Conair’s extra-large hot air brush, with 6 separately available attachments, is great for fast styling and long hair
4.4 out of 5
Model name/ number: BC116
Price: $60
Heat settings: low: 130°F / high: 180°F
Best for: all hair types except very curly / neck-length or longer hair
Hairstyle: it can quickly create loose waves and smooth long hair
Pros: very versatile with many attachments available separately, great at detangling, and has a long cord
Cons: doesn’t create super sleek results, thick handle is hard to hold
How it stands out: it has the largest barrel at 3″ that’s efficient for long hair and comes with 6 different attachments that can be bought separately to meet various needs
Conair took things to next level with a hot air brush with so many attachment options for every possible need. It initially comes with a large (3”) oval-shaped barrel and catches our attention as the best option for long hair.
But this tool offers much more. There are 6 extra attachment options to purchase for many different hair types and styles.
Not only with its 180°F maximum temperature it does a great job taming unruly strands, but it can also be as gentle as it gets with 130°F minimum temperature for the most fragile.
It may not be the sturdiest hot air brush in the market, but for its average price of $60, it’s a perfectly efficient tool for all hair types.
Below we share our experiences with “Conair Knot Dr All-In-One Dryer Brush”. If you’re curious about the competition, check out our article on the top-rated hot air brushes of 2024.
Barrel Size And Shape
Conair Oval Brush initially comes as a 3” oval barrel, which is a very large size, actually the largest on our list. (The second biggest barrel belongs to Amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 which is 2.8″.)
While its oval shape makes it fast and effective for longer hair, it’s not ideal for short hair because it can’t reach the roots. The oval shape is designed to lift and add volume to the hair.
Conair also offers various attachments with different-sized and shaped barrels to meet different needs. Each is sold separately, so you can choose and buy only what you need.
Bristles
Hot air brushes have two types of bristles and according to their softness and length, they choose to compromise on styling or detangling.
Conair’s bristles are softer than most brushes on our list and with 0.6″ nylon pin and 0.3″ tufted, they’re relatively short.
We can say that this tool is gentle and won’t pull your hair, but it doesn’t straighten effectively either. It’s great for detangling and smoothing while drying.
Detachable Design
One might say Conair’s best quality is its detachable design and many attachment options. This tool is not joking when it comes to versatility. It comes with 3 different round barrels, from super large to extra slim (1.5” and even slimmer) for all possible hair lengths and styling needs, a double-row detangling comb, a paddle brush for a fast session, and a natural finish, volume pik and a storage case. This is a compact tool and travel-friendly since it can be detached and packed away easily.
Temperature
– Heat Settings
According to their maximum and minimum heat, hot air brushes can be great stylers that can tame the unruliest hair or huge hazards to the delicate strands. Conair Oval Brush is 130°F on low setting which is gentle enough for fine hair, yet it’s still an efficient styler. Its maximum heat of 180°F is average and can handle thick hair.
– Handle Temperature
The handle stays cool at 80°F and is very comfortable to hold even after long use.
– Cool Tip Temperature
The maximum heat of the handle is 80°F, and the cool tip is 93.0°F. These are both very gentle numbers, even for the most delicate hands.
Performance And Durability
Detachable heads usually sacrifice sturdiness but Conair impressed us with its high-quality material and durability. Of course, it can never be as sturdy as a non-detachable model but it’s better than most detachable ones. It has ionic technology that adds to its speed and frizz-free results. With a price of $60 (and more if you purchase the extra attachments), it’s an investment and it pays off with its material quality. It’s a long-lasting tool and after our thorough tests, we can say that it doesn’t break easily. There are even more luxurious and sturdy products like Drybar in the market if you are willing to spend $150 but Conair is a great alternative with its middle-range price. Its wattage of 1000W is also an average number that usually does an efficient job unless you plan to use this tool professionally.
Ergonomics
– Weight:
The weight of a hot tool can get overwhelming if used for long periods of time. Conair is 16.2oz, which is average compared to most tools in the market and it’s an acceptable option for most that wouldn’t cause arm fatigue.
– Handle Size:
The diameter is 5.5 inches at its thinnest and 7.5 inches at its thickest part of the handle, which is also the largest on our list. This is something to consider in case you have small hands. Conair, as much as being versatile and effective, is not the most ergonomically designed tool.
– Length:
With a length of 15 inches, it’s the longest tool on our list and compromises on maneuverability. Fortunately, it’s a detachable model and it can be made to a compact size with a press of a button. The bottom part comes out as well so you can clean the filter easily, which is a nice touch that most hot air brushes fail to offer.
– Noise Level:
The maximum noise level of Conair is 90 dBA, which is an average number. It will most likely not bother you even if you have sensitive ears.
– Cord:
Its cord is 7.5 ft and swivel, which is longer than average.
Price And Guarantee
Conair Oval Brush is a middle-priced tool. $60 (more if you purchase the extra attachments), as much as being cheaper than other luxury models such as Drybar Double Shot ($150), is still an investment for most. We feel like it’s worth it with its versatility and effective styling.
Conair also comes with a 3-year limited guarantee which is more than the standard 2 years.
Other Models From Conair
Conair All-In-one Dryer Brush is not the only hot air brush that Conair offers. There’s also “Conair The Knot Dr. Smoothening Dryer brush”, with a paddle shape. This brush is the best detangler on our list, which is not surprising as paddle brushes can detangle the knots and smoothen the hair much faster with its paddle shape and large surface. While Conair offers only these two round brushes, it also has extra attachments to pick and choose from in case you have different styling needs. These two tools can even match each other’s bases if needed. They’re similarly priced (paddle brush is $50 instead of $60) but the oval barrel has the capacity to heat up to higher temperatures, which makes it more convenient for thick hair.
Competition
Conair impressed us with its durability and versatility, but many competitors offer similar features. The Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step is another detachable hot air brush with separately sold attachments. It stands out from the Conair All-In-One Dryer Brush because it has denser, longer bristles that grip hair tightly and a highest heat capacity to handle even the most unruly hair.
