Attention, shoppers: Your favorite sale of the year has finally arrived. While the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has technically been available to shop since July 14 (if you have cardmember status, that is), the price-slashed assortment of fashion, beauty, and home wares is officially available to all. From now until August 9, you can take up to 70% off those pricey wish-list items you've been eyeing, and if you're anything like me, that folder is usually dotted with brands like Dyson, Chantecaille, and Prada Beauty. Lucky for both of us, these brands and more are seeing steep deals at this very moment.

As a shopping editor–turned–beauty editor, I believe the best time to pounce on makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair-tool splurges is when they're discounted, and no sale delivers quite like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. In honor of the mega-retailer's 125th anniversary, Nordstrom has expanded its sale with more brands than ever, and I've done the digging to see which beauty buys are worth your hard-earned cash.

From Dyson hair tools to iconic Le Labo fragrances, this beauty haul is unbeatable. Keep scrolling for the best beauty sales Nordstrom has to offer on the first official day of the Anniversary Sale.

The 23 Best Beauty Deals From the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, at a Glance

• Best Hot Tool: Dyson Supersonic R Hair Dryer, $440 (was $550)
• Best Skincare Device: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Spectralite FaceWare Pro, $340 (was $455)
• Best Fragrance Set: Byredo Mojave Ghost Fragrance Set, $280 (was $415)
• It-Girl Perfume: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, $180 (was $230)
• Steepest Discount: Donna Karan New York Cashmere Mist Body Lotion, $75 (was $287)

Best Hair-Tool Deals From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Best Fragrance Deals From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Best Skincare Deals From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As much as I hate to say it, the final day of Amazon Prime Day deals has arrived. The sale, which started on June 23, is coming to a close this evening and won't return until early October. As a beauty editor, I prioritized investing in my wish-list items since those are the products I use daily and constantly need to be restocked.​

Now that I have all my essentials, I plan to fully take advantage of some luxury beauty products I normally wouldn't go out of my way to invest in. I'm talking about everything from beauty tools like the Medicube Mini Booster Pro Plus to high-quality skincare like Tatcha's Water Cream. With some of these luxury buys being over $100 off, turning down deals like this would be a major miss.

As the days have gone on, I've been pulling from the best of the best in luxury beauty to narrow it down to 12 items that I won't be skipping out on, and you shouldn’t either. See my Prime Day picks below!

The Best Sales, at a Glance

• The Must-Buy Serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum
• The Splurge-Worthy Cleansing Tool: Medicube Mini Booster Pro Plus Cleansing Device Set
• The Hair Tool That Does It All: Shark Flexstyle Hair Styling System
• The Shower Essential: L'occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil
• The Fine Line Eraser: Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Cream Moisturizer

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Since 2006, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

Black Friday might be over, but the Cyber Monday beauty deals are in full swing, and as a beauty editor who has covered the sale shopping period for years, trust me when I say that there is no better time to shop for the best Black Friday beauty tools.

From hair multi-stylers to LED masks (yes, even the Shark LED mask has gone on sale), now is the perfect time to invest in that beauty tech you've had your eyes on for months. In fact, beauty tools are pretty much one of the only things I shop for during this period, thanks to the impressive savings, and this year, there's one brand that's doing it better than anyone else. Of course, I'm talking about Dyson.

Dyson hair tools rarely go on sale, so when I saw this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, I practically screamed with excitement. Not only is Dyson itself offering incredible deals, but many of my favourite Dyson hair tools have also been included in the Space NK Black Friday sale. Oh, and if you spend over £100 on Space NK this Cyber Monday, you can use the code CYBER2025 for an extra 10% off. Anyone who knows me will know that my favourite hair tool of all time is the Dyson Airstrait, and you can currently save £150 on the tool.

I use my Dyson Airstrait all the time.

There are also amazing savings on the Dyson Airwrap, the Supersonic Hair Dryer and the Corrale, so keep on scrolling to shop my top picks. I've tried all of these tools myself and can confirm that they are totally worth the hype.

The Best Dyson Cyber Monday Deals 2025

• Best Dyson Airstrait deal: Dyson Airstrait™ (Nickel/Copper), was £450, now £300
• Best Dyson Airwrap deal: Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Patina Topaz, was £480, now £400
• Best Dyson Supersonic deal: Dyson Supersonic Prussian Blue, was £330, now £200
• Best Dyson Corrale deal: Dyson Corrale™ Straightener (Copper/Nickel), was £400, now £280

Best Dyson Airstrait Deals

My hair after using the Dyson Airstrait.

Best Dyson Airwrap Deals

Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden is a huge fan of the Dyson Airwrap.

Best Dyson Supersonic Deals

We've tested the Dyson hair dryer and can confirm it's every bit as good as you'd imagine.

Best Dyson Corrale Deals

The Dyson Corrale™ Straightener looks so chic.

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday weekend is an annual sale shopping event that originated in the US. It marks the end of Thanksgiving and the start of the festive shopping season, resulting in the majority of well-known—and even, in recent years, smaller—brands and retailers heading into a period sale for a full four days.

When Is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday will fall on Friday 28 November 2025, and you can expect deals across the whole weekend and into Cyber Monday, which falls on Monday 1 December 2025. Our editors will be busy compiling the best of the Black Friday savings, whether it be clothing deals or beauty tools deals for you.

When Does Black Friday 2025 End?

Black Friday sales tend to run over the weekend and end on Cyber Monday, which will fall on Monday 1 December 2025.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the final day of sales of the Black Friday sales period. In 2025, it will be Monday 1 December, and it is typically the last chance to snap up savings. Some brands offer even deeper discounts on Cyber Monday, so it's the perfect time to shop for those products you've been thinking about all weekend.

Welcome to How to Hair. Think of this series as your go-to guide to achieve your best hair yet. Whether you want to master a certain hair tool, work out how to wear a new hairstyle or if you're just in need of some hair inspiration, our beauty editor Eleanor Vousden is here to talk you through what you need to know, step-by-step, with plenty of insider intel along the way. Allow How to Hair to become your trusted guide on the journey to great hair days—every day.

So, you bought the Dyson Airwrap (or you're planning to). And now you're probably wondering how to use it. As a hair-obsessed beauty editor who has been the proud owner of the Dyson Airwrap for four years (and who has tried three different models of the hair multistyler), even I can admit that it takes a little know-how and practice to master. With more attachments than a standard hot brush, you need to have a little patience and know-how to get to grips with this airstyler.

In fact, I'm often asked by my colleagues and friends how to use the Dyson Airwrap (and my For You Page is filled with people who are unsure, too), so I figured it was high time I put pen to paper with a step-by-step guide including all the tips and tricks on getting the most from your attachments, and, most importantly, making your curls last. This is by far the question I get asked the most when it comes to the Dyson Airwrap—and yes, it can be done.

Plus, with the launch of the new Dyson Coandax2, the latest Airwrap model, I decided to tick two boxes at once and put it to the test at the same time. So, I've done all the legwork and have created a step-by-step guide on how to use the Dyson Airwrap for your bounciest blow-dry yet.

How to Use the Dyson Airwrap

1. Prep Your Hair

I'd argue that this is the most important step. If you're going for a bouncy blow-dry look, I have some pointers. Firstly, ensure your hair is thoroughly shampooed (ideally with a clarifying shampoo) to rid your roots of product build-up and oil that can weigh it down and make your style fall flat, especially if you have fine or thin hair. When the hair is cleansed, your roots will have more volume, and the lengths will have more bounce.

As someone with thick and wavy frizz-prone hair, my favourite shampoos are Ouai Detox Shampoo (£28) and Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo (£31). I'd also recommend using a lightweight conditioner to avoid weighing down the ends. I love Kérastase Premiere Bond Advanced Conditioner (£41), or I like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Hair Gloss (£30) as a hair-gloss treatment for added shine.

On towel-dried hair, I like to apply a heat-protectant spray (here, I'm using Kérastase Gloss Absolu Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk (£43), and depending on your hair type, you may also like to use a hair mousse, a hair serum or volumising products before styling to help give your hair extra hold, volume and bounce. Just be careful not to overload it with too much product.

A favourite of mine is Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Blow Dry Foam (£28), which has a foam texture that helps to lock in the style without weighing hair down, and I'll run a little of Dyson's Chitosan Pre-Style Cream (£26) through my lengths to help prep my hair. I also swear by my trusty Wet Brush Detangler Brush (£8) to detangle my hair before styling and help distribute the product through the lengths.

Shop Pre-Styling Products:

2. Rough Dry

A very important PSA: You want to use your Aiwrap on hair that's 80% dry, so don't go straight in on wet hair! Start by rough-drying with the hair dryer attachment, paying attention to the roots. I like my roots to be totally dry, as it's harder to fully dry them with the other Airwrap attachments (especially if you have thick hair), and any dampness at the roots will make your style fall out more quickly. If you want an extra boost of volume here, tip your head upside down as you dry. You'll want to keep a little bit of moisture in your lengths before using the curling barrels, round brush or paddle brush, so leave the rest of your hair about 80-90% dry.

If you're going for a straight and sleek look, you can use the paddle-brush attachment to smooth and stretch the hair as you dry, before finishing with the Airsmooth attachment to smooth any remaining frizz or flyaways. Or, if you own one of the older Dyson Airwrap models, switch the hair dryer attachment to the Flyaway Smoother setting. If you want a bouncy look, scroll on.

3. Round Brush

The round-brush attachment is one of my favourites that the Airwrap offers. If you have a fringe or face-framing layers, I'd recommend using this to style them, but I'd also use this attachment throughout your entire head if you find your hair doesn't hold a curl with the curling barrels. With this one, you can achieve the necessary tension needed to create long-lasting styles with a bouncy blow-dry effect. When using the round-brush attachment, you want to twirl a section of hair around it a couple of times, rolling your hair over it for more volume at the root, or under it, like I am above, for a face-framing, soft curl.

And here's the secret to making it last. Once your section is fully dry and you've run the round brush through it a couple of times, you want to roll the entire length of that section of hair around it and use the cold-shot button to cool the hair. Alternatively, you could use hair rollers to help the curls set as the hair cools. Cold air will help lock in the style, whereas releasing the hair too soon when it remains warm will make your style drop more quickly.

Think of it like a candle: when the wax is warm, it's fluid and malleable, but when it cools, it solidifies into shape. The same goes for your hair, so get to know your cold-shot button and use it for a lot longer than you think you need to bring your hair from hot to cool. I'd go for at least 10 seconds for each section, or longer for thicker hair.

4. Curl

You have two curling attachments to choose from: the larger barrel or the narrower one. The former will give you a soft, looser curl, whilst the smaller barrel will result in tighter curls. If your curls drop out quickly, go for the narrower barrel. Similarly, if your hair is all one length (no layers), you may also benefit from using this version. The heavier your hair, the more the curl will drop, so a tighter curl is your best bet at getting your style to last. However, if you want a soft ripple through your hair, the larger barrel will deliver a much softer curl. I also like to use this size on my face-framing layers, which tend to hold a curl better and so don't require as much spring.

Now you've chosen your curling barrel, take a 1 to 2" section and allow the barrel to latch onto the ends of your hair. Smaller sections are best for the air and heat to reach the hair evenly; if the section is too large, your Airwrap has to work harder to dry and style. Gently guide your hair as it wraps around the barrel.

The thickness, texture and length of your hair will determine how long to hold the curl in place. On the newer Coandax2 model, you can pair it with the MyDyson app, which helps you determine the perfect amount of time for you (and it will auto-sync with your Airwrap via Bluetooth, so you don't even have to touch any of the buttons, which is a really great feature of the new model). But, as a general rule of thumb, you want to hold it until your hair feels dry to the touch (usually 10 to 15 seconds is enough once the strands are fully wrapped around the barrel).

As I mentioned in the previous section, it's crucial to let your hair fully cool before releasing the section from the barrel. I like to use the cold-shot button for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the hair to fully cool and set. This is the most common mistake I see people making with their Airwraps, and it will affect how well your style lasts. When you come to release the curl, ensure that the airflow has also stopped.

Your curl direction will also affect the overall result. Curling in one direction will give a face-framing, glamorous look, whilst alternating the curl direction will give you a more beachy and volumised finish. I like to curl all in the same direction, and flick the direction switch on as I come to do the other side of my hair.

5. Brush Out

If your result resembles 2002 prom-queen curls, don't panic. You can gently rake your fingers through your lengths to soften the curl, though they will also drop out slightly throughout the day, so you don't want to disturb them too much with a hairbrush or comb. Your fingertips are enough to gently tease out the curls in any places you feel need it.

6. Smooth

If you're frizz-prone, the Airsmooth attachment (or the smoothing setting on the older Airwrap hair dryer) is great for smoothing any stragglers around your crown. I'd avoid running it down the full length of your hair so you don't disturb your curls, but I like to use it around the roots to tuck in flyaways for a smoother result.

If you're straightening your hair with the Airwrap, however, this is a great final step to add a polished finish. Whilst it won't completely straighten your hair like the Dyson Airstrait will, it's great as a finishing step for extra smoothness and shine, and for topping up second-day hair that's developed flyaways or frizz.

7. Hair Products

Once you're happy with your styling, you can apply some product to finish and enhance the hold. I like using a lightweight hair oil or serum to smooth and add a glossy shine. My personal favourites are Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops (£39) and Virtue Healing Oil (£43), which is so lightweight, even on fine hair, or the new Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Serum (£50).

You can also add a light touch of hairspray to each curl to keep your style in place; I like Oribe's Free Style Hairspray (£43), which adds flexible hold and prevents hair from feeling crispy. Alternatively, a texturising spray like Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Mist (£28) can give a relaxed, undone look if you feel your hair is looking too polished, and it will also add some grip.

Be careful not to overload your hair with product to avoid weighing it down and encouraging the curls to drop more quickly. A light touch is always best, so go easy.

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8. The Result

I have a couple of final tips to make your curls go the extra mile. Firstly, avoid touching your hair too much throughout the day, which can, again, make the curls drop more quickly. I also like to wear my hair in a loose bun overnight using a silky scrunchie and sleep on a silk pillowcase to help keep my blow-dry looking good into the next day.

Personally, I find that the most long-lasting curls come from a curling wand or tong, but the beauty of the Dyson Airwrap is that it uses far less heat compared to other styling tools. And, you can always touch up your curls the following day if needed, by lightly dampening any sections that need it and re-curling them for extra bounce on second-day hair.

Shop Post-Styling Products:

Shop the Dyson Airwrap:

Back in the day, I'd need a hairdryer and a hair straightener to transform my thick, naturally wavy hair into a sleek, smooth style.

Not only would I have to spend hundreds of pounds on different tools, but it would also take me hours to get the results I wanted. However, beauty tech has come a long way in recent years, and there are now many hot brushes available that dry your hair from damp whilst styling it simultaneously for a bouncy-blowdry look. As much as I love these tools (the Dyson Airwrap is a particular favourite of mine), I still find it hard to get a super-sleek finish when using a hot brush on my hair. This is where a wet-to-dry hair straightener comes in.

Dyson's wet-to-dry hair straightener launched in the UK last year.

Yep, that's right, there are now tools that dry and straighten your hair in one go. We all know that using a hair straightener on wet hair is a big no-no (hello, fried ends), and although some brands have tried creating wet-to-dry straightening tools in the past that don't cause heat damage, GHD and Dyson really spearheaded the category when they released similar tools in 2023. The only downside? These stylers don't come cheap.

This is why we thought it was only right to put some of the most popular wet-to-dry straighteners to the test to see if they're really worth the money. So, if you're thinking about giving one a go, keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

What Is a Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener?

So, what is a wet-to-dry hair straightener? As explained by Chris Long, hairstylist and Dyson GB beauty ambassador, this tool can be used on wet (actually wet, not damp) hair, and works to dry and straighten at the same time.

"A wet-to-dry straightener is the only tool you need to style your hair as soon as you step out of the shower," adds GHD ambassador and celebrity hairstylist Patrick Wilson. These tools often use a combination of hot air and styling plates to get the desired results whilst minimising heat damage.

Can a Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener Cause Heat Damage?

I know what you're thinking: using a straightener on wet hair has to be bad for your hair, right? Well, as it turns out, these tools are actually quite kind to strands. Because they use powerful airflow, they all work on pretty low heat settings, meaning that damage is minimal. "The Dyson Airstrait doesn’t go over 140 degrees, which preserves the hair strength, promotes less breakage, and protects natural shine," says Long.

Most of them claim to cause no heat damage whatsoever, and although they definitely use a lot less heat than your typical hairdryer or straightener, they still use some heat on the hair, so I would always recommend going in with your favourite heat protectant first. "I’d recommend [using] the GHD Sleek Talker (£35) first [on] damp hair; this will help to prevent frizz or humidity throughout the day, and—most importantly—protect the hair from heat," says Wilson.

More brands are now releasing wet-to-dry straightening tools.

Can a Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener Work on All Hair Types?

Most wet-to-dry hair straighteners have been designed to work on all hair types, however, the results may vary. As you'll see below, we tested these tools on a range of hair types, and whilst those of us with naturally wavy hair achieved super-sleek results, those with curlier hair types found that the tools worked best as more of a low-heat option for stretching hair before styling.

The Best Wet-to-Dry Hair Straighteners, Tried and Tested

1. GHD Duet

First up is the GHD Duet 2-In-1 Hot Air Styler. This tool came out in 2023 and took the beauty world by storm. It was the first two-in-one hot-air styler that combined airflow and heated plates to dry and straighten the hair simultaneously. It uses "Air-fusion technology", which channels concentrated airflow through a drying chamber, combined with low-temperature styling plates. Plus, it has "infinity" sensors to maintain this temperature from root to tip. We asked our social media editor, Megan Storey, to put it to the test.

