Haircare isn’t something you tend to think of as particularly high-tech. We look at our hairdryers and stylers as simple tools. Or at least, that’s how they used to be viewed.
Like everything in our lives, they have become increasingly high-tech.
A few years ago, Dyson turned its hand to haircare. Its motor technology developed for use in bagless vacuum cleaners was miniaturised and adapted for the Supersonic hairdryer. The result? A powerful yet sleek and light device that can dry your hair quicker while also promising less hair damage.
Then came the next stage, the Airwrap, a hot-air styler that can smooth and shape your hair or style it with curls and waves, just by swapping over a few attachments. Again, the Dyson motor was at the heart of that, creating something called the Coanda effect, created by air pressure that curves a high-speed jet of air around a surface. In this case, it means your hair will wrap around the curling barrel and hold it there, creating your curls and waves with very little effort on your part. It is designed to be used on damp rather than wet hair, so you hold each section of hair around the barrel for a few seconds before moving on to the next one.
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But that was back in 2018. In the meantime, Dyson added a third device to its haircare line-up with the Corrale straightener in 2020. Aside from a new flyaway attachment for the Supersonic hairdryer, it has been a couple of years since we have had a haircare product from Dyson.
In between unveiling a new wearable air purifier/headphones combination and its development of home help robots, the company has found time to update the Airwrap.
The new version of the Airwrap is still powered by the Dyson digital motor V9, which spins at up to 110,000 rpm to create the aforementioned Coanda effect.
Then there is the intelligent heat control on the device. The system measures the airflow temperature 40 times per second to ensure that it stays under 150 degrees and prevent the damage that can be caused to hair by extreme heat.
The underlying technology is virtually identical to the original Airwrap, which suggests Dyson is fairly happy with the formula it has hit on here. The main difference between the older version of the Airwrap – which has been nearly impossible to get since late last year – and the updated version lies in the attachments. Dyson has refined a couple, and added some to help you get your unruly locks under control.
There are six in the box: the 30mm and 40mm barrels for curls, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, the volumising brush and the Coanda smoothing dryer.
The barrels have multidirectional airflow, so you only need two instead of the previous four, with the airflow direction controlled by turning the tip. Having the ability to change the direction of the airflow means you get more natural looking curls, rather than a uniform block on your head, all going the same direction.
The vented brush has also been refined for a better Coanda effect; you can feel your hair getting sucked against the styling tools. Maximum effect, minimum effort.
I have very little patience for styling my hair. It has a natural loose curl as it is, so “wash and go” has become the default, particularly over the past two years of pandemic lockdowns, working from home, and casual clothing. The idea of having to mostly dry and then style my hair seems like an effort that I can do without.
But the Airwrap makes it relatively easy. The most time-consuming thing is getting my hair to 80 per cent dry before using the curling barrels. And the ability to switch airflow direction rather than having to swap barrels makes the whole process a lot easier. The tip of the barrel stays cool, so you don’t scald yourself.
It’s the same for smoother styles. The vented brush is easier to use, and with the addition of the smoothing hair-drying tool, I’m starting to wonder if I need a separate hair dryer at all anymore.
Now here’s the crucial bit: the Airwrap is expensive. Like suck-your-breath-in expensive. At just under €550, Dyson’s hair tool is a serious investment and replaces several devices in one. It’s not going to suit everyone either. But – and it is worth noting – if you struggle with styling your hair with traditional curling tongs and heat stylers, the Dyson Airwrap may make your life a bit easier.
The good
The new version of the Airwrap is easier to use to get the style you want, thanks to the refined tools. It’s almost effortless to get a decent curl or wave into your hair and, if you need extra help, Dyson has a series of tutorials on its site. The redesigned attachments also mean you have fewer curl barrels cluttering up the place, and more room for the wide-tooth comb attachment instead, for example.
The not so good
This styler is only for those with deep pockets. It’s a lot of money to drop on a hair-styling tool, although it will replace a couple you already have.
The rest
There are several different versions of the Airwrap, including one that is made for longer hair, with a longer curling barrel to fit longer locks. The good news? If you invested in the original Airwrap, then you can buy the new attachments for the original. There is no need to drop another €500-plus to get a more convenient curling barrel or the improved hair-smoothing tools.
The verdict
An expensive but effective high-tech hair tool. Try it before you buy though, just to be sure.
