Dyson has entered the Wet-to-Dry chat. And, women around the world who have previously struggled to straighten their hair in less than 60 minutes are sitting up to take notice. Because why wouldn’t they? After all, the honchos behind some of the most innovative home and hair appliances ever engineered are promising a solution that delivers salon-level results in the comfort of your home. The catch? It comes with a hefty $749 price tag … The challenge, should you choose to accept it (spoiler, I did): To find out whether the Dyson Airstrait – this month re-released in shades of Strawberry Bronze and Rose Gold for the Holidays – delivers $750 worth of value. Or, is it just another splurge-worthy device that delivers results similar-ish to a $200 version? I gave it a – proverbial- whirl (it doesn’t do curls) for a fortnight. And, here’s my take…
Hair raising – or smoothing – specs
First impressions count, and the Airstrait makes a strong one. Sleek, lightweight, and decked out with advanced tech, it doesn’t just straighten your hair – it transforms the way you style.
When you power up the device, the easy-to-read LCD screen will display the settings for you to choose from. This versatile tool can be used on wet or dry hair, with both modes designed to maintain optimal hair health and shine. Wet Mode provides three heat options (80°C, 110°C and 140°C.), while Dry Mode offers two temperature settings (120°C or 140°C), along with a Boost mode for a quick heat surge. There’s also a Cool Mode to lock in your style, two airflow speeds, and a Root Drying mode for targeted drying at the scalp.
Unlike traditional straighteners, Dyson’s latest device does not use hot plates to dry and straighten your locks. Instead, innovation takes the form of high-velocity jets of air accelerated through the arms of the device to power your flat iron. From there, the air is projected at a 45-degree angle; and directed down the hair shaft in order to straighten while drying. This directional airflow down the hair shaft straightens while simultaneously drying to reveal a smooth and shiny finish with less frizz and flyaways. It makes more sense when you use it and realise that you’re straightening your hair without actually laying a hot plate on it!
Dyson says this design minimises heat damage while still achieving that silky, straight look we all love. I say it also reduces the risk of overfatigued arm muscles – a regular occurrence I suffer while trying to maneuver my existing device to dry my hair.
But, will it work on someone who doesn’t moonlight as a hair model?
The promos for the Airstrait looked promising. With a plethora of African-American models with curly, coily hair showcasing its effectiveness, so, I was quietly hopeful. By way of background, I have Lebanese blood running through my veins. Which means I make a killer tabbouli. But, also have thick, unruly hair that usually requires an arsenal of tools and at least two hours of wrestling to look halfway decent. Enter the Dyson Airstrait, which cut my routine in half. Yes, in half! Using its ‘Wet’ mode, I started with damp hair, selected the 110°C setting, and watched as frizz transformed into smooth, shiny locks in record time. Even my critical ethnic mother mistook the results for a professional blow-dry – a definite win.
As an added bonus, the Airstrait’s intuitive airflow adjusts automatically, pausing after three seconds of inactivity. This feature not only saves power but also provides a blissful silence mid-routine – a small but appreciated luxury.
Weighing things up
A breakdown of the Dyson Airstrait’s pros and cons
What I loved:
- The simultaneous drying and straightening? Game-changing
- It’s surprisingly gentle
- The tool is lightweight and ergonomic
- Quiet operation – the sound auto-stops when it is out of use for 3 seconds more, making it perfect for early mornings or late-night touch-ups.
What I could do without
- It doesn’t curl. While not personally a problem (refer to previous notes about the desire to flaunt sleek locks) this may be a factor for consideration for those who like their tools to be the multi-tasking type.
- The price. Did we mention it’ll cost you 3/4 of a $1000 to get your hands on one?
But, is it $749 good?
If you’re someone who relies heavily on straightening your hair, the Dyson Airstrait is a dream. The time-saving aspect alone makes it a worthy contender for those with busy schedules. Plus, its ability to protect your hair from excessive heat damage is a compelling argument for long-term use.
The Dyson Airstrait isn’t for everyone, but for hair enthusiasts who prioritise time and hair health, it’s a splurge that makes sense. So, is it worth $749? For me, yes – but only if you’ll use it enough to justify the price. Otherwise, keep an eye out for sales; a Black Friday deal could make this luxurious gadget a little more attainable.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only to those who are serious about their hair care game. For now, I’m swapping my daily acai bowl fix to try and make this budget thing work …
