Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Review: This My #1 Hair Tool

Here’s a little throwback for you: In the spring of 2020, I was bored in the house, and willing to try anything to make my daily routine more interesting. With time on my hands stuck inside, I decided to try and finally be one of those people who could go more than a day without washing and drying her hair. After doing some online research and watching TikToks, I decided I would upgrade my at-home hair styling routine and purchase the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 as recommended. This is a hair dryer with a round brush, and is said to give you salon-quality results at home. I was a bit skeptical, but also up for the adventure—and I thought I could at least dry the sweat out of my hair post-workouts without washing it.

What I couldn’t have predicted is just how much I would fall in love with this amazing—and affordable!—tool. So much so that I also bought an EU version so I could travel with it each year when my family spends time in Denmark.

Here’s how I learned to master the at-home blowout with Revlon’s best-seller.

Unboxing and first impressions

The first time I received the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 via Amazon was during the height of the pandemic. After going through the sanitizing steps, wearing a mask, outside of our Boston apartment, I was excited and curious to see what all of the TikTok fuss was about. This innovative hair styling tool promised to deliver “salon-worthy blowouts at home,”and as someone who values efficiency and style, I knew I’d be a critic.

The packaging was, well as you’d expect: inside of a brown cardboard Amazon box, then a black box from Revlon. Everything was well-packaged, with no loose pieces. The Volumizer felt surprisingly lightweight, not like a super-heavy duty hair dryer I’d used in the past. Truthfully, it felt a little intimidating since I’d never used a round-style hair dryer before, but given we were all under lockdown, I had time to play around.

Specifications

• Size: 6 inches x 4 inches x 1.6 inches, with an ergonomic design for comfortable handling
• Weight: 1.63 pounds, lightweight for extended use without fatigue
• Barrel: 2.4 inch oval-shaped brush/barrel for versatile styling
• Heat settings: Multiple (low, medium, high) for different hair types
• Technology: Ceramic coating and ionic technology for reduced frizz and enhanced shine
• Length of cord: 6 feet, sufficient length for ease of movement during styling

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0: Pros and cons

Pros:

• Salon-worthy results: The Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 says it delivers salon-quality blowout results effortlessly at home. And it does! It effectively dries and styles hair in less than 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals who still want to maintain a polished look without frequent salon visits. The tool's ability to create volume and smoothness simultaneously ensures a professional finish that lasts throughout the day — and several days if you maintain your blowout with finishing spray and dry shampoo.
• Efficiency: One of the standout features of the Volumizer PLUS 2.0 is its efficiency in combining the functions of a hair dryer and styling brush. I don’t know about you, but I’m amazed watching my hairstylist use a round brush and hair dryer, (even a sleek one like the Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer) but whenever I tried to mimic the same technique at home, I felt like I needed an extra hand (or maybe do more arm workouts for endurance!). With the Revlon brush, I can *almost* recreate the same volume I receive at the salon, without wearing out my arms. This two-in-one design streamlines the styling process by eliminating the need for multiple tools, making it convenient for quick touch-ups or full styling sessions. The oval brush shape and rotating barrel allow for styling, even for users with limited hairstyling experience (a.k.a: like me!).
• Versatility: Designed with multiple heat settings (low, medium, high), the Volumizer PLUS 2.0 caters to different hair textures and styling preferences. Whether you prefer sleek, straight hair or voluminous curls, you can achieve your desired look without compromising on hair health. I tend to use the hottest setting, since it’s faster and it gives my hair a smooth, silky finish. My hair also isn’t overly sensitive, oily, or dry, and will air dry rather quickly into a slightly wavy look. I call my hair low maintenance and it really is, but it helps the ceramic coating distributes heat evenly to prevent hot spots and minimize heat damage, and the ionic technology reduces frizz and enhances shine for a smoother, more polished finish. I only wash my hair twice a week and in between washes, I use dry shampoo and the lower setting on the brush to dry away excess oil.

Cons:

• Bulkiness for travel: While the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 is lightweight for its size, its bulkiness can be a consideration for travelers or those with limited storage space. Its dimensions may pose challenges when packing in small bags or carry-on luggage, necessitating careful planning for transportation. To address this issue, I actually purchased another EU version since I take a yearly visit to Europe to visit with my husband’s side of the family in Denmark. I leave it at my mother-in-law’s house so it’s ready to use. That said, for shorter trips, I like it so much, I make room for the brush even though it’s large. To me, it’s worth it to have hair confidence wherever my travels take me.
• Noise level: During operation, the Volumizer PLUS 2.0 does generate moderate noise, which may be noticeable in quiet environments or, if like me, you sometimes have a sleeping toddler to consider. While this is a common characteristic of many hair styling tools, it's important to consider the noise level when using the Volumizer in shared spaces or during early morning routines. I recommend wearing headphones and listening to music or a podcast to drown out the sound if it’s bothersome.
• Learning curve: Like any new tool, the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 may require a short learning curve to master its optimal use. Especially those new to styling with heated brushes—like I was—may initially experience challenges in achieving desired results or adapting to the tool's unique design. The biggest lesson for me was figuring out how to style the back of my head. It’s easy to go along the sides, but mastering the back took some time and practice. This learning process involves playing around with the heat settings, brush techniques, and styling angles to maximize performance and minimize styling time. While practice improves proficiency, you should expect a brief adjustment period and a temporary longer drying and styling time.

