It’s no secret that Hot Tools blow dryer brushes are superior at styling thick and unruly hair. But which Hot Tools to choose?
The Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step features a 24K gold barrel for even heat distribution, ensuring smooth results. The Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step, with its nano titanium ceramic barrel, offers better heat retention and consistent styling, plus a detachable base for easy storage and cleaning.
We tested both models to help you decide which one is best for your styling needs. For other options, check out our Best Hot Air Brushes.
Which One is Best for You?
Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step
Who It’s For:
The Black Gold is ideal for users who need higher heat and greater flexibility, especially those with thicker or unruly hair. Its detachable base is perfect for users who value easy storage and cleaning.
How It Stands Out:
The Black Gold stands out with its durable titanium barrel, which enhances heat retention, and its detachable base, making it more convenient for storage and cleaning. Additionally, it offers higher heat (up to 260°F) compared to the 24K Gold, allowing for quicker styling of stubborn hair.
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step
Who It’s For:
The 24K Gold is best suited for users who prefer gentler heat settings or have finer hair that requires more delicate treatment. It’s also great for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
How It Stands Out:
The 24K Gold features 24K gold plating, which ensures even heat distribution for a smoother styling experience. It stands out for its gentler heat settings (with a low heat of 190°F) and more affordable price compared to the Black Gold. The gentler heat makes it ideal for sensitive hair types, while the lower price point offers great value.
Key Advantages & Differences
Hot Tools Black Gold One-Step’s Advantages over Hot Tools 24K Gold:
- Longer Cord: The Black Gold has a longer cord, giving you more room to move while styling.
- Higher Heat: The Black Gold heats up to 260°F, which is better for taming unruly hair, while the 24K Gold reaches 220°F.
- Warranty: The Black Gold has a lifetime limited warranty, while the 24K Gold has a 7-year warranty.
- Detachable Design: The Black Gold is detachable, making it easier to store and clean, which the 24K Gold doesn’t offer.
The Black Gold is a great choice for more flexibility, higher heat, and easier maintenance.
Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step’s Advantages over Hot Tools Black Gold:
- Gentler Heat Settings: The 24K Gold has gentler heat settings, with its low heat setting at 190°F compared to the Black Gold’s 210°F.
- Price: The 24K Gold is more affordable than the Black Gold.
Side-by-Side Specs Comparison
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| Model Name | HT1076 | HT1096BG |
| Price | $70 | $90 |
| Weight | 16oz | 16oz |
| Cord Length | 8ft | 9ft |
| Barrel Shape | Oval | Oval |
| Barrel Width | 2.8″ | 2.8″ |
| Heat Settings | Low: 190°F / High: 220°F | Low: 210°F / High: 260°F |
| Ionic Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level | 95dBA | 94dBA |
| Barrel Material | 24K Gold | Nano Titanium Ceramic |
| Wattage | 1100 | 1100 |
| Voltage | 125 (single) | 125 (single) |
| Warranty | 7 year | Lifetime Limited |
Design
– Barrel Size And Shape
Both the 24K Gold and Black Gold have the same 2.8″ oval barrel. This size is perfect for medium to long hair and adds extra volume.
The combination of the 3.8″ brush section length and the 2.8″ barrel width allows both tools to handle a good amount of hair at once, making styling quicker and easier. However, they cannot effectively grab hair shorter than neck length.
– Barrel Material
The Hot Tools 24K Gold Volumizer has a 24K gold-coated barrel, which provides even heat and gives a smooth, shiny finish. The Hot Tools Black Gold Volumizer has a nano titanium and ceramic barrel, which offers better heat retention, reduces frizz, and ensures even heat distribution for smoother, healthier-looking hair.
– Bristles
“Black Gold” and “24K Gold” have the same size, flexibility, and density of nylon pin and tufted bristles. These bristles are dense and flexible and can detangle, style, and smooth without breakage on thick or fine hair.
Performance
– Heat Settings
Hot Tools are known for their high and consistent heat capacity. If you have thick and unruly hair, you’ll definitely benefit from this feature. But you might be in danger if you have fine hair.
The Hot Tools 24K Gold goes up to 220°F on the highest setting, while the Black Gold can reach 260°F, the highest heat setting available on the market for a hot air brush, making it better for thicker or unruly hair. On low heat, the 24K Gold works at 190°F and the Black Gold at 210°F.
