The Dyson Airwrap Complete is, unequivocally, a revolutionary hair styling tool that has reshaped expectations for at-home hair care, offering a unique blend of styling versatility, heat protection, and efficient performance.
Unlike traditional hot tools that rely on extreme heat, the Airwrap leverages the Coanda effect, a phenomenon where a jet of air attaches itself to a curved surface, to style hair with air rather than conventional high heat.
This innovative approach significantly reduces heat damage, making it a must for those concerned about hair health while still desiring salon-quality results.
Its ability to dry, curl, wave, smooth, and volumize with various attachments makes it a comprehensive solution for diverse hair types and styling preferences, truly embodying a complete styling system.
Many have lauded the Airwrap for its ability to create bouncy curls, sleek straight styles, and voluminous blowouts without the frizz and damage often associated with high heat.
While its premium price point is often a point of discussion, the long-term benefits of healthier hair, combined with the convenience of an all-in-one styling device, often justify the investment for its users.
Its ergonomic design, advanced technology, and consistent performance have solidified its position as a top-tier styling instrument in the beauty industry, attracting a dedicated following of users who prioritize both style and hair integrity.
Feature | Dyson Airwrap Complete Long | Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System | Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush | T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush | BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Rotating Hot Air Brush | Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush | Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Styling Method | Coanda Effect Airflow | Coanda Effect Airflow / Direct Heat | Direct Heat Hot Air Brush | Hot Air Brush Interchangeable | Hot Air Brush Rotating | Hot Air Brush | Hot Air Brush |
Heat Settings | 3 | 4 | 3 Heat / Cool Shot | 3 Heat / 3 Speed | 3 Heat / 2 Speed | 3 Heat / 2 Speed | 3 Heat / Cool Shot |
Attachments | Multiple Barrels, Brushes, Dryer | Multiple Barrels, Brushes, Dryer | Fixed Oval Brush | 2 Brushes Round, Paddle | 2 Sizes 2″, 3″ | Fixed Oval Brush | Fixed Oval Brush |
Price Point | Premium | Mid-Range | Budget-Friendly | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
Key Feature | Minimal heat damage, Versatility | Multi-styling, Compact | Volumizing, Drying | Versatility, Smoothness | Automatic Rotating | Ergonomic, Quick Drying | Volumizing, Shine |
Hair Type Suitability | All | All | All, especially for volume | All | All | All | All |
Understanding the Coanda Effect: Dyson’s Secret Sauce
At the heart of the Dyson Airwrap’s innovation lies the Coanda effect.
Clicks Keyboard ReviewThis aerodynamic phenomenon, first observed by Romanian inventor Henri Coandă, describes how a fluid jet tends to stay attached to a convex surface and entrain ambient fluid.
In simpler terms, for the Airwrap, this means that instead of relying on high heat to shape hair, the tool uses a precisely controlled airflow.
The air is projected at a specific angle and speed, creating a vortex around the barrel attachments.
This vortex then gently wraps strands of hair around the barrel, styling them with significantly less heat than traditional curling irons or flat irons.
This approach is a stark contrast to conventional heat styling, which often subjects hair to extreme temperatures, sometimes exceeding 400°F 200°C. Such high heat can lead to:
- Protein denaturation: The keratin protein that makes up hair can be damaged, leading to weakened strands.
- Moisture loss: Excessive heat strips hair of its natural moisture, resulting in dryness and brittleness.
- Cuticle damage: The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, can be lifted or cracked, leading to frizz and dullness.
The Airwrap, by contrast, operates at temperatures generally below 302°F 150°C and primarily uses airflow. This fundamental difference is what allows it to achieve stylish results while actively preserving hair health, minimizing the risk of irreversible damage, split ends, and breakage. It’s not just about styling. it’s about healthier styling.
Decoding the Attachments: A Tool for Every Style
The Dyson Airwrap Complete Long comes with a suite of attachments designed to tackle various styling needs, making it a truly versatile all-in-one device.
Understanding what each attachment does is key to unlocking the full potential of the Airwrap.
- Coanda Smoothing Dryer: This attachment serves a dual purpose. Initially, it acts as a pre-styler, taking hair from wet to damp, preparing it for styling. Its second function, the Coanda smoothing mode, helps hide flyaways for a sleek, smooth finish. It’s designed to quickly rough-dry hair before precise styling, preventing over-drying.
