Is Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 Worth It? Honest Review (2026)
Honest breakdown of strengths, weaknesses, and who should buy this popular hair styler.
Quick Decision
Buy the Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 if you have fine to medium hair, want to minimize heat damage, and are willing to practice the technique. Skip it if you have thick/coarse hair, want instant results, or are on a tight budget. The heat protection is genuinely superior, but the performance gap vs. the Shark FlexStyle doesn't justify the $300 premium for most people.
Best if you...
- Fine to medium hair owners wanting voluminous curls
- Health-conscious stylers wanting to minimize heat damage
- Frizz-prone hair that needs humidity-resistant smoothing
Skip it if you...
- Thick, coarse, or naturally curly hair (curls won't hold)
- Impatient users wanting quick results out of the box
- Budget shoppers – the Shark FlexStyle offers similar features
If you're researching the Dyson Airwrap Gen 2, you're likely wondering whether its premium price delivers truly superior results or if it's overhyped. This analysis breaks down the strengths and weaknesses based on manufacturer specifications, expert reviews, and verified user feedback patterns. We'll cover what the Airwrap does exceptionally well, where it falls short, and who should (or shouldn't) invest in it.
Our goal is to provide a balanced, honest assessment that helps you decide if the Airwrap is worth the $600 investment for your specific hair type and styling habits. We'll also explore alternatives and must-have accessories available to complement the device.
About the Dyson Airwrap Gen 2
The Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 is a multi-styler that uses the Coanda effect to curl, wave, smooth, and dry hair without extreme heat. It comes with several attachments for different hair types and styles, targeting users who want to reduce heat damage while achieving salon-like results at home.
Key Specifications
- Power
- Corded, 1300W
- Weight
- 2.2 lbs (with attachments)
- Voltage
- 110-120V (US model, not dual voltage)
- Warranty
- 2 years
- Technology
- Coanda effect, intelligent heat control (≤302°F)
- Attachments
- 10 total (30mm & 40mm barrels, smoothing brush, volumizing brush, Coanda dryer, flyaway tool, diffuser, pre-styling dryer, wide-tooth comb, storage case)
- Hair types recommended
- Fine to medium, straight to wavy
Overview
The Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 is a corded hair styler that uses air velocity and the Coanda effect to wrap hair around barrels without curling irons. It includes multiple attachments: 30mm and 40mm airwrap barrels, a smoothing brush, a volumizing brush, a Coanda smoothing dryer, and a flyaway attachment. The Gen 2 adds a curl diffuser and a new dryer attachment for faster pre-drying.
Designed primarily for fine-to-medium hair, the Airwrap excels at creating voluminous curls, waves, and smooth blowouts. It's positioned as a heat-damage-reducing alternative to traditional hot tools, using intelligent heat control to keep temperature below 302°F. The device is sold through Dyson's website and select retailers, including Amazon, where it's available for $599.99.
Pros
The Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 stands out for its innovative technology that allows styling with significantly less heat than traditional tools. Its strengths lie in reducing heat damage, versatility for multiple styles, and ease of use once learned. Below are the key advantages detailed with specific examples.
Exceptional Heat Protection for Hair Health
The Airwrap Gen 2 uses intelligent heat control that measures air temperature over 40 times per second, never exceeding 302°F. According to Dyson's specifications, this is far lower than typical curling irons (which often exceed 400°F) or flat irons. For users who style regularly, this can reduce cumulative heat damage like split ends and breakage. Third-party testing from Wirecutter confirmed that the Airwrap produces less measurable hair damage over time compared to standard hot tools. Users with fine or chemically treated hair benefit most from this lower heat exposure.
Versatile Styling Without Extreme Heat
With 10 included attachments, the Airwrap can curl, wave, smooth, and volumize. The 30mm and 40mm barrels create different curl sizes; the Coanda effect allows hair to wrap automatically once you position it near the barrel. The smoothing brush and flyaway attachment tame frizz. This versatility means you can achieve multiple looks with one device, reducing clutter. However, the learning curve means it may take several tries to get curls that last, especially for those with thick or coarse hair.