For Fine Hair: The 24K Gold is great for fine or delicate hair with its lower heat settings, reducing the risk of damage. However, it’s less effective on thicker hair.
For Thick Hair: The Black Gold works better on thick or coarse hair with its higher heat, helping to style more stubborn strands. The higher heat setting can cause damage to fine hair if not used carefully.
Now what does this mean exactly? Hot Tool advertises this high heat capacity as a positive thing. But keep in mind that these tools can burn your hair if they’re not used or chosen wisely. High heat can be very efficient and beneficial for thick and frizzy hair. But it will definitely burn your delicate strands if you have fragile hair.
To sum up, Black Gold works well to tame unruly strands with its high heat, but if you have damaged or fine hair, it’s best to avoid it. The 24K is a gentler option, with a gold surface that ensures even heating and gentler low and high heat settings.
– Ionic Technology
Both the Hot Tools 24K Gold Volumizer and the Hot Tools Black Gold Volumizer feature ionic technology. This helps reduce frizz, add shine, and speed up drying time by releasing negative ions that break down water molecules. This keeps hair smoother and more manageable while styling.
– Wattage
Both the Hot Tools 24K Gold Volumizer and the Hot Tools Black Gold Volumizer have 1100 watts of power, providing efficient drying and styling with enough strength for quick results without sacrificing performance.
Durability & Quality
There’s a lot of positive feedback about the quality of the material of both of these products. While they are different from each other, they both provide sleek and shiny results that distribute the heat evenly. They both have charcoal technology, “24K Gold” is plated in gold, whereas the “Black Gold” is coated in titanium and ceramic.
Gold is a better conductor of heat, so the 24K Gold surface heats up evenly without hot or cold spots. This helps prevent overheating and ensures even straightening without the need to go over the same strand multiple times.
Black Gold, on the other hand, recovers lost heat faster, and this may provide long-haired ladies with a faster styling session.
Ergonomics
– Tool Length:
Both the Hot Tools 24K Gold and Black Gold have the same length of 13″, which is an average size for hot air brushes.
This makes them ergonomic and easy to hold, not too tall, so you can easily grab and maneuver them while styling. The design ensures comfort and control, making it simpler to style your hair without straining your hand or arm.
– Weight
We know that the weight of the tool can be a burden for everyday stylers.
Both the Hot Tools 24K Gold and Black Gold weigh the same at 16oz, which is considered average for hot air brushes. They are not heavy, making them comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver during styling without causing hand fatigue.
– Handle Size
Both have the same handle sizes at 5″. Hot Tools brushes have larger handles compared to other models on our list. Those with small hands may not easily grasp without discomfort.
– Noise Level:
These tools are not silent when in use. The Hot Tools Black Gold operates at 94dBA, while the 24K Gold is even louder at 95dBA, making them among the loudest hot air brushes on the market. This could be a downside for those who prefer quieter styling tools.
– Cord Length:
Hot Tools seems to have listened to the consumer requests because the new “Black Gold” has an 9ft cord while “24K” is only 8ft. Don’t take this lightly, this 1ft can make a big difference in the comfort department, especially if your mirror is not right next to the plug.
– Handle Temperature
The handle temperatures of both tools are quite similar, with the Black Gold reaching 90°F and the 24K Gold at 100°F. Both are below average compared to other hot air brushes, meaning they stay relatively cool to the touch during use.
Detachable Design And Attachment Options
If we consider all the qualities that hot air brushes offer, detachable design is one of the most important ones, especially if the brand offers extra attachments that can improve your session.
“24K” fails to provide this option for the users.
“Black Gold”, on the other hand, not only is detachable, but it also offers additional attachments that can be purchased separately.
- Regular oval brush attachment HT1093BG
- Paddle brush attachment HT1094BG
- Small oval brush attachment HT1098BG
- Round brush 1.5″ attachment HT1210BG
If your priority is being compact and having versatile styling options, we recommend considering “Black Gold”.
Price And Guarantee
Their prices are quite similar; $53 for “Black Gold” vs $40 for “24K”. Now this is a very small difference for the upgrade that “Black Gold” provides. We advise you not to mind the difference and go for whatever is best for your needs.
“Black Gold” provides a lifetime limited guarantee, which is absolutely delightful to hear. It’s the only hot air brush on our list that offers such a privilege. “24K”, on the other hand, offers 7 years limited warranty, which is quite high as well.
