Gem Hot Air Brush Vs. Revlon: In-Depth Differences

I’m spilling my honest thoughts on the Gem Hot Air Brush and Revlon One-Step Volumizer after testing both for weeks.

This showdown compares features, pros, cons, and real-world performance to help you pick the best styling tool.

With a comparison table, FAQs, and my personal take, you’ll know which brush suits your hair goals.

Let’s find out if Gem or Revlon deserves a spot in your routine!

Comparison Table: Gem Hot Air Brush Vs. Revlon One-Step Volumizer

My Journey with Hot Air Brushes

I’m a 34-year-old marketing coordinator from Chicago with shoulder-length, wavy hair that frizzes like it’s auditioning for a lion’s mane.

Styling takes forever, and my arms ache from juggling a blow dryer and round brush.

Enter hot air brushes—game-changers that dry and style in one go.

I snagged the Gem Hot Air Brush ($55, Amazon) and Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus ($65, Target) to see which could tame my mane without breaking the bank or my patience.

The Gem arrived in a sleek black-and-rose-gold box, feeling sturdy but heavy at 2.49 pounds.

Its 2.5-inch oval barrel promised volume, and the nylon-tufted bristles looked grippy.

I plugged it in, loving the 6-foot swivel cord’s reach.

On low heat, it dried my damp hair in 20 minutes, adding bounce but leaving some frizz.

The high setting smoothed better, but my scalp felt warm—too warm.

It’s intuitive, with three heat and two speed settings, but the weight tired my arm.

Next, I tried the Revlon.

Lighter at 1.8 pounds, it felt easier to maneuver.

The 2.4-inch barrel (slimmer than the original) was perfect for my length, and the detachable head made storage a breeze.

With three heat settings, including a cool shot, it dried my hair in 15 minutes on medium, leaving it glossy.

The ionic technology zapped frizz, and the ceramic barrel distributed heat evenly.

But it got hot—really hot—on high, and I worried about damage.

Both brushes impressed, but each had quirks.

Let’s break it down.

About the Gem Hot Air Brush

The Gem Hot Air Brush, sold by Online Brands, is a budget-friendly styler ($40-$60) with 1100 watts of power.

Its 2.5-inch oval barrel suits fine to medium hair, using ceramic and ionic tech for shine and frizz control.

With three heat settings, two speeds, and a 6-foot swivel cord, it’s designed for easy at-home blowouts.

Amazon reviews (4.2 stars, 2000+ ratings) praise its volume but note its weight and occasional overheating.

About the Revlon One-Step Volumizer

Revlon’s One-Step Volumizer, launched in 2016, is a cult favorite with over 512,000 Amazon reviews (4.4 stars).

The Plus model ($50-$70) has a 2.4-inch oval barrel, ideal for medium to long hair, especially thick or curly types.

It boasts ceramic and ionic tech, three heat settings (including cool), and a detachable head.

At 1200 watts, it dries fast but runs hot, raising concerns for fine hair.

Its 4-year warranty adds peace of mind.

Key Features Breakdown

Gem Hot Air Brush

• Barrel and Bristles: 2.5-inch oval with nylon and tufted bristles for detangling and grip.
• Power: 1100 watts for quick drying.
• Settings: Three heat (low, medium, high), two speeds.
• Tech: Ceramic for even heat, ionic for frizz reduction.
• Cord: 6-foot swivel for flexibility.
• Weight: 2.49 pounds, a bit bulky.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer

• Barrel and Bristles: 2.4-inch oval with boar and nylon bristles for smoothing and volume.
• Power: 1200 watts for faster drying.
• Settings: Three heat (low, high, cool), three speeds.
• Tech: Ceramic and ionic for shine and frizz control.
• Cord: 6-foot swivel, tangle-free.
• Weight: 1.8 pounds, lighter and easier to hold.

