With its 2″ round ceramic barrel, firm tufted bristles, and high-heat airflow, the Drybar The Single Shot is designed to smooth, shape, and add body — especially to shorter and medium hair.
BeautiLAB Overall: 4.2 out of 5
The Drybar Single Shot is a focused tool: it’s round, lightweight, and built for volume and movement. With a narrower 2″ barrel compared to its big sister, the Double Shot, this brush works best on short to medium-length hair — creating loose waves, bends, and bounce in a single pass. It doesn’t have digital controls or interchangeable heads, but its simple design and strong performance make it a go-to for everyday styling.
If you’re exploring more round brush options, check out our top hot air brush picks to see how it stacks up.
Who It’s For:
This blow dry brush is best for:
👉 Medium to thick hair types
👉 Wavy or curly hair that needs shaping or stretching
👉 Medium to long lengths — especially if you want bend or soft curls
👉 Users who want volume close to the roots
👉 People who prefer a one-step tool for smoothing and styling
Note: Round brushes like the Single Shot offer more tension and lift than oval ones — great for styling and shaping, but they are a bit too aggressive on fine or fragile hair, especially if you’re prone to breakage.
What Sets the Drybar Single Shot Apart:
- 2″ mid-sized round ceramic barrel – Adds body, soft bend, or loose curls, especially on shoulder-length or layered hair
- Root-friendly shape – Round design allows easy access to the scalp for maximum lift
- Tension-building bristles – Grips and stretches hair to smooth or shape, especially effective on wavy or curly strands
- Lightweight, easy-to-control body – More compact and balanced than larger oval options like the Double Shot
- 1140W motor – Delivers strong airflow for efficient drying and styling
- Ionic technology – Minimizes frizz and enhances shine for a sleek finish
While it doesn’t have interchangeable heads or digital controls, the Single Shot’s focused design makes it a reliable tool for those who want a simple, round-barrel blowout brush for shaping and smoothing in one go.
Key Specs at a Glance
| RRP: $155 | Barrel shape: round |
| Barrel width: 2″ | Barrel material: ceramic |
| Weight: 15 oz | Cord length: 9 ft |
| Heat settings: 200°F / 225°F | Noise level: 91 dBA |
| Wattage: 1140 watts | Voltage: 125 volts (single voltage) |
| Model name: 900-2840-4 | Warranty: 2 year |
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Heats up to 225°F — effective for smoothing, but not the hottest |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) | Lightweight, well-balanced, and simple to operate |
| Grip & Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Comfortable to hold, but barrel may feel large near roots |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Adds bend, body, and smoothness — not ideal for curling |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ceramic + ionic tech help tame frizz and add shine |
| Travel Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | Single voltage, no filter — not the most compact |
✅ What We Like
🌟 Design & Build
✅ Mid-sized 2″ round barrel – Great for adding shape, bend, and volume
✅ Ceramic-coated barrel – Delivers even heat with less damage
✅ Dense, tufted bristles – Create strong tension for smoothing and root lift
✅ Compact build – More maneuverable than larger oval brushes
💡 Performance
✅ High heat output – Up to 225°F for styling thick or wavy hair
✅ Ionic technology – Helps reduce frizz and enhance shine
✅ Quiet operation – 91 dBA is below average for hot air tools
🔌 Convenience
✅ Lightweight (15 oz) – Comfortable for most users
✅ 9-ft swivel cord – Allows easy movement while styling
✅ ALCI safety plug – Adds peace of mind
❌ What We Don’t Like
⚡ Heat & Power
❌ Not ideal for very fine or damaged hair – High minimum temp (~200°F)
🖐️ Styling Limitations
❌ One-barrel design – Not versatile for users who want more styling options
❌ Not dual voltage – Not suitable for international travel
❌ No detachable filter – Slightly harder to clean over time
✨ Design & Build
The Drybar Single Shot is crafted for polished, controlled styling with a focus on volume and shape. Its 2″ round ceramic barrel is perfect for creating bounce, body, and soft movement in medium to long hair. The fully round shape also makes it easier to get close to the roots and style with greater precision than oval brushes, especially when lifting or shaping face-framing layers.
The 3.9″ brush section is one of the longest in its category, allowing you to cover more hair per pass — ideal for quick yet detailed styling.
What sets this tool apart is its bristle structure. Like all Drybar hot air brushes, the Single Shot features the thickest and firmest bristles on the market. It uses 1.1cm tufted bristles and 1.7cm nylon pin bristles, both longer than average. This length and density create strong tension and grip, making it highly effective for smoothing, stretching, and styling thick or unruly hair.
However, it’s worth noting that firm bristles aren’t great for detangling — especially compared to brushes with wider-spaced, flexible bristles, which are gentler on knots and better for sensitive scalps. So while the Single Shot excels at styling, it’s not designed to replace a detangler.