Before Using the GHD Duet

Using the GHD Duet

After Using the GHD Duet

The Verdict

"I'm a low-maintenance beauty girl," says Megan. "I know I could really embrace my natural curls if I put the work in with the Curly Girl Method, but I just don’t like spending that much time doing my hair. Enter the GHD Duet. As soon as I tried it, I messaged our beauty editor Eleanor telling her I knew it was going to change my life.

"I have very thick, frizzy, curly hair, but prefer wearing it straight. From the get-go, the Duet was so easy to use. My hair went from wet (and already going curly) to super smooth and straight in 20 minutes, and it didn’t feel like I was frying my ends. I’ve honestly never seen my hair this sleek and shiny after my normal wash, blow-dry and straighten routine. I also love the Shine Shot setting, which gives a glossy finish.

"If I were to have any hesitations, it’d be the price (but honestly, I think it's worth it for the time it’ll save me!), and I don’t think it could fully replace my straighteners, which I still used in the days since testing to tame any kinks."

Shop the GHD Duet:

2. Dyson Airstrait

Next up is the Dyson Airstrait. Now, I've tested this tool myself and I'm completely obsessed. It has cut the time I spend styling my thick, naturally wavy hair in half. However, I was keen to know how it would perform on someone with curly hair, so I asked contributing beauty writer Ata-Owaji Victor to try it out.

Similarly to the GHD Duet, this tool uses powerful airflow to dry and straighten the hair with minimal heat damage. It features high-velocity air blades and an LCD screen where you can select your airflow and temperature settings before styling (there are three temperature settings: 80°C, 110°C and 140°C). It also comes with a few extra functions. For example, if you clamp the plates together, it works as a hairdryer to rough-dry your roots. You can also select a cool mode to lock your style in place or a dry mode to go over the hair once dry. Oh, and the tool automatically turns off when you set it down.

Before Using the Dyson Airstrait

Using the Dyson Airstrait

After Using the Dyson Airstrait

The Verdict

"As a long-time user (and lover) of the Dyson Supersonic, thanks to its wide-tooth comb and concentrated attachment, I was interested to see how the Airstrait would fare on a few fronts. My hair—Type 4B and fine—tends to dry quite quickly, so I often use heat tools for styling and stretching out my roots rather than just as an out-and-out answer to post-shower hair.

"Despite appearances, the tool is light in feel and boasts an easy-to-navigate menu of heat, airflow and wet or dry styling options. I used the tool at 110 degrees on damp, detangled hair. I sectioned it off, placing it at the root of my coils before bringing it down the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. I used the Airstrait first as directed—air channel facing down—before switching to a combination of up and downwind with the channel to dry my roots thoroughly and stretch out my coils.

"Although I did experiment with a few techniques to attempt to re-create the type of finish I’m used to achieving with a more conventional straightening tool, I found that the Airstrait worked best as a wet-to-dry tool. The flexible temperature controls make it a brilliant option for sensitive scalps and anyone with afro hair who wants to reintroduce heat styling to their routine gently. It's also a great low-heat option for stretching hair before styling in braids. However, it's not great for sleek, silk-press styles on unprocessed Type 4 hair."

Shop the Dyson Airstrait:

3. Shark FlexFusion

Last but by no means least, say hello to the Shark FlexFusion. This is one of the newest wet-to-dry hair straightening tools out there, so we were keen to give it a go. Now, this tool is slightly different to the ones above as it features multiple attachments, including a hairdryer, straightener, curler, styling concentrator and a curl-defining diffuser. However, the attachment we were most interested in was the straightener. This attachment combines heat-controlled ceramic and powerful airflow for a long-lasting style, and can be used on both wet and dry hair. Again, it's designed to minimise heat damage whilst giving that sleek, smooth finish. So, how did our beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden, get on?

Before Using the Shark FlexFusion

Using the Shark FlexFusion

After Using the Shark FlexFusion

The Verdict

"Featuring ceramic plates, this air-straightener uses heat and air in tandem to dry and straighten, and it's easily my favourite attachment of the FlexFusion," says Eleanor. "After rough-drying my hair to about 80% dry with the hairdryer nozzle, this straightened and dried my hair in just one or two passes in wet-to-dry mode. It left my hair silky-smooth, shiny and almost poker-straight. For top-ups in between wash days, I used the dry mode to smooth over any kinks that had settled in.

"So, how does it work on different hair textures? When I attended the FlexFusion launch event earlier this year, I saw first-hand how well it works on curly hair, where it smoothed and straightened in just two strokes through the lengths on wet-to-dry mode. However, if you have a very curly or coily hair texture and want an ultra-sleek result, you may wish to switch to the 'dry' mode afterwards and pass over your lengths once more for a really smooth finish. But ultimately, this hair tool really streamlines drying and styling time without having to reach for separate hair tools."

Shop the Shark FlexFusion:

As a beauty editor, one question I always get asked is: 'Should I get the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark FlexStyle?' When you're looking for spend £300 or more on a hair tool such as a hair multi-styler or hot brush, you want it to be the right investment for you and your hair's specific needs. Because there is nothing worse than spending hard-earned money on a hair tool that ultimately ends up gathering dust.

Having owned the Dyson Airwrap for over two years and more recently tested the Shark FlexStyle over the past couple of months, I have a lot of thoughts about these wet-to-dry hot air stylers. With the Dyson Airwrap costing just shy of £480, you might be wondering if it's worth saving a little more on the Shark Flexstyle, which comes in at just under £300. It is still an investment purchase, but one that is a considerable £180 cheaper.

As someone who tries several hair tools as part of my day job, I've put them both through their paces and while they have their similarities, they also each have plenty of unique differences, benefits and downsides.

If you're still trying to decide which hair tool is best for you, I've shared my in-depth, honest review with pictures using each tool, with the pros and cons for each that can help guide your decision. Scroll ahead for everything you need to know about the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle.

Dyson Airwrap vs Shark Flexstyle: Specifications:

The Attachments:

Depending on which model you go for from each brand, you'll find an assortment of attachments to dry, curl, straighten, smooth and volumise. Ahead, I've road-tested the attachments side by side so you can see how well they worked.

The Curling Wands:

Left: Shark FlexStyle Curling Wand, Right: Dyson Curling Wand:

Shark FlexStyle: In the standard set, the curling barrels come in one size (32mm), however, in the build your own kit, you can opt for the 24mm barrels that will give a tighter curl. There are two of these in the set: one that rotates the hair left, and the other the right. It was a bit of a pain having to change them over, but not a deal-breaker. I found that I had to use slightly smaller sections of hair as the barrels struggled to 'grab' my hair. However, I was really impressed with the curls and their lasting power compared to the Dyson Airwrap curls, which fell out more quickly. I would like the cool shot button to cool down the hair a little quicker, but all in all, I liked using these.

Dyson Airwrap: This comes with two curling barrel sizes, with a larger 40mm size for loose curls and a narrower 30mm size for tighter curls. Here, I opted for the 40mm size. I found the barrels grabbed my hair really easily (that will be the Dyson Coanda effect, that draws hair around the barrel with the airflow) and it was quick to cool down with the cool shot button to set my style. While the process was easier, I did find the curls dropped out a little easier. However, I love that you don't need to change the barrel to swap the airflow direction—you simply flip a switch at the top of the barrel and the direction reverses, which is a nice touch.

The Hairdryers:

Left: Shark FlexStyle Hairdryer Nozzle, Right: Dyson Hairdryer Nozzle

Shark FlexStyle: I really like the Shark FlexStyle hairdryer nozzle (and the fact that the handle pivots to a 90-degree angle so you can use it as a hairdryer—genius) and I've actually been using it as my regular hairdryer day-to-day. It's powerful and dries my hair really fast. Plus, the smoothing nozzle helps to guide the airflow down your lengths, which ensures a silky smooth finish. However, even without it, the hairdryer is great for rough-drying your hair before going in with other attachments.

Dyson Airwrap: The new Dyson Airwrap I.d. model also comes with another hairdrying attachment, however, the smoothing and drying nozzle is also included in the latest device and the older model I own. It can be used as a hairdryer to rough-dry hair, but also a dedicated flyaway smoother. Simply rotate the switch at the top and the airflow travels around the curve of the attachment, which when you run down your hair it neatly tucks in any stray hairs of flyaways. As someone with frizz-prone hair, this is a really great addition to have. However, I don't think the hairdryer on this is as powerful to completely replace my current one to take my hair from wet to fully dry, but it's fine for rough-drying hair before styling with the other attachments.

The Round Brushes:

Left: Shark FlexStyle Round Brush, Right: Dyson Round Brush

Shark FlexStyle: First of all, I love the large size of this round brush. Having long and thick hair, it means I can take larger sections and style faster. The mix of pin bristles and softer ones create good tension while polishing the hair to leave it feeling sleek and looking shiny while providing plenty of blowdry bounce. It provided a softer ripple through the hair compared to Dyson's narrower brush.

Dyson Airwrap: Dyson's round brush is smaller, which gives the hair more of a bouncy curl that you'd get with a traditional round brush. The bristles are soft but surprisingly create good tension while polishing from root to tip and providing lots of bounce. It's smaller than the FlexStyle, so it takes longer to style as it will only fit small sections. With the newer I.d. models, it looks like a larger round brush is available, so I would be tempted to upgrade and buy the larger attachment for my long hair.

The Smoothing Brushes:

Left: Shark FlexStyle Paddle Brush, Right: Dyson Firm Smoothing Brush

Shark FlexStyle: Shark's offers one paddle brush, which as mixed bristles to help you straighten and smooth. While it did leave my hair looking and feeling sleek, I found that the airflow sprung out at the sides, which did ruffle my hair up a bit as I glided it through my lengths. While it was enough to straighten my slightly wavy hair, I think it would require a lot more work for someone with curly or coily hair to stretch out curls before straightening. However, it may help to take some of the legwork out of the process.

Dyson Airwrap: You get two brushes to choose from here, including a soft paddle brush (which is ideal for detangling and drying) and a firm smoothing brush, which helps to stretch and straighten your lengths. I used the firm brush here and it left my hair feeling smooth. I like that the bristles of each attachment pivot slightly as you run them through your hair, so it doesn't tug but still provides a good amount of tension to get the job done. My friend with type 2 curls rates the smoothing brushes that straighten her lengths while retaining her natural bounce.

Top: Dyson Storage Cases, Bottom: Shark Storage Case

Dyson Airwrap: Both of these cases feel really premium. Dyson's Airwrap attachments and handle all fit neatly into the case with a lid that lifts on and off. There is also the option to have your initials monogrammed onto the case which is a nice touch.

Shark FlexStyle: The Shark FlexStyle vanity-style case unzips into two compartments which feature netted compartments to neatly store each of your styling heads.

The Verdict: Which Is Better?

Dyson Airwrap

Pros: Sleek design and case, quieter than the FlexStyle, easy to switch direction of curling wands, two curling wands included, different models for different hair textures, cold shot button cools down hair quickly after styling to set hair

Cons: Expensive, curls can drop out quickly

Shark FlexStyle

Pros: Less expensive compared to the Airwrap, curls last longer compared to Airwrap, option to choose your own attachments for your hair type

Cons: Louder than the Airwrap, slightly heavier than Airwrap, curling wands don't grab hair as easily, you have to change the curling wand to change the direction of the curl, only one size of the curling wand in the standard set, cold shot button takes longer to cool hair after styling

The Verdict: Overall, these are both really good hair multi-stylers, which I have to admit produce virtually the same results. Side by side, I can't really detect a difference post-styling in the pictures.

Ultimately, it really comes down to the price and the user experience. I feel the overall experience of using the Dyson Airwrap is better; it's quieter (I can use this while holding a conversation easily), it's nice to hold and the and attachments and buttons are easy to use while looking seriously sleek. However, even with all of this in mind, the £480 price tag is hard to justify. It's a huge investment for a hair tool, but the detailed touches make it luxurious to use.

The Shark FlexStyle is noisier (I struggle to hear over it compared to the Dyson Airwrap) and I found that the curling wands didn't 'grab' my hair quite as easily as the Airwrap. That being said, I did find that the curls held better in my hair in comparison. With the results rivalling that of the Airwrap, going for the FlexStyle could save you £180, which isn't insignificant.

All in all, both of these hair tools will give you a very, very similar result, and they both offer customised options so that you can get the best attachments for your hair type and desired result. So, I would say it really comes down to your budget. Like getting an Uber, both a standard car and exec car will get you from A to B. The exec will be more of a luxurious user experience, but a standard car will still get the job done while saving you money.

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Welcome to Deep Reviews—your one-stop destination to discover the absolute best products and brands the beauty industry has to offer. Every month, our beauty crew and editors will research, test and review the market’s most sought-after and buzzed-about products to see which are truly worth your hard-earned money and attention. You can expect honest, completely uncensored feedback and no-BS recommendations our hard-to-please testers endorse without reservations. To put it simply, stick with us, and buyer’s remorse will be a thing of the past.

Like many beauty tools, hair straighteners can be a big investment in your hair routine. Much like a hair dryer, a good pair of hair straighteners can become a staple device that you reach for every day to create smooth and sleek styles. And with some models coming in at over £200, it's important to research the best hair straighteners to see if they're suitable for your hair type, your hair's needs and your budget. That's where our editors come in. Having tested several hair straighteners, we put the best ones through their paces to bring you the hair straighteners that are truly deserving of your hard-earned money. Scroll ahead to read our honest reviews of hair straighteners from Dyson to GHD and see our before-and-after images. 

The Best Hair Straighteners

1. GHD Max Hair Straightener

I was so excited to get my hands on the GHD Max hair straightener as I have very thick, medium-length hair that can take forever to style. Although I love my original GHDs, I just don't have the time to be spending half an hour on my hair in the morning. This is where the GHD Max model comes in—according to reviews, the 70% wider plates (compared to the original straightener) mean that you can straighten larger sections of hair at one time, and the straightener also has two new-generation heat sensors which help with consistent heat distribution to get a really smooth finish. It's safe to say that I couldn't wait to give them a go.

Like most GHD hair tools, the straightener features one heat setting of 185°C and takes around 30 seconds to heat up. It took me a little while to get used to the larger plate size, but they are very lightweight, and once I got the hang of it, the straightener was super quick and easy to use. In fact, it helped cut my styling time in half, and I had smooth, sleek, shiny hair in just under 15 minutes! I couldn't believe the results, and I don't think I'll be going back to my normal GHDs anytime soon. The only downside of the larger plates is that they can make it a little more difficult to get up into the roots, and they also aren't the best for curling your hair. However, if you have thick or long hair that you want to straighten quickly and easily, then I couldn't recommend the GHD Max enough.

Pros: Wide plates are ideal for straightening thick or long hair, lightweight, optimum temperature of 185°C, quick to heat up and style. 

Cons: Not easy to curl with, tricky to reach the roots.

Rating: 9/10

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2. Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

My hair is long and quite thick and coarse in areas. It also has a natural wave and is prone to flyaways, so when I want a super-sleek look I need to call upon hair straighteners for a smooth result. That being said, my hair is usually very quick to straighten. The Dyson Corrale is among the most expensive hair straighteners on the market, but it does boast many great features. The first is that it's cordless. This wouldn't have been a deal-breaker for me before, but now I’ve experienced the freedom of not being tethered to a plug socket, I’m converted! The only downside is that a full charge (of 70 minutes) will give you 30 minutes of styling time. If you have straight, fine or short hair, this is unlikely to be an issue. But if your hair is thicker or curly in texture, you could be caught out if you need more time. It took me around 10 to 15 minutes to style my hair, and the style held up well throughout the day. Another nice addition is that there's an aeroplane feature that allows you to securely "lock" your straighteners to transport them safely in your case or hand luggage—a bonus if you travel. 

The Corrale has three heat settings (heating to 165, 185 or 210ºC) so you can tailor it to your hair texture, and the temperature is regulated 100 times per second for accuracy. Another plus? It's speedy. It took just 25 seconds to heat to 210ºC, so there's little waiting around here. It only has three buttons (the power button and the two temperature-control buttons), so it's very intuitive and easy to use. The plates are perhaps the most innovative feature, however—they're flexible, cushioning and moulding to your hair as you run it through. Dyson says that there is still enough tension to straighten (or even curl) the hair, but the result is less heat damage compared to other straighteners that clamp and drag. 

I love that this straightener has a curved edge, which allows you to use it to curl or wave your hair too. The plates aren’t the largest I’ve seen, so if you have a lot of hair, you might want to try the GHD Max Styler (reviewed above). And because of the cordless design, this straightener is heavier than most, which might make it harder to hold for some. I should also mention yet another neat feature though, which is that the device will turn off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity, meaning you can relax if you realise you've forgotten to switch it off after leaving the house.

Pros: Cordless, easy to use, premium design, cushioned plate technology that is better for hair, lock feature for travelling, fast to heat up, can be used to curl the hair, switch off after 10 minutes of inactivity for peace of mind. 

Cons: Expensive, limited cordless styling time, some hair textures may need longer to straighten hair, heavier than most hair straighteners. 

Rating: 8/10

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3. GHD Duet Style Hot Air Styler

My real hair has suffered a significant amount of heat damage over the years, so to steer clear of further damage, I’ve been opting for this wig to switch up my look when I get tired of having my hair back in a bun. I'd describe the texture of the hair as being straight for the most part, with the slightest wave and fine hair strands. Hair straightening for me usually takes a long time—especially on a hair-wash day—as I like to be very detailed about it starting from the blow-drying stage so that I can achieve that salon-like finish.

