We’re doing a series of product reviews here on Wit & Delight, where I offer more in-depth information on tried and true products I’ve been using for months (or years) that have changed my daily routine for the better.
Next up on the list? My Dyson Airwrap review I’ve been using since the start of 2020. Let’s dive into the review, and please let me know in the comments if you have any further questions!
It is a hair styling tool with styling attachments to curl, smooth, wave, or volumize hair. It allows you to dry and style your hair without damage from extreme heat. Two versions of the Dyson Airwrap are available—one for straight to wavy hair (which I have) and one for curly and coily hair.
I started using it early in 2020. I had reached a point where I wanted to return my hair to its shiny, bouncy pre-kids days. Before I bought the Dyson, I never really got the hang of giving myself a blowout and mostly walked around with curly hair on the back of my head for decades. Out of sight, out of mind?
I knew I wanted some kind of all-in-one tool that allowed me to smooth out my hair while it was damp. I had watched reviews of the REVLON Hair Dryer Brush (which is a much lower price point and is something many folks swear by) and had used a product similar to it in my twenties but, in my experience, it caused tons of breakage and I stopped using it after a while.
I also wanted to find a way to extend the length of my blowouts. I noticed after I had my hair professionally styled, it looked good for FOUR days. I knew if I could find a way to replicate that kind of styling at home, I would save a lot of time and energy.
I have my routine down to a science! Here are the most common steps I follow for an everyday blowout (you can also watch them in the video below!).
After washing my hair, I’ll brush it out and add products to protect my hair from heat. Lately, I’ve been using the Olaplex No. 6 Reparative Styling Creme and the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil.
I always start the styling process with my bangs. They need to be really wet in order to tame them properly so they stay manageable for a few days.
I brush them forward with a brush, then using the pre-styling dryer to shape my bangs. I use a brush to pull them to one side of my head and apply some heat, then I repeat this step to the other side. Then I place my brush under them and apply more heat. If they look a little flat, I use a round brush attachment to give them some shape. Then I part them down the middle and let my hair air dry for a bit.
Because I have such thick hair, I style the bottom section first. It is where my hair is most curly and, for me, it’s the most important step in getting a professional look.
I place the round brush at the base of a 3” wide section of hair for a few seconds. Then I wrap my hair around the brush and let it dry for ten seconds. Then, holding the top part of my hair, I unwrap the hair from the brush—this helps me from pulling hair through and losing volume. I’ll repeat this process on my entire head of hair.
The stubborn hairs in the back need some pulling to help release the curl, so I run the brush through those sections fully a few times right before my hair is almost totally dry.
I run a little styling product through the ends to add some texture and some dry shampoo on my bangs to soak up any oil that might start to accumulate during the day. It helps the blowout last longer!
The Airwrap itself looks like new. I have cleaned the brushes a handful of times, along with the filter. I’ve found that the product is really low maintenance and nothing has broken, come loose, or been lost. It is the quality you would expect from a Dyson product, and the only acceptable result (IMO) from shelling out the big bucks for a styling tool. The straightener I bought the same month as the Dyson has slowly been dying since June and doesn’t heat up as fast or hold high heat anymore. It is nice to see that difference when I think about the investment I made.
I have to say that I don’t use every single one of the attachments and haven’t found much use for the curling barrels. I tried to figure out how to use them, but as someone who previously couldn’t hold a brush AND blow dry my hair at the same time, maybe I am just not the right person for this type of tool. That’s my biggest disappointment. Also, the leather carrying case feels a bit much although it is BEAUTIFUL and well made. I just like to toss my tools in baskets and call it a day, and my current case is collecting dust under my sink. Maybe I’ll use it when my mornings feel less rushed … perhaps fifteen years from now when my kids go off to college.
This tool is definitely an investment, so that’s something to consider before purchasing. If you have hair that has been difficult to style in the past, are looking to replicate a professional blowout at home, or have severely damaged hair and want to switch to a styling product that will be gentler on it, this product is definitely for you. If you are low maintenance and do not like to spend time doing blowouts, I’d say skip it and use a less costly option until you know it will be in routine use.
Should you be interested in making a purchase now or in the future, I’ve included a few product links below. Thank you for supporting our business by shopping through our affiliate links!
Dyson Airwap – Sephora $599
Dyson Airwap – Amazon $599
Dyson Airwap – Dyson $599
Dyson Airwap – Nordstrom $599
Olaplex No. 6 Reparative Styling Creme $30
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil $30
Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder $41
Mason Pearson Brush $225
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source of revenue to fund business operations and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - August 24, 2021
Did you know W&D now has a resource library of Printable Art, Templates, Freebies, and more?
Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Thanks for this! It’s funny, this tool really does have something for everyone. The one attachment you use is the one I don’t. I have very different hair (fine, thin) so that makes sense. I mainly use the softer of the two straight brushes (on wet hair to get it half dry) and then larger barrel curlers, curling parallel to the ground more often than the up and down twist curls I see in their videos. When I try the round brush, I get a sort of frizzy result. Very possibly user error. Practice, experimentation and patience seem to be… Read more »
YES. Practice and experimentation were definitely key to getting the hang of using it! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have very fine long straight-ish hair and bought the Revlon brush dryer. Loved the results but fried my hair! Is the Dyson really better? Really want to believe it won’t damage my hair but scared to invest only to end up with fried hair again.
Dyson is waaaaaay better. I have fine hair as well and it made a huge difference when it comes to damage. I use the thick barrels for waves and styling curtain bangs and they are truly magical:) I have had it for 1.5 years and I love it so much that I bought a second one in Europe with 220v so I’m never left without airwrap when I travel (unfortunately it doesn’t switch from 110v- that’s the only improvement that it would love to see ). I style my hair 90% dry and it works very well for me.
Glad to hear you love it too!
I haven’t tried the Revlon so I can’t compare from personal experience, but I’ve had zero heat damage with the Dyson! It’s really easy to control the heat on the device.
Perfect timing! My Airwrap arrives today after breakage with both the Revlon and Drybar round dryer brushes. Can’t wait to try it.
I hope you like it!!