Dyson Airwrap Review 2024: Is It Really Worth the Investment for Your Hair?
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With so many new styling tools hitting the market, including the budget-friendly Shark FlexStyle, it’s natural to wonder: Is the Dyson Airwrap still worth the investment? As a hairstylist who’s tried it all, I’ll be honest—Dyson has been a game-changer, but does it still hold its crown in a market filled with emerging contenders?
In this post, I’m here to give you my honest, professional opinion based on real-world experience with clients and personal use. Whether you’re deciding between Dyson and its competitors or just curious if it lives up to the hype, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and insider tips on how to get the most out of this hair styling tool.
Is Dyson Airwrap really worth it?
Let’s cut to the chase— is the Dyson Airwrap really worth it, or is it just another overhyped tool? As a hairstylist who has spent countless hours working with different hair types, I can tell you firsthand: it depends on what you need from a styling tool.
When I first got my hands on the Dyson Airwrap, it felt like a game-changer. There was nothing else quite like it on the market. If you had asked me back then, I would have said, hands down, it’s worth every penny. It completely transformed my styling routine. I used to spend what felt like forever drying my hair and then carefully using heat tools to avoid damage. But with the Airwrap? I got salon-quality results in a fraction of the time—and what’s more, my hair felt healthier after each use.
But here’s the thing—fast-forward to today, and there are plenty of more affordable alternatives out there that do a pretty good job too. So, is it still the must-have tool? If you’re someone who loves switching up your look often and wants a tool that can do it all without frying your hair, the Dyson Airwrap might just be your holy grail. But if your styling needs are more basic, or you’re on a budget, you might want to explore the dupes.
That said, I still love my Dyson Airwrap and use it regularly in my own routine. I’ve been using it for over two years, and I’ve noticed a lot less heat damage compared to traditional tools. It dries my thick, coarse, straight/wavy hair quickly, and I can create everything from smooth, sleek blowouts to voluminous curls. But I’ll be real with you: the curls don’t always last as long as I’d like, especially on thicker hair like mine. And the price tag? Definitely a big consideration.
My most-used attachments? The rough dryer for quickly drying my hair without excess heat, the flat brush for smooth, frizz-free finishes, and the round brush for those bouncy, voluminous blowouts. These attachments are my go-tos, and while the Dyson has made my life easier, it’s not without its quirks.
So, should you buy it? If you’re ready to invest in a versatile tool that’s great for your hair health and will save you time, the Dyson Airwrap is absolutely worth it. But if you’re after something more affordable, you might want to try a dupe first before making the splurge.
Dyson Airwrap Pros and Cons
Like any styling tool, the Dyson Airwrap has its pros and cons. Let’s break it down, so you know exactly what to expect before hitting that “buy now” button.
Pros:
1. Gentle on Hair:
One of the biggest wins for the Dyson Airwrap is how kind it is to your hair. Unlike traditional curling irons or straighteners that rely on extreme heat, the Airwrap uses controlled airflow to style without frying your strands. As a hairstylist, this is huge because long-term heat damage can be a nightmare for clients.
2. Versatile:
This tool is like the Swiss Army knife of hair styling. Whether you’re in the mood for bouncy curls, sleek blowouts, or smooth waves, the Airwrap’s multiple attachments have you covered. It can seriously replace a whole lineup of styling tools in your drawer.
3. Time-Saving:
I’ll be honest—this tool has saved me so much time. No more drying my hair, then switching to a curling iron, then to a straightener. With the Airwrap, I can go from damp to styled in one go, which is a game-changer on busy mornings.
4. Less Damage:
The intelligent heat control on the Airwrap ensures that your hair never gets exposed to temperatures higher than 302°F (150°C). This means you can style regularly without worrying about heat damage, frizz, or split ends creeping in.
