✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for affordable volume and bounce, the REVLON One-Step PLUS is one of the best-value hot air brushes on the market. Its 2.4-inch oval barrel, 1100W motor, and 4 heat settings make it more versatile than the REVLON Original, while keeping the price under $75. On the flip side, it has less durable bristles and limited frizz control, which may not suit users seeking premium performance.
✅ Best for: Budget-conscious users who want lift, body, and a travel-friendly detachable design
❌ Skip if: You need advanced controls, stronger frizz management, or longer-lasting durability
👉 Want side-by-side comparisons? Check our Best Hot Air Brushes 2025 reviews.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
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REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS Hair Dryer and Styler - More Volume, Less Damage, and More Styling... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Great value for the features
- 4 heat settings including true medium
- Strong airflow from 1100W motor
- Detachable barrel for easier storage
- Lighter and slimmer than REVLON Original
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Detaching barrel is difficult
- Bristles may wear out faster over time
- No ion generator; only basic frizz control
- 6-ft cord is shorter than average
🔍 Key Specs: REVLON Volumizer PLUS at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $36 |
| Attachments | Fixed oval barrel (2.4″) |
| Heat Settings | 4 (high / med / low / cool) |
| Weight | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft swivel |
| Wattage | 1100W |
| Voltage | 125V (single) |
| Warranty | 4 years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the REVLON PLUS
This upgraded version is ideal for:
✅ Budget users wanting more control than the REVLON Original
✅ Short to medium-length hair needing volume at the crown
✅ Those who want a slightly smaller barrel than the Amika 2.0 or Drybar
❌ Skip It If:
❌ Coarse, frizz-prone hair needing ionic tech
❌ Very long or thick hair that needs more surface area
❌ Limited mobility (the detachable head is not easy to remove)
✨ Design & Build
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS improves on the brand’s original bestseller with a 2.4″ oval barrel that’s slightly smaller than the Original (2.8″). This reduction makes it easier to control on short-to-medium hair lengths while still offering enough surface area to smooth and style. The 3.75″ brush section balances coverage with maneuverability.
The barrel is coated with ceramic titanium tourmaline, which helps maintain even heat and provides mild frizz reduction. Bristles include 1 cm tufted rows for grip and 1.5 cm nylon pins for detangling. These are shorter than premium models, so while the PLUS grips fine-to-medium strands well, it can struggle to generate the same tension needed for coarser textures.
The detachable design makes it more travel-friendly, though the barrel release requires effort and may not suit those with wrist sensitivity. Overall, the build feels solid for its price point, but not premium.
👉 If you want firmer bristle tension and a sturdier build, check the Drybar Double Shot review.
💡 Performance & Technology
Powered by an 1100W motor, the PLUS offers four settings — cool, low, medium (~185°F), and high (~225°F). This makes it more versatile than the Original, though it lacks digital precision or a true ion generator. Its tourmaline ceramic barrel provides basic ionic benefits to help reduce static.
Lab results confirmed:
- Low (~185°F) — gentle for fine or damaged strands
- High (~225°F) — strong enough for medium-density hair
- Handle temp: ~95°F — comfortably warm during extended use
While 225°F is safer than flat iron temperatures, repeated use above 200°F can still weaken cuticles and alter fiber structure. A heat protectant remains essential. Frizz control is moderate, leaving bounce and shape but not a perfectly sleek finish. Volume at the crown is where this tool shines.
👉 For higher heat output and maximum tension on coarse hair, see the Hot Tools Black Gold review.
🤲 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 15 oz, the PLUS is lighter than most full-size brushes. Its 1.55″ handle diameter suits smaller hands, making it easy to grip without fatigue.
- Cord: 6 ft swivel — shorter than the 7.6 ft category average, which limits flexibility
- Tool length: 13.75″ — slightly longer than average, offering extended reach
- Noise: 93 dBA — louder than average; according to CDC NIOSH, prolonged sessions at this level can feel intrusive
- Voltage: 125V single — U.S. only, not international-travel ready
The detachable barrel improves storage and packing convenience, but detaching it requires effort. The non-slip matte finish and simple dial controls make the PLUS intuitive for everyday use.