How does the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 work?

The magic behind the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 lies in its innovative design and technology. It combines the functions of a hair dryer and a styling brush into one, and the oval brush design simplifies the styling process by drying and styling hair simultaneously. This not only saves time, it minimizes exposure to excessive heat, important for maintaining hair health.

With multiple heat settings to choose from, ranging from low to high, the Volumizer caters to different hair types and styling preferences. Whether you have thick, coarse hair or fine hair, this tool is meant to adapt to deliver optimal results without compromising on performance.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 price

Considering its functionality and the salon-quality results it delivers, the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 is reasonably priced at just under $40 (at time of publish, Amazon has it for $37.54, while Walmart has it for $39.98). It falls within a range that makes it accessible to consumers seeking professional styling capabilities without the recurring cost of salon visits.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 accessories

While the Volumizer does not come with any additional accessories, it does have an attachable head for easy travel and storage. Revlon does have a separate curling iron that blows hot air and different attachments, but I haven’t tested that one personally.

How I tested the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS

To thoroughly evaluate the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0, I incorporated it into my daily hair-care routine. I used it on both damp and dry hair, experimenting with different heat settings and styling techniques to assess its performance across various conditions.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0: Is it for you?

Determining whether the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 is suitable for you depends on several factors. If you're someone who really wants salon-quality blowout and you’re willing to take the time to learn how to use it, this tool could be a game-changer in your hair-care regimen.

It’s ideal if you’re constantly looking to tame frizz and add volume, since the Volumizer simplifies the styling process without compromising on style or hair health. Its ability to dry and style hair in one step makes it particularly appealing to those who need a quick yet effective solution for everyday styling challenges.

If you’re not willing to take about 30 minutes out of your day to dry your hair or you wash your hair every single day, it might not be for you. If you’re used to just turning your head upside down and drying your hair as fast as possible, this would be a significant deviation from your routine, and may be frustrating since you do have to take your time.

My experience using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0

Using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 has transformed my hair styling routine. It’s also built my confidence in being able to do my hair. As an entrepreneur and mom, I rarely have the luxury of time, but as part of my self-care routine, I always carve out an hour to get ready every morning. I don’t always need the full hour if I’m not drying my hair, but sitting at my vanity, with a cup of coffee, going through my skincare and hair routine brings me a sense of calm and prepares me for whatever I have to tackle.

Once I determined the best way for me to use the Volumizer, I noticed a significant improvement in the smoothness and manageability of my hair. I have a healthy shine and bounce that lasts throughout the day, and even helps me maintain a nice style in between washes. What impressed me most was how effortlessly the Volumizer handled my thick, wavy hair, detangling and styling it without causing unnecessary pulling or tugging.

I experimented with different heat settings to find the optimal balance for my hair type, and each time, the results were consistently impressive. I’d say it took me a solid week to determine my routine with the Volumizer, but once I mastered it, it’s been my go-to for more than four years now. Here’s how it goes.

Step one:

I create a middle part in my hair, then use a clip to hold up one side of my wet hair.

Step two:

I dry one side of my head in three to four sections, depending on the length of my hair at the time. I roll the brush all the way to my crown and hold it, then roll it half-way up and hold it, then at the end.

Once one section is mostly dry, I roll it up in a velcro roller with a clip. 

Then I repeat until I’m finished with one side. 

Step three:

I repeat all of those steps on the other side.

Step four:

I go through my makeup routine, then remove the rollers from my hair.

Step five:

I use the Volumizer on the front and the back of my head to add volume. And that’s it!

Final verdict

The Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 has exceeded my expectations — and I recommend it to anyone who’s up for the challenge. Its innovative design, coupled with advanced technology, has simplified my hairstyling routine while elevating the quality of results I can achieve at home. While its size may be a consideration for travelers, its performance and affordability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their hair care regimen with a versatile and effective styling tool.

If you're on the fence about trying it, I recommend taking the plunge. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or someone who appreciates the convenience of achieving salon-quality hair at home, the Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 will become your new favorite tool.