Fast Drying with New Diffuser Attachment
The Gen 2 adds a dedicated diffuser for curly hair, which Dyson states improves drying speed by 20% compared to using the smoothing dryer alone. The new dryer attachment also increases airflow, reducing overall styling time. For users with thick hair, this is a meaningful improvement over the Gen 1, which required more pre-drying. Still, the Airwrap is not a primary hair dryer; it's a styler that dries partially.
Reduced Frizz with Flyaway Attachment
The flyaway attachment uses Coanda effect to smooth flyaways and tame frizz without touching the hair. It's particularly effective on damp or dry hair, according to user reviews. This attachment alone can make the Airwrap worth it for those who struggle with frizz in humid climates. Wirecutter noted it worked well on frizz-prone hair after blow-drying.
Ergonomic Design and Attachments
The Gen 2 has a redesigned handle that is 20% shorter and lighter than the original, reducing fatigue during extended use. The magnetic attachments are easy to swap, and the cool shot button is positioned conveniently. The storage case keeps everything organized. These design improvements make the Airwrap more user-friendly than its predecessor.
Cons
Despite its innovative technology, the Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 has notable drawbacks. The biggest challenges are its steep price, learning curve, performance limitations on certain hair types, and the fact that it's not a standalone dryer. Here are the most significant disadvantages with specific examples.
Premium $600 Price Tag vs. Cheaper Alternatives
At $599.99, the Airwrap costs roughly 3x more than popular alternatives like the Shark FlexStyle ($299) or Revlon One-Step ($60). While the Airwrap uses less heat, the Shark FlexStyle offers similar Coanda-based styling at half the price. For many users, the Airwrap's performance difference may not justify the extra $300. According to consumer reports, the Shark FlexStyle achieves comparable curl results for many hair types, though its build quality and attachments are less refined.
Steep Learning Curve Frustrates New Users
Many users report it takes 5-10 tries to get curls that hold, especially for those with fine, straight hair. The Coanda effect requires specific hair dampness, sectioning, and technique. If you expect instant, perfect curls like a traditional curling iron, you'll be disappointed. The Dyson website recommends watching tutorials, but even then, results vary widely. This is a common complaint in user feedback on Amazon and forums.
Limited Effectiveness on Very Thick or Coarse Hair
The Airwrap's airflow and barrel size struggle to curl hair that is thick, coarse, or very long. Curls often fall out within hours for these hair types. The 40mm barrel is too large for tight curls, and the 30mm gives only loose waves. Dyson itself notes the Airwrap is best for fine to medium hair. Users with thick hair may need to use higher heat (which defeats the purpose) or resort to traditional tools for lasting results.
Not a Full Hair Dryer – Requires Pre-Drying
Despite the new dryer attachment, the Airwrap is not powerful enough to dry hair from soaking wet. Dyson recommends towel-drying hair to 80% dry before styling. This adds an extra step and time. For someone used to a dedicated hair dryer, this is an inconvenience. The Shark FlexStyle can function as a full dryer with a concentrator nozzle, which the Airwrap lacks.
No Universal Voltage – Travel Without Adapter
The Airwrap Gen 2 is only voltage-compatible with its country of purchase (110-120V for US model). If you travel internationally, you'll need a heavy voltage converter or risk damaging the device. This is a significant con for frequent travelers. Many competitors, like the Revlon One-Step, are dual voltage.
Attachments List Includes Little-Used Items
Of the 10 attachments, about half are rarely used according to user feedback. The wide-tooth comb, for instance, is only for detangling wet hair before styling. The Coanda smoothing dryer is redundant if you already own a blow dryer. Some users wish they could buy a base model with fewer attachments to save money, but Dyson only sells the full set.
👍 Who It's For
The Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 is best suited for people with fine to medium-length hair who want to reduce heat damage while achieving voluminous curls or smooth blowouts. It's ideal for those who style hair several times a week and are willing to invest time in learning proper technique. Users with frizz-prone hair will particularly appreciate the flyaway attachment. If you have naturally straight hair and want soft, bouncy curls without extreme heat, the Airwrap can deliver – but only after practice. It's also a good match for those who already own a separate hair dryer and want a dedicated styling tool.
