Dyson Airwrap i.d review UK: my hair has never looked better
THERE’S no question about it — the Dyson Airwrap is the queen of hair tools.
The cult styler had an upgrade last year, and in this Dyson Airwrap i.d. review, I’ll be weighing in on whether it’s worth the price.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
The beauty world is filled with Dyson Airwrap dupes, but the original tool stands alone.
However, it comes with a hefty price tag.
Last summer (six years after the release of the original Airwrap), Dyson took things up a notch with the launch of the i.d., which allows users to set personal preferences and control the styler through their phone.
The beauty tech tool costs a staggering £430 (currently down from £480), and there are two versions: one for wavy/straight hair and another for curly/coily hair types.
I’ve been putting the newest Airwrap through its paces for two months to see how it holds up against my long, medium-thick hair.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
Pros
- Creates voluminous blow-outs easily
- Powerful airflow
- Minimal heat damage
- Attachments based on hair type
- The app makes styling easier and prevents unnecessary heat
- Sleek design
- Hot brush attachment is gentle
- Comes with a storage case
- You can check the filter cleaning status on the app
Cons
- Expensive
- High heat setting feels hot on the skin
- Need to buy products for results that will hold
- Style doesn’t hold as well across several days
Rating: 9/10
How I tested the Dyson Airwrap i.d.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
As The Sun’s Fashion and Beauty eCommerce Writer, it’s my job to try and test the hottest products in the industry.
To say that the Dyson Airwrap caused a buzz would be an understatement, and every beauty editor and influencer has weighed in on the beloved styler.
I’ve reached for the Airwrap almost every time I’ve washed my hair for two months, and the fast drying nozzle and 40mm long barrel have become my go-to attachments.
For reference, I have long, wavy hair that tends to frizz after washing, and I have extensions.
Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: Quickfire Q&A
How much is the Dyson Airwrap i.d.? The Dyson Airwrap i.d. usually costs £479.99, but it’s currently reduced to £429.99 on the Dyson website.
What is the difference between the Dyson Airwrap and the Dyson Airwrap i.d.? The i.d. has similar attachments to the original Airwrap — with upgraded designs — but the main difference is that the new version can be controlled via Bluetooth using the app.
Who‘s it best for? Beauty fans who regularly use styling tools, due to the minimal damage it causes (not to mention its high price). Those with thick and long hair are more likely to get long-lasting results.
What we loved: How powerful and efficient it is; that it causes minimal heat damage; that the hot brush attachments glide through the hair without snagging, and that the app takes all the effort out of styling.
What we didn’t: It’s very expensive and the barrels don’t hold a curl for as long as a hair tong.
Is the Dyson Airwrap i.d. worth the price? If you’re looking to invest in a multi-purpose tool and style your hair regularly, then yes. It’s worth trying before buying, though, thanks to the extremely high price point.
The Nitty Gritty
First Impressions
One of the many things Dyson does well is making a product look sleek.
At first glance, the new model looks almost identical to previous versions, but the upgraded attachments keep Dyson one step ahead of its competitors.
I have the version for straight and wavy hair (there’s also a curly/coil hair option), which comes with six attachments: a 40mm curling barrel, a conical barrel, a fast dryer, a soft smoothing brush, a dryer and flyaway smoother and a large round volumising brush.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
Several attachments are new-and-improved versions of the Airwrap’s previous heads, but the main difference is the app-controlled routines.
The hair tool’s best quality (and the reason it’s a cult favourite) is that it simplifies styling, which is why I was apprehensive about the app causing unnecessary faff.
Users can build a profile based on their hair type, which helps the app calculate how long it takes to style each section (this can be changed manually).
Anyone with thicker hair will know how tedious styling can be, so I like that when connected to the app, the device jumps between the hot and cold shots, before turning off until you flick the switch again.
The Airwrap is generally far more enjoyable to use than regular stylers, particularly if you’ve spent years using traditional curling tongs — there’s something so satisfying about the Coanda automatic wrapping.
Does it deliver?
I was a blow-out novice before I started using air tools around a year ago, and now I couldn’t be without them.
Dyson’s Airwrap really does go that extra mile on efficiency, from the personalised app to the fact that the styling direction can be switched at the twist of a button.
I’ve never been someone with the skill (or patience) to create bouncy blow-outs with a hair dryer, and the Dyson takes away the need for either.
I’ve never been someone with the skill (or patience) to create bouncy blow-outs with a hair dryer, and the Dyson takes away the need for either.
That being said, mastering the technique of each attachment does take practice.
My routine consists of using the fast-drying head to rough-dry my hair until it’s around 90% dry, before going in with the long barrel.
Designed for styling hair closer to the root, the new 30mm conical barrel gives more of a defined curl, which I find results in a longer-lasting style.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
While the long barrel is my favourite for regular use, I’ll reach for the conical head if I need my curls to last across multiple days — and I can see it being effective on shorter hair.
The fact that one barrel can be used for both sides of the hair makes things so much easier for travelling, and I love that it changes direction with a flick of a switch.
Dyson’s round brush attachment has also been upgraded for the i.d. styler, which now features longer bristles for extra volume.
Hot brushes and I have never got along — the dreaded snagging has always been enough to put me off, but this is the only one I’ve tried that glides through the hair without feeling rough.
The larger design also makes it easier to wrap more hair for a shorter styling time, and I often finish off with the smoothing attachment to get rid of any flyaways.
As for the app: I was apprehensive over whether it’s a necessary addition to a hair tool, but it’s a game-changer for lazy stylers like me.
It does all the work for you (when using the curling barrels), so all users need to do is hold each section of hair and flick the switch, while the Airwrap does the rest.
