With three interchangeable round barrels, ceramic heating, and a lightweight build, the CHI 3-in-1 delivers flexible styling for all hair lengths — especially short to medium styles.
BeautiLAB Overall: 4.2 out of 5
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush stands out for its flexibility. With three round barrel sizes (1″, 1.25″, and 1.7″), this tool adapts easily to short layers, face-framing waves, or smoothing longer sections. Its ceramic-coated surface and ionic technology ensure frizz control and even heat distribution, while the 1000W motor provides enough power for quick drying.
While it’s not the hottest or most powerful brush out there, the brush’s compact size, comfortable grip, and brush variety make it ideal for precision work and quick touch-ups — especially for users who want one tool for multiple styles.
👉 Looking for more options? Check our full guide to the best hot air brushes of the year.
Who It’s For:
This blow dry brush is best for:
✅ Short to medium hair
✅ Layered cuts, bangs, or fringes
✅ Fine to medium textures
✅ Users who want interchangeable barrels in a single tool
✅ People who style often and want versatility in volume, curl, and polish
It’s not ideal for very thick or coarse hair, as the airflow is moderate and the barrels are on the smaller side.
What Sets the CHI 3-in-1 Apart:
- Three interchangeable round barrels – 1″, 1.25″, and 1.7″ for different lengths and styles
- Compact & lightweight – Easier to control and store than bulkier blowout brushes
- Ceramic-coated barrels – Distribute heat evenly while minimizing damage
- Ionic technology – Helps reduce frizz and boost shine
- Low noise (88 dBA) – Quieter than most models tested
- Detachable base – Smooth, secure locking system for easy brush changes
- Includes cleaning brush – A helpful extra for long-term use
Key Specs at a Glance
| RRP: $125 | Barrel shape: round |
| Barrel width: 1″ /1.25″ /1.7″ | Barrel material: ceramic |
| Weight: 14 oz | Cord length: 7 ft |
| Heat settings: 150 /170 /215°F | Noise level: 88 dBA |
| Wattage: 1000 watts | Voltage: 125 volts (single voltage) |
| Model name: CA2025 | Warranty: 2 year |
Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Max 215°F – Effective for most hair types, but not super hot |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Compact, easy to maneuver, especially with short to mid-length hair |
| Grip & Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Slim, slightly textured handle is comfortable to hold |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) | 3 barrel sizes offer impressive versatility from root lift to soft curls |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ionic ceramic barrel helps reduce static and boost shine |
| Travel Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | Not dual voltage, 7-ft cord is a bit short, but detachable barrels help |
✅ What We Like
🌟 Design & Build
✅ 3 barrel sizes – Includes 1″, 1.25″, and 1.7″ round brushes for max styling range
✅ Ceramic-coated barrels – Even heat distribution with less damage
✅ Solid, compact design – Feels durable without being bulky
✅ Detachable base – Easy to swap barrels and store neatly
💡 Performance & Technology
✅ Heats up to 215°F – Hot enough for most hair types
✅ Ionic technology – Helps reduce frizz and boost shine
✅ Low noise level – Runs quieter than most at 88 dBA
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
✅ 12.5″ length – Shorter and easier to handle than most
✅ Lightweight (14 oz) – Comfortable for longer sessions
✅ Velcro strap – Keeps cord tidy during storage
❌ What We Don’t Like
⚡ Power & Heat
❌ No digital heat control – Dial offers limited precision
❌ Cool shot isn’t truly cool – Blows at 150°F, which is too warm to seal styles effectively
🛠️ Features & Flexibility
❌ Not dual voltage – Not travel-friendly internationally
❌ No detachable filter – Slightly harder to clean long-term
❌ 7-ft cord – Slightly shorter than the pro standard (8–9 ft)
✨ Design & Build
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush is designed for users who want flexibility in styling — without needing multiple tools. It comes with three interchangeable ceramic brush barrels (1″, 1.25″, and 1.7″) that click in easily with a secure locking system. This makes it ideal for everything from short layers and bangs to voluminous blowouts on longer hair.
