Beauty Revlon Blowout Guide: Dry, Volumize and Style in One Step
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
The story of the one step blowout
The original One Step Volumizer launched and became a beauty phenomenon. It hit number one in hot air brushes and stayed there. Millions of buyers ditched salon blowouts for the at home tool. Revlon then released the Plus with a slimmer brush and detachable design. The line now covers every budget and hair length. Few tools have changed home styling this much.
How hot air brushes work
A hot air brush blows heated air through vents in a styling brush. The bristles grip and tension the hair like a round brush. Heat and tension together smooth the cuticle and add shine. Ionic generators release negative ions that break up water droplets. That speeds drying and fights frizz. The oval shape adds root lift that flat brushes cannot match.
Volume techniques pros use
Pros lift at the root with the brush placed flat against the scalp. They overdirect hair, pulling it in the opposite direction of growth. That creates lift that lasts all day. They also cool each section before release. Cool air sets the hydrogen bonds in the new shape. Finish with a light root spray, not heavy oil. Oil at the roots kills volume fast.
Second day hair refresh
You do not need a full wash to revive a blowout. Spritz roots lightly with water or dry shampoo. Run the Plus on low heat through flat sections. Focus on the roots and the face framing pieces. The heat reactivates yesterday's shape in minutes. Smooth the ends with a tiny drop of oil. Your blowout looks fresh without a full restyle.
Traveling with a blowout tool
The Plus is the travel pick because the head detaches. Pack the handle and brush head separately in a pouch. Bring a heat resistant mat for hotel counters. Check voltage before international trips, since the tool is built for 120V US outlets. Never use a voltage converter, which can damage the motor. For short trips, the detachable design fits easily in a carry on.
Recommended Products
Our top Revlon blowout picks cover the original classic, a fun color edition, and the upgraded Plus model.
Best for: first time buyers wanting the classic blowout tool
REVLON One-Step Volumizer Original 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, Mint
- Original 1.0 best selling blowout tool
- Oval brush with nylon pin bristles
- 3 heat settings plus cool option
Pros
- Dries and styles in one step
- Number one in hot air brushes
Cons
- Not detachable
- Bulkier brush head
Best for: fans of the original wanting a colorful edition
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush, Purple
- Original RVDR5222 1.0 model
- Purple color edition
- Ionic technology for fast drying
Pros
- Same proven 1.0 performance
- Fun color at a low price
Cons
- Not detachable
- Three heat settings only
Best for: stylists wanting the newest features and travel option
REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0, Blow Dryer Brush (Black)
- Upgraded Plus 2.0 model
- Slimmer 2.4 inch oval brush
- Four heat settings plus detachable design
Pros
- Closer to the root styling
- Detachable for travel
Cons
- Costs more than the original
- Learning curve for the slimmer brush
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for revlon blowout, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.
The 80 percent rule for one-step blowouts
The biggest mistake with one-step volumizers is starting on soaking-wet hair. Tools like the Revlon One-Step work best when hair is already 70 to 80 percent dry, because the brush then only finishes and shapes rather than doing all the water removal. Starting soaking wet means more passes, more heat exposure, and a result that falls flat faster. Rough-dry first: flip your head upside down and blast the roots until hair feels damp but not wet, then switch to the volumizer for styling passes. Each section should need only two or three slow passes to go smooth. This matters especially for thick or long hair, where a full wet-to-dry session can take 30 minutes and cook the ends. The BaByliss Pro Rapido guide covers heat and speed settings by hair type, which transfers directly to choosing the right heat level for the rough-dry stage.
Where the cold shot fits your routine
Most one-step volumizers include a cool setting that users ignore, but the cold shot locks a blowout in place. Heat reshapes the hair's bonds while warm; cooling sets that new shape. After your final smoothing pass on each section, switch to cool and run the brush through the same section once more. Use it section by section rather than as a final blast over the whole head, and cool the roots last for extra crown lift, since hair sets in the lifted position. Skipping this step is why many blowouts look great at 8am and limp by noon. For a lighter everyday alternative on days you skip the full blowout, the air hair styler picks round up lower-heat tools that refresh shape without a full hot session.
One-step volumizers on short hair and bangs
Short hair, pixies, and bangs need different technique with a full-size volumizer brush. A 1.5-inch barrel is too large to reach the scalp on short layers, so use just the edge of the brush: place the outer bristles at the root and pull through in short strokes rather than wrapping hair around the barrel. For bangs, work one thin horizontal section, keep the brush moving constantly, and never park it in one spot, since concentrated heat on short fringe causes kinks. Burn risk is higher at short lengths because the hot barrel sits closer to the scalp and ears, so keep heat protectant in the routine instead of pressing harder. The main Revlon blowout guide covers the core technique these short-hair adjustments build on.