- 30mm Airwrap™ long barrels: These barrels are ideal for creating voluminous curls or waves, particularly for longer hair. The Coanda effect automatically attracts and wraps hair around the barrel, making curling effortless.
- 40mm Airwrap™ long barrels: Similar to the 30mm barrels but designed for looser curls or waves and for adding body to hair. These are excellent for a more relaxed, natural look or for adding volume without tight curls.
- Firm smoothing brush: This brush is engineered to smooth and control unruly, frizz-prone hair. Its firm bristles are designed to create a straighter, sleeker look with reduced frizz, making it perfect for those seeking a polished finish.
- Soft smoothing brush: Gentler than the firm brush, this attachment is designed for fine hair or to achieve a smooth, blow-dry finish with volume. It’s ideal for creating a natural, soft, and sleek style without excessive tension.
- Round volumizing brush: This brush is designed to add body and shape to hair. It creates tension to shape hair as it dries, perfect for creating a classic blow-out with volume at the roots and bouncy ends.
The availability of both 30mm and 40mm long barrels specifically caters to individuals with chest-length hair or longer, ensuring that the Coanda effect can fully wrap around and style longer strands effectively. This thoughtfulness in attachment design truly underscores the “Complete” aspect of the Airwrap.
Ergonomics and User Experience: Beyond the Buzz
Beyond its technical prowess, the Dyson Airwrap stands out for its thoughtful design and user experience. Fujifilm Fujinon Xf 16 50Mm F28 48 R Lm Wr Review
When you pick up the Airwrap, you immediately notice the difference.
- Weight Distribution: Unlike many hot tools that can feel top-heavy or cumbersome, the Airwrap is designed with balanced weight distribution, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver even during extended styling sessions. This reduces arm fatigue, a common complaint with heavier dryers or styling wands.
- Intuitive Controls: The controls are simple and easy to understand: three heat settings including a cool shot, three airflow settings, and an on/off switch. There’s no complicated digital display or myriad buttons to navigate, which contributes to a seamless user experience.
- Swappable Attachments: The attachments click securely into place with a simple twist-and-lock mechanism and are easily removed by pressing a button. This quick-change system means you can transition from drying to curling to smoothing in mere seconds, streamlining your styling routine.
- Cool Touch Barrels: A significant safety and convenience feature is that the barrels remain cool to the touch at the ends, allowing users to safely handle and manipulate the device without burning their fingers, unlike traditional curling irons.
- Cord Length and Swivel: The Airwrap typically comes with a generously long cord that swivels 360 degrees. This provides ample reach and flexibility, preventing tangles and allowing for greater freedom of movement while styling.
These seemingly small details collectively contribute to a remarkably user-friendly device. It’s not just about what the Airwrap does, but how effortlessly and safely it allows you to do it. This focus on practical usability sets it apart from many competitors.
Performance Across Hair Types: Is it Truly Universal?
One of the most frequent questions about the Dyson Airwrap is its effectiveness across different hair types.
The short answer is largely yes, but with some nuances.
- Fine Hair: For those with fine hair, the Airwrap is often a godsend. It provides significant volume and curl retention without weighing hair down or causing damage. The lower heat settings are particularly beneficial, preventing the brittleness that fine hair can experience with high heat. Users often report a more natural, voluminous bounce that holds throughout the day.
- Medium Hair: Medium hair types generally achieve excellent results, with the Airwrap delivering a good balance of curl, wave, and smoothing capabilities. This hair type often finds it easiest to achieve lasting styles with the Airwrap’s various attachments.
- Thick/Coarse Hair: While the Airwrap can style thick and coarse hair, it may require more patience and sectioning. The Coanda effect works best with smaller, manageable sections of hair. For individuals with very thick or highly resistant hair, the Airwrap might take longer to achieve desired results compared to traditional high-heat tools, or the styles might not hold as long without additional product. However, the benefit of reduced heat damage remains paramount.
- Curly/Coily Hair: For naturally curly or coily hair, the Airwrap can be used to stretch and smooth curls, or to create a more defined, looser wave pattern. The smoothing brushes are particularly effective here. It’s important to note that it’s not designed to straighten highly coily hair from its natural state in the same way a flat iron would, but rather to smooth and add a blow-out finish. Many find it excellent for defrizzing and creating a polished look without compromising their curl pattern entirely.
