This Might Be the Only Hair Straightening Tool You Need

CNET’s key takeaways The Bluvol I11 Apex cordless hair straightening comb retails for $90. The I11 Apex is a perfect travel companion for easy touch-ups. You’ll get up to 45 minutes of styling per charge. After more than 10 years of wearing my natural curls, I started straightening my hair again. I spent countless hours searching for the best tools and products that would deliver sleek, frizz-free results while protecting my hair from heat damage. The Tymo Ring hair straightening brush stood out to me, and it’s been a good addition to my hair care kit. However, it may have just been replaced by the Bluvol I11 Apex cordless straightening comb. When the Bluvol I11 Apex arrived, I wasn’t expecting much. I figured it would be good for the occasional touch-up on travel days or even quick fixes if I ever got caught in the rain, but it proved me wrong. It’s lightweight and fits nicely in the hand. From holding it, you can tell it’s well-made. I just couldn’t imagine that something that compact could pack so much heat. What the Bluvol I11 Apex looks like straight out of the box. Putting the Bluvol I11 Apex to the test To really put the Bluvol I11 Apex to the test, I enlisted my cousin’s help. She’s Gen Z, an expert at all things hair and nails, and most importantly, she has an amazing, thick head of hair. After unboxing the straightening comb, I charged it, and we got started. It has three heat settings: 320, 365 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s an LCD screen, which shows the temperature and battery percentage. Switching to a lower or higher setting is simple, using the power button. Once you’ve chosen your temperature, the display will blink as the comb heats up. When it stops blinking, you’re ready to go. On the first pass, we were impressed with how effortlessly it took my cousin’s hair from curly to straight. The I11 Apex has upgraded ceramic glazed plates throughout the teeth of the comb, which prevent singes and allow multiple passes without damage. Its wide heating area provides even heat distribution for consistent coverage across strands. Bluvol says the straightener releases “200 million negative ions to smooth hair and reduce static and frizz.” While I can’t test that accurately, I can attest that it left her hair far smoother than a similar flat iron and required fewer passes to achieve the desired results. The results on curly hair. Battery life and charging time Bluvol includes a charging cable and suggests using a 15-watt or higher adapter when powering up. With the adapter, you’ll go from zero to a full charge in about 2.5 hours. A full charge will give you up to 45 minutes of styling time. We managed to make it about 80% of the way through her hair before needing to recharge. Who’s the Bluvol I11 Apex for? This is by far the most impressive cordless straightener I’ve tested, but it might not be for everyone. For folks with shorter hair, this won’t be ideal because the layout of the comb’s teeth doesn’t allow it to really hold super short strands to straighten. The company also notes that if your hair is “very curly,” you might need to use professional styling products for the best results. The I11 Apex is the perfect styling companion for when you’re on the go. There are no wires, so you never have to search for an outlet. It’s easy to slip into your handbag, backpack or luggage. There’s even a physical lock switch that prevents it from turning on while it’s stashed away. Price This straightening comb typically retails for $90, but Amazon is currently offering a 22% discount for Prime Members. The specs Price: $90 retail, but often on sale for less Battery life: 45 minutes Wattage: 33 watts Estimated charge time: 2.5 hours from 0 to 100 with a 15-watt adapter Number of ports: 1 USB-C port Max temperature: 410 degrees Fahrenheit (210 degrees Celsius) Weight: 1.46 pounds CNET’s buying advice Whether you want effortless touch-ups on the go or a full straightening solution at home, the Bluvol I11 Apex can get the job done. Want the best of both worlds? Tymo has a new two-in-one straightening brush with a built-in traditional flat iron. If you don’t need the portably of I11 Apex, then it’s worth considering. Stephanie Barnes has been writing about technology for many years. She fell in love with tech after building her first PC as a little girl. She later followed that passion to become a front-end/iOS engineer before switching to writing full-time. Stephanie's writing on technology, health and wellness, movies, television, and much more can be found all over the internet. When she isn't writing, Stephanie can be found reading a good book, baking, obsessing over creating the perfect desk setup, or literally anything that'll help her avoid going outside. See full bio