Is the Dyson Airwrap worth it?

What you are paying for

The Airwrap combines a high-speed digital motor in the handle, electronic temperature control and a set of interchangeable attachments. Dyson says the Airwrap Origin's V9 motor spins at up to 110,000 rpm and that a thermistor keeps the air under 150°C. That airflow powers the Coanda effect, which wraps hair around the barrels without clamps.

Part of the cost is the engineering and part is the brand. The Airwrap was the first Coanda multi-styler, and it still has the widest attachment range and the most editions. Our explainer on how the Airwrap works covers the technology in more detail.

Who gets the most from it

The Airwrap suits people who style daily and like variety. If you switch between bouncy curls, loose waves and a smooth blow-dry, one tool that does all three is genuinely convenient. It also suits people who find curling tongs fiddly or worry about the high barrel temperatures many tongs reach.

Medium to long hair with some natural wave tends to take Airwrap curls well. Dyson sells editions for straight and wavy hair and for curly and coily hair, with different attachments, and long-barrel versions for longer hair. Our Airwrap models compared guide explains which suits which.

The learning curve

Most people need a few sessions to get comfortable. The main lessons are to pre-dry hair until damp rather than wet, to use small sections, to let the air do the wrapping and to finish each curl with the cold shot. Each barrel curls in a set direction, or on newer models can switch direction, so it takes practice to get symmetrical results.

If your first attempts drop out quickly, technique is the likely cause rather than the tool. Our guide on how to use the Dyson Airwrap and our article on using it on wet or dry hair cover the common mistakes.

Airwrap versus a dryer and curling wand

A good dryer plus a curling wand or tongs can create similar looks, often with longer-lasting curls on stubborn hair, because a hot barrel sets curls more firmly. The trade-off is higher barrel temperatures and two tools to store and plug in.

The Airwrap's drying attachment is fine for everyday use, but it is not as quick as a dedicated high-speed dryer on long, thick hair. If drying speed matters most, a dryer such as the Supersonic is a better first purchase; our Airwrap vs Supersonic article covers that choice.

Cheaper alternatives

Shark, Dreame and others make Coanda multi-stylers that cost less and cover much of the same ground. Shark's FlexStyle also rotates into a conventional dryer shape, which many people find more practical for drying. The differences show up in attachment sets, motor power and finish.

If the Airwrap feels like too big a commitment, read our best Dyson Airwrap alternatives and is the Shark FlexStyle worth it before deciding.

See Airwrap alternatives →

How to decide

Ask how often you would use each attachment. If you would use the curling barrels and a smoothing brush several times a week, the Airwrap earns its place. If you would mainly use the dryer attachment, buy a dryer. Check the edition matches your hair type and length, because attachment sets differ.

Look after it once you have it: clean the filter regularly and store it with the cable loosely coiled. See how to clean the Airwrap filter and how long a hair dryer lasts for care habits that extend its life.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Dyson Airwrap so expensive? You pay for a high-speed digital motor, electronic heat control, a large attachment set and the Dyson brand. It was also the first Coanda multi-styler, which keeps demand high.

Does the Airwrap work on short hair? It can, with smaller barrels and brushes, but the benefit is smaller. See our guide to multi-stylers for short hair before buying.

Is the Airwrap better than a curling wand? It uses lower styling temperatures and does more jobs, but a hot wand often gives firmer curls on very straight hair. It depends on your hair and priorities.

Which Airwrap should I buy? Choose the edition for your hair type and the barrel length for your hair length. Our Airwrap models compared guide sets out the options.