Regardless of hair type, starting with damp, not dripping wet, hair is crucial for optimal results. The Airwrap is designed to style as it dries, and excessively wet hair can hinder the Coanda effect’s ability to wrap strands efficiently. Using a good heat protectant even with lower heat and styling products appropriate for your hair type will further enhance the Airwrap’s performance and style longevity.
Maintenance and Longevity: Protecting Your Investment
Investing in a Dyson Airwrap is a significant decision, and like any premium appliance, proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.
- Filter Cleaning: The most critical maintenance task is regularly cleaning the filter. The Airwrap’s motor is located in the handle, and it draws air through a filter at the bottom. Over time, lint, dust, and hair product residue can accumulate, clogging the filter and reducing airflow. A clogged filter can cause the Airwrap to overheat, reduce its styling effectiveness, and potentially lead to motor damage. Dyson recommends cleaning the filter mesh with the provided filter cleaning brush after every few uses, or at least once a week if used frequently. For a deeper clean, the outer filter cage can be removed and gently wiped.
- Attachment Care: The attachments should be wiped down periodically to remove any hair product buildup. For the barrels, ensure there’s no hair or product residue blocking the tiny air vents that create the Coanda effect. A soft, damp cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid submerging any part of the Airwrap or its attachments in water.
- Storage: Store the Airwrap and its attachments in a clean, dry place. The included storage case is excellent for protecting the device and keeping all attachments organized, preventing damage from accidental drops or impacts.
- Cord Care: Always handle the power cord with care. Avoid wrapping it too tightly around the device or twisting it, as this can damage the internal wiring over time. Disconnect by pulling the plug, not the cord.
By adhering to these simple maintenance practices, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your Dyson Airwrap and ensure it continues to deliver salon-quality results for years to come.
Neglecting filter cleaning, in particular, is the most common reason for performance issues and premature wear.
Dyson Airwrap vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Look
The beauty market is saturated with hair styling tools, and while the Dyson Airwrap holds a unique position, it faces competition from both traditional hot tools and newer air-styling alternatives.
- Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System: Often touted as the closest competitor, the FlexStyle also uses the Coanda effect for curling and comes with multiple attachments. It’s generally more compact and has a lower price point than the Airwrap. While it offers similar versatility, some users report that its curling performance might not be as robust or consistent as the Airwrap, especially for holding curls on certain hair types. However, its dryer function is highly praised, and its compact design makes it travel-friendly.
- Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush: This popular tool is a hot air brush that combines a hair dryer and a round brush. It’s excellent for achieving a voluminous blowout quickly and is significantly more affordable than the Airwrap. The primary difference is its reliance on direct heat from heated bristles, which can be hotter and potentially more damaging over time compared to the Airwrap’s airflow styling. It’s a great choice for basic blowouts but lacks the curling and smoothing versatility of the Airwrap.
- T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush: Similar to Revlon, the T3 AireBrush is a hot air brush but with interchangeable heads round and paddle for more styling options. T3 is known for its advanced heat technology that aims to minimize damage, and the AireBrush offers multiple heat and speed settings. While it provides excellent smoothing and volumizing, it doesn’t offer the Coanda-effect curling capabilities of the Airwrap.
- Traditional Curling Irons & Flat Irons: These tools rely solely on very high direct heat to shape hair. While they can achieve precise and long-lasting styles, the consistent application of extreme heat can lead to significant hair damage over time, including dryness, breakage, and loss of natural shine. The Airwrap’s fundamental advantage here is its heat-minimizing approach, which prioritizes hair health.
The choice often comes down to budget, desired styling versatility, and priority for hair health. Elgato Facecam Mk2 Review
If minimizing heat damage and achieving a wide range of styles with one tool is paramount, the Dyson Airwrap remains a leading contender.
If cost is a major factor and a simple blow-out or basic straightening is sufficient, other alternatives offer compelling value.
Is the Dyson Airwrap Worth the Investment? Final Verdict
This is the million-dollar question for many considering the Dyson Airwrap.
Its price point is undeniably high, often placing it in a luxury category for hair tools.
However, evaluating its worth requires looking beyond the initial cost and considering its long-term benefits and user experience.