I did find myself increasing the styling time (to 12 seconds each for the hot and cold shots) as the recommended seven seconds wasn’t enough for my thicker hair.
Users can also check the status of the filter to find out when it’s time to clean.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
My main takeaway from using the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is that prepping the hair beforehand is key to making the style hold.
Applying mousse before using any of the styling attachments has been a game-changer for me (I personally love Color Wow XL Bombshell Volumiser).
While my curls don’t hold for days on end, they stay in place all day, becoming a subtle wave for the days after.
There are two reasons why I think the Dyson Airwrap lives up to its reputation.
Firstly, the power and efficiency of the tool have decreased my styling time massively. I don’t need to wait for my hair to fully dry before styling, and the powerful attachments don’t need to be held on the hair for long.
My hair is quite damaged due to years of bleaching, so finding a tool that I can use regularly without using too much heat is a must. The Airwrap i.d. is nowhere near as harsh on the hair as tongs and straighteners due to the airflow.
Dyson Airwrap i.d. attachments
Styler for straight/ wavy hair:
- Conical barrel
- 40mm Airwrap long barrel
- Soft smoothing brush
- Large round volumising brush
- Dryer + Flyaway smoother
- Fast dryer
- Filter cleaning brush
Styler for curly/ coily hair:
- Conical barrel
- Wave + Curl diffuser
- Firm smoothing brush
- Large round volumising brush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Fast dryer
- Filter cleaning brush
How much is the Dyson Airwrap i.d.?
The Airwrap i.d. would usually set shoppers back £480, but it’s currently reduced by £50 on the Dyson website.
Dyson Airwrap i.d., £479.99 £429.99
It can also be picked up at full price across several beauty retailers.
The original Airwrap isn’t as easy to come by since the i.d. model was released, but the Complete Long Air Styler can be bought at Boots for £479.99.
Those wanting to save some cash on the Airwrap can also buy the original styler with fewer attachments.
Sephora stocks the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler with the curling barrel, smoothing attachment and round brush for £399.99.
Where to buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d.
The Dyson Airwrap i.d. can be bought either directly from the brand’s website, but it’s also stocked with several beauty retailers, including Boots and Sephora.
Here’s a full list of stockists:
Dyson Airwrap i.d. alternatives
There are a lot of Dyson Airwrap dupes around, but after using the OG for two months, I can confirm that nothing quite lives up to it.
That being said, some of the cheaper alternatives come pretty close in quality, and could definitely be worth trying out.
Shark’s FlexStyle is Dyson’s biggest competitor, with similar attachments and power, and you can read my full Shark FlexStyle review for my full opinion.
Here’s a more comprehensive list of alternatives on the market:
- Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Drying System, £279
- Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Dryer and Styler, £249
- Revlon One-Step 5-in-1 Multi Styler, £59.99 (was £79.99)
- Babyliss All-in-One Styler, £39.99
- Beauty Works Aeris Multi Styler, £176 (was £220)
- Silk’N 5-in-1 Hair Dryer and Styler, £249
Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: FAQs
How to clean the Dyson Airwrap filter
When it’s connected to the Airwrap, the Dyson app will flag when the device filter needs cleaning.
The app provides a tutorial video with instructions on how to clean the styler, advising users to slide the filter cleaning brush over the cable and onto the filter cage.
The filter can be loosened and removed with a rotating motion, then washed under a warm running tap.
Dyson recommends then tapping off any excess water before leaving the filter cage to dry naturally, before pulling it back onto the device.
Does the Dyson Airwrap damage hair?
The Dyson Airwrap uses heat, so it can still cause damage, but there are several reasons why it’s gentler on the hair than other hot tools.
Firstly, the Airwrap uses the Coanda effect, which uses powerful airflow to attract the hair around the barrel, minimising the need for extreme heat.
The Dyson’s intelligent heat control monitors the exact amount of heat needed for styling, which never goes above 150°C (far lower than a regular hair tool).
As the tool is also most effective when used with damp hair, it eliminates the need for excessive styling, and the use of the i.d. app adds to the efficiency by personalising the routine to the individual’s hair type.
Using any heat styler is going to cause damage, so it’s important to use a heat protectant every time.
Can you use the Dyson Airwrap on dry hair?
The Dyson Airwrap can be used on dry hair, but it’s recommended to be used on damp hair for the best results.
I sometimes use the curling barrel attachment on dry hair if I need to top up the style the following day, but I’ve noticed that the results last for a lot longer when I use it on damp hair.
Can you use the Dyson Airwrap i.d. without a phone?
Yes. Using the Dyson app is a way to personalise and control the styler’s settings, but it can be used in the same way as the original Airwrap without the app.
When the Airwrap is connected to the app, the tool will automatically switch from hot to cold shot without pressing any buttons, but this can be done manually without a phone.
The app also shares when it’s time to clean the styler’s filter, but if you are doing it manually, the Dyson website recommends cleaning it roughly once a month.
The Verdict: Is the Dyson Airwrap worth it?
There's no denying that the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is extremely expensive, but in my opinion, it does live up to the hype.
The styler’s power and efficiency set it ahead of its competitors, and it really does deliver amazing results every time.
As some users have been disappointed with how long their style stays in place, I would recommend testing it out before taking the plunge.
Hair products are also essential for long-lasting results, so invest in a good holding foam.
The Dyson app makes styling even easier, and it’s great for beginners or those who want to minimise the effort needed for styling.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, the Shark FlexStyle really does come close in terms of performance (and it’s £200 cheaper), but my hair has truly never looked better than with the Dyson Airwrap.
- Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi Styler,
£479.99£429.99 – buy here