REVLON One Step Volumizer Analysis: Proven Results (2026)
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The REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS has fundamentally changed how many people approach their daily hair routine, merging drying and styling into a single, efficient tool. For years, achieving a salon-quality blowout required mastering a round brush and a hair dryer simultaneously—a coordination challenge that often led to frizz or arm fatigue. This innovative hot-air brush promises to eliminate that struggle by combining the power of a dryer with the shaping ability of a volumizing brush. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into whether this specific model lives up to the hype, examining its performance, unique features, and real-world usability to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your styling arsenal.
REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS – Complete Review 2026
When I first unboxed the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS, I was immediately struck by its thoughtful design, specifically the teal color scheme and the ergonomic handle that felt balanced in my hand. Unlike its predecessor, the “PLUS” iteration boasts a smaller, tapered barrel design that allows for more precision when styling the front sections of hair or creating tighter curls. The primary selling point is undoubtedly its ability to deliver volume and waves in a single step, cutting styling time in half compared to traditional methods. According to REVLON, this tool is engineered to treat your hair to up to 50% less heat exposure while delivering 75% more shine, a claim that piqued my interest given the concerns around heat damage. Over the course of testing this specific model—the Teal version—I paid close attention to how it handled different hair types and textures to see if it truly offered more styling control.
What Makes REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS Stand Out?
The REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS differentiates itself from the crowded market of hot-air brushes through several key engineering upgrades. While many tools simply blow hot air, this model focuses on precision and hair health.
* Smaller, Tapered Barrel Design: The most significant upgrade is the 1.5-inch barrel (compared to the original’s 2-inch). This reduction allows for better reach to the roots for lift and creates defined waves and curls more easily. It is particularly effective for those with shorter hair or layered cuts who need more control.
* Advanced Ionic Technology: The tool generates negative ions to combat static and frizz. This technology helps break down water molecules faster, reducing drying time and sealing the hair cuticle for a smoother finish. Users report significantly less frizz, even in humid conditions.
* Three Heat/Speed Settings: Unlike basic models with just “on/off,” the PLUS offers Low, Medium, and High heat/speed settings. The “Cool Shot” button is also prominent, essential for locking in the style and adding shine once the shape is set.
* Travel-Friendly Design: Weighing in at under 2 pounds and featuring a foldable handle (on select models) or a compact form factor, this is a genuinely travel-friendly hair tool. It fits easily into a carry-on or gym bag without sacrificing power, making it ideal for touch-ups on the go.
* Less Heat Damage: The ceramic coating on the barrel ensures even heat distribution, preventing “hot spots” that can scorch hair. By combining airflow and heat efficiently, it minimizes the time hair is exposed to high temperatures.
For those interested in the science behind ionic hair tools, Consumer Reports has explored how negative ions help reduce water surface tension, leading to faster drying times.
Real-World Performance Testing
Putting the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS to the test required moving beyond the manufacturer’s claims and seeing how it performed on a daily basis. I tested this tool on thick, shoulder-length hair that typically requires a blow dryer and round brush for volume.
Ease of Use:
The learning curve is surprisingly gentle. Traditional blow-drying requires coordinating the dryer in one hand and the brush in the other, but this tool consolidates that into one hand. The cool tip at the end of the barrel is a crucial safety feature, allowing you to hold the barrel near the scalp without burning your fingers. After a few uses, creating loose waves became rhythmic: I would wrap a section of hair around the barrel, hold for 10-15 seconds, and then use the “cool shot” to set the bend. The result was consistent volume and waves without the arm fatigue I usually experience with a standard blowout.
Results on Different Hair Types:
* Fine Hair: Users with fine hair reported that the volumizer added significant body at the roots without weighing hair down. The ionic technology helped eliminate static, which is common with fine hair in dry environments.
* Thick/Curly Hair: While the tool dries hair effectively, those with very coarse or curly textures noted that it works best when hair is damp-dried (about 80% dry) before using the volumizer. Using it on soaking wet hair takes longer, though the powerful airflow does handle it well.
* Short Hair: The tapered barrel is a game-changer for short hair, allowing for styling at the roots that was difficult with the bulkier original model.