Cons:
1. Price:
Let’s address the elephant in the room—the Dyson Airwrap doesn’t come cheap. It’s definitely an investment, but if you’re serious about hair care and want a tool that will protect your hair over time, it’s worth considering. Still, it’s a major financial commitment, especially when there are more affordable alternatives out there.
2. Learning Curve:
I’ll admit, there’s a bit of a learning curve. The Airwrap uses airflow to wrap the hair, and it can take a few tries to get the technique just right, especially if you’re used to traditional curling irons or straighteners. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze.
3. Curl Longevity:
While the Airwrap does create beautiful curls, depending on your hair type, they might not last as long as those created by a traditional curling iron. I’ve found that finer hair types might need some extra setting spray or pinning techniques to keep the curls intact.
Dyson Airwrap Attachments: Which One’s Right for You?
One of the things I love about the Dyson Airwrap is how versatile it is, and a lot of that comes down to the attachments. Whether you want sleek, straight hair or bouncy, voluminous curls, there’s an attachment designed to get the job done.
Here’s a breakdown of each attachment, and how to get the most out of it:
1. 1.2-inch Curling Barrels
Perfect for tighter, more defined curls. The Airwrap’s airflow wraps your hair around the barrel automatically, eliminating the need to twist your wrist like with a traditional curling iron. If you have fine or medium hair and want voluminous curls that hold all day, this attachment is a must.
2. 1.6-inch Curling Barrels
For looser, beachy waves, the 1.6-inch barrels are your go-to. I personally love this for achieving those effortless, tousled waves that are perfect for everyday wear. Ideal for medium to long hair, it gives a more relaxed and natural wave.
3. Smoothing Brushes
Whether you’ve got thick, coarse hair or finer hair, the smoothing brush is a multitasker. It smooths and straightens while reducing frizz, leaving your hair sleek without making it flat. It’s perfect for achieving that smooth, polished blowout without needing a flat iron.
4. Round Volumizing Brush
If you’re after big, bouncy volume, this attachment mimics the effect of a round brush and blow dryer. It’s my go-to for creating salon-level volume at home, especially at the roots. Ideal for anyone who loves that full, bouncy blowout look.
5. Pre-styling Dryer
This attachment is often overlooked, but it’s essential for getting the Airwrap’s magic to work. The pre-styling dryer takes your hair from wet to damp before you use any of the styling attachments. It dries your hair gently and evenly without using extreme heat, which is key to keeping your hair healthy while styling.
How Easy is the Dyson Airwrap to Use?
When you first get your hands on the Dyson Airwrap, it’s not going to be instant perfection. There’s definitely a learning curve, but it’s completely manageable with a bit of practice.
The first challenge most people face is figuring out the Coanda effect. The way the airflow wraps your hair around the barrel without you doing much is pretty cool, but getting the hang of directing your hair properly can take a few tries. It’s not like traditional curling irons where you manually wrap your hair around a hot barrel; instead, the Airwrap does the work for you—if you hold it at the right angle. Trust me, it’s all about positioning, and once you master that, it becomes second nature.
Another thing users struggle with initially is choosing the right attachment. Dyson gives you a bunch of options (curling barrels, smoothing brushes, and volumizing tools), and figuring out which attachment works best for your hair type or the style you want can be confusing. The good news is, once you experiment a little, you’ll quickly discover what works best for your texture and the look you’re aiming for.
And then there’s the timing—many new users don’t realize that using the Dyson Airwrap on hair that’s too wet or too dry can affect the outcome. You need to find that perfect balance (about 70-80% dry) to get the best results. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s something to keep in mind as you get familiar with the tool.
One tip? Don’t try to rush through it the first time. Take your time to figure out how to handle the tool and which settings work for your hair. It gets much easier and faster as you go.
So, yes—there are a few things to learn, but once you’ve nailed down the technique, the Dyson Airwrap can genuinely transform your hair styling routine. It’s way faster than the traditional blow-dry and curl method once you get into the groove.
