We love the new T3 Curl ID and its "smart" personalized heat settings. But if your jaw dropped at the $299 price tag, we have good news. You can achieve that same bouncy, blown-out look without the complex (and expensive) tech. Enter the Brightup 5 in 1 Air Styler.
The T3 forces you to toggle through touch screens and profiles. The Brightup keeps it simple: Coanda Effect auto-wrap technology that does the spinning for you. Here is how to get the look.
Step 1: Prep is Everything
Unlike the T3 which requires dry hair, the Brightup saves a step. Use the drying nozzle first. With 110,000 RPM of power, rough dry your roots to about 80% dry. This gives you that "blowout" volume the T3 promises, but faster .
Step 2: The Auto-Wrap Magic
Swap to the Auto-Wrap Curling attachment (32mm or 40mm). The T3 Curl ID requires you to manually twist the barrel repeatedly, which often snags hair . Here is the Brightup hack:
Take a medium section of hair.
Hold the styler vertically near the ends.
Watch it work: The airflow automatically wraps the hair around the barrel. No spinning, no wrist cramps.
Hold for 8 seconds and pull the wand up to release a perfect, tension-free curl.
Step 3: Volume and Finish
The T3 uses a clamp that can leave dents. The Brightup uses negative ionic airflow to seal the cuticle. Once your curls are set (let them cool!), flip your head over and use the Volumizing Brush attachment to shake out the roots.
The Verdict
Why spend $300 on a single-function iron that relies on "smart" programming when you can have a 5-in-1 system that relies on physics? For the price of the T3 Curl ID, you could buy the Brightup and a week’s worth of coffee.
Pro Tip: Always use the included heat-protectant glove. The air is hot, but your hands will stay salon-safe