Combined with a solid, lightweight build and quality materials, it’s a styling-first tool that’s made to deliver bounce, shine, and control.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Drybar Single Shot is designed to deliver fast, polished results with a focus on volume, bend, and smoothness. It uses a ceramic-coated barrel to distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots and helping to protect the hair’s natural shine.
The brush is powered by an 1140W motor, which provides strong airflow and consistent heat — enough to effectively style thick or medium-density hair. During testing, it reached a maximum barrel temperature of 225°F, with a low setting around 200°F. These heat levels are ideal for smoothing and shaping most hair types, though they are too intense for fine or fragile strands.
It offers three standard settings:
- High (225°F) – For thick or hard-to-style hair
- Low (200°F) – For medium textures or more controlled styling
- Cool shot – To set your look and seal the cuticle
The built-in ionic technology helps reduce frizz and add shine by neutralizing static, especially useful in humid or dry conditions. While it doesn’t have smart sensors, digital controls, or audible alerts, the heat output is steady and reliable.
The handle remained around 90°F during use — warm but still comfortable to hold.
While the Single Shot doesn’t offer precision temperature customization or multiple attachments, it excels at delivering quick, voluminous blowouts with salon-style smoothness — particularly on medium to long hair lengths.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
The Drybar Single Shot is built with ease of use in mind, offering a comfortable styling experience in a compact, salon-quality package. At 13.75 inches long, it’s slightly above average in length but still easy to maneuver, especially for medium to long hair.
The handle width of 1.55″ is slim enough to provide a solid grip without feeling bulky — even during longer sessions. At 15 oz, it’s lightweight and well-balanced, making it a great fit for users who want control without fatigue.
The 9-ft swivel cord offers generous range and flexibility, letting you move freely as you style without tangling. While it lacks a detachable filter or base, the smooth barrel surface makes cleaning relatively easy.
The dial control is simple and responsive, though it doesn’t offer digital precision. There’s also no sound alert or LED display, so you’ll need to rely on timing and feel to gauge heat readiness.
During testing, the maximum noise level measured around 91 dBA, which is typical for hot air brushes — noticeable but not disruptive for most users.
And while the Single Shot is single voltage only (125V), that’s standard across Drybar’s lineup — and most hot air brushes on the market. It’s not ideal for international travel, but it’s built for long-term reliability at home.
For storage, there’s no included Velcro strap, but the compact design makes it easy to tuck away in a drawer or cabinet between uses.
🌀 Other Models From Drybar
Drybar has expanded its collection of blow-dryer brushes to suit different hair types, lengths, and styling goals. In addition to the Single Shot, here are the other standout options:
The Double Shot – A 2.4″ oval barrel ideal for smoothing and volumizing long or thick hair. Great for everyday blowouts with body and bend.
The Half Shot – Features a smaller 1.5″ round barrel that’s perfect for short hair, bangs, and layers. Offers precision control for tighter curves and volume at the roots.
The Smooth Shot – A paddle-style dryer brush that’s designed to straighten thick or coarse hair quickly. It doesn’t create curls or waves but delivers sleek, frizz-free results with less effort.
While the Single Shot excels at creating soft curls and shaping medium to long styles, each Drybar brush serves a specific purpose — whether it’s volume, control, or smoothing.
👉 Want to compare them all? See our full guide: The Double Shot Vs. The Single Shot Vs. The Half Shot Blow-Dryer Brushes Comparison.
🔄 How It Compares
The Drybar Single Shot shines for users who want polish and volume in a single pass, especially on medium to long hair. With its 2.25″ round barrel, it offers more lift and shaping flexibility than paddle or oval designs. It’s especially useful for creating rounded ends, root volume, or soft waves — but it doesn’t offer interchangeable heads or advanced digital features.
Compared to the InfinitiPRO by Conair Hot Air Spin Brush, the Single Shot delivers stronger airflow and more precise control. The InfinitiPRO uses two rotating round barrels (1.5″ and 2″), adding convenience for hands-free styling, but it lacks the bristle grip and consistent tension needed to smooth thicker, coarser hair types. Drybar’s firmer bristles and steady airflow make it better for taming stubborn strands without tangling.
Versus the CHI 3-in-1 Round Blowout Brush, the Single Shot is simpler but feels more premium and durable. The CHI offers three interchangeable round barrels (1.0″, 1.25″, and 1.7″) for more versatility across hair lengths and styles. However, Drybar’s denser bristles and even ceramic heat distribution give it an advantage when it comes to achieving smooth, salon-like finishes, especially for thicker or more unruly hair.
🏁 Final Verdict: Best for Bounce, Bend, and Polished Ends
If you’re after a blow-dry brush that delivers shine, shape, and smoothness — especially on medium to long hair — the Drybar Single Shot is a worthy pick. It doesn’t offer digital heat control or curling capabilities, but its high wattage, ceramic barrel, and ultra-dense bristles make it a powerful styling companion. Whether you’re smoothing ends or flipping layers, it creates the kind of volume and polish you’d expect from a salon — without the hassle.