How Does Dyson Work for Different Hair Types?
One of the things I love most about the Dyson Airwrap is how it caters to various hair types without causing damage. Whether you’ve got fine, curly, thick, or textured hair, the Airwrap’s innovative technology adapts to your unique needs. Here’s a breakdown of how it performs on different hair textures:
1. Fine or Thin Hair
The biggest worry with fine hair is that it tends to lose volume easily, and traditional tools can make it look flat or frazzled. The good news? The Airwrap uses controlled heat, so you don’t have to worry about heat damage thinning out your hair further.
Best Attachments: Use the 1.2-inch curling barrel for tighter curls that hold, or the volumizing brush for a fuller blowout. The airflow technology helps create natural volume, and the cool shot feature locks in your style without deflating it by midday.
2. Curly or Wavy Hair
The Airwrap is perfect for smoothing curls or enhancing them, depending on the look you’re going for. If you’re tired of frizz or unmanageable curls, the smoothing brush will become your best friend. It smooths your curls without completely straightening them, leaving them defined and shiny.
Best Attachments: You can use the curling barrels to enhance your natural curl pattern or the smoothing brush to stretch and smooth curls while reducing frizz.
3. Thick or Coarse Hair
For those of you with thick, coarse hair that typically takes forever to dry, the Dyson Airwrap speeds things up. It’s gentler on your hair than traditional tools, and you don’t have to worry about scorching your strands with excessive heat. The Airwrap’s powerful airflow helps dry your hair quickly while still giving you control over frizz and volume.
Best Attachments: The pre-styling dryer is key for getting your hair to the perfect dampness before using the smoothing brush or larger curling barrel. These attachments work well to create sleek, polished styles, even for thicker hair types.
4. Textured or Coily Hair
While textured and coily hair often requires a bit more effort to style, the Dyson Airwrap can still get the job done. It’s perfect for stretching out your curls without the intense heat of a flat iron. However, coily hair tends to need more moisture, so prepping your hair with hydrating products is key.
Best Attachments: The smoothing brush works wonders to elongate and smooth curls, while the round volumizing brush can be used to create fullness at the roots.
Dyson Airwrap vs Traditional Styling Tools
If you’re on the fence about whether to splurge on the Dyson Airwrap or stick with your trusty curling iron and blow dryer, let’s quickly break it down.
Heat and Hair Health:
Traditional tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers typically use high heat, which can damage your hair over time—especially if you’re styling daily. The Dyson Airwrap, on the other hand, is designed to be much gentler. It uses controlled airflow instead of extreme heat, which means you’re less likely to deal with fried ends or brittle hair.
Speed and Efficiency:
When it comes to speed, traditional tools can take longer because you’re usually juggling multiple devices. First, you blow-dry your hair, then curl or straighten it. The Airwrap, however, can do it all in one go—drying and styling simultaneously. Once you get the hang of it, the Dyson Airwrap really cuts down on styling time.
Styling Versatility:
Traditional tools are often limited to one function—like curling or straightening. The Dyson Airwrap is a multi-tasker. You can switch between attachments to create different looks: beachy waves, sleek blowouts, or smooth, straight hair—all with one tool. This makes it more versatile, especially if you like to switch up your style often.
Price:
Let’s be honest—the Dyson Airwrap is an investment. Traditional tools are much more budget-friendly, and if you already have a collection of styling tools, the cost of the Airwrap might be hard to justify. But if you’re after one all-in-one tool that’s kinder to your hair, the Airwrap could be worth it in the long run.
Ultimately, if you’re serious about minimizing heat damage and want to streamline your routine, the Dyson Airwrap wins hands down. But if you only style occasionally and are happy with your current tools, sticking with what you know might make more sense.
Is The Dyson Airwrap Damaging?
Unlike traditional styling tools that rely on extreme heat to shape your hair, the Airwrap uses intelligent heat control to keep temperatures in check. This means it never gets hot enough to cause the kind of damage you’d typically see with flat irons or curling wands.
