It’s been a big year for Dyson haircare devices, with not one but two machines hitting the UK market. But if you’re interested in a 2-in-1 dryer and straightener, here’s what you need to know before you buy the Dyson Airstrait – from someone who’s been using one for most of this year.
Don’t get me wrong, I know Dyson machines are good and I thought the Airstrait would be OK. But I didn’t think I’d like it so much. The Airstrait is the machine I use most often after washing my hair when I want to straighten my hair. I’ve easily used it more this year than the Dyson Airwrap, whose brush attachments have been one of my favorite straightening tools.
The thing is, this device costs as much as a short city break, so there are several things besides affordability that you should consider before you even think about investing in one. Having used mine for about six months now, here’s what you need to know before getting the Dyson Airstrait. (And when you’re done here, you can also read what you need to know before buying the Dyson Airwrap.)
What you should know before buying the Dyson Airstrait – from a beauty editor who owns one
1. The plug is quite bulky
When you see the Dyson Airstrait in real life for the first time, I am almost certain you will notice (or have (notices) the plug. It’s quite large, to put it simply. We’re talking about a third of the size of the tool itself.
But there are two good reasons for that big plug (and pretty good ones at that). “Our engineers have included a PRCD plug as an additional safety element,” a Dyson spokesperson tells me. “When plugged in, it tests and ensures the machine is safe before use.” If that safety test fails, the power is cut, forcing you to reset the machine. In all the time I’ve used my Airstrait, this has only happened once, in the middle of drying.
The other important reason has to do with the ergonomics of the Airstrait. “Dyson engineers also designed the plug to house important electronic elements,” says the spokesperson. “By moving these into the plug, we were able to reduce the weight and mass of the device itself.” Hence its unusually large size.
2. The cable is shorter than other Dyson devices
Unlike the Dyson Supersonic Dryer and Airwrap, which both have cords over 2.6m long, the Airstrait’s cord is only 1.98m long – I noticed this when I first used it. In practice, this means you’ll need to be a little closer to the power supply when using it. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it may mean you’ll need to change your usual hair styling spot if your usual spot isn’t that close to a power outlet.
While I haven’t received confirmation from Dyson as to whether a longer cord is planned to improve the Airstrait, the brand’s spokesperson said, “We’re constantly developing and refining our technology. Customer feedback is an important part of that process.”
3. It costs a lot of money
As mentioned, this device retails for nearly £450, which is probably considered expensive by most people’s standards. The answer to the question “is the Dyson Airstrait worth the money?” depends not only on whether you’re happy with the results and will be using the device frequently, but also on what you could spend the money on instead. No hair device, no matter how lovely, is worth putting yourself through financial strain. (That’s the advice I give when considering pretty much any luxury skincare or makeup product or high-tech beauty device.)
It’s worth noting that Dyson’s returns policy allows you to return the Airstrait within 30 days of purchase and get a refund if you change your mind, giving you a little peace of mind before parting with your money if you’re worried you won’t get on well with it.
4. You can’t create many different styles
Unlike the Dyson Airwrap, which has many different attachments that allow consumers to create a variety of hairstyles, the Airstrait is not as versatile a multi-styler. It is primarily designed to dry hair into straight and sleek styles, so if you want a tool that can create big, bouncy, undone curls or loose waves, this is not the hair tool for you.
By closing the airstrait, you can direct the airflow from the device to dry it roughly or to focus on the roots of the hair, making it a 2-in-1 function. It is equipped with two tension rods that, combined with downward air pressure, produce smooth and straight results at a maximum temperature of 140°C. My hair is smoother with it than when I dry it with a hairdryer and a separate brush (a method I prefer to leave to a hairdresser).
5. It’s not the same as straightening your hair
While the Airstrait can achieve a smooth and sleek finish, it’s not the same as a traditional flat iron. It uses air to dry hair straight at a maximum temperature of 140°C, while the best hair straighteners typically straighten at temperatures between 180°C and 230°C. My hair is quite curly (mostly 3a, for those familiar with the curly hair type system) and has a slightly fine texture, and I can achieve fairly smooth results with the Airstrait that stay straight. However, it’s not 100% straight as a board – the brand describes the look as a “natural smooth finish.”
These results also vary depending on hair type. “The Dyson Airstrait™ straightener is designed for multiple hair types,” notes the brand’s spokesperson. “During the development of the device, our engineers conducted tests on hair types from type 1 (straight) to type 4 (very curly/frizzy). Through these tests, we were able to understand the different benefits the device has for different hair types: natural straight styles for type 1-3a/b hair and straightened blow-dry styles for type 3c-4 hair – when wet, without heat damage.
They continue: “It uses air to straighten curls and coils at gentle temperatures and without heat damage and works effectively as a pre-styling tool, giving you a faster and healthier straightened blow-dry before moving on to styling or putting it into a protective hairstyle. It can also be used as a final styling tool for an extended hairstyle that preserves the natural properties of your hair.”
Why we would recommend the Dyson Airstrait
As mentioned, I’ve used the Airstrait frequently in my usual styling routine since I first tested it months ago. To get value for money, it’s ideal if you know you’ll be blow-drying your hair straight and/or flat most or all of the time and don’t want to deviate much from that style. To create loosely curled waves and curls, you’ll need to use a different tool.
If you dry and straighten your hair after every wash and want to reduce the heat exposure to your hair, this device could also be suitable for you – however, as already mentioned, it is intended to achieve a straightened blow-dry look on very curly and frizzy hair.
However, in my experience, the Airstrait’s sleek finish lasts longer than most other airstylers, such as the best hair dryer brushes, and it can refresh a sleek style quite quickly. So while only you can decide if it’s worth it given your hair type and preferred styling look, I really recommend it for home drying.
Our Dyson Airstrait styling essentials
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, Pack of 1 (1 x 1 piece)
RRP: 27 €
One of the most popular hair moisturizers, Dream Coat creates a protective shield around the hair to keep out moisture from the environment and prevent excessive frizz. It also acts as a heat protection spray for the hair. It is also available in Extra Strength and Curly versions.
Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray
RRP: 25,85 €
This heat-activated spray contains the nourishing argan oil that Moroccanoil is known and loved for and ensures a long-lasting smooth finish. Nourishing and surprisingly lightweight.
Redken Acidic Colour Gloss Heat Protection Treatment
RRP: 25,70 €
A heat protection spray that protects hair from temperatures up to 230 °C and, thanks to Redken’s Acidic Colour Gloss, provides strong shine and keeps the colour bright.
