Since it first debuted, the Dyson Airwrap hasn’t just been a tool — it’s been a beauty status symbol, the holy grail of hair styling. It promised salon-quality blowouts at home without the damaging, scorching heat of traditional curling irons and flat brushes. But a few years into its reign, Dyson introduced a refinement: the Co-anda 2x technology. We spent a week with the newest version to find out if this coveted device truly deserves a permanent spot on your vanity.
The Magic is in the Air
At the heart of the Airwrap experience is the proprietary Co-anda effect. This physics phenomenon uses high-velocity air, controlled and shaped by the device’s intelligent digital motor, to wrap the hair around the barrel or brush attachment. What this means, is that It uses air, not extreme heat, to style and set your locks.
Where traditional curlers rely on direct contact heat typically between 149°C to 232°C to break and reset hydrogen bonds in the hair, the Airwrap operates at temperatures consistently below 150°C, ensuring your hair remains healthier, shinier, and less prone to breakage over time.
The Co-anda 2x Upgrade: Double the Efficiency
For those who own the original Airwrap, you’ll understand the need to physically swap out barrels to change the curl direction — one for the left side of your head, one for the right. The newer versions, including the Co-anda 2x system eliminates this entirely. With the flick of a small, intuitive switch at the top of the barrel, you can instantly reverse the airflow direction. It’s far more convenient and pleasant to use.
Furthermore, the new smoothing and drying attachments have been redesigned, offering better airflow control for taming flyaways and providing a superior preliminary dry, which is essential for maximising the Airwrap’s performance.
The Pros and Cons
The Upside (Pros)
- Significantly less heat damage; maintains natural shine and colour integrity. Quick drying and styling time, especially with the 2x barrels.
- Stunning, lightweight design. All attachments store neatly in a luxurious presentation case. Superior, seamless barrel switching mechanism.
- Extreme versatility (curls, waves, smoothing, volumising) replaces several tools.
- Quieter than a standard high-wattage hairdryer.
The Reality Check (Cons)
- Curl hold is highly dependent on hair type and requires setting product, unlike traditional high-heat irons.
- The initial learning curve can be steep; mastering the wrapping technique takes practice.
- The price. It is one of the most significant investments you can make in hair tools.
- Still loud enough to make a morning conversation challenging.
Who Is This Hair Tool For?
Let’s be clear: the Dyson Airwrap is not a tool for the casual user who heat-styles once a month. This is a dedicated, luxury investment.
The Airwrap is perfect for:
- The Daily Stylist: If you dry and style your hair three or more times a week, the long-term benefit of reduced heat damage makes the cost justifiable.
- Fine or Colour-Treated Hair: Those whose hair is fragile, thin, or heavily highlighted will benefit immensely from the gentler, air-based styling, preserving health and shine.
- The Versatility Seeker: If you frequently switch between sleek, straight looks, voluminous blowouts, and loose curls, the all-in-one attachment system simplifies your routine and desk drawers.
The Airwrap might be overkill for:
- The Budget-Conscious: There are more affordable single-function tools that achieve great results.
- Those Who Prefer Pin-Straight Hair: While it smooths well, a traditional flat iron will achieve that glass-like finish faster.
- The Minimalist: If you prefer air-drying or simple ponytails, the Airwrap’s features and complexity are likely unnecessary.
Final Take: The Dyson Airwrap with Co-anda 2x technology is undoubtedly the best version of this styler yet. It delivers on its promise of versatile, fast, and less damaging styling. While the price remains prohibitive for many, for those who value hair health and style consistency, it truly is a revolution worth investing in.
The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x is priced at $899, available in several finishes on dyson.com.sg and the Dyson’s official store on Shopee.