While it does get warm, Dyson’s technology ensures it’s just enough heat to style without scorching your hair. The tool uses airflow to create your curls, waves, or smooth blowouts, which is a game-changer for protecting your strands.
If you’re someone who’s worried about heat damage but still wants those salon-quality results, the Dyson Airwrap strikes a great balance. As a stylist, I can confidently say that it’s one of the gentler options out there, making it a solid choice for anyone who’s mindful of their hair’s health.
Is Dyson Airwrap Good for Everyday Use?
If you’re the type who loves a flawless style every day, you’re probably wondering: can the Dyson Airwrap really handle that daily demand? Spoiler: It totally can—without overworking your hair.
Unlike traditional heat tools that can stress your strands, the Airwrap’s technology focuses on airflow and controlled heat. That means even with regular use, you’re not subjecting your hair to extreme temperatures. In fact, many of my clients have found they can use the Airwrap multiple times a week without the usual heat-related damage they experienced before.
Plus, the variety of attachments makes it easy to switch up your look—from sleek and straight one day to bouncy curls the next—without needing multiple tools.
Of course, even with this advanced tech, moderation is key. If you want to keep your hair looking its best, I recommend mixing it up with low-maintenance days where you go heat-free or natural hairstyles with minimal products, updos, or quick blow-drying to keep things balanced. But for those busy weeks when you want to look polished daily, the Airwrap can be your go-to styling savior.
Can You Use Dyson Airwrap on Wet Hair?
Yes, you can use the Dyson Airwrap on wet hair, but with a twist. The Airwrap is designed to work best on damp hair, not soaking wet strands. When your hair is around 70-80% dry, that’s when the real magic happens. At this stage, your hair is still pliable enough for the tool to shape it, but not so wet that it takes forever to dry.
One thing that makes the Dyson Airwrap unique is that it actually has a pre-styling dryer attachment. This helps get your hair to that ideal damp stage in minutes. You don’t need to sit around air-drying for hours before you can start styling. It’s one of the reasons the Airwrap is such a game-changer for multitasking—less waiting, more styling.
For those with textured or thicker hair, you might want to leave your hair a bit wetter, around 50% dry, to let the tool work with your natural texture rather than against it. But for fine or straight hair, aiming for that 70-80% sweet spot is key to getting those bouncy curls or sleek blowouts without adding frizz.
Can Dyson Airwrap Straighten Hair?
Absolutely, the Dyson Airwrap isn’t just a one-trick pony. It can definitely give you that sleek, straight look you’d typically reach for a flat iron to achieve. The key to this lies in its smoothing brush attachments, which work to straighten your hair while minimizing heat damage.
What sets the Airwrap apart from other straightening tools is how it uses airflow along with heat to pull your hair straight. Instead of clamping your hair between scorching plates, the Airwrap’s smoothing brush gently guides warm air through your strands, smoothing as it dries. This gives you a blowout-style finish—sleek, shiny, and full of natural movement—without the risk of extreme heat damage that traditional straighteners can cause.
However, if you’re looking for that ultra-sleek, glass-like straightness, the kind you’d get from a flat iron, you might need to follow up with a straightener for the final touch. But for an everyday polished look with plenty of volume and bounce, the Airwrap’s smoothing brush has you covered.
Conclusion
I’ve laid out every detail and answered the Dyson Airwrap questions I get all the time from clients and readers alike. Now, it’s time to think about your own hair goals, your budget, and what you want out of a styling tool. If you’re someone who values healthier styling with versatile options and you’re willing to invest, the Dyson Airwrap could be a perfect fit.
But don’t rush it—take everything I’ve shared into consideration, and make the choice that’s right for you and your hair routine. Whether it’s the Airwrap or another tool, it’s all about choosing what suits your hair type, lifestyle, and styling needs best.