Arguments for the Investment:
- Hair Health Preservation: This is arguably the most significant benefit. By utilizing the Coanda effect and lower heat, the Airwrap drastically reduces the risk of heat damage. For individuals who style their hair frequently, this translates to healthier, shinier, and stronger hair over time, potentially saving money on deep conditioning treatments or salon repairs caused by heat damage.
- Versatility and All-in-One Functionality: The Airwrap replaces multiple styling tools – a hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, and volumizing brush. This declutters your styling space and simplifies your routine.
- Time Savings: For many users, the ability to dry and style simultaneously significantly cuts down on styling time, especially for busy individuals.
- User-Friendly Design: The ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and cool-touch features make it a pleasure to use, even for styling novices.
- Durability and Warranty: Dyson products are known for their build quality and come with a standard warranty, offering peace of mind regarding your investment.
Considerations Against the Investment or for Alternatives:
- High Upfront Cost: This is the primary deterrent for many. While the long-term value can be argued, the initial outlay is substantial.
- Learning Curve: While intuitive, mastering the Coanda effect for perfect curls can take a few attempts. It’s not a plug-and-play like a traditional curling iron for everyone.
- Specific Hair Needs: While versatile, individuals with very specific hair needs e.g., extremely coily hair that requires significant heat to straighten, or very fine hair that struggles to hold any curl without strong hold products might find specialized tools more effective for those particular styles.
- Maintenance: Regular filter cleaning is essential, and neglecting it can lead to performance issues.
Conclusion:
For those who regularly style their hair, prioritize hair health, value convenience, and are willing to invest in a premium, durable tool that delivers consistent, salon-quality results with minimal heat damage, the Dyson Airwrap Complete Long is absolutely worth the investment. It’s more than just a styling tool.
It’s an investment in healthier hair and a streamlined beauty routine. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review
If budget is a severe constraint or if you only style your hair occasionally and don’t mind using higher heat, then more affordable, albeit less versatile or hair-friendly, alternatives might be more suitable.
But for the dedicated hair enthusiast, the Airwrap often proves its value many times over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Dyson Airwrap and what does it do?
The Dyson Airwrap is a multi-styler hair tool that uses the Coanda effect, an aerodynamic phenomenon, to style hair with air rather than extreme heat.
It can dry, curl, wave, smooth, and volumize hair using various interchangeable attachments.
How does the Coanda effect work in the Dyson Airwrap?
The Coanda effect in the Airwrap creates a continuous airflow that wraps hair around the barrel or brush attachments, styling it with lower temperatures.
This minimizes heat damage compared to traditional hot tools.
Is the Dyson Airwrap suitable for all hair types?
Yes, the Dyson Airwrap is designed to be suitable for various hair types, including fine, medium, thick, and even naturally curly or coily hair, though styling results and techniques may vary slightly for each.
Does the Dyson Airwrap cause heat damage?
The Dyson Airwrap is engineered to significantly reduce heat damage by utilizing the Coanda effect, operating at lower temperatures than traditional styling tools.
While it still uses some heat, it’s far less damaging.
What’s the difference between the Dyson Airwrap Complete and the Dyson Airwrap Complete Long?
The “Long” version of the Dyson Airwrap Complete includes longer barrels 30mm and 40mm specifically designed for hair that is chest-length or longer, ensuring better hair wrapping and styling for longer strands. Oystervpn Review
Can I dry my hair with the Dyson Airwrap?
Yes, the Dyson Airwrap comes with a Coanda smoothing dryer attachment that can take hair from wet to damp, preparing it for styling, or even fully dry it.
How do I clean the Dyson Airwrap?
Regularly clean the filter at the bottom of the handle with the provided brush to remove lint and hair, which is crucial for optimal performance. Attachments can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
How long do curls last with the Dyson Airwrap?
The longevity of curls depends on hair type, texture, and environmental factors.
Using a good styling product mousse, hairspray and starting with damp hair can help curls hold longer.
Many users report curls lasting several hours to a full day.
Is the Dyson Airwrap worth its price?
The Dyson Airwrap is a premium-priced product.
Its worth is often subjective, depending on your budget, styling needs, and priority for minimizing heat damage and investing in a versatile, high-quality tool.
What are the main attachments included with the Dyson Airwrap Complete Long?
The main attachments include the Coanda smoothing dryer, 30mm and 40mm long Airwrap barrels, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, and a round volumizing brush.
Can the Dyson Airwrap replace my traditional hair dryer and curling iron?
