I Tried the Viral TikTok Thermal Brush So You Don’t Have To
TikTok’s $40 Blowout Secret
Alright, here’s the story.
Before my trip to Miami for Art Basel a few weeks ago, I treated myself to a blowout at DryBar. I pictured smooth, shiny hair that would last all weekend.
I was so hyped to finally get a blowout (yeah, okay, I was picturing that episode from New Girl where Cece and Jess get blowouts).
Then, not only was I super unimpressed by the results, but the style barely survived the flight and humidity upon landing, and by the next morning, my hair was a limp, sad, frizzy mess.
Aaaand I ended up spending an hour fixing it myself with a curling wand.
Spending $80 and an hour of my time for results that didn’t even last 24 hours and I had to fix myself felt like such a waste. Frustrated with my options, and as luck would have it, I stumbled across a solution while scrolling through TikTok gathering content ideas for my oral care brand a few days later.
Spoiler alert: it completely changed my life.
So much so that I completely changed my content schedule for this newsletter to be able to send out this review as soon as possible. Let’s discuss!
Finding the WavyTalk Thermal Brush
I wasn’t actively looking for a solution, but TikTok had other plans.
While scrolling one night, I came across a video of someone with thick, curly hair transforming their frizz into a sleek blowout using the WavyTalk Thermal Brush.
The process looked so easy: large sections of hair smoothed and styled in minutes, no professional skills required.
And the price? Just under $40. I was intrigued.
Could this brush really deliver salon-worthy results at home?
I decided to order one and find out for myself.
Putting the WavyTalk Thermal Brush to the Test
When the WavyTalk Thermal Brush arrived, I couldn’t wait to try it.
My 3a/3b curls can be a handful, so I was skeptical about how well it would work.
But to my surprise, the brush was super easy to use (even for me - the skincare person who only learned skincare so she could get away with not having to learn makeup and hair)
I started by brushing out my hair with a detangling brush, then worked section by section with the thermal brush.
Unlike a traditional curling wand, I could style larger sections of hair at once, which saved so much time.
In about 30 minutes, my frizzy curls were transformed into a smooth, polished blowout. The results were impressive, and wayyyyy better than what I got at DryBar.
It was also quicker - I spent like an hour at DryBar (not including travel time), and the hair stylist didn’t even give me the style I requested.
This time around at home, my hair felt sleek and soft, and the volume was just right.
Even after a gym session and getting caught in the rain, my hair held up pretty well, but I did have to go back through a couple times in the following days.
With a little hairspray, it probably would’ve lasted even longer. Sadly, I don’t have any hairspray at home, so let me know if you have recommendations. I do use the BarberSets pomade when I want to do a sleek style though.
What Makes It Stand Out
I think of the WavyTalk Thermal Brush as more of a time-saver than a hot tool.
Unlike traditional curling wands or blow dryers, it combines the benefits of both in a single device.
The ability to style larger sections of hair at once makes the process quick and easy, even for beginners like me.
Another standout feature is the included accessories: the brush comes with two alligator clips for easy sectioning.
I also use a separate heat-resistant mat, which is perfect for travel.
Even after my creatine exploded in my suitcase last month and left it a bit dusty, the mat has been a lifesaver.
It lets me pack hot tools while they’re still warm without worrying about damaging my clothes.
While I wish the brush itself was cordless, the affordability and ease of use more than make up for it.
For under $40, it delivers results that rival salon blowouts, without the hefty price tag or wasted time.
Tips for Best Results
Here’s what worked for me:
Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. I washed mine the night before and used a leave-in conditioner.
Brush It Out: A detangling brush, like the blue Unbrush, makes it easier to work in sections.
Style in Sections: The thermal brush works best when you tackle one section at a time. You can use larger sections compared to a curling wand.
Image from wavetalk.com Finish with Hair Oil: Apply a small amount of moisturizing oil to your ends to protect them. Avoid your roots to keep the volume intact. I use the moisturizing hair oil from my friend Jessica’s brand, Fountainhead.
What I Told My Friends
I couldn’t stop raving about the WavyTalk Thermal Brush to my friends, so naturally, I had to share it in our group chat.
So apparently the girls already knew about thermal brushes and no one bothered to tell me. I’ll try not to hold it against them!
Before and Afters
The best part about the WavyTalk Thermal Brush is that it’s not just me who’s obsessed—plenty of others have shared their incredible transformations, too.
Here are a few before-and-after shots from users:
The Verdict
The WavyTalk Thermal Brush has completely transformed how I style my hair. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, and I’ve already used it multiple times.
I am obsessed to say the least.
It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers salon-worthy results in minutes.
While it’s not cordless and may not last forever, it’s a fantastic option for sleek, professional-looking hair at home for under $40.
If you’re after more versatility, the Shark Flexstyle is a pricier alternative with multiple attachments and added durability.
But for me, the WavyTalk strikes the perfect balance between value and performance.
Finding the right tool can save you from overpriced salon visits and disappointing results—your hair (and wallet) will thank you!
Want to see a future article about my hair routine or favorite products?
Let me know in the comments!
Cheers,
Like all heat products Im curious about heat damage in the long run...especially if you use it often?