The Dyson Airwrap is undoubtedly one of the most forward-thinking beauty innovations of recent years – and while it may divide opinion ( considering the not-insignificant price tag involved) there are plenty of us who consider it the ultimate styling investment.
If you’re still unaware of this game-changing hair tool, here’s a quick catch-up. Launched in 2018, the Airwrap is designed to deliver the results of a traditional hot tool, only without the heat. Instead, it uses precisely directed airstreams to shape and set your strands – an 'aerodynamic phenomenon' dubbed the Coanda effect – offering serious salon-standard results with none of the damage.
Now, Dyson has revealed a brand-new set of Airwrap attachments, and they’re billed to iron out some of the bugbears associated with the originals.
So, what’s new? First up, there’s the newly revamped curling barrels. Where the older ones can only propel air in one direction (meaning you have to switch barrels halfway through curling your head) the new iteration can direct airflow both clockwise and anti-clockwise, achieving both in a cinch – ideal if you’re a fan of the bombshell blow-out. With pressure and control both heightened, the improvement shines through in the shape and staying power of your style.
Next, the brush heads have been improved with a higher number of air vents, meaning they deliver the same straightening and smoothing effects with longer staying power. And perhaps most excitingly, there’s a new dryer attachment that quickly takes your hair from damp to dry, smoothing flyaways in the process. It’s a brilliant one for coarse and frizzy hair textures.
If you’re already the proud owner of an original Airwrap – well done, because getting hold of one these days is a seriously competitive sport – the good news is you won’t need to invest in a whole new model to be able to use the new attachments. They’re all compatible, and will soon arrive in a set priced at £149.99. And if you’re finally looking to take the plunge, there’s a shiny complete Airwrap Multi Styler kit available right now – but likely, not for long – at the princely sum of (sharp sting) £479.99.
Our advice? The Airwrap is as elusive as it is coveted, and snapping one up can be frustratingly tricky. If you spot one: don't hesitate.
ELLE Edit: The Hair Styling Brushes We Really Rate
ELLE's Acting Beauty Director Jennifer George considers this hot-air styler her most precious product – and that's high praise indeed. "It smooths and adds shine to my frizzy, crunchy hair in less than 10 minutes. I admit it does take a knack to use it, but persevere, because the results are so, SO good," she says.
One of the easiest air stylers to master, Amika's offering is your dryer and curler in one. It's ideal for smoothing frizz and creating that bouncy, salon-style bounce on thick and long hair.
This is the tool used to create Zendaya's scene-stealing updo at this year's Oscars, and if that's not enough to convince you to give it a go, what is? With a variety of settings and both round and flat brush heads, it's the ideal air styler for recreating a host of A-list looks.
GHD's Rise brush sold out instantly on launch, and for good reason. It's slimmer than most, so ideal for reaching right into roots, and works beautifully on shorter and finer hair types.
