A good hot air brush can completely change your hair routine. Instead of using a hairdryer and a separate styling brush, a hot air brush dries, smooths and styles your hair at the same time. The Safeway Hot Air Brush has become a popular choice thanks to its affordability and ease of use, but how does it compare to well-known brands like Revlon, Philips, BaByliss and Dyson when it comes to frizz control and styling time?
Here’s what you need to know before choosing the right tool for your hair.
What Makes a Good Hot Air Brush?
Not all hot air brushes are created equal. The best models offer:
- Multiple heat and speed settings
- Ceramic or tourmaline technology to reduce frizz
- Ionic technology for smoother hair
- Even heat distribution
- Comfortable weight and grip
- Suitable barrel size for different hair lengths
These features all contribute to smoother results and faster styling.
Safeway Hot Air Brush: A Budget-Friendly Option
The Safeway Hot Air Brush is designed for everyday styling. It combines drying and brushing into one step, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Pros
- Affordable compared to premium brands
- Easy to use for beginners
- Adds volume while drying
- Suitable for straight, wavy and lightly curly hair
- Lightweight design reduces arm fatigue
Frizz Control
The Safeway brush performs well on slightly frizzy or naturally straight hair. If it includes ceramic coating and ionic technology (depending on the model), it can leave hair looking noticeably smoother than air drying alone.
However, people with very thick, coarse or tightly curled hair may still need a finishing serum or flat iron to achieve salon-smooth results.
Styling Time
For medium-length hair, most users can expect styling to take approximately:
- Short hair: 5–10 minutes
- Medium hair: 10–15 minutes
- Long hair: 15–25 minutes
Actual times vary depending on hair thickness, moisture level and styling technique.
Safeway vs Revlon One-Step
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer is one of the most recognised hot air brushes on the market.
| Feature | Safeway | Revlon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More affordable | Mid-range |
| Frizz Control | Good | Very good |
| Styling Speed | Fast | Very fast |
| Volume | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Everyday styling | Salon-style blowouts |
Winner: Revlon delivers stronger smoothing and volume, while Safeway offers excellent value for everyday use.
Safeway vs Philips Hot Air Brush
Philips focuses on gentle styling and hair protection.
Philips Advantages
- Advanced heat protection
- Consistent airflow
- Multiple attachments on many models
- Excellent for daily use
Safeway Advantages
- Lower price
- Simpler controls
- Great option for occasional styling
Winner: Philips generally offers better long-term hair care, while Safeway remains attractive for shoppers on a budget.
Safeway vs BaByliss
BaByliss hot air brushes are known for professional-quality styling.
Compared with Safeway, BaByliss typically offers:
- Higher airflow
- Better heat consistency
- Improved frizz reduction
- Longer-lasting styles
The trade-off is a significantly higher price.
Safeway vs Dyson Airwrap
The Dyson Airwrap sits in a completely different category.
It offers:
- Intelligent heat control
- Multiple styling attachments
- Advanced airflow technology
- Minimal heat damage
- Exceptional frizz control
The biggest difference is cost. A Dyson can cost many times more than a Safeway hot air brush, making it a premium investment rather than an everyday purchase.
Which Hair Types Benefit Most?
Fine Hair
The Safeway Hot Air Brush works well by adding volume without exposing hair to excessive heat.
Medium Hair
Most users will find it provides a good balance between drying speed and smoothness.
Thick Hair
Expect longer drying times. Working in smaller sections and using a smoothing serum can improve results.
Curly Hair
Loose curls and waves can be smoothed fairly easily, but tighter curls may require pre-drying or additional styling tools for the sleekest finish.
Tips for Better Frizz Control
Regardless of the brand you choose, these habits can improve your results:
- Towel-dry hair until it’s about 70–80% dry before styling.
- Apply a heat protectant before using any heated tool.
- Work in small sections for a smoother finish.
- Finish with the cool setting if your brush has one to help set the style.
- Use a lightweight anti-frizz serum or finishing oil after styling.
Is the Safeway Hot Air Brush Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for an affordable styling tool that can dry and smooth your hair in one step, the Safeway Hot Air Brush is a practical choice. It offers good performance for everyday styling, especially for fine to medium hair, while helping reduce styling time compared with using a separate hairdryer and brush.
Those with very thick, coarse or highly textured hair may achieve smoother, longer-lasting results with premium options such as Revlon, Philips or BaByliss, while the Dyson Airwrap remains the top choice for shoppers seeking the latest styling technology.
Final Thoughts
The Safeway Hot Air Brush strikes a strong balance between price, convenience and everyday performance. While it may not completely match premium styling tools for frizz control or salon-quality finishes, it can still deliver smooth, voluminous hair in less time than traditional blow-drying methods.
For many people, it’s an excellent entry-level hot air brush that makes daily styling quicker, easier and more affordable.
