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If you’ve been browsing TikTok’s hair styling content, you’ve likely seen viral videos showcasing the benefits of thermal brushes. For those unfamiliar, a thermal brush is a styling tool designed for use on dry hair, combining the features of a traditional brush with heated styling capabilities.
Mermade Hair founder Tara Simich noticed that existing thermal brushes often caused hair breakage and failed to add curl or shape to longer hair. Determined to address these issues, she developed a new thermal brush specifically for long hair, and priced it competitively.
The Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush, designed in Australia, is the result of Simich’s innovative approach. It has gained popularity, with influencer Bec Judd praising it as her “new favorite hair tool” on Instagram. Judd noted that the curls it creates are “big, soft, and smooth” without overheating the hair.
I decided to test the Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush, considering myself a low-maintenance hair stylist. The brush is a heated round brush that promises instant volume, shine, and bounce.
The brush features advanced infrared technology that reduces frizz and locks in moisture. Its flexible bristles glide through hair without tangling. Notably, some bristle-free zones are designed to allow more heat to shape the hair.
With a 32mm barrel made from high-grade ionic ceramic, the brush is ideal for creating soft curls while sealing the hair cuticle and infusing moisture.
Before using the brush, I watched a few instructional videos, but I approached the tool with minimal prior knowledge. I started with clean, dry hair, brushed out any knots, and set the brush to 180°C.
I sectioned my hair and placed the brush near the roots, rotating it to curl each piece. Starting at the roots helped add extra volume. I was impressed by how well the curls turned out—soft, bouncy, and natural-looking. My hair also appeared shiny and smooth.
The entire styling process took under 10 minutes, which was a significant time saver for my thick, frizzy hair. This efficiency was a major plus for me.
However, I did notice a couple of downsides. The curls did not last all day, which might be remedied with hairspray. Additionally, my hair occasionally got caught at the top and bottom of the brush, though this was not painful. I had to pause and resection my hair to avoid this issue.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush. Compared to high-end tools from brands like Dyson and ghd, which justify their prices with advanced technology, this brush offers a budget-friendly alternative.
At $129, the Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush is a cost-effective option that delivers impressive results without breaking the bank.