Revlon One-Step Volumizer Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this hair tool in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of retailer reviews, independent testing and owner reports, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
A time-saver for thick hair, less so for fine hair
For owners with thick, wavy or medium-textured hair, the One-Step is a game-changer: smooth, voluminous hair in about half the time, often without a flat iron. It's one of the best-selling hair tools for a reason. But it's bulky and heavy, some owners notice a burning smell, and people with fine or color-treated hair are more cautious about using it on high.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- have thick, wavy or medium-textured hair
- want a smooth blowout without a separate brush and dryer
- want to skip the flat iron on most days
Skip it if you…
- have fine, fragile or heavily color-treated hair
- find heavy tools tiring on your arms
- want a light, travel-sized tool
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer is a hot-air brush that dries and styles at the same time. It has an oval brush head with nylon pin and tufted bristles, three heat and speed settings and a cool setting.
It's one of the most popular hair tools ever sold. We looked at thousands of retailer ratings, lab testing and owner experiences to see who stays happy with it.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Type | Hot-air brush (dryer and brush in one) |
|---|---|
| Brush head | Oval, with nylon pin and tufted bristles |
| Settings | 3 heat/speed settings plus cool |
| Technology | Ionic and ceramic |
| Voltage | 120V (US outlets) |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up after months of use
Most owners keep using theirs, and the sheer number of repeat buyers speaks for itself. But we found enough reports of motors weakening or burning smells that we'd treat it as a tool that may need replacing every couple of years with heavy use.
Tips from owners
- Use a heat protectant every time.
- Start on low or medium, especially with fine or color-treated hair.
- Rough-dry first until hair is about 70% dry to cut the time you hold it.
- Clean hair out of the bristles and vents regularly so it doesn't overheat.
- Stop using it if you smell burning after the first few uses and contact Revlon.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Dries and styles in one step
- Big time saver for thick or wavy hair
- Bristle heat similar to a normal hair dryer
- Affordable compared with premium hot-air tools
What owners complain about
- Heavy and bulky to hold
- Some reports of burning smell
- Fine or color-treated hair needs lower settings
- Mixed long-term durability
Other options owners compare
These are the hot-air brushes owners most often compare with the One-Step.
| Model | Price level | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revlon One-Step Volumizer (this review) | Budget | You want the classic at a low price | See on Amazon |
| Drybar The Double Shot | Mid-range | You want more bristles and better venting | See on Amazon |
| Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS | Budget | You want a detachable head and more heat settings | See on Amazon |
Thick or wavy hair? This is the blowout shortcut owners swear by.
Check the current price and colors on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Revlon One-Step damage hair?
In Reviewed's lab test the bristles reached 165–175°F, similar to a regular dryer. Using a heat protectant and lower settings is still recommended, especially for fine or color-treated hair.
Why does my Revlon smell like burning?
Some owners notice a smell during the first few uses. If it continues or the tool gets unusually hot, stop using it and contact Revlon.
Is it good for short hair?
The oval head works best on shoulder-length hair and longer.
Can I use it abroad?
The US version is designed for 120V outlets only.
Sources we analyzed
- Reviewed: Revlon One-Step review — hands-on testing and heat measurements
- Walmart customer reviews — rating distribution and recurring feedback
- Cristin Cooper: Revlon vs Drybar — burning smell and heat on fine hair
- Walmart: One-Step Volumizer PLUS — comparison with the PLUS model
Figures reflect each source as of September 29, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.