The GHD Duet is a 2-in-1 hair styler that combines the capabilities of a blow-dryer and a straightener in one sleek device for effortless styling. The design is simple in the sense that it only has an on-and-off switch and a "shine-shot" button, which is a feature designed to enhance shine whilst styling. In this mode, the Duet is transformed into a GHD styler at 185°C with no air, which should be used on dry hair only, to give a sleek finish. It features advanced floating plates enhanced with "infinity sensors", which respond to your hair's requirements. Finished with an ultra-gloss coating, these plates deliver consistently smooth and frizz-free results. With advanced ceramic heating technology, the straightener provides consistent heat distribution for silky styling, utlising 45% less energy than other straighteners whilst guarding against heat damage, according to the brand. 

As a first-time user of this tool, it didn't take long to get the hang of how it operates. It took me about 30 minutes to style my hair from damp to bone-dry and straight, which is very impressive—normally, it takes me well over an hour to blow-dry and straighten my hair. The style lasted half a day for me, but it's worth noting that I didn’t use any products besides a heat-protectant spray. A big pro is that it cuts my styling time in half. Although the tool gets pretty hot, I do like that the temperature is kept at an optimal 185°C to prevent heat damage. A con is that it's quite a heavy and bulky tool. As the head of the tool is quite big, it was hard to properly catch the hair on the top of my head too—I would need to go in again with slimmer straighteners to touch up the look. However, this is a very versatile and easy styler to use for when you want to achieve a sleek look in a hurry. 

Pros: Dries and straightens at the same, floating plates that adjust to your hair, fast at drying and styling, one optimum temperature setting. 

Cons: Style doesn't last as long as with other hair straighteners without styling/finishing products, only one temperature setting, heavy, hard to reach the roots. 

Rating: 7.5/10

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4. BaByliss Super Styler

I’ve been straightening my fairly thick, wavy hair almost daily since I was a teenager, so I know a thing or two about straighteners. Back in Year 9, it was all about GHDs. But to be fair, it was for good reason—there just weren’t any other straighteners that matched their performance. Thankfully, the market has now caught up, and in my opinion, BaByliss is now one of the best hot-tool brands out there. Its cordless waving wand is my personal favourite for achieving beachy waves, but I’d never tried BaByliss straighteners until I tested the Super Styler.

This straightener has something called a Micro Heating Matrix, which is supposed to support long-lasting smoothness even when you straighten at a lower temperature (it has five settings up to 200°C). A choice of temperature is great for someone like me who already uses a lot of heat on their hair, and I find I can use the tool effectively on the middle setting, whereas with other straighteners I’ve used in the past, I needed the hottest setting for any real straightening to occur. The plates are ceramic-coated and floating—which means they flex slightly to move with your hair; again, for reduced damage—and I also like that the edges are slightly curved, meaning I can clamp the hair seamlessly right at the root. The tool has several other features I look for in a good straightener: auto shut-off, a 3m-long swivel cord and an LED indicator so you don’t forget that they’re on. I also really appreciate that it comes with a heat-protective mat and silicone cover that you can pop on if you need to quickly pack the straightener away.

I made sure to only rough-dry my hair (which is why it looks like that in my "before" pic) before testing the straightener, and it made light work of smoothing down my frizzy, unruly strands, straightening out any kinks with just a couple of passes. It left my hair super sleek and almost slippery-smooth with hardly any effort. It took around 10 minutes to straighten my hair post-wash and about half the time for touch-ups over the following days. With just a little hair oil, my hair stayed sleek and smooth all day long.

All in all, I’m giving the BaByliss Super Styler an 8 out of 10. It loses a couple of points for the price (at over £100, it may not be affordable for many), but I will say that I think it’s a sensible spend for a very good hair straightener, especially since it comes with a five-year guarantee.

Pros: Five temperature settings, ceramic flexing plates that are better for hair health, curved edges mean it can be used for curling hair, works effectively at lower temperatures, auto-shutoff, five-year guarantee.

Cons: Curly or thicker hair textures might need larger plates to straighten their hair.

Rating: 8/10

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5. L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod 4.0

This year I've been focusing on my hair health, as after years of bleaching and heat styling, it is feeling (and looking) very dry and brittle. Although I'd love to say that I've been avoiding heat altogether, I have still been styling my hair from time to time, but I've been on the market for more hair-friendly tools to use. A friend recommended the L'Oréal Steampod 4.0 straightener, as this clever tool is meant to be a lot gentler on the hair thanks to the steam technology. According to the brand's website, the combination of steam and heat is kinder to hair and helps keep the style intact for longer.

My first piece of advice when purchasing this straightener would be to take some time to read the instructions, as it isn't like your standard hair straightener. I decided to just give it a go straight away and was a bit confused by all of the attachments such as the water tank and the comb, but after doing some research, I quickly figured out what everything was for. I tested the tool on hair-wash day so my roots and ends were looking a little worse for wear, but this was nothing that a bit of dry shampoo and the Steampod 4.0 couldn't fix. After figuring out how to use it properly, I chose one of the three heat settings and was immediately impressed by how the plates glided through the hair. The removable comb helped to optimise the steam and left my ends looking so sleek.

Although the sound the tool makes reminded me a bit of an iron, my hair felt super soft after using it and held its style all day long. I was so intrigued by the other attachments that came in the box, so I watched a couple of TikTok videos and learnt that the straightener is also great for creating bouncy waves, so I'll definitely be trying that next. 

Pros: Steam technology is healthier on hair, built-in comb attachment helps style hair. 

Cons: Takes a while to get used to at first, tank needs to be refilled. 

Rating: 8/10

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Shop More Hair Straighteners:

Next Up: Deep Reviews: We Tried All the Best Hairdryers—Only 8 Made the Cut

I will always look back on 2023 as the year I was finally won over by Dior's best-selling Lip Glow Oil, discovered a newfound adoration for the full-coverage and glowy combo offered by Armani's Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation, and was converted into a Jo Malone fragrance enthusiast. So what's in store for me in the New Year? I like to think that it'll be spent in pursuit of a "that girl" beauty collection filled with only the highest-performing products that I can trust to carry me through 2024 without fail.

With that energy in mind, I reached out to one of my favorite retailers for a better idea of which beauty products are worth having. As a Seattle native, Nordstrom has always been my go-to for all things beauty. It's the place where I purchased my first eau de parfum and experienced a full-face beat at the hands of Anastasia Beverly Hills' makeup counter. With their help, I've ID'd the top skincare, hair, makeup, and fragrance finds that have been absolutely flying off the shelves recently. I'll be using this as my Nordstrom beauty shopping guide going forward, so don't be surprised if I try to snag all of these for myself.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

MAC Lip Pencil

Dior Lip Glow Oil

Nars Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long

Getting volume and bounce in your hair at home is no mean feat, but thanks to the best hot tools, it is actually achievable. We can all dream of having our hair blow-dried every day by a personal glam squad, but the majority of us have to rely on ourselves for styling our hair at home. Whilst using a hair dryer and round brush to fake a blow-dry is absolutely possible at home, it takes a bit of arm gymnastics to coif your hair around the brush, making it fiddly and time-consuming, especially if you have long or particularly thick hair. That is why I love hot brushes (or blow-dry brushes), as they make achieving a bouncy blowout at home a whole lot easier.

Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden uses hot brushes like the Dyson AirWrap to fake a salon blowdry at home.

As with any beauty device, there's some that are certainly more effective than others. When you factor concerns about temperature and what hair type it's best suited to, you'll come to realise that they're not all created equal, and if walking out of the house with salon-rivalling hair is your goal, there are certain hot tools that will achieve this better than others.

So, as stringent beauty editors who only want to share quality recommendations and dish out reliable advice, we put the top styles to the test to crown once and for all what the best hot brushes actually are. Keep scrolling through for all the answers.

How We Chose the Best Hot Brushes

With decades worth of beauty testing between us from working in beauty, our editors have tried several hot brushes in our time. In fact, many of us have bought these hot brushes ourselves and have been using them for many months (thanks to our handy guide on how to use a hot brush). We've also tried hot brushes at a range of price points, ranging from Revlon's One-Step Volumiser to the Dyson Airwrap, which comes in at £480 as one of the most expensive hot brush options on the market. I asked our editorial team to put the best on the market to the test and share the hot brushes they think are best and worth the money.

How We Tested the Best Hot Brushes

So, which hot brushes are the best? With so many hair multi-stylers on the market, it can be tricky to decipher which one is best for your hair. Blowdry brushes can range from the £20 to £30 mark, all the way up to £580 for the new Dyson AirWrap model. This is why I've called upon our team of editors to give their honest, tried-and-tested reviews of the best hot brushes out there that they actually use. We tested all the best hot brushes on the market across a range of hair types to find out which ones are truly worth your money. Scroll ahead for our edit of the ones that made the cut.

The Best Hot Brushes, Tried and Tested on Multiple Hair Types

• Best Luxury Hot Brush: Dyson Airwrap, £480
• Best Affordable Hot Brush: Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser (£49.99)
• Best Hot Brush for All Hair Types: Shark Flexstyle 5 in 1 Hair Dryer & Styler, £299.99
• Best Hot Brush for Volume: Bondiboost Blowout Brush, £67.99
• Best Range of Hot Brush Attachments: Bellisima Air Wonder 8-In-1 Hair Styler, £129.99
• Best Hot Brush for Straightening: Shark Flexfusion Straight 5-In-1 Air Styler & Dryer & Ceramic Straightener, £370
• Best Hot Brush For Wet-To-Dry Styling: GHD Duet Blowdry, £379
• Best Budget Hot Brush: Tresemmé 2-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush, £65

1. Dyson AirWrap

Editor Review: I'm aware that this is the most expensive hot brush out there, but I believe that the Dyson AirWrap is one of the best hair multi-stylers for creating bouncy blow-dries at home, whilst giving you the option to style your hair in many ways. It offers six different attachments, including a round brush—which is easily my favourite of the bunch—as well as two curling barrels for tighter curls, a paddle brush for detangling and straightening lengths, and a blow-drying attachment. There is also a dedicated styler for curly hair textures, which includes a diffuser and tension comb to dry textured hair quickly. The newest Dyson Airwrap, the CoandaX2 (£580), features a new smoothing attachment and incorporates the most up-to-date technology. However, the former version, the Airwrap i.D (£480), is still a great styler if you want to save £100.

The soft bristles of the round brush polish my hair as I twist it through my lengths, leaving it shiny and with an incredible bounce and so much volume at the roots. I will admit that it takes a few goes to get a feel for the styler and how it best works for your hair type. I like to use a good hair mousse and hairspray to ensure my curls last, and I make use of the cold shot button to "set" my hair into place before removing the brush to prevent the style from dropping. These tips, combined with the AirWrap itself, really have helped my curls stay in place. If you've been thinking about investing, I'd recommend it. Read my full review of the Dyson Airwrap here, and see my step-by-step on how to use the Dyson Airwrap.

2. Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser

Editor Review: Who What Wear UK copy editor Georgia Seago put the Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser to the test, and she's convinced me to try it too.

"I was umming and ahhing over whether I should bother with a blow-dry brush—could it really be as easy as the TikTok girlies make it look to get a smooth, bouncy blowout at home? I opted for Revlon’s iconic version because it was the one I’d seen people use and rave about (and it was the cheapest), and I wasn’t disappointed," she says.

"It takes a couple of attempts to get the hang of the technique, but from thereon in it’s pretty foolproof. The barrel itself is massive and has loads of tightly packed bristles, which is what creates the tension needed to really smooth the hair shaft. I’ve seen some users comment that the brush can be a little damaging to their hair—and it does get very hot—but I think if you look after your hair well in general, use a heat protectant (mine is in my leave-in conditioner) and don’t use the brush on soaking wet hair (I rough-dry mine with my hair dryer first), you’ll be fine. Pro tip: Make sure the hair is fully dry at the root and use a light-hold hairspray to repel moisture and keep your hair from going frizzy throughout the day. I also prep mine with my hair oil and apply a little extra when I’m done for an extra-smooth result."

3. Flexstyle 5 in 1 Hair Dryer & Styler

Former social media editor Joy Ejaria loves the Shark FlexStyler Hair Dryer & Styler.

Editor Review: "I've found myself reaching more and more for my Shark SmoothStyle Hot Brush & Smoothing Comb on those in-between wash days," says freelance editor Joy Ejaria. "With the brush, I can shape my hair in a desired style or smooth away frizz. Unlike other hot brushes, this one has ceramic-coated plates on the side that further help the smoothing process. As someone with coarse Afro hair, it's made a world of difference because I often prefer wearing my hair straight."

Affiliate manager Jerrylyn after using the Shark FlexStyle.

Editor Review: Affiliate manager, Jerrlyn Saguiped, also rates this hot brush. "This is lightweight considering it's a multi-styling tool. Where my arms would usually hurt from having to hold up curlers, I find that I don't feel that way when I use my Shark (although it could also be because the Flexstyle works much quicker, so I'm using it for less time). It's quite noisy, but powerful, so I don't really mind it too much."

See how the Share FlexStyle compares to the Dyson Airwrap in our side-by-side review.

4. BondiBoost Blowout Brush

Editor Review: "Up until a couple of months ago, my experience with hot brushes was limited to watching my grandmother style her hair with her metal-barrelled hot brush in the mirror on her hallway landing. After a string of professional blowdries that just didn't feel 'me' (and some strategic Instagram advertising), I decided to give BondiBoost's hot brush a go," says Who What Wear UK deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger. "Since I started using it, I've never had so many compliments on my hair. The huge barrel gives excellent bounce and shape that lasts all day without separating, whilst adding insane shine and dimension.

"My hair has never felt softer, and I do think the condition has improved too, as the brush effectively negates the need for other hot tools. Whilst rotating the brush to create your desired effect and bounce does take practice, it's so much easier than doing so with a brush in one hand and a dryer in the other. As someone with a lot of hair, it's nothing short of a miracle that I can give myself a bouncy blow-dry (one that I love!) in 15 minutes flat. Another selling point is how lightweight this tool is. My best friend has arthritis in her hands, and she can find it difficult (sometimes painful) to style her hair with anything too heavy or cumbersome. It might be large, but this hot brush presented zero issues for her."

5. Bellisima Air Wonder 8-In-1 Hair Styler

Editor Review: "This blow-dry brush gives my Dyson AirWrap a run for its money," says Who What Wear UK junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay. "With eight different attachments, it can do everything, including curl, wave and add volume. You can choose from two different temperatures and a cool setting, which can help set your style in place. I personally like to use the biggest attachment to dry and smooth my hair, and then I go in with the curling attachment to add some movement to my ends."

6. Shark FlexFusion Straight 5-In-1 Air Styler & Dryer

Editor Review: What's great about this hair multi-styler is that it can be used on wet or dry hair with the flick of a switch (it will automatically adjust the heat and power settings for you), making it useful for both wash days and topping up in between shampoos. It comes with a range of easy-to-use attachments, including a large round brush attachment, which makes getting a blowout bounce so much easier than others that I've tried—it creates the perfect amount of grip and tension.

Plus, the styler also includes a wet-to-dry straightener, two curling wands, a diffuser and a smoothing nozzle to dry all hair textures. The head of the style twists to make a compact yet powerful hairdryer too, which would be great for travelling without taking up a ton of weight or space in your suitcase.

If I had to nit-pick, I wish that you didn't have to hold down the cool shot button for it to work, as it would make cooling and setting the hair a lot easier, but otherwise I can't fault this styler, especially if you want the option to straighten your hair as well as curl.

7. GHD Duet Blowdry

Editor Review: A common gripe I have with a lot of hot brushes is that the round brush barrel is far too small for long or thick hair. But fortunately, that's not the case with the GHD Duet. The large brush accommodates plenty of hair, making it far speedier to style. The GHD Duet Blowdry tool is designed to be used on wet hair to take your hair from damp to dry and styled at the same time, no matter your hair texture.

The bristles are the perfect amount of firmness to create tension as you twist through the hair, without pulling or snagging, to create volume at the root and soft blowout curls through the lengths. I found it really easy to use and loved the shine it added to my lengths, as well as the extra volume.

The only downside is that there is only one fixed attachment and one preset heat and power setting, but if you're not fussed on multiple attachments and settings, this is a great hot brush to consider.

8. Tresemmé 2 in 1 Hair Dryer Brush

Editor Review: I've tried plenty of hair brushes, but the Tresemmé 2-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush is definitely one of the best I've come across, even compared to pricier hot brushes.

It has a large oval round brush, which is the perfect size for taking bigger sections. If you’ve got long or thick hair, you know how important that is for both speed and smoothness! The mix of firm and soft bristles gives just the right amount of tension, and I found it effortlessly glided through my hair without any snagging or pulling as I worked through each section. The oval shape also makes it easy to get close to the roots for added volume while creating soft, voluminous curls through the lengths.

It also comes with a smoothing vent brush, which is perfect for drying and smoothing the roots or even rough-drying your hair. I like to start with my hair about 80-90% dry. After a quick rough dry with a regular hair dryer, I switch to the vent brush to smooth the roots, then move to the round brush for the rest of my hair.

It has three temperature settings, including a cold shot option. There's also a cold shot button higher up the handle, which is super handy to use when setting your style as your hair cools. After working through each section with the oval attachment, I’d switch to the cold shot setting for about 10 seconds to really lock in that volume and bounce.

Right now, my hair is pretty long (I'm definitely due for a trim!), so I was impressed with how much shape it added to my heavy lengths. I’ve got shorter layers around my face, and those took the style really well. So, if you have layered or shorter hair, you can expect more volume and shape. For one-length hair, you’ll get more of a smooth, soft bend that looks just as lovely.

