What’s the Dyson Airstrait?
The Dyson Airstrait is Dyson’s latest wet‑to‑dry straightening tool. Instead of traditional hot plates, it uses high‑velocity air to simultaneously dry and smooth hair. Launched in 2023, it carries a premium price (around £449.99 / $499) and has sparked buzz for its promise of reduced heat damage and streamlined styling.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Out of the box, the Airstrait feels serious and sleek. It’s light in hand—only 2.2 lbs—because the main power sits in a chunky adapter. A rich LCD screen and intuitive buttons (heat, airflow, wet/dry mode, cold shot) make the interface feel smart and thoughtfully designed.
How It Works
The secret lies in angled air jets that direct airflow at a 45° angle between unheated tension bars. As the airflow dries, it aligns your hair—no hot plates required. You choose between wet mode (175–285 °F) or dry mode (250–285 °F, plus 320 °F boost) along with two airflow speeds, then finish with a cold shot to lock your style.
My Hair & Why I Tried It
I have mid‑length, fine to medium, slightly wavy hair that frizzes easily in humid weather—and heat damage shows fast. My routine was: towel‑dry, blow‑dry, then flat‑iron. It was time-consuming and felt rough on my hair. The Airstrait appealed because it promised a faster, gentler routine.
Day 1: Expectations vs. Reality
I started with damp, towel‑dried hair and used wet mode at 285 °F. Following Dyson’s recommendation, I sectioned my hair and made small, slow passes.
My first thought? It worked. In under 30 minutes, most of my hair was dry and noticeably smoother. My frizz was tamed, and though not mirror‑like straight, it appeared polished and healthy. Heads‑up: it felt warmer than a blow‑dryer, but not scalding.
Daily Routine: What It’s Like Over Time
Time saved: My morning routine trimmed from ~60 to 25–35 minutes—closer to 20 with practice.
Consistency: Every day produced similar smooth results. For second‑day hair, dry‑mode touch‑ups at 250 °F kept things sleek in under 10 minutes.
Comfort: The 2.2‑lb weight isn’t heavy, but by the end of my head, my wrist felt it—especially compared to lighter tools.
Noise & Pause: It’s quieter than a blow‑dryer but not silent. I appreciated the auto‑pause—after three seconds idle, it stops airflow until reapplied to hair.
What I Love Most
Lower heat damage: It maxes at 285 °F (320 °F boost), well under typical flat‑irons. Experts say hair starts sustaining damage around 375 °F. I’ve noticed my ends feel healthier and softer than post‑flat iron.
Time‑efficient: One tool replaces blow‑dryer plus straightener. I often finish in under half the usual time.
Ease of use: The LCD and single‑pass air‑blade approach feel intuitive. There’s a calm simplicity—almost effortless once you get the pattern.
For second‑day upkeep: Dry mode touch‑ups are my favorite—quick, easy, and effective.
What Could Be Better
Bulkier adapter: The power brick is sizable and not ideal for travel.
Finish isn’t glossy enough: While hair looks polished, it lacks the glass‑like shine of a flat‑iron. A pass with a slim straightener adds that sleekness.
Not for curling: Trying to curl with Airstrait failed—the intense airflow blows hair out of place.
Learning curve: For thick or highly textured hair, slow passes (10+ seconds per section) can make styling timelier.
Pricey: At ~$499, it’s an investment—like many Dyson tools.
How It Stacks Up to Other Tools
Vs. Dyson Airwrap: Airwrap is more versatile with curling brushes but uses radial airflow, not a straight‑edge air‑blade. Many still prefer Airstrait for straighter results.
Vs. Dyson Corrale: Corrale is lighter and cordless but uses hot plates—great for shine, but still heat.
Vs. GHD Duet Style/Revair: Airstrait holds its own. Duet Style uses low‑heat plates (~248 °F) and matches shine better, but Airstrait feels gentler on hair.
Who Will Love It
Daily heat stylers: It shines for those avoiding heat damage and saving morning minutes.
Frizz‑prone hair: Its airflow smoothing effect helps tame unruly strands.
Realistic users: Great if you prefer a polished, lived‑in straight look rather than ultra‑sleek gloss.
Multi-tool owners: It complements, not replaces, tools like Airwrap or Corrale.
Who Might Pass
Travelers: Big plug and no cordless option make it bulky.
Gloss‑obsessed: For mirror‑shine, you’ll want a flat‑iron touch‑up.
Curlers & wavers: Doesn’t curl—so not a multi‑shape tool.
Budget shoppers: Expensive vs. alternatives—consider full hair goals.
Long‑Term Experience
Some users report daily use for months with healthy results. One-year reviewers say the Airstrait remains a morning staple, and healthy, manageable hair stays consistent.
Bottom Line
After weeks of daily use, I can say the Dyson Airstrait delivers a genuinely easier, gentler straightening routine. It’s not flawlessly glossy, but the healthier feel, reduced frizz, and streamlined process make it worth it—for me, at least.
Would I buy it again at full price? Yes—if healthy hair and saved time matter to you. But I describe this as a “premium upgrade,” not a must-have for everyone. If you style straight often and want less heat damage, it could be a game-changer.
Quick Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Gentler styling with cooled air, lower risk of damage
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Time-saving wet‑to‑dry design
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Intuitive controls and consistent results
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Great for second-day touch‑ups
Cons:
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Big power adapter—not travel-friendly
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Finish isn’t mirror shine—may need extra tool
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No curling ability
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Premium price tag
Final Thoughts
The Dyson Airstrait isn’t just another hair gadget—it’s a thoughtfully engineered appliance. It strikes a balance between heat protection, usability, and results. I’m reaching for it almost daily, and my hair hasn’t felt this smooth and less worn down in years.
If your styling routine leans heavily on heat, and you crave simplicity with better hair days, your mornings just got easier—and your hair will thank you for it.
FAQs
Can the Dyson Airstrait be used on completely dry hair?
Yes, it has a dedicated “Dry Mode” designed for touch-ups or styling on dry hair. It helps smooth and straighten without adding heat damage.
Does the Airstrait work well on thick or curly hair?
It can handle thick or curly hair with slow, multiple passes. Results are smoother than a blow-dry but not as pin-straight as a flat iron.
Can you use hair products like heat protectants with the Airstrait?
Absolutely. Lightweight sprays or creams work well and can help protect against heat while improving styling results.
Is the Dyson Airstrait safe for daily use?
Yes. Since it uses lower temperatures and no heated plates, it’s designed for frequent use with less long-term damage.
