Dyson Airwrap Review: Styling Tool Worth The Splurge?

The Dyson Airwrap has become one of the most talked about hair tools of the decade. It promises salon quality curls, sleek blowouts, and smooth finishes without scorching your strands. Many shoppers wonder if the high price tag matches the real life results.

This review breaks down every feature, attachment, and styling outcome in plain language. You will learn how the tool works, who it suits best, and where it falls short. By the end, you will know if the Dyson Airwrap deserves a spot on your bathroom counter.

I tested the Airwrap on different hair types and styles over several weeks. The findings below come from hands on use, not marketing claims. Let us walk through everything you need to know before you buy.

In A Nutshell

Before we dive deep, here are the highlights you should remember while reading this review.

• The Dyson Airwrap uses the Coanda effect to wrap hair around its barrels with air, not extreme heat, which protects strands from heat damage.
• The tool replaces your hair dryer, curling iron, round brush, and straightening brush, making it a true 6 in 1 styler for most hair types.
• The price sits between $500 and $600, which is steep, but the build quality and motor performance justify the cost for frequent stylers.
• It works best on damp, freshly washed hair that is around 80 percent dry, and results last one to two days on most hair textures.
• The learning curve is real, and beginners may need two to three weeks of practice before nailing salon level curls.
• Dyson includes multiple attachments in one box, including barrels, smoothing brushes, a volumizing brush, and a Coanda smoothing dryer.

Keep these points in mind as we explore each feature in depth.

What Is The Dyson Airwrap?

The Dyson Airwrap is a multi styler that dries, curls, waves, smooths, and shapes hair using high velocity airflow. Dyson launched the first version in 2018 and has updated it several times since. The current Complete Long model includes longer barrels for people with shoulder length or longer hair.

The device looks like a sleek wand with a digital motor inside the handle. Attachments click onto the top with a satisfying snap. The whole tool weighs about 1.5 pounds, which feels light during long styling sessions.

What makes it special is the air science behind it. Instead of clamping hair between hot plates or wrapping it around a scorching barrel, the Airwrap pulls strands toward the barrel using a smart airflow pattern. This means less heat damage and more natural shine.

Dyson markets the tool as a long term hair investment. The motor spins at 110,000 rpm, which is faster than most premium hair dryers. The brand also offers a two year warranty and free filter cleaning tools in the box.

How The Coanda Effect Works

The Coanda effect is the secret sauce of the Airwrap. It describes how a fast moving jet of air sticks to a curved surface near it. Dyson engineers used this principle to make hair wrap itself around the barrel automatically.

When you hold the barrel near a section of damp hair, the airflow grabs the strands and pulls them toward the surface. The hair then curls around the barrel without you needing to wrap it manually. This is very different from a traditional curling iron, where you twist hair around hot metal.

The benefit is huge for your hair health. Heat damage drops sharply because the barrel never reaches the searing temperatures of a curling wand. Dyson keeps the maximum temperature at 150 degrees Celsius, which is well below the 230 degrees of most curling tools.

The tool also measures airflow temperature 40 times per second. If it senses overheating, it adjusts the heat instantly. This intelligent heat control keeps your hair shaft safe from sudden temperature spikes.

The Coanda effect takes practice, though. You need to hold the wand at the right angle and let the air do the work. Once you get the rhythm, styling feels almost effortless.

Unboxing And First Impressions

Opening the Dyson Airwrap box feels like unboxing a luxury gadget. The packaging is sturdy, and every attachment sits in a fitted case. Dyson includes a presentation case in the Complete Long version, which is great for storage and travel.

The first thing you notice is the build quality. The handle feels solid in your hand, with a smooth matte finish. Buttons click with precision, and the cord is long enough to reach across a vanity.

Inside, you will find the main wand, two curling barrels in 1.2 inch and 1.6 inch sizes, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush, and the new Coanda smoothing dryer. Each piece has a clear purpose, and Dyson includes a quick start guide with photos.

The attachments swap quickly with a push and twist motion. They get warm during use but never too hot to touch. This is a small detail that makes styling sessions feel safer and more comfortable.

First time users often feel overwhelmed by the choices. My advice is to start with the smoothing dryer and one barrel. Master those before moving on to the brushes.

Top 3 Alternatives For Dyson Airwrap

If the Dyson price tag feels too high, these three options give you similar results for less money.

The Shark FlexStyle is the closest competitor and often called the best Dyson dupe. It costs about half the price and uses similar airflow technology. The attachments swap easily, and the curling barrels deliver bouncy results on most hair types.

The Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Styler focuses on volume and a quick blowout look. It works as a hot air brush with a round design that lifts roots and smooths ends. This is a great pick for people who only want a blowout style, not curls.

The T3 AireBrush Duo offers two interchangeable brush heads, a 2.5 inch round brush and a 3 inch paddle brush. It has five heat settings and three speed levels. This tool suits people who prefer brush based styling over wand curling.

All three options give solid performance at a fraction of the Dyson cost.