Shop More Hot Brushes We Love

9. GHD Rise Hot Brush

10. BaByliss Air Style 1000 Hot Air Hair Styler

11. T3 Aire360

12. DryBar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

13. Amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0

14. GHD Glide Hot Brush

15. Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush

Hot Brush FAQs

Can You Use a Hot Brush on Wet Hair?

Depending on the model of your hot brush, you may be able to use it on wet and/or dry hair. Some hot brushes, like the GHD Rise and Glide, use just heat rather than air, so they can only be used on dry hair. However, hot brushes like the Dyson Airwrap can be used on wet hair (damp, towel-dried hair is best) to dry and style at the same time, but can also be used on dry hair to top-up your style in between hair washes.

How Often Can You Use a Hot Brush?

As long as you use a good heat protection spray, using a hot brush a few times a week won't damage your hair. Thankfully, many hot brush models have adjustable heat settings so you can tailor the level of heat to your hair's needs. Those with thicker or coarser hair will typically require more heat, whereas those with straighter and finer hair types won't require as much heat. Using a heat protector is particularly essential if your hair is prone to breakage or has damage from other hair tools or hair colour.

Are Hot Brushes Bad for Hair Health?

As long as you're using a good heat protector and limiting your hot brush use to a couple of times a week, they won't damage your hair. If you're worried, you can adapt the heat settings on most hot brushes to tailor to your hair type and how much heat it requires to style. Be mindful not to drag or tug your hair too hard when using a hot brush.

What's the Difference Between a Hot Brush and a Hot Air Brush?

Generally speaking, they are both styling tools and both of these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, a hot air brush can be used on wet and dry hair, and uses both air and heat to style and dry your hair at the same time. A hot brush, however, uses heat and can only be used on dry hair.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There are thousands of styling tools on the market. Many of them deserve our hard-earned money and hard-won attention, but there are a special few that rise above the rest. The Dyson Airwrap is one of them. With six attachments, it can curl, smooth, shape, and get rid of flyaways—all with no extreme heat or subsequent hair damage. Simply put, it's one of those rare beauty products that actually lives up to the hype, and in this case, there's a lot of hype.

The thing that often holds people back from buying it is, well, the price. Normally, it comes in at $600. We know we're stating the obvious here, but that's expensive… like, really expensive. Luckily, for a limited time only, it's a whopping $100 off the usual asking price, and we have Black Friday and Cyber Monday to thank. Keep scrolling to snag a Dyson Airwrap for yourself (because we're pretty sure it's going to sell out completely). 

Here it is in all of its glory. As we mentioned before, the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler comes with six attachments. There's a smoothing dryer to get rid of flyaways; a 1.2-inch long barrel for curling; a 1.6-inch long barrel for curling; a firm smoothing brush; a soft smoothing brush; and a round volumizing brush. The latter is what creates that fluffy '90s supermodel volume we always see on Instagram and TikTok. 

The Airwrap is suited for all hair types, including curly and coily hair. And thanks to intense airflow, it can dry and style hair without extreme heat. That means less dullness, roughness, breakage, and split ends. That also means less awkward maneuvering in front of the mirror, because the curling attachments basically do the work for you by wrapping your hair around in the barrel in the direction of the airflow. 

Still need more info before taking the leap? Click here to read one editor's full review. 

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is also discounted for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Just like the Airwrap, this lives up to the hype. It's so good that we named it "best overall" in our epic hair dryer testing. It works for all hair types, boosts shine, and dries without extreme heat. This cute colorway it comes in is just a bonus. 

Shop 10 More Discounted Hair Products

Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion and beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.

In my largely Gen Z friend group, I’ve settled comfortably into the role of the "soft girl," which makes sense as I like to describe myself as a Charlotte York sun, Toni Childs moon, and Blair Waldorf rising. If you, like me, have landed yourself on the side of TikTok that’s full of skincare cabinets featuring aesthetically pleasing brands, the Dyson Air Wrap positioned precariously on marble countertops, and half-empty designer perfume bottles, then there’s a good chance the #SoftLife hashtag may have claimed a permanent spot on your For You page. 

At its essence, #SoftLife is all about finding simple and practical ways to align yourself with a fuss-free life of leisure and luxury. With the holiday season right around the corner, I’ve scanned the farthest corners of the hashtag on TikTok to piece together an edit of the best Gen Z–approved little luxuries. You’ll find 20+ beauty products by world-renowned brands to gift the soft-life lover in your life. 

Below is Who What Wear’s official Gen Z beauty guide featuring everything from elegant hair styling tools to fan-favorite fragrances. Heading into the holidays with a tight budget? No worries—I’ve ID’d products across a variety of price ranges so you can still end up with the best.

Keep scrolling to take a look at the products I’ve added to my soft life shopping list as a member of the digital generation. With all the amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals coming up, you’ll want to snag these before they fly off the shelves and into the gift boxes of others before you can get your hands on them.

Haircare

Bodycare

Fragrance

Gift Sets

More Gifts To Consider

For most people, November signifies the long-awaited beginning of the holiday season, but for those of us whose careers are based in fashion and beauty, this month happens to be one of our busiest. When we're not tackling our overflowing email inboxes or deep in a writing hole, we're taking note of the standout products that have defined our year. This time around, I've scoured the far corners of social media and took hints from Gen Z to pinpoint the beauty products that no doubt will by flying off the shelves as soon as this year's biggest holiday sales begin.

It's almost time for Nordstrom's Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings event, and I'm beyond excited to get my hands on some high-performing (and, dare I say, aesthetic) products by innovative skincare brands like Sunday Riley and The Ordinary and ultra-luxe makeup brands such as Westman Atelier and Hourglass. I've fully convinced myself that I want the 20 products below, and I'm more than willing to try to beat my fellow Gen Z members to the punch. May the shopping odds be ever in your favor!

We've finally reached that time of the year when beauty lovers everywhere can finally get their hands on the products that have long-standing residencies on their beauty wish lists. In case you missed it, Amazon's Black Friday sales event is just around the corner, with the potential for mind-boggling deals on all your favorite beauty brands, including Laneige, Olaplex, Ouai, and so many more. It's never too early to get a jump on your holiday shopping.

If you're in the mood to see which ones this Who What Wear beauty editor will be shopping during the sale, keep reading. Prepare to screenshot or bookmark your favorites for access when the day rolls around. Trust me—you'll want to move fast in order to catch these deals before they're gone for good (or at least until next year).

The Best Haircare Finds

The Best Skincare Finds

The Best Bodycare Finds

Remember the wet-to-straight hair tools of the early 2000s? I'm sure it's a hair trend many of us want to forget.

Okay, so some of them kind of worked to straighten the hair, but you may as well have put your wet strands directly into a cast-iron pan, as these early hair tools basically seared your hair and left it with tonnes of heat damage to boot. The thought of putting my hair through that again makes me break out in full-body hives, so you can bet I'm immediately sceptical when I hear about any product that promises to take hair from wet to straight.

However, when Dyson launches a new hair tool, I pay attention. The Dyson Airwrap alone has transformed how I style my hair. Before I had one of these hot brushes, I was abysmal at doing my own hair, and now, I leave the house looking like I've just had a blowdry, despite only spending 15 minutes on my hair. The same goes for the Corrale Straightener and Supersonic Hair Dryer, the latter of which gets my hair dry quickly and doesn't leave me with any flyaways. That's why when Dyson released the Airstrait, I let my curiosity override my scepticism.

The Dyson Airstrait is now available in the UK.

How Does the Dyson Airstrait Work?

After initially launching in the US, the Airstrait is now available in the UK. So, how does it work? The Airstrait works differently from any other straightener because it doesn't rely on hot plates to smooth the hair. Instead, the tool uses the powerful airflow that Dyson is known for to dry and straighten hair without heat damage. In fact, the highest temperature you can set the Airstrait to is 140°C, which is much lower than most hot tools.

"Having a strong understanding of how to manipulate and realise the potential of powerful airflow is fundamental to the performance of the Dyson Airstrait straightener," James Dyson, founder and chief engineer of the brand, shared in a press release. "This expertise, which we've gained over the last 25 years, is what has enabled us to deliver our first wet-to-dry straightener with no hot plates and no extreme heat damage. Delivering the ease-of-use that people love about straighteners but with high-velocity air blades saves time, maintains hair strength and achieves an everyday natural straight style."

Whilst the tool looks like your average straightener, it has a few high-tech functions. You can clamp it dry and use it as a hair dryer to rough-dry your hair and scalp. You can also choose from three different settings—wet, dry or cool—to style your hair. When in the "wet" mode, there are three heat options: 80°C, 110°C and 140°C (the thicker and curlier your hair is, the higher you'll likely want to go temperature-wise). On the "dry" setting, you can choose 120°C or 140°C or a "boost." You can also control airflow. As a safety precaution, the Airstrait automatically turns off when set down.

Does the Dyson Airstrait Work on Different Hair Textures?

This was one of my first questions after learning about the tool, as although it worked well on my wavy hair, I was curious to know how it would perform on different hair types. I attended a Dyson demo where we were shown how the Airstrait works on 2C curls, 3B curls and 4C curls. As explained on the Dyson website, "For those with Type 3 and Type 4 hair, this will give you a stunning stretched-out look without flattening your hair, unlike traditional hot-plate straighteners."

But whilst Dyson promises the Airstrait works across different hair types, we wanted to see for ourselves.

How We Tested the Dyson Airstrait

I decided to test the Airstrait first to see how easy it is to use. I have extremely thick, wavy hair that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to dry. If I add straightening into the mix, I'm looking at at least an hour in front of the mirror. Of course, I also wanted to see how this tool worked on other people's hair. So, I enlisted the help of Who What Wear UK junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay and contributing beauty writer Ata-Owaji Victor and asked them to put the tool through its paces on their hair. Keep on scrolling to see how we got on.

Our Dyson Airstrait Reviews

Before Using the Dyson Airstrait

As you can see, I have naturally wavy hair.

Using the Dyson Airstrait

I started with towel-dried hair and was immediately impressed. Whilst I did two passes, I could have gotten away with one and still had impeccably straight strands—and I even took a large section. I did my whole head in 15 minutes (I timed it).

Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor, Who What Wear US

After Using the Dyson Airstrait

I also used it when my hair was already dry, and it took me nine minutes to get all of my strands pin-straight. The great thing about this tool is that, unlike a traditional straightener, it doesn't flatten your hair. Instead, the airflow allows you to maintain volume, so your hair still has body even though it's straight.

Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor

Before Using the Dyson Airstrait

Grace has very thick, naturally wavy hair that usually takes her ages to style, so she was excited to see if the Airstrait could make a difference to her routine.

Using the Dyson Airstrait

"I was lucky enough to get a demo on how to use the Dyson Airstrait in-store, but it is so easy to use at home. My hair usually takes me around an hour and a half to blowdry and straighten, but this tool took just half an hour to get the results I wanted," says Grace.

After Using the Dyson Airstrait

"I couldn't believe how sleek my hair looked after using this," says Grace. "It has genuinely changed my entire beauty routine for the better!"

Ata-Owaji Victor, Contributing Beauty Writer

Before Using the Dyson Airstrait

"As a long-time user (and lover) of the Dyson Supersonic thanks to its wide-tooth comb and concentrated attachment, I was interested to see how the Airstrait would fare on a few fronts. My hair—Type 4B and fine—tends to dry quite quickly, so I often use heat tools for styling and stretching out my roots rather than just as an out-and-out answer to post-shower hair," says Ata.

Using the Dyson Airstrait

"Despite appearances, the tool is light in feel and boasts an easy-to-navigate menu of heat, airflow and wet or dry styling options," explains Ata. "I used the tool at 110 degrees on damp, detangled hair. I sectioned it off, placing it at the root of my coils before bringing it down the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. I used the Airstrait first as directed—air channel facing down—before switching to a combination of up and downwind with the channel to dry my roots thoroughly and stretch out my coils."

After Using the Dyson Airstrait

So, what was Ata's verdict? "Although I did experiment with a few techniques to attempt to re-create the type of finish I’m used to achieving with a more conventional straightening tool, I found that the Airstrait worked best as a wet-to-dry tool."

Although it might be a good option for stretching out hair, as summarised by Ata, it's not as effective for creating sleek, silk-press styles. That being said, Ata says it's a great option for those with Afro hair who want to gently reintroduce heat styling to their routine.

Shop the Dyson Airstrait

Shop More Dyson Hair Tools:

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Remember the Wet 2 Straight flat irons of the early 2000s? Sure, they kind of worked to straighten your hair, but you may as well have put your wet strands directly into a cast-iron pan because they basically seared your hair and left it with tons of heat damage to boot. The thought of putting my hair through that again makes me break out in full-body hives, so you can bet I was immediately skeptical when I first heard about a tool that promises to take your hair from wet to straight.

However, when Dyson comes out with a new hair tool, I listen. The Airwrap alone has transformed how I style my hair. Before I had one, I was abysmal at doing my own hair. Now, I leave the house looking like I just had a blowout despite only spending 15 minutes on my hair. The same goes for the Supersonic Hair Dryer, which gets my hair dry quickly and doesn't leave any flyaways. That's why when Dyson released the Airstrait last week, I let my curiosity override my skepticism. 

The Airstrait works differently than any other straightener because it doesn't rely on hot plates to smooth hair. Instead, the tool uses the powerful airflow that Dyson is known for to dry and straighten hair without heat damage. In fact, the highest temperature you can set the Airstrait to is 285°F, which is much lower than most hot tools. 

"Having a strong understanding of how to manipulate and realize the potential of powerful airflow is fundamental to the performance of the Dyson Airstrait straightener," James Dyson, the company's founder and chief engineer, shared in a press release. "This expertise, which we've gained over the last 25 years, is what has enabled us to deliver our first wet-to-dry straightener with no hot plates and no extreme heat damage. Delivering the ease-of-use that people love about straighteners but with high-velocity air blades, saves time, maintains hair strength, and achieves an everyday natural straight style."

While the tool looks like your average straightener, it has a few cool functions. You can clamp it dry and use it as a hair dryer to rough-dry your hair and scalp. You can also choose from three different settings—wet, dry, or cool—to style your hair. When in the "wet" mode, you can choose from 175°F, 230°F, and 285°F (the thicker and curlier your hair is, the higher you'll likely want to go temperature-wise). On the "dry" setting, you can choose 250°F or 285°F or a "boost." You can also control airflow. As a safety precaution, the machine automatically turns off when set down. 

I decided to test the Airstrait on myself to see just how easy it is to use. I have extremely thick, wavy hair that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to dry. If I add straightening into the mix, I'm looking at at least an hour in front of the mirror. 

What is it like to use the Dyson Airstrait?

I started with towel-dried hair and was immediately impressed. While I did two passes, I could have gotten away with one and still had impeccably straight strands—and I even took a large section. I did my whole head in 15 minutes—I timed it.

I also used it when my hair was already dry, and it took me nine minutes to get all of my hair pin-straight. The great thing about this tool is that, unlike a traditional flat iron, it doesn't flatten your hair. Instead, the airflow allows you to maintain volume, so your hair still has body even though it's straight. 

How does the Airstrait work on different hair textures?

This was one of my first questions after learning about the tool. As a white woman with wavy hair, it's no surprise a tool like this would work well on my hair type. I attended a Dyson demo where they showed us how the tool works on 2C curls, 3B curls, and 4C curls. The tool made each texture straight in the same amount of time. If you have curlier hair that you'd like to straighten in less time and with less heat damage, this might be the tool you've been waiting for. 

Buy it at Nordstrom:

Buy it at Sephora:

Shop my styling essentials:

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

I always feel bad when my family and friends ask me what my all-time favorite, desert-island beauty product is, because nine times out of 10, it's unfortunately sold out. That's right—if I could only choose one beauty product to use for the rest of my life, it would be the Dyson Airwrap.

In the beauty realm, I can categorize my life as before Dyson Airwrap and after Dyson Airwrap. Before I had a Dyson Airwrap, my hair only looked good if I got it professionally done in a salon. No matter how many beauty tools I had at my disposal, I was absolutely miserable with my hair. Not only am I not very good at styling, but I also have incredibly thick, unruly hair that typically takes upwards of an hour to dry—let alone style. 

After getting my hands on a Dyson Airwrap, I can confidently say that I have more good hair days than bad. The Airwrap makes it incredibly easy to achieve a professional-looking blowout in no time. While the Dyson comes with a steep price tag (nearly $600), it honestly pays for itself within a few uses.

I never recommend pricey beauty products to people in my life (whenever a friend comes to me for recs, I always ask them their price point and recommend products well under that) but the Dyson Airwrap is one of the few products that I always tell people to invest in if they're able to. It works well on all hair types (yes, even tighter-wound curl patterns), cuts down drying and styling time, and doesn't damage hair. 

While the original Dyson Airwrap will always have a place in my heart, if you're looking to invest in the tool, I really recommend the newest version, the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Complete, which is finally back in stock. Of course, the original Airwrap is still one of my favorite products of all time, but the newest version is tricked out. The latest iteration of the Airwrap allows you to switch curl direction just by twisting a knob rather than swapping out the barrels, it has longer barrels (which is a godsend for anyone with mid-length to long hair), and it also has a flyaway attachment that makes blow-drying hair a breeze.