Pros of Gem Hot Air Brush

• Affordable: Priced at $40-$60, it’s a steal for beginners.
• Volume Boost: Adds serious lift at roots for fine hair.
• Ionic Tech: Reduces frizz for a polished look.
• Sturdy Build: Feels durable despite budget price.
• Swivel Cord: 6 feet of tangle-free styling.
• Easy Controls: Simple switches for heat and speed.
• Gentle on Scalp: Low setting is safe for daily use.
• Quick Dry: 20 minutes for shoulder-length hair.
• Versatile: Works on fine to medium textures.
• Compact Design: Fits small bathrooms.

The Gem’s price is its biggest win—you get a solid hot air brush without draining your wallet.

I paid $55 and felt it was worth every penny for casual styling.

The 2.5-inch barrel gave my flat roots a bouncy lift, making my hair look fuller.

Ionic tech smoothed frizz, especially on humid Chicago days.

The brush felt well-made, not flimsy like some budget tools.

The swivel cord let me move freely, and the controls were foolproof.

On low, it was gentle enough for daily use, drying my hair in 20 minutes.

If you have fine or medium hair, it’s a reliable pick for quick, voluminous blowouts.

Cons of Gem Hot Air Brush

• Heavy: 2.49 pounds tires arms during long sessions.
• Overheats: High setting can scorch scalp.
• No Cool Shot: Lacks a setting to set styles.
• Limited Settings: Only two speeds restrict control.
• No Attachments: One barrel size limits versatility.
• Bulky Storage: Non-detachable head takes space.
• Noisy: Louder than expected at 85 decibels.
• Shedding Bristles: Some bristles loosened after weeks.
• Not for Thick Hair: Struggles with dense textures.
• Short Warranty: One year feels skimpy.

The Gem’s weight is a dealbreaker for long styling sessions—my arm was sore after 20 minutes.

The high setting got so hot it zinged my scalp, forcing me to stick to low or medium.

Without a cool shot, my blowout didn’t hold as long.

Two speed settings felt limiting; I wanted more airflow control.

The fixed barrel meant no style variety, and it hogged drawer space.

It’s noisy—think vacuum cleaner loud.

After a month, a few bristles shed, which worried me.

If you have thick or curly hair, it’ll struggle.

The one-year warranty left me uneasy about longevity.

Pros of Revlon One-Step Volumizer

• Fast Drying: 15 minutes for medium-length hair.
• Lightweight: 1.8 pounds for easy handling.
• Cool Shot: Sets styles for longer hold.
• Detachable Head: Easy storage and travel.
• Powerful: 1200 watts for thick hair.
• Frizz Control: Ionic tech for glossy finish.
• Smooth Bristles: Boar and nylon glide effortlessly.
• Long Warranty: 4 years for peace of mind.
• Versatile Settings: Three speeds, three heats.
• Salon-Like Results: Bouncy, professional blowouts.

Revlon’s speed is unreal—my hair was dry and styled in 15 minutes, half my usual time.

At 1.8 pounds, it didn’t strain my wrist, even sectioning hair.

The cool shot locked my blowout, keeping it fresh for two days.

The detachable head made packing for a weekend trip easy.

With 1200 watts, it powered through my wavy hair like a champ.

Ionic tech left my strands shiny, and the bristles glided without snagging.

The 4-year warranty felt reassuring.

Three speed and heat options gave me control, and the results rivaled my stylist’s work.

It’s a dream for thick or curly hair.

Cons of Revlon One-Step Volumizer

• Too Hot: High setting risks heat damage.
• Pricey: $50-$70, pricier than Gem.
• Not for Fine Hair: High heat can fry delicate strands.
• Bulky Barrel: Tricky for short hair.
• Noisy: Around 82 decibels, not quiet.
• No Extra Attachments: Limited to one style.
• Plastic Feel: Feels less premium than expected.
• Scalp Burn Risk: Hot bristles need caution.
• Frequent Sales Needed: Full price stings.
• Heat Protectant Must: Damage risk without prep.

Revlon’s heat is intense—high setting felt like it could singe my hair, so I stuck to low.

At $65, it’s pricier than Gem, though sales help.

