While other curling irons in this guide rely on high heat to style your hair, the
Dyson AirWrap Styler uses air for damage-free curls and waves.
For damage-free styling, the Dyson AirWrap Styler is your new best friend. Similar to the Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer, the AirWrap uses hot air to coax your hair into curls and waves instead of extreme heat.
There are currently three different sets — the most expensive and versatile one is the $549 Complete Set, which has the main base, a storage case, and six attachments for various hair types. That's not a typo, the price really is that expensive — more on that in a second.
The base has a power switch and heat buttons with various levels to customize your desired settings, as well as an attachment release. There are eight attachments – two different sets of barrels, three different brushes, and one mini dryer.
Before you start curling though, you'll need to figure out which set of barrels to use — the 1.2 or 1.6 inch — because the engine inside the base only rotates air in one direction so you'll have to switch between a left and right to curl both sides of your head. This is a complaint for many reviewers because it requires switching between styling and bringing an additional item while traveling.
To use the AirWrap, just hold a small section of hair by the barrel when it's on and it'll basically vacuum your hair and wrap it around the base — or what the brand calls the Coanda effect. Pull the barrel closer to your face get the curl higher up on your hair, hold it for a few seconds, switch to cool air for a few more seconds, and then power off to release the curl.
The brand says that the tool goes up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit while traditional ones go way higher, so this is actually a really great way to style your hair without damaging it. There's still some heat involved so definitely use a heat protectant.
Some shoppers, including editors from Elle and Glamour, say that their curls dropped, but some actually didn't mind because it gave them more natural waves. Some also mention that the two barrels are on the larger side so this wouldn't be the right choice for those looking to define tight coils or create ringlets; the Xtava 5 in 1 Professional Curling Wand and Curling Iron Set would be better in that scenario.
As for the high price tag, because this one uses innovative air instead of what's essentially a hot rod, and because it has a ton of attachments to dry, curl, and straighten hair — including a mini dryer which suspiciously looks and dries like the SuperSonic, but the brand doesn't say if it actually is — it's not to bad once you break it down. It's still objectively expensive, but if you're going to buy a curling iron, straightening brush, and blow dryer, the AirWrap might end up being cheaper overall.
One Sephora shopper said, "I crossed my fingers that this product would be terrible and not live up to the hype so I could return it and get my $500 back. But unfortunately it is as amazing as everyone says, and now I am out $500." — Jada Wong
Pros: Doesn't use extreme heat that can damage hair, comes with eight attachments and a storage case, has cooling air to hold style, power and heat settings can be customized to your hair type
Cons: Expensive, curls might not hold as long compared to heat styling tools, takes time getting used to new technique
Buy the Dyson AirWrap Styler on Sephora for $549