Shop the Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete at Nordstrom:

Shop the Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete at Sephora:

Shop the Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete at Ulta:

Shop the Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Direct From Dyson:

Other Dyson Products I Swear By

Next: I'm Freaking Out Because This Mascara Is Only $14 at Sephora Today

While we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest hair trends, there's something to be said for forgetting about what's cool and embracing the classics. Especially when it comes to hair, the mix of trending haircuts and celebs undergoing major transformations can make visiting the hair salon feel like you're about to sit an exam. After all, what if you go for a daring new chop only to regret it a couple of weeks later? To help, I've done a little research into the hairstyles that have stood the test of time, and I've come up with an edit of five that always look timeless. From Alexa Chung's bob to Jennifer Aniston's long, layered locks, some tried-and-tested formulas never seem to go out of style.

Keep scrolling to learn about the six styles and for plenty of inspiration from the celebrities and fashion people who wear them best. You can thank me next time you're at the hairdresser.

1. The Bob

I'm not sure that there could actually be a style more classic than a bob. Always elegant and decidedly chic, this simple hairstyle is made famous by A-listers such as Anna Wintour and Alexa Chung. Yes, it does require a bit of upkeep, as you'll need to get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks, but you'll always look polished and pulled together with this classic hairstyle—whether you wear it tousled, straight or blow-dried for extra volume.

Shop bob hair essentials:

2. Long and Layered

Celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have embraced a long, layered hairstyle, which is definitely one for people who are glam at heart. It's the layers that are key here and prevent the look from dating. One-length, center-parted strands tend to look a little '90s, but adding different lengths into the mix adds volume and texture to your style.

Shop long and layered hair essentials:

3. Feathery Fringe

I'm not talking about a micro fringe or blunt bangs here. The secret to making a fringe look timeless is to go for piecey strands that look like you might have woken up like that (in a good way, of course). Trust me—a fringe needs some serious styling to make sure that it always looks good, but if you're up for a challenge, then a feathery fringe will always look cool.

Shop feathery fringe hair essentials:

4. Wavy Lob

More low-maintenance than a bob, a lob is a one-length cut that sits at shoulder height and looks good on everybody. Even if you have naturally straight hair, wearing it slightly tousled or with beachy waves keeps the lob looking modern and relaxed.

Shop wavy lob hair essentials:

5. Pixie Cut

While a pixie cut is definitely a hairstyle for the brave, this is a style that you really can't pin down to any one era or time. It's utterly timeless, always chic, and seriously stylish. One for fashion people with attitude.

Shop pixie cut essentials:

6. Center Parting With No Layers

Simple, sophisticated, forever cool, and ideal for those with naturally straight or thin hair, the center part symmetrically frames the face, while the lack of layers means it requires minimal styling time. It also works beautifully when paired with a soft wave.

Shop center parting essentials:

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Up Next: The Products That Secretly Sabotage Wavy Hair and What to Use Instead.

Welcome to Deep Reviews—your one-stop destination to discover the absolute best products and brands the beauty industry has to offer. Every month, our beauty crew and editors will research, test, and review the market’s most sought-after and buzzed-about products to see which are truly worth your hard-earned money and attention. You can expect honest, completely uncensored feedback and no-BS recommendations our hard-to-please testers endorse without reservations. To put it simply, stick with us, and buyer’s remorse will be a thing of the past.

I'm calling it—hair multi-stylers have been the must-have beauty tool of late. Open up TikTok, and you'll probably have seen a review of some variety on the app. Their popularity has soared since our desire for '90s blowouts and supermodel bounce has made a comeback. It seems we're all desperate to know how to blowdry our hair and how to use a hot brush to achieve that elusive salon-worthy look. And the data reflects this. The Dyson AirWrap is perhaps the most noteworthy hairstyling tool of the moment, and has 3.7 billion views and counting on TikTok. Plus, a report predicts that the hairstyling tools market will be worth over £26 million in 2026. So, from hot brushes to curling wands, we're not seeing these do-it-all hairstyling tools (not to mention great hair days) going anywhere anytime soon. But with prices varying vastly between the stylers, it raises the question: Which hair multi-stylers are the best on the market right now? And are the premium hair multi-stylers worth the considerable investment?

Typically, hair multi-stylers have at least a couple of interchangeable attachments that allow you to create multiple looks, from straight and sleek styles to voluminous body and curls. Coupled with volumising hair products, you can achieve some serious lift and bounce. They allow you to dry and style your hair quickly so you can fake a salon blow-dry in the comfort of your home. However, not all hair multi-stylers are created equal. While some may boast a selection of attachments, others may only have a couple of key ones. Some brands tout the bespoke settings, offering tailored heat and power settings that can be tweaked to suit your hair type's needs. And while we love to talk about the tech, what our editors are really looking for is the hair multi-stylers that deliver cool-girl hair on all hair types with minimum fuss and long-lasting hold.

To find out which hair multi-stylers are the best, I recruited some of the Who What Wear UK editors with varying hair types and lengths to test the best around right now, from the most expensive to the more affordable hair multi-stylers. Ahead, you'll find our unfiltered thoughts to help you decide on the best hair multi-styler for you. They're amongst the best volumising hair tools out there.

The Best Hair Multi-Stylers

1. Best Overall: Dyson AirWrap
2. Best Value: Remington Curl and Straight Confidence Air Styler AS8606
3. Best Attachments: Belissima Air Wonder 8-in-1 Hot Air Styler
4. Best for Smoothing: T3 AireBrush Duo
5. Best for Volumising: BaByliss AirStyle 1000

1. Dyson AirWrap

My hair type: I have long hair, but it's quite thin, which means it often sits limply past my shoulders and gets knotty very quickly. In general, I am really low-maintenance when it comes to haircare, especially as I don't have any hair colour in my hair. It should come as no surprise, then, that apart from a hairdryer (does that even count?) I own zero hairstyling tools.

Editor review: The Dyson Airwrap is my foray into the world of stylers, and I am pretty sure I massively lucked out when this landed on my desk. When it came to thinking about what tool might work best for me, I knew I needed something straightforward and ideally with very little room for error. I also wanted it to be lightweight, as the amount of hair I have ensured I would most likely be holding any styling device for a while.

The pros: Over the testing week, I actually found the AirWrap really easy to use. Yes, the barrel tool took some getting used to, and I am certainly no pro at it, but overall, I picked it up quickly and found every other attachment really straightforward. They say practice makes perfect, and that is certainly the case with the AirWrap, but no more so in my opinion than if you're trying to perfect a curl with a traditional curling wand. After watching a video or two, I got the hang of it, and then nothing could stop me in my quest for that perfect bouncy blowout.

At this point, it’s important to acknowledge that, yes, this styler is an investment. For the price, the AirWrap needs to be a tool that one reaches for frequently. I knew a big factor of this review would be whether the AirWrap is worth the price, and my honest answer is yes, it is. With eight attachments, including a dryer, round brush and smoothing brush, you get a lot of bang for your buck here, all wrapped up in an extremely sleek-looking package, too.

I love how the AirWrap easily smooths flyaways and makes my hair look sleeker and shinier in just a few minutes, but I was also really happy with the results of using the AirWrap’s curling barrel attachments and its iconic Coanda effect, which left me plenty of volume and a mass of bouncy curls. I brushed mine out, but I know lots of people who leave theirs as is. They did drop quickly, so I would go hard on the hairspray to ensure they last longer than a few hours.

I’d be remiss not to mention perhaps the biggest pull of the AirWrap here, and that’s the fact that it uses less heat than most hairstyling tools, which in turn means less heat damage. Of course, you should still use a heat protector, but in general, the use of lower heat means that there is less potential for damage, keeping your hair healthier.

The cons: In an ideal world, the AirWrap would be more purse-friendly, and this, for me, is its biggest drawback. I’m hoping the brand will introduce a more affordable, compact version of the tool in the near future.

My verdict: If you’re looking to invest, in my opinion, the AirWrap is worth the price tag. It’s easy to use, uses less heat than other tools on the market, looks great on your dressing table and can help you achieve some amazing styles. Plus, it left my hair looking shinier and smoother, and both my partner and I used it nearly every single day as a hair dryer, too! Well done, Dyson. You’ve converted me. And if you want to find out how to use the Dyson Airwrap, we've written a whole guide on how to get the most from it.

Rating: 8.5/10 (minus one for cost, minus 0.5 for the initial trickiness of using the tool)

Shop now:

2. Remington Curl and Straight Confidence Air Styler AS8606

My hair type: If I had to describe my hair in three words, they would be pretty darn average. It isn’t poker straight, and I haven’t got gloriously bouncy curls—it’s somewhere annoyingly in the middle. It’s that kind of inconsistent curl that requires some styling if I want it to feel polished. Usually, I’d just blow-dry my hair smooth with a round brush or use small barrel tongs and add some waves to my shoulder-length hair.

Editor review: I’ll be the first to admit I’m not very adventurous, so when I was asked if I wanted to take part in this Deep Review, I thought I’d challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone (read: hair rut) and see if it was worth it. The answer? Yes and no. Remington’s Curl and Straight Confidence Air Styler AS8606 is a budget-friendly version of the cult airstylers doing the rounds these days, and for the price, I was really impressed with the results.

The pros: The styler has interchangeable attachments: a dryer (fine for loosely drying, but I wouldn’t ditch my standard one in its place), a large round brush for a bouncy blowout, tongs for curly waves and a flat brush that gives a smooth, straight finish.

The round brush tool offered the best results, and inexperienced stylers like me will enjoy that you can’t really go wrong with it. It gave more volume at the roots and a nice professional-looking curl at the ends. I’m not sure the tongs offered anything better than your average ceramic style, but it’s nice to have the option to play around with. My top tip for getting the best out of the curl attachments would be to let your hair cool while still wrapped up—either turn it off or use the cool air function before unravelling.

The cons: I found it quite difficult and clunky to use, and it certainly took me a while to really get to grips with the rotating function. In fact, I think it would probably be easier to use without it, and there were a couple of hairy (sorry) moments when I accidentally wound it too far in the wrong direction. Proceed with caution.

My verdict: All in all, I’d say the Remington Curl and Straight Confidence Air Styler AS8606 offers great value. If all you used it for is the smoothing flat brush or the round brush, I think it would still be a worthy purchase—especially if you have flyaway-prone hair. Yes, it’s a little technical to use, and I’d advise always using a heat protector with it, but after some trial and error, I imagine it could become a really valuable part of your daily hair routine.

Rating: 6/10

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3. Belissima Air Wonder 8-in-1 Hot Air Styler

My hair type: Currently, my hair is quite heat damaged, but I would typically describe my natural hair as being curly/coily, slightly coarse in texture and prone to flyaways. I’m definitely a plain Jane when it comes to hairstyles. I tend to stick with my signature slicked-back bun most of time. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll straighten my hair once in a blue moon, which I don’t keep for too long. I typically go for hairstyling tools that will give me multiple ways to style my hair and, most importantly, tools that can cater to styling Afro hair types efficiently and effectively.

Editor review: I’m all for tools that have multiple functions, so the 8-in-1 aspect of the Air Wonder definitely appealed to me. It feels very light in the hands, even with the attachments, so I didn’t find it a pain to hold up for a long period of time. Adding on the different attachments was easy too.

The pros: A special feature of this air styler is its reliable attachment lock system. The old air styler I own doesn’t have this, which frequently resulted in attachments flying across the room with enough tension. A small but necessary feature to have in a tool like this. There are two things I really like about the Air Wonder. First is how it looks. Its design is super stylish and sleek. Second is the diffuser attachment, which is perfect for those who want to wear their hair naturally curly/coily/kinky. I was also able to dry my hair very quickly, which is always good.

The cons: Although the styler gives you plenty of attachments to work with, I would probably reach for just three of the attachments frequently, as I found that my hair just didn’t hold the styling with some of them (such as the round brushes and curling tong). However, this could be down to prep or just the current health of my hair. I also found that the cool setting didn’t really blow cool air, and the temperature seemed too warm.

My verdict: I own something similar to the Air Wonder and would definitely look at this as an upgrade to it. Even though I don’t style my hair often, it’s nice to have something I can reach for when I do want to experiment and try different blown-out styles, so I would recommend this product. For £130, this is definitely good value for money, especially if you’re looking to experiment and achieve different looks often.

Rating: 7/10

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4. T3 AireBrush Duo

My hair type: My hair is long, thick, and flyaway-prone. In its air-dried state, it has a slight wave, but if I’m styling it, I like to use a round brush when blow-drying my hair to add some bounce, smooth and add shine. It's been a while since my last haircut, so my face-framing layers have grown out longer, and the rest of my hair is all one length. Generally, my hair holds a style well with a heated curling wand or tong, but voluminous blow-dry curls are harder to keep in, as my hair is just so heavy, and I find round brush attachments rarely give me the hold I'm after.

Editor review: The T3 AireBrush Duo comes with two attachments: a large round brush for adding volume and shape and a paddle brush for smoothing and straightening. The attachments are really easy to use, and the bristles are firm enough to create the tension you need for straightening and adding bounce, but not too stiff that they get tangled as you twirl them through the hair. They both glide through my knot-prone hair with ease, leaving my hair silky. Plus, they are also large enough that you can dry and style bigger sections of hair, making it a speedier process—win-win.

The pros: It boasts an impressive range of five heat settings and three speed settings, so you can tailor it to your hair texture and needs. It also has a cold-shot button to seal in your style (the key to making all the effort of styling your hair worth it by locking in the style). One unique aspect of the styler is the IonFlow button, which delivers negative ions to the hair to minimise flyaways and deliver lustre. It worked well, adding a noticeable shine and smoothness to my hair compared to when I have used similar multi-stylers. I found the straightening brush did a great job of drying, smoothing the cuticle and adding shine while straightening my lengths and taming my stubborn flyaways.

The cons: I had high hopes for the round brush attachment, which polished my hair into a voluminous, soft curl hairstyle. However, I found that the cold-shot button didn’t quite cool down the hair enough for it to fully set into place, so I ended up switching the power off to allow it to cool down on its own for a few moments instead. The curls fell out very quickly, as they never fully cooled down. While I loved the initial shape of the curl, it just dropped out too quickly, even with prepping my hair and using a hair mousse to give the best chance of hold. That said, I do have long, heavy hair, so I've certainly given this tool a challenge! If the cold-shot button could cool down the hair faster, I think this would have held in place better.

My verdict: I think the T3 Airbrush Duo would be ideal for hair that’s shoulder-length or shorter, or if you want to style a curtain fringe or face-framing layers. The curls held in place best on the shorter layers at the front of my hair, but not so much on the longer, one-length sections of my hair. I'll be keeping this on standby for the days when I want to dry my hair with a straight finish, as the paddle brush attachment is excellent for this.

For the price (and with just the two attachments to choose from), I wouldn’t invest in this alone if you have long hair and want a bouncy blow-dry or the option to create several styles like the others included within this Deep Review. However, if you want to quickly dry and straighten your hair or give shape to your fringe, short hairstyle or face-framing layers, then this will be more than suitable for you.

Rating: 6/10

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5. BaByliss AirStyle 1000

My hair type: I would describe my hair as dry and damaged but beachy. It has a natural wave that means if I fall asleep with wet hair or get caught in the rain, I end up with ringlets Cupid would be proud of, but with a few minutes under a hair dryer and a round brush, it smooths very easily. I’ve always been a wash-and-go girl, blow-drying it on special occasions, but I have become increasingly interested in hair tools, really looking for something that will give me a more polished version of what I already have. I don’t like a blow-dry that’s too perfect, I don’t want to look like a weather presenter, but just myself (with slightly better hair).

Editor review: Using the BaByliss AirStyle 1000, the first thing I noticed was how light it was—so far, so good. It comes with four attachments: a hair dryer, a round brush with soft bristles, a blow-dry paddle brush with hard bristles for smoothing and straightening and a conical barrel for curling.

The pros: Whilst the hair dryer attachment was quite slow and lacked "oomph”, the round brush quickly smoothed and dried my hair whilst adding volume and bounce. What I love most about this attachment is its ability to smooth the back of my head. I often have trouble with kinks near my scalp, which is a real pet peeve of mine from my GHD straightener days, so I was very happy with how easy it was to get rid of those. The conical barrel needs a few minutes to heat up, but once it gets going, it creates lovely, natural, beachy curls, with an overall finish of neat, wavy hair.

The cons: If you’re looking for a tool to replace your hair dryer and give you tight curls, then this probably isn’t the tool for you. However, I would recommend it purely for the round brush attachment alone.

My verdict: This is great for generally smoothing and volumising your hair, with the added benefit of some curls, without requiring much effort, time or a big investment like other competing products on the market.

Rating: 7/10

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Shop More Hair Multi-Stylers We Love:

Is a Hair Multi-Styler Better Than a Hair Dryer?

A hair multi-styler can often save you a lot of time if you're planning to dry and then style your hair. Multi-stylers come with a range of attachments, which means you can switch up your style easily, whether you want a straight and sleek style or a bouncy blowdry. Many models also have a hair dryer attachment, however, some of them are not always quite as powerful a standard hair dryers.

Can I Use a Multi-Styler on Soaking Wet Hair?

Ideally, you want to use your hair multi-styler on damp or towel-dried hair, or at least use the hair dryer attachment first to remove most of the moisture from your hair. Working on hair that is around 80% dry is best for speed and lasting hold. Going straight in on wet hair will make styling slower and less likely to last throughout the day.

How We Tested

To find out which hair multi-stylers are the best, I enlisted the help of the Who What Wear UK editorial team. Amongst us, we all have different hair types, from curly to straight to thick and fine. We tested each hair multi-stylers across different hair types and tested most expensive hair tools on the market to the more affordable hair multi-stylers out there.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There's no doubt that the latest model of the Dyson Airwrap has become one of the—if not the—most popular hair tools of the decade. Out of all the hot brushes and hair multi-stylers out there, there is no other hair tool I'm asked about more than the Dyson Airwrap. I'm often asked about the Dyson Corrale and Airstrait, too, but it's the Airwrap that undoubtedly has the most questions surrounding it.