The 4″ brush length provides good coverage, and the ceramic coating helps distribute heat evenly for smoother results with less damage. The bristle mix — 1 cm tufted and 1.6 cm nylon pin — offers a good grip, though not as strong as firmer bristles found on brushes like Drybar’s.
💡 Performance & Technology
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush delivers reliable performance across three heat settings — cool (150°F), low (170°F), and high (215°F) — making it a versatile option for a range of hair types and styles. While the high setting is hot enough to smooth and style most hair textures, the cool shot’s 150°F temperature doesn’t effectively cool or set styles, functioning more like a gentle heat option than a true cool burst.
The handle temperature reached 97°F during testing, which is comfortable and lower than many hot air tools — a nice plus if you hold your brush closer to the barrel during styling.
The brush features a 1000W motor, which offers consistent airflow for quick drying, though it’s best suited for fine to medium textures.
Its ceramic-coated barrels and ionic technology work together to help reduce frizz and static, boosting shine without harsh heat. While it doesn’t include smart sensors or digital displays, the brush heats quickly and holds a stable temperature, providing dependable results without guesswork.
Combined with three interchangeable round brush heads — 1″, 1.25″, and 1.7″ — the CHI gives you more control over the finish, whether you’re going for tight curls, polished bends, or soft volume.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush is designed with everyday comfort in mind. At just 14 oz, it’s lightweight enough for extended use without causing arm fatigue. Its 12.5-inch total length and 1.75″ handle width make it shorter and slightly slimmer than many competitors, offering good balance and easy control.
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush runs at a noise level of 88 dBA, which is noticeably quieter than most other hot air brushes we’ve tested.
That makes it a great pick if you’re styling early in the morning, sensitive to loud tools, or just want a more peaceful blow-dry experience. Despite the lower noise, it still delivers strong airflow — so you don’t have to trade performance for quiet operation.
The 7-ft swivel cord gives you reasonable range, although it’s slightly shorter than salon-standard lengths. It includes a Velcro strap for tangle-free storage, but lacks a detachable filter, which might make long-term cleaning a bit less convenient.
One standout ergonomic perk: the quick-release mechanism on the detachable base makes it easy to switch between brush heads. This simple but well-executed feature adds flexibility and helps the tool feel more user-friendly — especially if you’re styling in sections or switching barrel sizes mid-blowout.
While the heat dial doesn’t feature digital indicators, the manual control is responsive and intuitive — and the tool’s overall size and weight make it a comfortable pick for a wide range of users.
🔄 How It Compares
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush sets itself apart with three interchangeable round brush heads — a rare feature among hot air brushes. This gives it a major edge in customization and precision, especially for those with short styles, bangs, or layers who want more control over shape and volume.
Compared to the CHI 4-in-1 Volumizer, the 3-in-1 is lighter, quieter, and better suited for detailed work. While the 4-in-1 offers an oval brush and paddle brush for faster smoothing and volume on longer hair, the 3-in-1 focuses more on styling variety and controlled finishing, not rapid drying.
The Drybar Half Shot is another strong contender, with a 1.5″ fixed barrel and ultra-dense bristles that create strong tension for stretching and smoothing. It’s better for coarse or thick hair that needs more pull, but less flexible if you want to switch styles or brush sizes.
👉 If your focus is controlled styling, lightweight feel, and interchangeable barrels, the CHI 3-in-1 is a top-tier pick — especially for users with short to medium hair who prioritize versatility over speed.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Customizable Tool for Controlled Blowouts
The CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush stands out as one of the most customizable tools on the market, thanks to its three interchangeable round barrels and thoughtful design. With a lightweight build, low noise level, and ceramic + ionic technology, it’s great for users who prioritize precision and versatility in their styling routine.
While it doesn’t reach extreme heat levels or offer a true cool shot, its moderate temperature range and gentle airflow make it a solid choice for short to medium hair, bangs, layers, or anyone who prefers a controlled, low-damage blowout. If you want one tool to tackle different looks without switching appliances, the CHI delivers — quietly, gently, and efficiently.
