Question 1

my revlon one-step 2.0 smells like burning plastic or electronics every time i use it now

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: That smell is usually one of two things: hair/product debris burning on the heating element, or, more seriously, internal electrical components overheating and degrading. FIX: First, do a deep clean. Unplug the dryer, let it cool, and meticulously clean the air intake filter and the bristles. Hair and dust caught inside can burn. After cleaning, run it on high for a minute in a well-ventilated area away from your face. If the burning smell persists, it's an internal fault. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the smell is sharp and chemically, like burning wires, stop using it immediately. This indicates overheating insulation or a failing component on the circuit board, which is a fire hazard. HEADS UP: Never ignore a persistent electrical burning smell. Unplug the device and discontinue use. Contact Revlon support. Using it in this state risks both personal injury and damage to the unit beyond any possible repair.

Question 2

the barrel of my one-step is wobbling where it connects to the handle, is it going to break off?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: This is a physical stress failure. The plastic housing where the barrel connects to the handle has likely cracked or the internal screws have loosened from regular twisting force during use. FIX: Unplug it and inspect the black plastic neck closely for any visible cracks. If you see a crack, it's only going to get worse. The unit is not safely repairable at home. You should stop using it and contact Revlon. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If there's no visible crack, the wobble might be from loose internal assembly screws. However, accessing them requires disassembling the handle, which is complex and voids any warranty. It's not recommended. HEADS UP: This often happens from using a forceful, twisting motion while styling. Always guide the dryer with a smooth, pulling motion rather than twisting it like a traditional round brush. A wobbly connection is a safety risk and can lead to an electrical short.

Question 3

how do i clean the bristles on the revlon one-step? they're full of hair and product gunk

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Product buildup and wrapped hair on the nylon and ionix bristles is normal, but it reduces performance and can smell burnt when heated. FIX: Unplug the dryer and let it cool completely. Use a fine-tooth comb or a seam ripper to carefully lift and remove the hair wrapped around the base of the bristles. For product residue, dampen a cloth with a little rubbing alcohol or mild soapy water and wipe each bristle clean. Avoid getting liquid near the barrel seams or air intakes. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: For stubborn, baked-on residue, some people carefully use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) with a bit of isopropyl alcohol. Be gentle to avoid snapping the bristles. HEADS UP: Never submerge the dryer or run water directly over the bristle head. Clean the bristles weekly if you use a lot of product. Built-up gunk can eventually melt onto the heating element and cause a burning smell or smoke.

Question 4

the revlon one-step 2.0 gets way too hot on my hair even on the low setting, it feels like it's burning

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The temperature regulation might be faulty. Some units have a reported issue where the low heat setting doesn't properly reduce the power to the heating element, making it almost as hot as the high setting. FIX: Test this objectively. On the low setting, does the air coming out feel significantly cooler after 30 seconds, or is it still intensely hot? If it's not cooler, the thermostat or control circuit is defective. Stop using it, as it can damage your hair. Contact Revlon support for a warranty assessment. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Ensure you're not accidentally holding the dryer too close to one section of hair for too long. The design concentrates heat, so you need to keep it moving constantly, even on low. HEADS UP: Using a heat protectant spray is non-negotiable with this tool, even on the supposed low setting. If your unit runs excessively hot, discontinue use—it's a known defect in some batches and a fire hazard if left on a surface.

Question 5

my hair keeps getting sucked into the back of the revlon one-step brush, it's tearing and snapping my hair

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: This happens when the air intake grille (the holes near the handle) doesn't have its protective filter in place, or when the filter is clogged and creating more suction through the gaps around it. FIX: First, check that the black foam filter is correctly seated inside the circular air intake. If it's missing, you can order a replacement from Revlon. If it's present, remove it and clean it by rinsing under water (let it dry COMPLETELY before reinstalling). A clean filter reduces suction strength and prevents hairs from being pulled into the mechanical parts. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Your technique might be contributing. Avoid holding the dryer directly against your scalp or tangling the bristles deeply into thick sections. Use a brushing motion that keeps the barrel moving. HEADS UP: Never use the dryer without that foam filter. It's a critical safety part that prevents major hair tangles and protects the fan. Also, regularly cleaning the filter is a must for performance and hair safety.

Question 6

the cool shot button on my volumizer plus doesn't stay on when i press it, i have to hold it down

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: This is a mechanical failure of the button's latching mechanism. The Cool Shot button is supposed to click and stay depressed to keep the fan running without heat. FIX: There's no easy user fix for this. The button mechanism is part of the main switch assembly inside the handle. Attempting to disassemble the handle to repair or replace it is complex and risks damaging the unit or creating a safety hazard. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the button feels mushy or completely unresponsive, the internal switch may have failed entirely. The symptom and solution are the same—the unit needs professional service or replacement. HEADS UP: You can still use the cool shot function by holding the button, but it's annoying. Contact Revlon support; if the dryer is under warranty, they may replace it for this defect. Don't try to glue or wedge the button in place.

Question 7

why does my revlon one-step 2.0 make a loud grinding noise when i turn it on? sounds like something's stuck

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Yeah, this one's common. That grinding or rattling noise is almost always caused by hair, lint, and product buildup getting sucked into the air intake near the handle and winding around the fan blade. FIX: Unplug the dryer. Look at the circular air intake grille near where the handle meets the barrel. Use a bright light and maybe a pair of tweezers to carefully pull out any visible hair or debris wrapped around the fan shaft inside the grille. Be gentle to avoid bending the plastic fan blades. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the noise persists after a thorough clean, the fan blade itself might have become cracked or warped from heat, causing it to scrape against the housing. At that point, the motor assembly is failing and the unit needs replacement. HEADS UP: Regularly cleaning that intake grille every few weeks can prevent this. Also, try to use the dryer on clean, detangled hair to minimize how much loose hair it pulls in.

Question 8

my revlon one-step 2.0 just stopped turning on, no lights or anything, i've only had it a few months

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: This is usually a power supply or thermal trip issue. The most common cause is a blown internal thermal fuse that's designed to protect the unit from overheating. FIX: First, check the absolute basics: make sure the outlet works with another device and that the cord is fully plugged into the dryer's handle. If it's still dead, the internal thermal fuse is likely blown. This isn't user-serviceable. Your only real fix is to contact Revlon customer support for a warranty replacement, since this is a known failure point on units that get very hot. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If you're getting a faint light or a brief power-on before it shuts off, the motor or main PCB might have failed. The outcome is the same—you'll need to pursue a warranty claim or replacement. HEADS UP: Don't try to open the unit yourself. It's not designed to be repaired and you'll void any remaining warranty. Also, avoid using it on the highest heat setting for extended periods on thick hair, as that's what typically pushes it past its thermal limits.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer

Other Dryers