During TikTok scrolls, you have probably been inundated with Dyson Airwrap reviews on your For You Page, with reviewers detailing their experience with the hair multi-hairstyler. The general consensus seems to be that it either works for you and your hair type, or it doesn't. And when you're thinking of parting with £500 (and for some models, even upwards of that) for a hair tool, it can be risky business to know if it's going to work for your hair type.

I've now owned my Dyson Airwrap for over three years, so not only have I put it through its paces, but I have a lot of thoughts about it. While I agree that the price point is eye-watering, I do believe that it's a really versatile tool to have in your hair kit if you do want to invest in a premium hair tool. I don't think anyone needs it, but it's certainly one that I reach for a lot when I want to create a really sleek style with the smoothing brushes, or body and bounce with the round brush attachment (hello, salon blowdry levels of volume). Practice makes perfect when it comes to this tool, and there are some key tips and tricks that ensure that your bouncy blowout doesn't fall flat after five minutes.

Ahead, I'm sharing my honest review of the Dyson Airwrap on my long and thick hair type—as well as the tips and tricks I've learned along the way to make curls last throughout the day—and answering the questions that I'm asked most about it.

What Makes The Dyson Airwrap Different to Other Hair Stylers?

As there’s only so much first-hand experience one person can have with different hair stylers, I turned to celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith to answer this question. After all, as a professional in the hair industry, he has tried pretty much all of the stylers on the market. His take? It’s the temperature settings that set the Dyson Airwrap apart from other hair stylers.

"The Airwrap measures the temperature 40 times per second to ensure that the heat stays below 150°,” explains Smith. "One of the biggest causes of hair damage I’ve noticed is my clients using old tools or being overzealous with their use of traditional hair dryers, which can very easily overheat the hair and cause extreme damage. This temperature measuring is unique to Dyson and means that you can enjoy a high standard of hairstyles at home, between appointments, without the excessive damage which typically accompanies home styling.”

How Much Is The Dyson Airwrap?

Depending on which Dyson Airwrap model you go for, it will vary in price. The latest model, the Dyson Airwrap Co-Andax2, retails for around £580. The previous model, the Dyson Airwrap I.d., comes in at £480. There is also a model with fewer attachments, the Dyson Airwrap Origin Complete Long Multi Hair Styler (£400).

What's Included With the Dyson Airwrap?

Depending on which Dyson Airwrap model you choose, you'll get a different set of attachments to suit your hair texture and styling preferences. Most Dyson Airwrap models include the Airwrap itself alongside six attachments, as well as a filter cleaning brush and a presentation box to store your Airwrap and attachments.

There is also a model with fewer attachments, the Dyson Airwrap Origin Complete Long Multi Hair Styler (£400), which includes the long curling barrel, round brush and hairdryer attachment only, which is £80 cheaper than the full set (or £180 cheaper than the newer Co-anda2x).

The Different Dyson Airwrap Models

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ Multi-Styler and Dryer - Straight+Wavy

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ Multi-Styler and Dryer With Diffuser

Dyson Airwrap I.D Multi-Styler and Dryer - Straight+Wavy

Dyson Airwrap I.D. Multi-Styler and Dryer - Curly+Coily

Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi Hair Styler

Additionally, you can also buy more Dyson attachments accessories to add to your Airwrap, such as larger round brushes for long hair, and a diffuser for curly hair textures.

Does The Dyson Airwrap Work On All Hair Types and Lengths?

My Dyson Airwrap has the Complete Long attachments, featuring barrels that are longer and can have longer sections of hair wrapped around them. You can also buy the Complete set, which has shorter attachments that are better suited if your hair is shorter than chest length.

"Thanks to the large selection of well-designed attachments, there’s now something for everyone with the Airwrap,” says Smith. However, he does point out that if your hair type doesn’t tend to hold a style for a long time, then you might need to work a little bit harder with the tool. "Those with fine or very straight hair will benefit from using the cool shot button, which helps to set styles in place.”

"For styling textured hair, the comb attachment does a brilliant job at stretching out natural coils while being gentle enough to protect this fragile hair type," explains Smith. "However, to achieve perfectly straight and glossy results on textured hair, the use of a straightening iron would still be required.”

As for my hair, it's thick and long, which makes holding a style challenging, as my hair is quite heavy. My hair isn't poker-straight, but rather wavier and more wiry in texture around my crown, so I'm also prone to frizz after washing my hair. Below is how I like to prep my hair to get the most out of my Dyson Airwrap.

How To Prep Hair Before Using The Dyson Airwrap

The most common grumbles I hear about the Dyson Airwrap are that while curls look blowout-worthy in the first instance, they can quickly drop out. In my experience, it all comes down to three things: 1) Prep, 2) letting the hair cool, and 3) your hair type. I'd highly recommend trying the Airwrap in-store before making a purchase decision so you can see exactly how it works with your hair type.

Prep means everything from what you're washing and conditioning your hair with to what styling products you are putting on your lengths. I personally like to use a clarifying shampoo (one that removes buildup from the scalp and cleanses away product that can sometimes build up on my lengths) and a conditioner that isn't too heavy, so it doesn't weigh down my lengths. I want my hair to feel as bouncy as possible.

Then, I apply a hair mousse or foam all over the hair while it's still about 80% to 90% dry. I've seen many people get long-lasting hold by using a sea salt spray for prep. However, I personally find this makes my hair feel too crunchy to get a smooth finish, but this might work for you if you have finer or very smooth hair that needs a little more grip. You can also use a hair serum or hair oil to suit your hair type.

How To Use The Dyson Airwrap

I like use the hair dryer/smoothing attachment to dry my hair to around 90% dry.

Ahead is my guide on how to use the Dyson Airwrap and each of its attachments, starting with the hair dryer attachment. While I do love that this styler also comes with a two-in-one hair dryer and smoothing attachment, I don't think it will replace my trusty Dyson Supersonic hair dryer completely. The airflow is good, but not quite as powerful to get my hair dry quickly, particularly at the roots. But I do like it for a quick blast through the lengths, and being able to easily switch it into a smoothing tool is a bonus for when you want to quickly tame any flyaways.

Once my hair is about 80% to 90% dry, I then like to use the smoothing brush attachment to comb through my hair. The bristles are firm enough to comb through the hair and smooth as it goes, whilst the firmer brush attachment is better if you want a totally straight and sleek finish. It's probably the one attachment I use the least, as I prefer a bit of movement in my hair, but it's ideal for creating a sleek finish. It won't give you a poker-straight look like a hair straightener will, but it's good for smoothing without the heat damage.

The round brush attachment might be my favourite of the lot, as I reach for it constantly. I actually prefer this to the curling barrels as the bristles provide tension in the hair, which for my hair at least, helps the blowout look to last for longer. As someone who loves a bouncy blowout but doesn't have the co-ordination or upper-body strength to hold and hair dryer and twirl a round brush through my hair (hello, tangles), this makes it so much easier. The bristles are flexible, so they grip the hair well and create enough tension to create a bend in the hair, but they're soft enough so that the brush doesn't get tangled. I find the bristles polish my hair to leave it with a smooth and shiny finish too.

I've also seen people on TikTok unclip the round brush once it is rolled up in the hair as a makeshift roller, which is useful if you have a longer fringe or layers at the front that you want to give extra hold as the hair cools down—that's the key to make your style last longer. I sometimes use the round brush on my front layers and leave it to set in a roller while I do the rest of my hair.

Out of the two curling barrels, I usually choose the narrower one, as this delivers a tighter curl that lasts better on my hair when I want a voluminous blowout. If it's a soft, loose curl that you're after, then you'll like the larger barrel attachment. However, be warned that your curls may not last for quite as long. For very long-lasting curls, I prefer a heated curling wand or tong. But for a blowout look, the curling barrels will give you bounce and volume.

I love that this hairstyler also allows you to tailor the heat and power, so you can adjust it for your hair type. As my hair is quite stubborn with blow-dries, I like to use the highest power and heat when styling my hair.

When you're using the curling barrels, it's important that you let the hair heat up (around 10 to 15 seconds) before immediately switching it to the cooling setting until the hair has completely cooled down. There's no use skipping this, as your curls will fall out. Think of a candle; when it's warm, the wax melts and is moveable, but once the candle cools, the wax solidifies. It's the same with your hair, and cooling down the hair will boost the longevity of your style.

I recommend keeping it on the cooling setting until you can no longer feel any heat from your hair, and then holding the curl for a moment as you remove it from the styler. It might look a bit like 2002 prom hair in the first instance, but they will drop out and soften into a beautiful shape.

Rather than brushing out curls, I prefer to take a tiny bit of hair oil into my palms and brush through with my fingers to keep the shape and loosen the curls while smoothing down any flyaways. Then, I'll finish with a small amount of hairspray to set the curls in place. I really want to love the smoothing hair dryer attachment after curling, but I do find this knocks out the shape of my curls a bit, so I prefer to use this product to smooth my hair down instead.

Is the Dyson Airwrap Worth It?

From start to finish, this probably took around half an hour to do on my hair type. If you have shorter or fine hair, this will no doubt be a shorter process. The key is to let the hair cool down once you have styled it to ensure your curls last for as long as they can. If I'm being honest, the Airwrap gives me a wonderful blowout look, but if you're after curls that will last for days on end, then a hair wand or tong may be better suited to you, which will provide a more structured style. My hair still looked bouncy the day after, but not to the same extent as day one. But if it's a bouncy blowout that you're after, and you don't mind topping up your hair on the second day, then this is most certainly the tool for the job.

Is the Dyson Airwrap Worth The Money?

Yes, it is expensive, but if you are thinking of investing and will make use of all of the different attachments, you're essentially getting multiple hairstyles in one. Out of the various hair multi-stylers I've tried lately, the Dyson Airwrap comes out on top in my opinion for both ease of use and the results.

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The Best Styling Products to Use With the Dyson Airwrap

How We Tested

I've owned my Dyson Airwrap for several years now, so I have put it through its paces multiple times when styling my hair. I evaluated each of the attachments and how well they performed at drying and styling, and I also took note of how well my style lasted. I've also tested it with lots of different hair styling products to find out what products help to hold the curls the longest. I've also tested multiple models of the Dyson Airwrap to see the key differences between versions. I've also consulted with friends and colleagues who own the Dyson Airwrap to see how well it performs across different hair types and hair textures.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There’s a whole lot of newness out there, and it can be hard to separate the heroes from the hype when it comes to beauty shopping. That is why I asked my fellow beauty editors which products (including hair, makeup, bodycare and skincare) they couldn’t live without this year.

Beauty editors try out dozens of products every month, from hair masks and face serums to sunscreens and mascaras, to keep you updated on the best new launches, ingredient trends and product innovations. But as fun as it is being able to try out so many products, there are only a select few that win a permanent place on our bathroom shelves.

These are the products that stood out in the testing process enough to make it into our personal routines, some so beloved that we continue to purchase them despite a host of fresh samples waiting on the sidelines. 

Ahead are the cult classics and new favourites that stood out enough to make a lasting impression on us this year, the beauty products that these beauty editors actually would recommend to a friend and, most importantly (for you), are 100% worth purchasing.

1. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

"I won't lie. My whole skincare routine has become quite Tatcha-heavy since the brand launched into Space NK earlier this year, but it's the Dewy Skin Cream that's arguably made the most difference to my skin. I use it morning and night, and it gives my skin a gorgeously plump, smoothing finish, making it perfect as a primer under makeup.” — Chloé Burcham, Freelance Beauty Editor

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2. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete

"If you could see into my Instagram DMs, you’d notice that I get asked for feedback about this a lot, and I totally get why. It’s a major investment but in my opinion 100% worth it. My hair is long, thick, poker-straight and always throws up major resistance to holding any type of curl or wave. In fact, I’d long since given up on attempting to curl it with regular tongs, not least because it would take about two hours to work around my entire head but also because any semblance of a curl would have dropped within a matter of hours. When I tried the Airwrap for the first time, my mind was blown. Within half an hour, I had managed to achieve the kind of bouncy blow-dry curls I could previously only dream of seeing after a salon visit, and what’s more, they lasted. Granted, no style is ever going to last perfectly for more than 24 hours in my hair, but the legacy of those curls? Soft waves and definition that live on for several more days. So now you can see why my answer is always, ‘Yes, totally worth it. Go for it!.’ Plus, if you apply a cost-per-wear analogy with an average use of two times a week, that works out at just £4.60 per week, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than a pro blow-dry.” — Grace Day, Freelance Beauty Editor

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3. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème

"I have been a longtime fan of Ole Henriksen’s cult vitamin C eye cream, so I was hesitant when I heard it had been reformulated this year. Thankfully, the new fragrance-free formula is somehow even more brilliant than its predecessor. Still brimming with brightening vitamin C and colour-correcting pigments to diminish darkness, it now also contains real gold for an extra layer of luminosity. And with a 4-month and a 2-year-old currently competing to keep me up most at night, I can truly attest to this eye cream’s ability to refresh and revive tired eyes.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor

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4. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

"I adore lightweight foundations, and I’m even more obsessed with skin tints. When you have a skin tint that creates a radiant and dewy finish, seamlessly matches your skin tone, and allows the skin to breathe, you know you’re on to a winner.” — Nateisha Scott, Deputy Beauty Editor, Harrods

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5. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30

"I’m coming to the end of my tube of this as I write, and I'm starting to panic because this is quite possibly my favourite SPF ever. This illuminating SPF gives my skin the healthiest-looking glow, whether worn alone or underneath makeup. On days when I don't feel the need for foundation, I love wearing this on its own for its ability to blur redness and give my complexion that lit-from-within glow. My sensitive yet oily skin also gets on well with it, so I can’t imagine not having this in my routine.” — Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor, Who What Wear

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6. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse

"Nothing peps me up quite as much as a slick of tan. Isle of Paradise’s Self-Tanning Mousse not only gives an incredible bronze glow (never orange thanks to the colour-correcting properties), but it also fades well, meaning there are no patchy ankles or wrists in sight. I adore the brand and its values. Plus, the founder, Jules Von Hep, gives the best tips for application, making it totally foolproof! For me, it’s pure joy bottled.” — Tori Crowther, Freelance Beauty Editor

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7. Gucci Mascara L'Obscur

"I have tried a lot of mascaras in my day (trust me), but this is my number one. It gives great curl and volume that layers without looking clumpy thanks to its precise comb wand. I’ve been asked a few times if I’m wearing extensions or falsies when I have this on, but it’s always my beloved Gucci.” — Grace Gargini, Senior Beauty Editor, Selfridges

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8. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

"Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore this face base. If I could buy shares in it, I would. It’s the perfect dewy-skin, medium-coverage foundation, leaving your complexion looking healthy and plump, without ever caking, drying or feeling heavy on the skin. Since discovering it around five years ago, it’s been the one product that’s never left my makeup bag.” — Burcham

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9. Omorovicza Even Tone Serum 

"I spent the majority of my teens battling acne, which meant that my 20s have consequently been spent attempting to clear up the mess of post-inflammatory pigmentation that 10 years’ worth of breakouts left behind. Prescription-strength retinoids and high-potency vitamin Cs certainly did their thing, but never has a product impressed me so fast as this one. The last lingering marks I was dealing with have been stubbornly resistant, but within a matter of weeks of using this (twice daily), they were gone completely.” — Day

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10. L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

"I try a lot of base products for work, but without fail, I always come back to this one from L'Oréal Paris. In fact, I was recently reminded to repurchase a bottle after the brand announced a range expansion to include 48 shades, all of which contain up to six different pigments for an even more nuanced range of tones and a more precise skin match. It has a beautiful, satin-like finish that looks natural on the skin but can be layered up for extra coverage, and the addition of hyaluronic acid really helps to create juicy-looking, healthy skin. It genuinely holds its own against foundations that I’ve tried for four times the price, and I recommend it to everyone.” — Ricketts

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11. Sisley Paris Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

"This powder-to-cream mask is sensational for exfoliating skin. While it’s not harsh (due to the exfoliating enzymes), it works just as hard as a chemical exfoliant would, making it a great option for even the most sensitive of skin types. I enjoy using this twice weekly to gently remove dead skin cells and build-up, leaving skin soft and hydrated.” — Scott

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12. Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour

"I’ve been trying a lot of Rose Inc products recently (I’ll try anything that might help me emulate founder Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s glow), but the Cheek & Lip Colour compact is hands down my favourite. I’ve been wearing the shade Heliotrope every day since trying it. This cream blush can be used on both the cheeks and lips and has a texture that melts into the skin for a realistic flush of colour that stays put all day and has a subtle glow to it (read: no shimmer, just an expensive-looking sheen). It also comes in a stylish mirror compact, which now has permanent residence in my bag for top-ups on the go.” — Vousden

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13. Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

"Revitalash is a product I never want to be without, and I honestly can’t see myself ever not using it. I’ve tried my fair share of lash serums over the years, and none seems to come close to the results this formula gives. It takes little to no effort to apply, and my lashes literally double in length after three months. It’s more on the pricey side, but the results are worth every penny to me.” — Crowther

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14. Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation

"Okay, if I had to pick just one foundation to wear for the rest of my life, I think it would have to be this. I’m a fan of glowy, natural-looking skin, which this gives, but it also magically hides imperfections and lasts for ages—something that is still hard to find with foundations that give a more natural finish.” — Gargini

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15. Diptyque Eau des Sens Eau de Toilette

"I’m funny when it comes to fragrance. One minute I love a certain scent; the next minute I can’t get it out of my nostrils quick enough. But one that’s remained a constant for me is Diptyque Eau des Sens. It’s soapy and fresh—with a blend of orange blossom and patchouli—and always has people asking me what I'm wearing, without feeling overpowering or too lingering on the skin.” — Burcham