The Curling Barrels Explained

The Airwrap comes with two barrel sizes, 1.2 inch and 1.6 inch. Each one creates a different curl pattern. The smaller barrel gives tighter, springier curls, while the larger one creates loose waves and Hollywood style bends.

Each barrel has two versions, one for clockwise curls and one for counter clockwise. This symmetry matters because you want curls to fall away from your face on both sides. The barrels are color coded with arrows, so you never grab the wrong one.

Using them is simple once you learn the motion. You hold the wand vertically, place a section of hair near the barrel, and let the air pull it in. Hold for about 10 to 12 seconds, then hit the cool shot button to set the curl.

The cool shot is a game changer. It locks the curl shape without using any heat. Your curls hold their bounce for longer compared to traditional curling tools.

People with thick or coarse hair may need to work in smaller sections. Thin or fine hair often needs less time on the barrel. Experiment with section size and time to find what works for you.

The Smoothing Brushes For Sleek Blowouts

The firm and soft smoothing brushes turn the Airwrap into a blowout machine. The firm brush has stiff bristles that grip thick or curly hair. The soft brush has gentler bristles that suit fine or fragile strands.

Both brushes deliver a sleek, salon style finish. You glide the brush through damp hair while pulling slightly downward. The airflow shoots through the brush head and smooths the cuticle in one pass.

I found the firm brush ideal for stretching out natural curls and waves. It pulls hair straight without flattening volume. The soft brush works better for everyday blowouts on thinner hair, giving a soft bounce at the ends.

The results compare favorably to a professional blowout. Hair feels silky, looks shiny, and stays smooth for two to three days. Frizz reduction is one of the strongest features of these attachments.

One small downside is the time required. A full blowout still takes 15 to 20 minutes on long hair. This is faster than a round brush and dryer combo, but not as quick as a flat iron pass.

The Round Volumizing Brush

The round volumizing brush adds body and lift at the roots. It looks like a classic round brush with retractable bristles, but air shoots through it for faster drying and styling.

This attachment shines on fine and limp hair. You roll the brush at the roots, hold for a few seconds, and lift to create natural volume. The retractable bristles release hair easily without snags.

The brush also works for a bouncy 1990s blowout look. Wrap the ends around the brush, hold, and pull through for soft flips. Results look effortless and youthful.

I noticed that this brush works best on hair that is already about 70 percent dry. Soaking wet hair takes longer and may not hold the shape. Pre dry with the smoothing dryer first for best outcomes.

The bristles retract when you push a button on the side. This feature is useful if hair tangles, which can happen with thick or curly textures. Most users find this brush underrated compared to the curling barrels.

The Coanda Smoothing Dryer

The newest Airwrap includes a Coanda smoothing dryer attachment. This is a two in one tool that flips between a powerful dryer and a flyaway tamer. It replaces a separate hair dryer for most users.

In dryer mode, the airflow pushes through a wide opening for fast rough drying. In smoothing mode, the Coanda effect grabs short flyaway hairs and tucks them under the longer strands. The result is a polished, frizz free finish.

I use this attachment at the start and end of every styling session. Pre drying with this dryer cuts total styling time by half. The flyaway feature works best on a single pass over already styled hair.

The motor in this attachment is the same Hyperdymium one in the main wand. It moves a huge volume of air without screaming noise. Dyson rates the sound at around 79 decibels, which feels quiet compared to most hair dryers.

This single attachment justifies a big chunk of the Airwrap price. If you already own a separate dryer, you can sell it after buying the Airwrap.

How Long Do Curls Last?

Curl longevity depends on your hair type and prep work. On fine, straight hair, Airwrap curls last about 8 to 12 hours. On medium textured hair, expect 1 to 2 days. Thick or wavy hair holds curls the longest, sometimes 3 days with the right products.

The cool shot button is the key to lasting curls. Always finish each section with cool air before releasing the curl. This sets the bond inside the hair shaft and locks the shape.

Hair prep matters too. Wash your hair the night before for the best results. Day old hair has natural oils that hold styles much better than freshly washed hair. Add a light mousse or curl cream before drying for extra grip.

If your curls fall flat by lunchtime, try a smaller barrel or a thinner section. Smaller curls drop into looser waves as the day goes on. Starting with a tighter curl gives you a longer lasting look.

A light hairspray helps too. Spray each curl while it is still warm on the barrel for the strongest hold. Avoid heavy products that weigh down the curl pattern.

Pros And Cons Of The Dyson Airwrap

Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at both sides of the Dyson Airwrap.

On the positive side, the build quality is outstanding, and the tool feels like it will last for years. The air based styling reduces heat damage, so hair stays healthy over time. The attachments cover almost every styling need in one device.

The motor is fast, quiet, and energy efficient. Drying time drops noticeably compared to standard dryers. The cool shot, intelligent heat control, and Coanda effect all work together for a premium experience.

On the negative side, the price is a major barrier for many shoppers. At $500 to $600, this is one of the most expensive home styling tools available. Not everyone needs this level of investment.

The learning curve frustrates new users. Many people return the tool within the first week because the curls do not work right away. Patience and practice are required for great results.

