who like to switch up styles. It offers more airflow than the Double Agent and better curl and wave capability, but the design is slightly bulkier, and the attachments can heat up quickly.
Summary:
For styling flexibility, the CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 wins on versatility
For easy straightening with minimal tools, go with the Amika Double Agent
For volume and shaping, the Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0 is the better match.
🏁 Final Verdict: Simplified Straightening, No Flat Iron Needed
The Amika Double Agent is a solid choice for those who want to streamline their routine and achieve sleek, straight styles without the need for multiple tools. Its 2-in-1 functionality makes it easy to go from damp to smooth with minimal effort — especially for medium to thick hair types.
While it isn’t the most powerful or precise tool for curling, root lift, or detailed shaping, it excels at gentle straighteningand reduces frizz with every pass. If your goal is polished hair with less heat damage than a flat iron, this brush gets the job done — especially for users who prefer quiet operation and simple controls.
Just keep in mind: it’s not ideal for very fine or fragile hair on higher heat settings, and it won’t replace a full blowout or styling session if you’re aiming for volume or bounce.
If you’re all about straight, sleek, and easy — the Double Agent delivers.