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16. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50

"The last few years have seen a new wave of sunscreen brands and products launching to address the common bugbears that most people have with SPF: heavy textures, chalky-white finishes and breakout-inducing formulas. I have a whole host of new favourites, but the stand-out for me has to be this one from Aussie brand Naked Sundays. Firstly, if it’s Australian-made, you know it’s going to be good since formulations have to adhere to super-strict regulations. Secondly, it ticks all of the boxes above, with a silky-smooth consistency, a universally flattering finish and (one for all my fellow acne sufferers) zero breakouts! I love that the formula really melts into skin, and it has a subtle blurring effect, which takes out any redness and gives skin a radiant glow.” — Day

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17. Stria Lab Redefining Stretch Mark Cream 

"This new launch comes with a bit of a disclaimer from me: Stretch marks aren’t something that we should feel pressure to be rid of. They’re an entirely natural result of our bodies stretching, growing and changing over time, and I’m all for embracing the stories that they tell if (and it’s a big if) you feel comfortable doing so. Personally, I prefer to minimise the appearance of these newcomers to my body, and this new launch has been remarkable in helping. It contains the hero ingredient TECA, which is the only ingredient besides tretinoin that has genuine evidence to prove that it can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. And it works. Not only does it instantly make skin look and feel smoother and firmer, but I have been using it for a couple of months now, and the red, angry stretch marks on my stomach are already paler in colour and less pronounced in depth. I can’t wait to see what another two months of use will do.” — Ricketts

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18. Initio Parfums Paragon Extrait de Parfum

"My first love in beauty is fragrance, so you can guarantee I have my nose sniffing around anything new, and the latest release from Initio has absolutely caught my eye. Bridging wellness with fragrance, this perfume is centred on the calming and purging notes of palo santo blended with bergamot, white sage, lavender and plum. It's a sweet, fresh and awakening scent, not something you would have been used to.” — Scott

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19. Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum

"Finishing a bottle or tube of skincare is a marker of it being a keeper, particularly among beauty editors who need to try multiple products for their jobs. I’ve squeezed every last drop out of Beauty Pie’s Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a hydrating serum that also plumps the skin. While using this, my skin has never felt better or healthier. For those not familiar with Beauty Pie, the brand creates high-quality formulas that you may expect from premium beauty brands, but it takes out the markups that come with marketing and retailing, passing the savings directly on to the customer. A serum like this would typically set you back £60, but it’s just £19 for members, so I’ll be stocking up on this.” — Vousden

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20. Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50

"Like a lot of people, I’m picky when it comes to sunscreen. Thankfully, we’ve moved on from the thick, heavy products that were once the SPF norm years ago. Now, formulas are far more elegant and, dare I say it, enjoyable to use. This Heliocare 360 Sunscreen is ultra lightweight, sits well under makeup and doesn’t irritate my rosacea-prone skin. It’s a product I always find myself coming back to.” — Crowther

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21. Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum

"A more understated yet incredibly elegant iteration of its famous cousin (the Baccarat), I find myself reaching for this clean, grounding scent on mornings I want to feel put together and the best version of myself. It’s the fragrance equivalent of a crisp white shirt and a fresh manicure. You just feel grown-up.” — Gargini

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22. DPHue Brightening Powder

"If you highlight your hair and find that the colour often turns dull after a few washes, you need to try this hero brightening powder. You simply mix it with water, and apply it to your hair in the shower before washing it out after a couple of minutes. The vitamin C acts like a magnet and helps to pull any dulling minerals out of your hair, leaving your colour super bright.” — Burcham

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23. Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Accumax

"Supplements are the most underrated category in beauty. Most people give up on them when they don’t notice instant results, but it typically takes up to three months to see the benefits, and the perseverance (and patience) is well worth it. I almost exclusively take supplements from Advanced Nutrition Programme. It takes a skin-first approach to supplementation, uses the highest-quality ingredients and has the evidence to prove just how effective its products are. Its best seller, Skin Accumax, has totally transformed my acne-prone skin. It combines vitamins A, C, and E with phytonutrients to clarify skin from the inside out.” — Day

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24. S'able Labs Baobab Moisturiser

"With the change in season, moisturiser is even more essential (even for those of us with oily and combination skin). I adore this moisturiser’s formulation. Ingredients such as niacinamide to lock in moisture and improve elasticity and texture, as well as tranexamic acid to help fade dark spots and discolouration.” — Scott

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Next Up: These 7 New Beauty Brands Deserve All the Hype

Since launching in 2018, the Dyson AirWrap has sent the beauty world into a spin. Thanks to the likes of TikTok and influencers using the hairstyling tool to create sought-after '90s blowouts, waves, and sleek styles, its popularity has sky-rocketed and, as a result, it's often sold out across multiple retailers. And any new stock that does come in doesn't stay around for very long, which only adds to its desirability.

So what makes the Dyson AirWrap so special? It's the only hair tool that harnesses what Dyson calls "the Coanda effect." This means that the hairstyling tool creates a spinning vortex of air, which draws the hair in and around the barrel. This is what is responsible for creating those bouncy curls you're seeing on your feed. It also uses less heat than most hair styling tools.

But with the new model coming in at $600, you might be wondering if the Dyson AirWrap is worth the money. It's certainly an investment, and at Who What Wear, we're of the belief that you shouldn't have to fork out a fortune on any beauty gadget, and we'll always tell you if it's really worth the cost. But, if you are looking to invest, you can read on for our honest review of the new Dyson AirWrap, including the key differences between the new and original models, details on the new attachments, and before-and-afters. 

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Dyson AirWrap Review: What's New?

Between the original Dyson AirWrap (read our full review of the original Dyson AirWrap model here) and the newest version, there are a couple of key differences. Firstly, the new Dyson AirWrap comes with new and improved attachments. Along with the main handle base, it includes two curling barrels. One small, narrower one for creating tight curls and a medium-sized barrel for looser waves. The older model required you to swap the barrels when you wanted to change the curl direction from clockwise to anti-clockwise.

On the new model, all you have to do is flick a switch at the top of the barrel to change the airflow direction, making it faster and more convenient to switch up your curls. There are two smooth drying brushes, one with firm bristles for smoothing the hair, and the other with softer bristles that are gentler on the scalp. A round blow-dry brush is also included, as well as the smoothing rounded Coanda smoothing tool, which doubles as a hairdryer and a smoothing attachment to smooth flyaways once you've styled your hair (the previous model just had a hairdryer attachment). These all come in a navy storage box that neatly houses the base and attachments, and the lid doubles as a mat to place your AirWrap onto while styling. 

If you have already invested in the original Dyson AirWrap, don't panic—you can still use the new attachments on this version, so you don't have to buy an entire new AirWrap to use these. The new attachments will be available to purchase separately soon, so you might want to wait it out for these to come into stock if you're looking to upgrade your current model. Another key difference of the AirWrap is better airflow through the styler. In reality, this means it gives you better control as you style your hair, making it quicker and easier.

The new Dyson AirWrap also comes in a Complete Set, which has standard-sized attachments that are best if your hair is chest length or shorter, and Complete Long, which has slightly longer attachments for hair that is chest length or longer, so you can wrap more of the length of your hair around the barrel.

How to use the Dyson AirWrap

Using the Dyson AirWrap with the large barrel attachment.

The AirWrap uses airflow to wrap the hair around the curling barrels. This can be tricky to get the hang of at first, so it is definitely worth practicing. In Dyson's demo store in London, you can book in for a blow-dry with a Dyson hairstylist for $43, who will show you how to get the best results as you have your hair done with the styler. It's also a great way to test out the Dyson if you're not sure whether to invest yet. When I visited the store, my hairstylist recommended sectioning your hair before "pinching" a section of hair halfway through the lengths. This helps the AirWrap pull the ends of your hair in as it wraps around the barrel. The base of the styler has a switch for three temperature settings (cold, medium, and high) as well as three-speed variations. 

One of the qualms that Dyson AirWrap users have experienced is that their curls won't hold. The key is to use the Dyson on hair that's freshly washed and bout 90% dry. Alternatively, spraying a heat protector into the hair will help provide moisture. Another tip to boost your style's longevity is to use the curling barrel with heat, running the hair up and down the barrel, before rolling the curl all the way up to the top and holding it in place for 10 seconds. Then, you'll want to switch to the cold shot setting for another 10 seconds before cutting the power off. This sets the curl in shape and ensures the style will last for longer. The cool shot can be activated via the temperature control, or by holding the central power button upwards, which makes this really easy.

Once I got the hang of the technique, curling my hair was a breeze. I have long, thick hair that doesn't tend to hold a blow-dry or curl in, but I found that locking the curls in with the cold shot made a real difference, leaving me with shiny, bouncy waves. It took me about 30 minutes to style my hair in total.

Dyson Airwrap Before and After

Hair before the styling with the Dyson AirWrap.

The finished look after using the larger curling barrel on the Dyson AirWrap.

I chose the larger of the two styling barrels, which gave me larger curls which dropped very into the loose curls that I was after. If you want tighter curls, I would definitely recommend using the smaller barrel for this. I was excited about the smoothing attachment, which is designed to tuck any flyaways underneath your hair for a smoother finish.

While I do think it smoothed my hair, I found that using this did disrupt the curls that I had created, so I would definitely save this for when I'm opting for straighter or smooth and sleek styles. That aside, I was so impressed with how my hair turned out. It felt like I'd walked out of the salon with a bouncy blowout, and it added a noticeable shine to my hair. The curls dropped very slightly afterward but retained their shape and bounce. Even after sleeping with my hair in a bun, it still retained much of the curls the following day—I just topped up a few sections at the front before heading out to work. I also love the round brush attachment for creating those '90s-inspired flicks, and the two styling brushes make smoothing hair a breeze.

Is The New Dyson AirWrap Worth It?

As much as the price tag makes me wince, I do think the Dyson AirWrap is worth it. In comparison to my trusted $43 hair wand, which I return to time and time again, I think it might just take the top spot in my hairstyling tool kit. Not only is the AirWrap easy and enjoyable to use, but I also like that it uses less heat than standard curling wands or stylers, so hair breakage and split ends are less of a concern (that being said, I'd always wear a heat protector before using any kind of heat on the hair). The attachments are easy to change and I love that you can create a variety of looks with the different attachments. I did notice my hair had a great shine after using the smoothing attachment, and I also love that this doubles as a targeted hairdryer with just a flick of a switch. 

If you're looking to invest, I would say that the AirWrap is worth it, especially if you're someone who books in for regular blow-dries in a salon. However, if you already own the original Dyson AirWrap, I wouldn't insist that you need to buy the entire new set. You might save some time by not having to change the curling barrels, but results-wise, the effect is very similar. Dyson will be bringing out the attachments to purchase separately, so it's worth waiting for this to become available if you want to upgrade your current AirWrap.

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More Styling Tools You'll Love

Up Next: These 12 Hair Dryers Work for Every Hair Type and Won't Cost an Arm and a Leg

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

We can't think of any other hairstyling tool that garners more attention than the Dyson Airwrap. When it launched, people 1) couldn't believe that it actually cost $600 and 2) were amazed when they saw the big, bouncy blowouts people were accomplishing with it. The Dyson Airwrap has been out for a long time, but it's still a major topic of discussion on Instagram and TikTok, where influencers seem to either love it or feel rather, well, meh about it. So, yeah, the hype is real. But we have to wonder: Is it underhyped, overhyped, or adequately hyped? (Yes, that's our rubric, and we're sticking to it.)

To find out, we put it to the test. Three beauty editors with different hair types, lengths, and goals used the Dyson Airwrap to decide whether they thought it was worth the hefty price tag. And their answers might surprise you. Keep scrolling to see their full reviews as well as some pretty epic before-and-after pictures.

First, What Makes the Dyson Airwrap So Special? 

The Dyson Airwrap dries and styles the hair using minimal heat. That might not sound all that impressive, but it is considering that many other styling tools reach temperatures beyond 400ºF, which can seriously damage the hair, even with a heat-protectant product. The Dyson Airwrap can effectively style the hair without ever going above 302ºF—a temperature that's much easier on the hair.

Instead of relying on high heat to style hair, the Airwrap relies on something called the Coanda effect, which is an aerodynamic phenomenon that curves air. By using the Coanda effect, the Airwrap actually attracts hair to the barrel, which is part of the reason styling is so easy (but more on that in a minute).

Aside from the heat factor—or lack thereof—the Airwrap is more than a straightener, curling iron, or blow-dry brush. It's all of that and more because it comes with six attachments that can create a variety of looks. The recommended attachments for straight-to-wavy hair are the smoothing dryer, 1.2-inch curling barrel, 1.6-inch curling barrel, firm smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, and round volumizing brush. The recommended attachments for curly to coily hair are the diffuser, wide-tooth comb, smoothing dryer, 1.2-inch curling barrel, large round volumizing brush, and firm smoothing brush.

The Testing Process

Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor

Hair type: Fine and naturally wavy

Hair length: Long

Hair goal: I want to achieve a big, bouncy blowout at home.

"I'm going to cut right to the chase. I'm kind of obsessed with the Dyson Airwrap. There was a learning curve at first with figuring out how to use the curling barrels correctly (it literally picks up my hair and curls it around the barrel by itself due to the unique Coanda effect airflow), but once it clicked, it was easy. I simply moved it in an up-and-down motion while it did its thing. Then, I released the curl and moved on to the next section of my hair. I started with dry hair, so I didn't need to use the smoothing dryer attachment, and even though my hair is naturally wavy, I didn't need to smooth or straighten it beforehand. The curling barrel was enough to smooth, soften, and curl my hair all in one go! Here's a tip that wasn't obvious to me: When you're using the curling barrels, there's a little notch at the top to switch the direction of airflow. That way, you can switch it halfway through hairstyling to make sure the curls on both sides of your head are styled in the same way. I didn't notice that at first, and it took me a couple of tries to figure it out.

"When I was done, I was amazed at how big and bouncy my curls were. It was definitely the best at-home hairstyle I've ever accomplished—and one of the easiest, too. For this reason, I think the Dyson Airwrap is well worth the money. However, one thing to note is that my hair is stubborn and doesn't like to hold shape. I was hoping the Airwrap curls would hold better than my curls have from other heat tools. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Even though they looked amazing for most of the first day, the curls began to fall out significantly on the second day. Next time, I think I'll pin each curl with a clip until it cools. Then, I'll add some hair spray. Hopefully, that will be enough to make the style last longer."

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor

Hair type: Coarse, thick, and curly

Hair length: Mid-length

Hair goal: I want a true all-in-one styling tool that can straighten, curl, create waves, etc.

"I've heard wonderful things about the Dyson Airwrap from friends and co-workers, but I came into this experiment with a healthy dose of skepticism. My hair is incredibly coarse, thick, and curly, so I always do a little digging before trying out a new hot tool. After going down a YouTube review hole for a bit, I discovered that the reviews are mixed for thick, curly hair.

"I decided to give it a try on my natural texture anyway with the brush attachment. The results were okay, but not amazing enough for me to feel confident walking out the door. So instead, I went in with my trusty flat iron first and then decided to use the brush attachment every morning for touch-ups and before going in with the curling attachment. I loved the brush for this. It touched up my hair lightning fast and made it look so sleek. I think it only took me about five minutes, which is so much better than the usual 20 it takes me to touch up my whole head with a flat iron.

"Next, I moved on to the curling attachment. It definitely takes some getting used to. The first attempt I made at using it didn't go very smoothly. Once I got the hang of it, though, I loved the light, bouncy curls it created. I've been looking for an easy way to create that sleek '90s blowout at home for a long time, and luckily, I think I've found it. Overall, I'll be honest. I'm fully aware that the price is pretty steep, and if you have thick hair, some of you may not be able to justify spending $600 on it if you have to go in with a flat iron first. For such an expensive hair tool, I would hope they would at least give the option to up the heat settings for coarser hair types since they're more resistant to styling and need more heat to curl/straighten."

Final Rating: 3.5/5

Katie Berohn, Beauty Editor

Hair type: Super thick, wavy

Hair length: Mid-length

Hair goal: I want to minimize the amount of time and effort it takes to style my hair.

"If you were to ask me what I'm bad at, the first thing on the list would be blow-drying my hair. I do not know my way around a hair dryer. I have really thick hair that feels like it takes hours to blow-dry—my arms get tired, I get sweaty, and my hair never ends up looking good at all. For a long time, I would let my hair air-dry and add curls in or straighten from there because it just felt easier to me.

"For obvious reasons, I've been intrigued by the Dyson Airwrap ever since it was released. After trying it out, everyone kept asking me if I'd gotten my hair blown out. The Airwrap is pricey, but for the effect it gives, it's 100% worth it. At a salon, an average blowout is around $50, so if you use your Airwrap 12 times, it will already make up for it."

Final rating: 5/5

How to Use the Dyson Airwrap

You can start with damp or dry hair. If you're using the curl attachments, follow the arrows to see which direction the air will flow to choose a barrel. For example, if you want your hair to curl outward, you'll have to switch the notch at the top of the barrel and vice versa. For brush attachments, you'll just choose one.

To create curls that hold their shape, choose both high heat and airflow and hold for 15 seconds. If you're using a brush attachment, steadily brush down your hair. For curls, finish with a cold shot for five seconds to set them. Work around your whole head, switching the airflow for the curling barrels on the other side.

