When the original Dyson Airwrap debuted back in 2018, it was an absolute game-changer in the hair space. The techy, multitasking hot tool (it functions as a blow dryer, hair-straightening brush, and curling iron all in one) was a hit with celebs, stylists, and beauty editors, and considering it was constantly out of stock at beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta, its safe to say you all loved it too. So when Dyson dropped a new-and-improved Airwrap Multi-Styler model back in June, I was def intrigued.
What was the difference between the new and old Airwrap? Would the new Airwrap be easier to use? Does it work on all hair types and textures? Could it actually be that much better than the old model? To find out, I tested and reviewed the new Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, and here are my honest thoughts (like, really honest).
Is the new or old Dyson Airwrap better?
Okay, so I wouldn’t say the new Airwrap is “better” (either model will still blow dry, curl, and smooth hair), it’s just improved. So if you have the old Airwrap, please don’t feel like you need to run out and get the new one. The old model still works really freaking great! The biggest difference is in the new attachments (which are also compatible with the old Airwrap, FYI). I’ll get into more of the details below.
What attachments come with the new Dyson Airwrap?
The best, most noteworthy thing about the new Airwrap are the re-engineered attachments. I tested the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, which comes with six different options for drying, curling/waving, and straightening and smoothing hair. Here’s a quickie breakdown:
One dryer attachment:
The old Airwrap came with an oval-shaped fan attachment that was used for rough-drying your hair before styling. That one is gone and has been replaced with a cylindrical smoother drying attachment that uses Dyson’s proprietary “Coanda” technology to better reduce frizz and flyaways while you dry.
Two curling barrels:
The new Airwrap’s barrels can curl and wave hair in either direction to make styling that much faster. With the old model, the barrels could only curl hair in a single direction but with the new ones you can redirect the airflow so there’s no swapping out attachments while styling, which is pretty major. The barrels now also come in longer lengths (1.2 and 1.6 inches) which is another huge bonus if you have long hair.
Three styling brushes:
The Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long comes with three brushes: a firm paddle brush, a soft paddle brush, and a round brush. They look the same as the ones in the previous model, but the paddle brush attachment have been upgraded to include the Coanda technology for easier, more efficient styling.
All of these upgraded attachments are compatible with the older model. You can buy them as a set for $199 or each one individually for $39.
My review of the new Dyson Airwrap:
How I tested it:
To create a super-sleek hairstyle, I ran a pea-size amount of Olaplex’s hair serum through my damp, clean hair and let it air-dry about half way. Then I went in with the new dryer attachment to finish the job. Once my hair was completely dry, I ran the soft smoothing brush through small sections of hair, from roots to tips, to smooth any frizz and flyaways and make my hair extra straight.
To get loose, beachy waves, I first air-dried my hair completely (my hair is naturally straight, so in my experience, using the smoothing attachment before styling actually makes it difficult for my hair to hold a bend or wave). Then I waved my mid-lengths to ends with the 1.6 inch barrel. All in all, it took less than 20 minutes to fully dry and curl my hair.
The results:
It literally took five and a half minutes (yep, I timed it) to smooth and straighten my hair with the drying and soft brush attachments. It was absurdly easy too. Like, if you can brush your hair, you can use the Airwrap to get this look.
If you have fine hair like me, then you know that traditional straighteners can make hair limp and flat, but the Airwrap didn’t do that—my hair was super smooth but still had some movement and body which I love. IMO, the new Airwrap is better than the old one at minimizing frizz and flyaways. Normally after I blow dry my hair I need to use a smoothing cream, but I didn’t need to this time.
Doing waves with the new Airwrap took a bit more time—around 15 minutes or so. I’m terrible at curling my hair with a regular wand or iron, but the Airwrap is honestly so easy. And with the updated barrel all you have to do is toggle the dial at the top to change the direction of your curls.
The biggest downside IMO? If you have fine, straight hair like me don’t expect to get super-defined curls or waves that last. The Airwrap definitely gave my hair a wave, but it was super loose as you can see in my after pic. And I needed to use a good amount of hairspray to lock it in place.
Is the new Dyson Airwrap worth it?
If you’re someone who rarely heat-styles their hair, I would say pass on the new Dyson Airwrap. It’s super pricey ($599 to be exact) and the cost-per-use won’t add up in your favor if you use it infrequently. Now, if you’re someone who blow dries and heat styles your hair multiple times a week or you’re not the best at styling your hair with traditional hot tools, the new Dyson Airwrap is 100 percent worth investing in. Not only does it take the place of multiple hot tools, it truly gives salon-worthy results at home with minimal effort.
Why trust Cosmo?
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from the best detanglers to the best blue shampoos for brunettes. She’s an authority in all hair categories but is an expert when it comes to hair tools, including the Dyson Airwrap. She regularly tests and analyzes hair tools for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top stylists and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
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