Yes, for many users, the Dyson Airwrap can effectively replace both a traditional hair dryer and a curling iron, offering both drying and multiple styling capabilities in one device.
Do I need to use heat protectant with the Dyson Airwrap?
While the Airwrap uses lower heat, it’s always recommended to use a heat protectant with any heat styling tool to provide an extra layer of protection for your hair. Tcl Q Series 85 Inch Tv 85Qm851G Review
How long does it take to style hair with the Dyson Airwrap?
Styling time varies by hair length, thickness, and desired style.
Many users report being able to dry and style their hair in 10-30 minutes, significantly faster than using separate tools.
Does the Dyson Airwrap work on dry hair?
The Dyson Airwrap works best on damp, not dripping wet, hair.
While it can refresh dry hair, the Coanda effect is most effective when hair has some moisture.
What is the warranty for the Dyson Airwrap?
Dyson typically offers a 2-year warranty on their Airwrap stylers, covering parts and labor.
It’s always best to check the specific warranty details at the time of purchase.
Can I travel with the Dyson Airwrap?
Yes, the Airwrap is generally travel-friendly.
Some models come with a travel case, and the attachments are easily detachable.
However, check voltage compatibility if traveling internationally.
What is the primary benefit of the Dyson Airwrap over a traditional hot air brush?
The primary benefit is the Airwrap’s use of the Coanda effect, which styles hair with air and lower heat, significantly reducing the risk of heat damage compared to traditional hot air brushes that rely on direct, high heat. Jabra Evolve2 55 Review
Does the Dyson Airwrap make hair shiny?
Yes, by minimizing heat damage and smoothing the hair cuticle with airflow, the Dyson Airwrap can help reduce frizz and enhance natural shine, leading to healthier-looking hair.
Are there different colors available for the Dyson Airwrap?
Dyson often releases the Airwrap in various colorways, including popular ones like Nickel/Copper, Prussian Blue/Rich Copper, and Ceramic Pop, though availability can vary by region and retailer.
Can men use the Dyson Airwrap?
Yes, men can absolutely use the Dyson Airwrap for styling their hair, especially for adding volume, smoothing, or achieving specific looks like a quiff or textured style.
Is there a learning curve to using the Dyson Airwrap?
Yes, there can be a slight learning curve, especially for mastering the self-wrapping barrels.
It might take a few attempts to get the technique right for your specific hair type and desired style.
What kind of results can I expect from the firm smoothing brush attachment?
The firm smoothing brush attachment is designed to create a straighter, sleeker look with reduced frizz, particularly effective for unruly or frizz-prone hair.
What kind of results can I expect from the soft smoothing brush attachment?
The soft smoothing brush attachment is ideal for fine hair or for achieving a smooth, blow-dry finish with volume, creating a natural, soft, and sleek style.
How loud is the Dyson Airwrap compared to a normal hair dryer?
The Dyson Airwrap is generally quieter than many traditional powerful hair dryers due to its digital motor technology, though it still produces audible airflow noise during operation.
Does the Dyson Airwrap come with a storage case?
Yes, the Dyson Airwrap Complete Long typically comes with a stylish and functional storage case to protect the device and keep all the attachments organized.
What if my hair doesn’t wrap around the barrel automatically?
If your hair isn’t wrapping, ensure your hair is damp not too wet or too dry, use small sections, hold the barrel close to the ends, and allow the airflow to catch the hair. Check the direction of the airflow on the barrel. Tcl Q Series 75 Inch Tv 75Qm851G Review
Can I use the Dyson Airwrap on hair extensions?
It’s generally safe to use the Dyson Airwrap on human hair extensions, as its lower heat helps prevent damage.
However, always consult with your extension specialist for specific care instructions.
What is the benefit of the cool shot function?
The cool shot function helps to set your style by rapidly cooling the hair, which helps to lock in curls and waves for longer-lasting results.
How does the Dyson Airwrap regulate temperature?
The Dyson Airwrap features intelligent heat control, measuring air temperature over 40 times a second to prevent extreme heat damage and maintain optimal styling temperatures.
Are Dyson Airwrap attachments interchangeable between different models?
Generally, attachments are designed to be compatible across different generations of the Dyson Airwrap, though there might be minor variations or new attachments released with updated models. It’s always best to check product specifications.
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