What’s New With the Dyson Airwrap (and How to Use It Well)

Beauty launches don’t often earn the kind of breathless reaction implied by “Run, don’t walk” — but the latest Dyson Airwrap refresh has clearly reignited the conversation about at-home styling, heat damage and whether premium tools can genuinely elevate everyday hair routines. The original Airwrap changed the UK blow-dry landscape by popularising “coanda-based” styling (using airflow to wrap hair around the barrel), and the updated model builds on that premise with tweaks designed to streamline styling and improve finish.

What matters most for Hairporium readers isn’t hype — it’s what’s practically different, what’s worth adjusting in your routine, and how to get salon-level results without compromising hair condition. Here’s a grounded, stylist-informed look at what’s new, how to use an Airwrap-style multi-styler effectively, and who is most likely to benefit from the update.

Why the updated Airwrap matters in the UK hair routine

In UK salons, the conversation around hot tools has shifted from “avoid heat” to “use heat intelligently”. Many stylists now focus on minimising unnecessary temperature exposure, improving blow-dry technique and choosing tools that support controlled styling — particularly for clients who colour, lighten, straighten or regularly heat-style.

The Airwrap’s central promise — more styling via airflow and less reliance on extreme heat — sits neatly within that approach. It doesn’t mean “no damage” (no tool can guarantee that), but it can make it easier to achieve a polished finish with fewer high-heat passes, especially when paired with good prep and thoughtful sectioning.

In real-world terms, the updated Airwrap conversation matters because it’s prompting more people to:

• rethink drying as part of styling (instead of rough-drying then over-straightening)
• embrace controlled, directional airflow for smoother cuticles and less frizz
• prioritise technique (attachments and section size) rather than sheer heat

Practical next step: Before you even switch a tool on, decide your finish — smooth, bouncy, curled, or textured — and build your prep around that. Most “tool disappointment” comes from using the right tool with the wrong starting point (too wet, too dry, or poorly prepped).

What to look for in “new” multi-styler upgrades (beyond the buzz)

While the HuffPost summary is light on detail, coverage around Airwrap updates tends to focus on refinements: easier barrel switching, more intuitive airflow direction, and improved attachments to suit different hair types and lengths. These upgrades can sound small, but they often impact the two things that separate a decent home blowout from a great one: time and consistency.

When evaluating whether an updated Airwrap is genuinely “better”, judge it on outcomes you can feel and see:

• Wrap control: Does the hair grab easily without excessive re-wrapping?
• Smoothness: Does your finished hair feel sleek at the ends, not puffy?
• Longevity: Do you keep shape for a workday (or evening) without heavy product?
• Ease of use: Are you fighting the tool, or does it guide your technique?
• Versatility: Can you switch from “polished” to “undone” without starting over?

It’s also worth remembering that results are highly dependent on hair type, cut and condition. A multi-styler can enhance a great haircut and good baseline condition — but it can’t replace them. If your ends are over-processed or your layers are working against your styling goal, you may still battle frizz, flatness or a curl that drops quickly.

How to get the best results: technique, prep and timing

Most people who “don’t get” an Airwrap-style tool are usually making one of three common errors: working with hair that’s too wet, taking sections that are too large, or skipping setting/cooling. In salon blow-dry terms, think of the Airwrap as a finishing-and-shaping tool — not simply a dryer.

Try this dependable routine many stylists would recognise:

• Start at the right dampness: Hair should be around 70–85% dry for shaping attachments (damp, not dripping).
• Apply a lightweight prep: A smoothing cream or mist can help reduce frizz and improve slip. Avoid overloading the mid-lengths.
• Section properly: Aim for smaller, neat sections — especially if your hair is thick, long, or naturally textured.
• Work with tension: Even when using airflow, gentle tension helps the cuticle lie flatter, improving shine.
• Set and cool: Shape holds best when you briefly cool the section before releasing.

Real-world tip: If your curl drops quickly, reduce section size and spend a little longer on the “set” phase — then pin the curl for five minutes while you do the rest of your hair. This is one of the simplest at-home tweaks that can make a premium tool feel suddenly “worth it”.

For smoother, straighter finishes, keep airflow directed downward along the hair shaft and use consistent movement from root to ends. For volume, focus lift at the root first and avoid over-smoothing your crown if your hair is fine.

Is it worth it? A balanced UK perspective on cost, hair health and value

In the UK, premium multi-stylers sit at a price point where expectations are understandably high. “Worth it” is less about whether a tool is fashionable and more about how often you’ll use it, how much it replaces (dryer, straighteners, curling tongs), and how it supports your hair goals over time.

In practical terms, an updated Airwrap makes the most sense if:

• you style your hair several times a week and want to streamline the process
• you’re trying to reduce reliance on very high heat, without giving up polished results
• you like switching between looks (smooth one day, bouncy blowout the next)
• you’re willing to practise technique for a week or two to lock in muscle memory

It’s less likely to feel transformative if you mainly air-dry, wear your hair in protective styles most of the time, or prefer ultra-defined, high-heat curls that you set heavily with hairspray. And for very coily or tightly textured hair, results can vary widely depending on density, length and desired finish; many textured-hair specialists emphasise that tool choice should follow a clear plan for moisture, stretching and heat frequency.

As ever, “hair health” is a broad term. Dermatologists and trichology professionals often stress that scalp concerns (persistent itching, scaling, soreness or excessive shedding) deserve tailored advice. For purely cosmetic styling, many stylists recommend keeping heat exposure mindful, limiting repeated passes, and protecting fragile ends with careful handling and trims.

Key Takeaways

• The updated Dyson Airwrap is part of a wider UK shift towards smarter, lower-heat styling — with technique doing much of the heavy lifting.
• Look past hype and judge upgrades by wrap control, smoothness, longevity and ease of use on your hair type and length.
• Best results usually come from working on hair that’s damp (not wet), taking smaller sections and allowing a brief cool-set.
• For curl that lasts, pin sections to cool and avoid overloading hair with heavy creams before styling.
• Value depends on frequency of use and whether it replaces multiple tools in your routine — not just the initial wow-factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dyson Airwrap use less heat than straighteners or curling tongs?
Airwrap-style tools are designed to style primarily with airflow and controlled heat, which can mean fewer high-temperature passes than traditional irons. Your results still depend on usage, hair condition and styling frequency.

What’s the best hair dryness level for Airwrap curls?
Most people get the best shape and hold when hair is roughly 70–85% dry — damp enough to mould, dry enough to set without collapsing. If hair is too wet, curls can drop; if too dry, hair may not shape as easily.

Why do my curls drop after an hour?
Common causes include sections that are too large, insufficient setting time, releasing the curl while it’s still warm, or using heavy leave-ins that weigh hair down. Try smaller sections, a longer set, and cooling (or pinning) before release.

Is an Airwrap suitable for fine hair?
It can be, especially for creating movement and smoothness without intense heat. Fine hair often benefits from lighter prep products and more focus on root lift to avoid a flat finish.

Can I use it on very curly or coily hair?
Some people can achieve stretched, smoothed or softened results, but outcomes vary with density, curl pattern and technique. If you’re aiming for significant stretching, ensure hair is well-prepped, detangled and worked in small sections for control.

How can I make a blowout look more “salon” at home?
Section neatly, keep airflow directional (down the hair shaft for smoothness), and finish with a cool shot or cooling time. A trim that supports your desired shape (layers, face-framing) also makes a big difference.