👉 If you prefer an even lighter, budget-friendly alternative, explore the Bed Head Blow Out Freak review.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Reaches 225 °F on max setting — strong enough for thick hair while offering lower settings for gentler use. |
| Ease of Use & Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 15 oz weight and ergonomic 1.55 in handle feel stable; detachable base adds portability but can be stiff to remove. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | 1100 W motor and 2.4″ oval barrel deliver quick blowouts; dries shoulder-length hair in ~6–7 minutes with smooth finish. |
| Frizz & Finish Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ceramic Titanium Tourmaline barrel disperses heat evenly and boosts shine; ionic coating reduces frizz without an ion generator. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Four heat options (High / Med / Low / Cool) allow better customization than older models — suitable across hair types. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Handle temp ≈ 95 °F stays cool; noise (93 dBA) is average; ALCI plug ensures safe use. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Compact 13.75 in body and detachable base help storage; 6 ft cord slightly shorter than pro tools. |
💡 BeautiLAB Lab Highlights
- Max Temp Tested: 225 °F
- Handle Temp: 95 °F (comfortable to hold)
- Noise Level: 93 dBA (average for category)
- Wattage: 1100 W | Voltage: 125 V (single)
- Length: 13.75 in | Weight: 15 oz | Handle Width: 1.55 in
- Cord: 6 ft swivel | Barrel Material: Ceramic Titanium Tourmaline
- Barrel Shape: Oval (2.4 in) | Brush Section Length: 3.75 in
- Bristle Length: 1 cm / 1.5 cm
- Built-in Ion Generator: No | Ionic Technology: Yes | ALCI Plug: Yes
- Detachable Filter: No | Detachable Base: Yes (tight fit) | Warranty: 4 Years
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | Revlon PLUS | Drybar Double Shot | Hot Tools Black Gold | Bed Head Blow Out Freak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Shape & Size | 2.4″ Oval (Detachable) | 2.4″ Oval | 2.8″ Oval (Detachable) | 2.8″ Oval |
| Heat Range (°F) | 185–225 | 180–210 | 210–260 | 190–245 |
| Weight | 15 oz | 15.5 oz | 16 oz | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 9 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft |
| Best For | Short–medium hair, travel-friendly | Balanced styling, strong tension | Coarse hair needing max heat | Budget big volume, less frizz control |
For more in-depth comparisons and user experiences, you might find these resources helpful:
- Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS vs. Original Comparison
- Amika Blow Dry Brush 2.0 vs. Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS Comparison
- Drybar Double Shot vs. Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS Comparison
📣 User Feedback Highlights
- “A great upgrade from the original. The medium setting is a game-changer.”
- “Nice volume, but bristles wear fast.”
- “It’s powerful for the price, but the cord is annoyingly short.”
💬 FAQ: REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS Questions Answered
Q: Is the REVLON PLUS good for fine or thin hair?
✅ Yes — the medium (~185°F) and low settings offer gentle enough heat for delicate strands.
Q: Can it handle thick or coarse hair?
❌ Not ideal — it may lack the surface area and ionic tech needed for sleek results on dense textures.
Q: Is it dual voltage?
❌ No — it’s single voltage (125V) only. Not recommended for international travel.
Q: Does it come with attachments?
❌ No — currently, there are no additional attachments available for this model.
Q: Is it comfortable to hold?
✅ Yes — the slimmer 1.55″ handle and lighter 15 oz weight make it easier to grip than most.
Q: Is it loud?
🔊 Yes — noise level reaches 93 dBA, which is louder than average and may be disruptive in quiet spaces.
Q: Is it easy to store or travel with?
✅ Somewhat — the detachable barrel is travel-friendly, but it requires force to remove.
Q: What’s the warranty?
🛡️ 4 years — longer than many tools in this price range, offering added peace of mind.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS improves on the cult-favorite Original with four heat settings, a lighter 15 oz build, and a smaller 2.4″ barrel for better control — all while staying under $75. It’s easy to handle, fast, and delivers bouncy volume for everyday styling.
You’ll trade off some polish — the bristles wear quickly and ionic performance is basic — but for budget-conscious users, it’s a smart upgrade that earns its spot among the best-value hot air brushes of 2025.
