If your hair is looking more limp than lush this winter, there’s a viral tool that might just bring it back to life, and no, it’s not another round of salon visits.
The Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush, designed by Aussie beauty brand Mermade Hair, is the latest styling essential that’s winning over beauty lovers for its ability to smooth, shape and curl in minutes, without leaving your strands fried.
Retailing for $129, the hot tool has been dubbed a “dupe” for high-end styling brushes that can cost twice the price, but fans say it actually outperforms the competition.
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Behind the brand is Perth-based mum and entrepreneur Tara Simich, who created the brush after years of frustration trying to find something that would work on her own thick, long hair.
“Most of the thermal brushes on the market caused a lot of breakage and didn’t add any curl or shape to my long hair,” she said. “I was determined to reengineer what we know as the thermal brush and make it half the price.”
The result is a clever little invention packed with tech.
The infrared light beam smooths the hair and locks in moisture as you style, while the flexible tangle-free bristles and bristle-free zones allow more heat to shape the hair, creating salon-worthy bounce without the usual damage.
Unlike a blow-dry brush, the Mermade tool doesn’t push hot air out. Instead, it acts more like a curling tong and round brush combined — but it’s far easier to use.
The 32mm ceramic barrel glides through hair for voluminous curls or a sleek flicked-under blowout, depending on how you angle it. There are multiple heat settings (from 80°C to 210°C), an LCD display, and an auto shut-off feature so you don’t have to panic if you leave it on.
And yes, it works on all hair types and lengths.
Whether you want big, bouncy curls or to smooth frizz at the roots, the Mermade Infrared Thermal Brush can do it in under 10 minutes.
Reviews describe it as “a lazy girl’s dream” and “way easier than wrestling with a round brush and hair dryer.”
Even better? It’s travel-friendly thanks to its universal voltage and compact design, so it can come with you on holidays or work trips. And if you’re not happy, there’s a money-back guarantee plus a two-year warranty, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