Fine-haired folks, beware: even medium heat felt risky without protectant.

The 2.4-inch barrel was awkward for shorter layers.

It’s loud, almost as bad as Gem.

No attachments meant one style only.

The plastic build felt cheap for the price.

Hot bristles grazed my scalp, ouch!

You need heat protectant every time, adding cost.

Wait for a sale, or the price might not feel worth it.

Real-World Performance: My Test Results

I tested both brushes over three weeks, styling my hair five times weekly.

Here’s how they stacked up:

Gem Hot Air Brush

• Ease of Use: Intuitive but heavy. I sectioned hair into four parts, using low heat to avoid burns. It took 20 minutes for a decent blowout.
• Results: Added volume but left frizz on humid days. Best for casual looks, not sleek styles.
• Durability: Sturdy, but bristle shedding worried me after a month.
• Comfort: Arm fatigue set in fast. The swivel cord was a lifesaver, though.
• Best For: Fine to medium hair, budget buyers.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer

• Ease of Use: Lighter and faster. I used medium heat, sectioning into three parts, done in 15 minutes.
• Results: Glossy, bouncy blowouts that lasted two days. Frizz was minimal, even in rain.
• Durability: Solid build, no bristle issues. 4-year warranty adds confidence.
• Comfort: Easy to hold, no arm ache. Hot bristles needed careful handling.
• Best For: Thick, wavy, or curly hair, salon-quality seekers.

Revlon edged out Gem for speed and shine, but Gem’s gentler heat suited my occasional styling.

If you style daily, Revlon’s durability and results shine.

For budget or fine hair, Gem holds its own.

Which Should You Choose?

• Pick Gem If: You’re on a budget ($40-$60), have fine to medium hair, or want a gentle, voluminous blowout. It’s great for beginners or casual styling but struggles with thick hair or long sessions.
• Pick Revlon If: You have thick, curly, or medium-long hair, crave salon-like results, and don’t mind spending $50-$70. It’s faster and shinier but needs heat protectant and caution for fine hair.

I lean toward Revlon for its speed and polish, but Gem’s price and gentleness make it tempting.

Consider your hair type, styling frequency, and budget.

Both deliver, but Revlon’s edge in performance makes it my daily go-to.

Also Read: My Experience With Savvy Hot Air Brush 

Maintenance Tips for Hot Air Brushes

• Clean Regularly: Wipe bristles with a damp cloth weekly to remove product buildup.
• Store Properly: Keep in a dry, cool place; don’t wrap cord tightly.
• Use Heat Protectant: Spray before styling to shield hair from damage.
• Avoid Wet Hair: Let hair air-dry 70% to prevent frizz and damage.
• Check Bristles: Replace if bristles bend or shed excessively.
• Unplug After Use: Prevent overheating or fire hazards.
• Gentle Brushing: Don’t tug; start at ends to detangle.
• Limit High Heat: Use low or medium to extend brush life.
• Dry Barrel: Ensure barrel’s dry before storing to avoid mold.
• Inspect Cord: Check for frays monthly for safety.

Keeping your brush in top shape is easy.

I wipe mine weekly to avoid gunk.

Store it in a drawer, cord loose.

Heat protectant ($10, drugstore) saved my hair.

I rough-dry hair first to 70% dry, reducing frizz.

Check bristles monthly—Gem shed slightly, Revlon didn’t.

Unplugging prevents accidents.

Gentle brushing avoids bristle damage, and low heat extends life.

Dry the barrel post-use, and inspect the cord for wear.

These steps keep your brush—and hair—happy.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Therabrush Hair Brush

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

After weeks of testing, Revlon One-Step Volumizer wins for its speed, shine, and salon-quality blowouts.

It’s pricier and hotter, but perfect for thick or curly hair.

Gem Hot Air Brush shines for budget buyers with fine hair, offering volume and gentleness.

Your choice depends on hair type and goals—Revlon for polish, Gem for value.

Try either, and you’ll ditch the blow dryer for good!