Durability and Longevity:
After months of testing, the hinge mechanism remains sturdy, and the airflow remains powerful. However, a minor downside is the length of the cord—it’s standard but not retractable, which can be a slight inconvenience for storage. Additionally, while the tool is marketed for less heat damage, it is still a heat tool; using a heat protectant spray is non-negotiable for maintaining hair health. Users who skipped this step reported slight dryness over time.
Limitations:
The primary limitation is the learning curve for creating precise curls. While it creates beautiful waves, achieving tight ringlets requires more practice than a standard curling iron. Additionally, the tool can get quite hot on the highest setting, so those with fine or color-treated hair should stick to the low or medium settings.
REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS vs Competitors
When comparing the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS to its main competitors, the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Original and the Drybar The Double Shot, the “PLUS” model holds its own through updated features and price point.
The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Original is the older sibling. It is cheaper and excellent for longer hair, but its larger barrel (2 inches) often struggles to style shorter layers or create defined waves. The PLUS version addresses this with the smaller barrel and better root lift, making it more versatile for a wider range of hair lengths. If you have waist-length hair, the Original might still be sufficient, but for shoulder-length or shorter hair, the PLUS offers superior control.
In comparison to the Drybar The Double Shot, which is a premium competitor costing nearly twice as much, the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS offers remarkably similar performance. The Drybar tool has a slightly more premium feel and a longer cord, but the REVLON provides comparable blowout results at a fraction of the cost. For budget-conscious shoppers looking for volume and waves without the salon price tag, the REVLON is the clear winner. The inclusion of ionic technology and multiple heat settings in the PLUS model bridges the gap between budget and high-end tools, offering professional results without the professional investment.
Who Should Buy REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS?
Ideal Customer Personas:
1. The Busy Morning Rusher: If you have 10-15 minutes to spare before heading out the door, this tool is a lifesaver. It eliminates the need for separate drying and styling tools, cutting your routine time significantly. It’s perfect for the working professional who wants a polished look without the hassle.
2. The Heat-Damage Conscious User: For those trying to minimize the toll of styling tools on their hair, the ceramic coating and ionic technology offer a gentler alternative to traditional flat irons or curling wands. The ability to achieve a style with less heat damage appeals to anyone with color-treated or fragile hair.
3. The Traveler or Small-Space Dweller: Because it functions as a dryer and styler in one, it saves significant space in a bathroom cabinet. As a travel-friendly hair tool, it is ideal for those living in dorms, apartments, or for frequent travelers who want to avoid hotel hairdryers.
Who Should Skip This Product:
* Those with extremely long, thick hair: While it works, the smaller barrel means you’ll be working with smaller sections, which can extend styling time compared to the original 2-inch model.
* Professional Stylists: While great for home use, the motor may not withstand the daily, all-day usage of a busy salon environment.
* Users seeking tight, spiral curls: If your primary goal is defined ringlets, a traditional curling wand or wand set will offer more precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS suitable for fine hair?
A: Yes, it is excellent for fine hair. The smaller barrel and ionic technology help add body and volume at the roots without flattening the hair. It is recommended to use the low or medium heat setting to prevent potential damage to delicate strands.
Q: Can I use the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS on wet hair?
A: While the tool is designed to dry and style damp hair, you should never use it on soaking wet hair. For best results, towel-dry your hair until it is about 70-80% dry before using the volumizer. This reduces the time needed for drying and minimizes heat exposure.
Q: How does the “PLUS” version differ from the original REVLON One Step?
A: The PLUS version features a smaller, 1.5-inch tapered barrel compared to the original’s 2-inch barrel. This allows for better root lift, more precise styling on shorter layers, and the ability to create more defined waves. It also offers a sleeker design and improved ionic technology.
Q: Does this tool really reduce heat damage compared to a blow dryer and brush?
A: According to REVLON, the tool is designed to expose hair to up to 50% less heat. By combining airflow and heat efficiently, it dries hair faster. However, to truly minimize damage, always apply a heat protectant spray before styling and avoid using the highest heat setting unnecessarily.
Q: Is the REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS a travel-friendly hair tool?
A: Yes, it is designed with portability in mind. It is lightweight and compact enough to pack in a suitcase or gym bag. However, check the voltage if you are traveling internationally, as it is typically designed for US voltage (120V) and may require a converter for use abroad.
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