Hair length matters too. Very short hair under chin length struggles to wrap around the barrels. Extremely long or thick hair may need extra time and effort to style fully.

Who Should Buy The Dyson Airwrap?

The Dyson Airwrap suits a specific kind of buyer. If you style your hair often, care about hair health, and have the budget, this tool is a smart pick. It pays off over years of daily use.

People with medium length, medium thickness hair get the best results. The barrels work well, the brushes glide through easily, and the airflow handles the volume. Wavy to lightly curly hair textures also see strong outcomes.

If you currently use multiple tools like a dryer, curling iron, and flat iron, the Airwrap consolidates them all. You free up counter space and reduce travel clutter. This is a real benefit for small bathrooms or frequent travelers.

People with very tight curls or coily hair may find the Airwrap less useful. The tool works on relaxed or stretched textures, but it does not define natural curl patterns. Type 4 hair textures often see better results with traditional styling methods.

Anyone on a tight budget should look at the alternatives mentioned earlier. The Shark FlexStyle delivers 80 percent of the Dyson experience for half the price.

Tips For Getting The Best Results

A few simple habits make a big difference with the Airwrap. Start every session with damp, not soaking wet, hair. Hair that is about 80 percent dry curls and smooths much better.

Use a heat protectant spray before styling, even though heat stays low. This adds slip and helps the air glide the hair around the barrel. Light products work best, since heavy creams can weigh down the airflow.

Work in small sections, about one inch wide. Smaller sections curl faster, dry better, and hold longer. Big chunks of hair often refuse to wrap properly around the barrel.

Hold the wand vertically when curling. Tilting changes the airflow direction and breaks the Coanda effect. The barrel arrows on each piece show which way to point the tool.

Finish every curl with the cool shot. Three seconds of cold air locks the shape and makes curls last hours longer. Skip this step and curls fall within an hour.

Practice on one side of your head first. Get the technique right before working all over. Most users feel confident after about two weeks of regular use.

Cleaning And Maintenance

The Dyson Airwrap needs regular cleaning to perform well. The filter at the bottom of the handle traps dust, hair, and product buildup. A clogged filter reduces airflow and shortens motor life.

Dyson includes a small cleaning brush in the box. Use it to wipe the filter once a week if you style daily. A clean filter keeps the tool running like new.

The attachments need occasional cleaning too. Wipe the barrels with a damp cloth after styling sessions. The brushes collect hair and product, so pull out stray strands with your fingers or a comb.

Store the tool in the case Dyson provides. This protects the attachments from dust and damage. The presentation case is sturdy enough for travel and fits in most carry on bags.

Never submerge the handle in water. The motor inside is sensitive to moisture. A soft, slightly damp cloth handles all cleaning needs for the outer surface.

Is The Dyson Airwrap Worth The Money?

This is the question every shopper asks. The answer depends on how often you style your hair and how much you value hair health. For frequent stylists, the answer is usually yes.

The math works out over time. A salon blowout costs $40 to $80 each visit. After 10 to 15 blowouts, the Airwrap pays for itself. Many users blow dry and style their hair daily, so the cost per use drops fast.

For occasional users, the value gets harder to justify. If you only style your hair twice a month, a cheaper tool like the Shark FlexStyle makes more sense. You do not need the most expensive tool to get great hair.

The Airwrap also holds its resale value well. Used Dyson tools sell for 60 to 70 percent of retail on platforms like eBay and Mercari. If you decide it is not for you, you can recover most of your money.

Overall, the Dyson Airwrap delivers on its promises. It styles, dries, and protects hair in one tool. The price hurts, but the long term experience often wins people over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Dyson Airwrap Work On Short Hair?

The Airwrap works on hair that is at least chin length. Shorter hair struggles to wrap around the barrels properly. The smoothing brushes still work well on pixie cuts and bobs for sleek styling.

Can I Use The Airwrap On Dry Hair?

The tool works best on damp hair, around 80 percent dry. You can use the smoothing brushes on fully dry hair for touch ups. The curling barrels need some moisture to grip and shape the strands.

How Often Should I Clean The Filter?

Clean the filter once a week if you style your hair daily. Less frequent users can clean it every two to three weeks. A clogged filter triggers a warning light on the handle.

Is The Dyson Airwrap Safe For Color Treated Hair?

Yes, the Airwrap is safer for color treated hair than traditional hot tools. The lower temperature reduces fading and dryness. Always use a heat protectant for extra safety.

Does It Come With A Warranty?

Dyson offers a two year warranty on the Airwrap. The warranty covers motor issues, electrical defects, and attachment failures. Register your product on the Dyson website after purchase.

Can The Airwrap Replace My Hair Dryer?

The Coanda smoothing dryer attachment is powerful enough to replace most home hair dryers. It dries hair quickly and smooths flyaways. Many users sell their old dryers after buying the Airwrap.

Why Are My Curls Not Lasting?

Curl drop usually comes from skipping the cool shot, using too much product, or working with sections that are too big. Try smaller sections, finish with cool air, and prep hair the night before for better hold.

Last update on 2026-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API