👎 Who Should Avoid
Skip the Airwrap if you have very thick, coarse, or curly hair – it won't hold curls well and you'll likely be frustrated. Also avoid if you're looking for a quick, foolproof styling tool that works perfectly out of the box. The learning curve is real, and if you don't enjoy practicing, it's not for you. Budget-conscious buyers should also steer clear, as the Shark FlexStyle offers similar results for $300 less. Finally, if you travel internationally frequently, the lack of dual voltage makes the Airwrap inconvenient without a heavy converter.
See today's Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 price and available configurations on Amazon.
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Alternatives to Consider
| Product | Choose Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 if... | Choose the alternative if... |
|---|---|---|
| Shark FlexStyle$300 more expensive | You want a similar Coanda-based styling tool with a full dryer function and better performance on thick hair at half the price. | You prioritize advanced heat control, build quality, and the flyaway attachment over cost savings. |
| Revlon One-Step Volumizer$540 more expensive | You just want voluminous blowouts on a budget and don't need curling capabilities or extreme heat protection. | You need versatile curls, smoothing, and lower heat styling – the One-Step is strictly a volumizing dryer brush. |
| Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer$30 cheaper (Supersonic ~$570) | You primarily need a powerful hair dryer and don't require curling attachments – the Supersonic dries faster and works on all hair types. | You want a single tool that both dries and styles curls/waves without extreme heat. |
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Shark FlexStyle ($299) is the top alternative. It uses a similar Coanda effect, comes with a full hair dryer attachment, and performs well on thick hair. The Revlon One-Step Volumizer ($60) is a great lower-cost option for those simply wanting volume and smoothness without curling. For professional-level results, the traditional Dyson Supersonic hair dryer paired with a separate curling iron may achieve more reliable curls for thick hair.
Users who want heatless styling might consider the Conair Infiniti Pro Curl Secret ($99), which automatically curls hair with a rotating barrel at a lower price. However, none match the Airwrap's heat control and versatility entirely.
Is it worth the price?
At $599.99, the Airwrap Gen 2 is worth it primarily for users with fine to medium hair who style frequently and prioritize hair health. The intelligent heat control truly reduces damage compared to standard hot tools. However, for most buyers, the Shark FlexStyle at $299 offers 80% of the functionality – including effective curls and a drying mode – at half the price. The Airwrap's build quality and flyaway attachment are better, but not enough to justify the cost unless you specifically need frizz control and can afford the premium.
📝 Bottom Line
The Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 is a genuinely innovative hair styling tool that reduces heat damage and delivers salon-like results – but only for the right hair type and patient user. Its strengths are real: intelligent heat control, versatile attachments, and effective frizz taming. However, its weaknesses are equally significant: the $600 price, steep learning curve, and poor performance on thick or coarse hair mean many buyers will be disappointed.
If you have fine to medium hair and are willing to invest time in tutorials, the Airwrap can reduce heat damage while giving you soft, voluminous curls. The flyaway attachment alone helps tame frizz better than any competing styler. But for thick-haired individuals or anyone expecting instant perfection, the Shark FlexStyle at $300 is a smarter choice – it's more forgiving on hair types, includes a full dryer, and costs half as much.
Ultimately, the Airwrap Gen 2 is a luxury tool that's worth it only if you fit its ideal user profile and have the budget. For everyone else, consider the alternatives before splurging.
Check current Dyson Airwrap Gen 2 availability and bundle options on Amazon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
Key Pros
- ✓Intelligent heat control never exceeds 302°F, reducing hair damage
- ✓Versatile with 10 attachments for curling, smoothing, and volumizing
- ✓New diffuser and dryer attachments speed up styling for thick or curly hair
- ✓Flyaway attachment effectively tames frizz without heat
- ✓Ergonomic, lighter handle reduces arm fatigue during use
Key Cons
- ✗High $600 price is 2-3x more than comparable stylers
- ✗Steep learning curve; many users struggle to get lasting curls
- ✗Poor performance on thick, coarse, or very long hair – curls drop quickly
- ✗Requires 80% pre-drying, adding time and not a standalone dryer
- ✗Not dual voltage – requires a bulky converter for international travel
Ratings
Best For
- →Fine to medium hair owners wanting voluminous curls
- →Health-conscious stylers wanting to minimize heat damage
- →Frizz-prone hair that needs humidity-resistant smoothing
- →Users willing to practice a new styling technique