The Most Expensive Hair Tool I’ve Ever Bought
Let’s get this out of the way: the Dyson Airwrap costs more than some people’s monthly rent. I debated for months, watched countless YouTube tutorials, and finally convinced myself it was worth trying. Eight months later, here’s my honest assessment.
What’s In the Box
The “Complete Long” version comes with a ridiculous number of attachments: curling barrels (two sizes), smoothing brushes (firm and soft), a round volumizing brush, and the dryer attachment. Plus a storage case that’s actually useful.
The “Long” designation means longer barrels for longer hair - if your hair is above shoulder length, the regular version might suit you better.
Does It Actually Work?
Short answer: yes, but with caveats.
The Coanda effect - where air wraps your hair around the barrel without you having to manually wind it - is genuinely impressive the first time you see it work. Hair just… floats up and curls around. Feels like magic.
Getting consistently good results took practice. My first few attempts were uneven curls and frustration. After maybe 10-15 sessions, I figured out the right technique for my hair type (thick, wavy, slightly coarse). Now I can get salon-quality curls in about 30 minutes.
The learning experience:
- Expect a 2-week adjustment period minimum
- Watch the Dyson tutorials - they actually help
- Section your hair properly or suffer the consequences
- Lower heat settings work better than blasting it
Heat Damage Concerns
The main selling point is that it uses less heat than traditional curling irons. My hair definitely feels healthier than when I was using a regular curling wand. Less frizz, less brittleness, fewer split ends.
Is it completely damage-free? Probably not. But it’s noticeably gentler than the alternative. My colorist has commented that my hair seems healthier since I switched.
What I Actually Use
Here’s my honest usage breakdown:
Use all the time: Curling barrels (the whole point), dryer attachment Use sometimes: Smoothing brush for blowouts Rarely touch: Volumizing brush, firm smoothing brush
Most of the attachments are nice to have but not essential. If Dyson offered a stripped-down version with just the curling barrels and dryer, I’d probably recommend that instead.
The Annoying Parts
Learning Curve
Already mentioned, but worth emphasizing. This isn’t a “plug in and go” tool. You need to learn it.
Humidity Kills Your Curls
In humid weather, my curls last maybe 4 hours before relaxing. On dry days, they last all day. Climate matters more than I expected.
The Price
Obviously. This is a lot of money for a hair tool. I justified it as “cheaper than regular salon blowouts,” which is true if you were getting weekly blowouts. If you were just using a $30 curling iron, the math doesn’t work.
Storage
Even with the case, all these attachments take up significant bathroom cabinet space.
Is It Better Than a Regular Curling Iron?
Different, not strictly better.
A good curling iron gives you tighter, longer-lasting curls. The Airwrap gives you softer, more natural-looking waves with less heat damage. They’re different tools for different looks.
If you want tight ringlets for a night out, a traditional iron might actually work better. If you want effortless-looking soft curls for everyday, the Airwrap excels.
The Build Quality
This thing is solid. Heavy, well-made, feels premium. Eight months of regular use and everything still works perfectly. The attachments click in firmly, the buttons are responsive, nothing has broken or degraded.
If I’m spending this much, I expect it to last. So far, so good.
Who Should Buy This
Makes sense if you:
- Curl your hair frequently (3+ times per week)
- Are concerned about heat damage
- Have the budget and won’t stress about the cost
- Want that “effortless waves” look
- Are willing to learn proper technique
Probably skip if you:
- Rarely style your hair
- Are happy with your current curling iron
- Want tight, long-lasting curls
- Don’t have the patience to learn
- Would have to sacrifice other things to afford it
My Verdict
The Dyson Airwrap is genuinely good at what it does. It gives me nice curls with less heat damage, and it’s become part of my routine. The technology works, the build quality is excellent, and my hair is healthier for it.
Is it necessary? No. Is it worth the price? That depends entirely on your hair habits and financial situation. For me, using it 3-4 times a week, it’s justified itself. For occasional use, the cost-per-style would be ridiculous.
It’s a luxury item that actually delivers on its promises. Make of that what you will.
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