Is the Dyson Airstrait worth it

What you are paying for

Dyson's listing describes the Airstrait as a wet to dry straightener with no hot plates. It uses high pressure airflow through two arms to dry and straighten at the same time, and it senses when hair is between the arms and drops to low airflow when it is not. It has wet and dry modes and multiple heat and airflow settings; check Dyson's specs for your model for the details.

Dyson's listing also makes a heat damage claim, but its own footnote ties that claim to wet to dry mode. Treat it as the maker's claim with conditions, not a guarantee.

Who the Airstrait suits

If most of these describe you, the Airstrait may justify its price. Read how to use the Dyson Airstrait to see whether the routine fits.

• People who blow dry then flat iron: it can replace two steps with one, which is the main time saving.
• Those who want a natural straight finish: results tend to have movement rather than a pressed look.
• Fine to medium hair that dries quickly: sections dry and smooth in fewer passes.
• People who dislike hot plates near the scalp: there are no plates to clamp down.
• Daily stylers: the more often you blow dry and straighten, the more the convenience adds up.

Who is better off with a flat iron

For a side by side, see Dyson Airstrait vs a flat iron and the best flat irons.

• You want very sleek, glassy straight hair: hot plates usually press flatter.
• You mostly style dry, second day hair: the Airstrait is designed mainly for wet to dry.
• Very thick, long or tightly coiled hair: drying from wet can take a long time, and a silk press is usually done with a flat iron.
• You want curls and waves from the same tool: a 1 inch flat iron can curl; the Airstrait is built to straighten.
• Budget matters: premium flat irons cost a fraction of the price.

Alternatives worth comparing

Two comparisons come up most. The ghd Duet Style is also a wet to dry hot air styler and was listed for much less; its listing adds a Shine Shot plate mode for dry hair at 365°F. The Dyson Corrale is Dyson's cordless plate iron, a different approach for dry hair. Our comparisons go into detail: Airstrait vs ghd Duet Style, Corrale vs Airstrait and Airstrait vs Shark FlexFusion.

Practical points to weigh

Time: you skip the blow dryer, but each section needs several slow passes. For thick or long hair, total time can be similar to blow drying plus ironing. Weight and handling: it is larger than a flat iron, so try holding one in a store if you can. Care: like other Dyson tools it has a filter that needs regular cleaning; see Dyson Airstrait errors and reset.

Travel: check voltage before you pack it. Dyson sells region specific versions of many hair tools; check Dyson's specs for your model, and see dual voltage explained. Warranty terms are set by Dyson and vary by region; see hair tool warranties.

The bottom line

If your daily routine is blow dry plus flat iron, and you like a smooth, natural straight finish, the Airstrait can be worth it for the time and steps it saves. If you want maximum sleekness, style dry hair, have very thick or coily hair, or want value, a quality flat iron is the better buy. Compare options in the best hair straighteners guide.

Compare hair straighteners →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dyson Airstrait better than a flat iron? It is different. It is built to dry and straighten from wet. A flat iron usually gives a sleeker result on dry hair and costs less.

Does the Dyson Airstrait work on curly hair? It can straighten many curl types, but very thick or coily hair may take a long time from wet, and a flat iron is the usual tool for a silk press.

Does the Dyson Airstrait cause heat damage? Dyson claims no heat damage when used in wet to dry mode. We cannot promise any outcome; any heat styling carries some risk.

Is there a cheaper alternative to the Airstrait? The ghd Duet Style is a wet to dry hot air styler that was listed for less. Shark also makes a lower priced air straightener.