10 Styling Products to Use With the Dyson Airwrap

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

• REVIEWS
• AUGUST 23, 2021

Everything You Need to Know About Olaplex's Most Popular Products

by Marianne Mychaskiw 

Table of Contents

• What Is Olaplex?
• The Olaplex Product Line
• Selecting the Right Products for Your Hair
• Overall Product Review

Olaplex: It’s the treatment that launched a thousand shiny, healthy manes—not to mention an entire lineup of at-home products that any beauty influencer worth their Dyson hair dryer knows and loves. Whether or not you’ve used Olaplex, you’ve definitely heard whispers of the treatment at your hair salon or have had a recommendation (or 10) grace your feed.

While everyone who has tried the treatment sings its praises to the tune of "Drivers License,” the question still remains: What exactly does Olaplex do? To answer all of your burning Olaplex questions once and for all, we spoke to Bianca Hillier, a colorist at Andy Lecompte Salon. Keep reading to get all the details straight from the pro herself.

WHAT IS OLAPLEX?

Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that started as an in-salon service, usually done in conjunction with color to repair any potential damage. According to Hillier, so many clients were asking for an at-home formula to maintain the treatment that the brand met the demand by creating Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector—a one-step, take-home version of the now-infamous treatment, packed with the highest percentage possible of that secret ingredient doing all the heavy lifting.

Both the Olaplex in-salon and at-home formulas are powered by bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (say that five times fast), which is an amino acid complex that actually repairs the broken bonds in your hair shaft. "The structure inside of your hair strand is made up of disulfide bonds, which are connected in horizontal pairs like a ladder,” Hillier explains. "If you get your hair colored, do a lot of heat styling, or brush your hair really hard, those bonds get ripped apart and become single bonds, which latch onto oxygen. That causes the disulfide bond in your hair to create lactic acid, which eats away at the proteins and makes the strand weaker.” The bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate in Olaplex’s formula is actually able to enter the hair shaft to realign and repair each of the bonds, resulting in soft, healthy, shiny hair.  

As far as formulation goes, the in-salon treatments contain professional levels of bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, while the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector contains the highest amount of the ingredient allowed in consumer products. Each of the other products in the Olaplex line contains the compound as well to maintain that bond.

WAIT, SO THERE’S AN ENTIRE FAMILY OF OLAPLEX PRODUCTS?

Oh, yes! The Olaplex range contains a full lineup of products designed to help maintain that bond. The in-shower options include the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, and the new No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. The styling items for post-shower use include the No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme, and the No. 7 Styling Oil. Olaplex also has the No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment, which can be used as a prep step to the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. "You apply it to dry hair before you put on the No. 3 Hair Treatment,” Hillier explains. "It helps to fill in the holes within the bonds and maximizes the performance of the No. 3.”

HOW DOES THE OLAPLEX NO. 3 TREATMENT WORK?

Once you spread the formula from root to tip, the bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate goes to work within the hair shaft to fix each of the broken bonds. "The ingredient is the only one that can actually repair the disulfide bonds in your hair, and while other companies have formulas that claim to do similar things, Olaplex is the only brand with the patent and the technology to achieve that,” Hillier says. Make sure to apply it to damp strands so that the formula can enter your hair shaft, and let it work its magic for at least 10 minutes.

WHICH HAIR TYPES WORK BEST WITH AN OLAPLEX TREATMENT?

Rarely does a product live up to the one-size-fits-all promises quite like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. While strands that regularly experience damage from color treatments or heat styling will see the most dramatic results, Hillier notes that all hair types and textures play well with the formula. "The treatment will make damaged hair feel healthier and less thirsty, but even if you don’t use heat styling or color your hair, you’ll still see results,” she says. "The formula is comparable for all hair types and textures since it focuses on rebuilding the bonds within your hair shaft and making it the healthiest it can be.”

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE OLAPLEX NO. 3?

Hillier recommends using the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector once a week, but you can apply it as often as each time you wash your hair if you so choose. "There’s no way to overuse Olaplex No. 3,” she says. "Every time you style your hair or use heat tools on it, the bonds do get somewhat damaged, so the No. 3 Hair Perfector is a good way to maintain the health of your hair, and the more frequently you use it or longer you leave it in, the more benefits you’ll get.”

HOW SHOULD I APPLY THE OLAPLEX TREATMENT?

While the advised directions are to apply Olaplex No. 3 to damp, towel-dried hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing, Hillier notes that you can kind of tailor the method to fit your lifestyle. "If you’re one of those people who washes your hair once a week and you don’t want to go through the whole lather, apply, and rinse process, you can apply Olaplex No. 3 directly onto dirty hair and let it sit as long as possible,” she says. "The longer you can have it sit, the better because the Hair Perfector is going to keep working on those bonds until it dries.”  

Regardless of your starting point, be sure to coat your strands from root to tip, let your hair drink in the goodness for as long as possible, and when you do rinse it out, be sure to condition afterward. While your hair will feel as if it's been conditioned, you still need to apply a conditioner post-treatment in order to seal the hair shaft, Hillier notes.

HOW LONG DOES A SINGLE APPLICATION OF OLAPLEX NO. 3 LAST?

Sure, a weekly self-care session with Olaplex is the move, but we get it—life happens, and sometimes we’ll go weeks between treatments. Luckily, a single application of Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector lasts up to 15 shampoos, and regularly using the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, and No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask can buy you some additional time.

PHOTO: MARIANNE MYCHASKIW

OVERALL PRODUCT REVIEW

I’ve been using the Olaplex hair system for almost a month now on my thick, wavy hair and have absolutely seen a difference in how healthy my hair looks and feels. I have highlights (which are in dire need of a touch-up) and do a fair amount of heat-styling around two to three times a week, so my hair goes through its fair share of stress and damage.

OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR

Who was I before the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector came into my life? It’s hard to remember a time before this staple existed in my lineup—it’s that good. After using the product consistently, I’ve noticed a major reduction in my frayed/split ends, a softer, more hydrated texture, and far less breakage than I used to experience. Somehow, the brassiness in my highlights was also toned down, and thanks to the smoother finish, my hair doesn’t take quite as long to blow-dry or style when I do decide to use heat tools.

OLAPLEX NO. 0 BOND BUILDING HAIR TREATMENT

The Olaplex No. 0 Bond Building Hair Treatment is a great first step to my Olaplex day of self-care. I apply the liquid to dry hair from root to tip, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and then apply the No. 3 Hair Perfector over the top. While you can technically use the No. 3 Hair Perfector without the No. 0 Bond Building Treatment, I find that the No. 0 enhances the No. 3’s powers, helping my strands to better absorb the formula and resulting in a smoother, softer, can’t-stop-feeling-my-own-strands finish.

OLAPLEX NO. 4 BOND MAINTENANCE SHAMPOO

This is the most luxurious shampoo ever. The texture of the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is so lush I only need a quarter-size amount to cover my strands from root to tip, and it lathers like a dream.

OLAPLEX NO. 5 BOND MAINTENANCE CONDITIONER

The thick, creamy consistency of the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is perfect for my dry, heat- and color-treated strands. Even on the days I don’t use the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, the conditioner makes my hair feel just as soft and hydrated.

OLAPLEX NO. 8 BOND INTENSE MOISTURE MASK

I typically like to alternate weeks of doing the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector with the Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask to help keep those bonds in my hair strong and aligned. When I don’t have time to do the full treatment, the mask is a worthy substitute with its rich, creamy texture that spreads easily over my strands. I’m pretty lazy when it comes to washing my hair (it’s thick—what can I say?), so my signature move is to wet my hair in the sink, spread the mask on over it, tie it up in a bun, and go run errands while my strands drink in all the goodness.

Up Next: Truly Everything You Need to Know About Eyebrow Tinting

Like most everyone last year, I had to learn to be flexible with my beauty routine. I swapped the nail salon for at-home manis, put facials on pause for DIY treatments, and even ditched the hair salon. It meant no fancy treatments, no fresh blowouts or styles, no feeling like I just walked out of an ad campaign, absolutely nothing. This made me realize that I needed to invest in a hair tool that was versatile and would give me the same post-salon feeling I was missing—even in a post-pandemic world (whenever that might be). All of my research led me to none other than the Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener ($500).

Trust me when I say this straightener is not your average hair tool. It checks off all the boxes and more, which warrants the price tag if you ask me. For starters, it uses intelligent heat control, which essentially responds to the thickness, texture, and length of your hair and automatically controls the temperature for optimal styling results. The flexing plates shape around the hair, gathering it neatly together on each pass for more control, meaning you can achieve the same style with less heat and up to half the damage compared to conventional solid plates. Oh, and did I mention that it's cord-free? With up to 30 minutes of cord-free run time! (Side note: Whenever it's not in use, keep it in the charging dock to maximize its cord-free run time.) If that's not enough to convince you of its true value, then maybe seeing content creator Keri Fay create five different curl and wave types using the Dyson Corrale will. 

This is Fay pre-waves and post-straightening her hair with the Dyson Corrale. "I have used some nice hot tools, but nothing has compared to this," she says. "It's so advanced and unlike anything I have ever used. Aside from using less heat on my hair, the cord-free feature is a game changer. I also love that I can keep it plugged in to its charging dock on my vanity when it's not in use." 

"Start at the roots, and place hair in the center of the plates. Rotate the straightener 360 degrees away from your face, slowly working your way down. Stop once you're almost at the end, as you want to keep this piece straight to give off a more effortless beachy vibe." — Fay 

"Start at the roots, and place the Dyson Corrale vertically on your hair. Add a section of hair to the center of the plates, and continually rotate the straightener away from your face as you glide it down slowly to the ends." — Fay 

"Start at the roots. Place the Dyson Corrale horizontally on your hair. Add a small section of hair to the center so the flexing plates can gather it. Turn your wrist inward and pull down. Then turn your wrist outward and pull down." — Fay

"This is very similar to the spiral curl, except instead of placing the Dyson Corrale vertically on your hair, you want to place it horizontally to add more volume and bounce. Again, start at the roots, and add a section of hair in the center of the plates. Continually rotate the straightener away from your face as you glide it down slowly to the ends." — Fay

"For this, you want to start by creating an S-like shape with your hair. Starting at your roots, place the hair in the center of the plates, clamp down, and hold for a few seconds. Slowly glide the Dyson Corrale down to the next section of hair on the same strand and repeat the previous steps until you get to the end." — Fay

Still on the fence about the Dyson Corrale because of the $500 price tag? We created a cost-per-style calculator below to show you just how smart of an investment it is. Not only can you straighten your hair, but you can create multiple other hairstyles using it—and feel good about it too. Essentially, the more styles you're able to create with the Dyson Corrale, the more the overall price per style goes down. 

Shop the Dyson Corrale 

• REVIEWS
• AUGUST 2, 2021

Facial Eczema Is Frustrating, But These Expert Tips Actually Work

by Kaleigh Fasanella 

Table of Contents

1. Causes of facial eczema
2. Symptoms of facial eczema
3. How to prevent and treat facial eczema

Currently, eczema impacts a whopping 31.6 million Americans nationwide in some capacity, albeit it’s no longer stigmatized the way that it once was. This is due in part to the increased awareness that’s spread via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where many folks have gotten candid about living with the chronic skin affliction and what it’s really like to treat every day. Yet despite the inflammatory skin condition being far more common and accepted in mainstream media now, it’s still no easy feat to deal with—especially if symptoms affect an area on the face, which tends to be much more sensitive and exposed to the elements than our limbs, thereby making it more visible and challenging to address. 

Typically, facial eczema presents in the form of dry, reddened patches of skin that are scaly, inflamed, and sometimes painful or leaky. In addition to being harder to treat, facial eczema can also be a major burden on many people’s mental health and overall well-being. For instance, similar to that of acne (which is the most common skin condition in the United States, with it affecting up to 50 million Americans), eczema on the face can be a serious blow to one’s self-esteem.

As frustrating as facial eczema can be though, it is treatable. To learn how to treat eczema on the face, we turned to none other than board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, for his expertise on the matter. Without further ado, keep on scrolling to learn about eczema on the face, including what causes it, the different types, and most importantly: how to effectively treat it.

What causes facial eczema?

Credit: @missenocha

Finney explains that eczema is often used as a diagnosis anytime someone has dry skin. "It’s classically used interchangeably with atopic dermatitis by dermatologists, but there are also other eczematous afflictions that occur on the face, such as seborrheic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis,” he says. 

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is considered the most common form of eczema in childhood, and it often occurs on the face—most commonly the eyelids, cheeks, and around the mouth. That said, aside from having a family history of atopic eczema or hay fever, the cause of it is largely unknown. "There should be no identifiable external cause of the dry skin in order to qualify as atopic dermatitis,” says Finney. "Symptoms are typically present in childhood, although they can sometimes present later in life, too.” Said symptoms include red, dry, flaky, and itchy skin, all of which can be exacerbated if someone has hay fever. 

Seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the scalp as dandruff, though Finney says it can also present as dry flaky skin in the eyebrows, on the sides of the nose, and in the mouth or beard area. It’s triggered by a host of factors, including sun exposure, certain foods, and the weather, as well as prolonged stress. This form of eczema can sometimes be quite mild, with a little dryness and flaking being the main symptoms—however, some do experience extreme discomfort from seborrheic dermatitis, especially when the eyelids are affected because they’re so sensitive and harder to treat. 

In regards to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, these are caused by exposure to common skin allergens found in everyday household and personal-care products. "We frequently see irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on the face, especially with the increase in products that contain many botanical ingredients,” says Finney. "The more extracts, fragrances, and ingredients present can increase the risk of these reactions, and if these are the cause of your facial rash, then the offending agent needs to be stopped before the rash will improve.” Finney recommends patch testing products on your arm as well as seeing an allergist who can help you determine the culprit.

What are the symptoms of facial eczema?

Credit: @mishti.rahman

While symptoms of facial eczema vary, some of the telltale signs include persistent dryness and red patches of flaky, irritated skin. These areas can sometimes become rough, bumpy, or blistered, depending on the severity of the outbreak. Additionally, some people deal with itchiness, as well as a stinging or burning sensation. And in more severe cases, people’s eyelids will swell and become super-inflamed. That or the skin will crack and bleed. 

One way to tell if you have seborrheic dermatitis is by examining the color of your flakes or scales, as they typically have a yellowish appearance. No matter what, if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, whether mild or severe, you should see a board-certified dermatologist in order to help determine the type of eczema you have—or if it’s something else, such as rosacea—along with the best way to treat it.

How do you prevent and treat eczema on the face?

Credit: @peonylim

"The goal of treating eczema, whether it’s on the face or on the body, is to protect the skin barrier, improve skin hydration, and reduce inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. To this point, Finney suggests dropping any harsh toners or exfoliating scrubs you’re using and substituting it for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip or further irritate the skin. Eager to learn about more actionable tips on how to treat eczema? Just keep on reading.

• Protect and strengthen the skin barrier with eczema-friendly moisturizers: In addition to using a gentle cleanser, Finney recommends moisturizing at least twice a day with a thicker, fragrance-free cream. A few of his favorites for facial eczema are La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5, Avene’s Tolerance Extreme Cream, and Vanicream, all of which contain soothing ingredients like dimethicone, shea butter, and panthenol. "Moisturizers should be fragrance-free,” adds Zeichner. "Consider products that have been shown to help benefit the skin’s microbiome, which we know is disrupted in conditions like eczema.” His top pick is La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Ultra Cream, as it uses an airless delivery system to prevent microbial contamination. That and it contains prebiotic thermal spring water that’s ultra-soothing.

• Invest in a humidifier: Both Finney and Zeichner recommend getting a humidifier for your room as a means of boosting moisture in the air, which can aid in relieving some of the symptoms of eczema, like dryness. (We love the Hey Dewy Portable Humidifier, the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool, and the Canopy humidifier.)

• Topical medications: "For more severe eczema or contact reactions, sometimes topical steroids are needed,” says Finney. "Hydrocortisone is an option that’s available over the counter—however, he says stronger preparations are sometimes required via prescription.” He says these medications should be applied underneath a moisturizer twice a day until your rash resolves. In addition, you shouldn’t use these steroids for more than 10 to 15 days a month, as overuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms. "There are steroid-sparing agents available via prescription that are used to treat eczema and help maintain clear skin in patients who frequently re-flare,” notes Finney. "Also, more data is coming out about the skin’s microbiome now and how adding topical probiotics can be helpful in some instances.”
• Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers: There are different components to treating facial eczema, says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, and a major one includes using gentle cleansers. "Cetaphil’s Gentle Daily Cleanser is a great one that won't strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Garshick, who also advises avoiding harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs that can disrupt the natural skin barrier. "Rather than using traditional bar soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils, for those who like bar options, I recommend using Dove Beauty Bar because it uses gentle surfactants to effectively cleanse, while also replenishing moisture, so it won't leave the skin feeling dry.”

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Growing up, I always wanted hair that I didn't have: straight and blonde. Instead, I had light-brown, wavy, frizzy locks that I absolutely hated. I did everything I possibly could to change it. There was that one time I had a friend glue extensions in. (All I really remember now is crying in the shower trying to get the glue out.) Then there was the time I insisted on dyeing my hair red with black tips while on vacation. (This was during a very questionable stage in my life.) And the time I was in ninth grade and went to a very fancy salon to have my color completely stripped and colored again. Not only did it take seven hours, but the bill was $700. Let's just say my dad was not happy when he picked me up.

All of this got me thinking about the bonds we all have with our hair. I sure as hell put mine through a lot, but in the last eight years, my relationship with it has totally blossomed. I wonder had there been a tool years ago like the Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener ($500) that uses intelligent heat control to automatically control the temperature based on my specific hair type and flexing-plate technology, which essentially gives more control on each pass, maybe I would have had a healthier relationship with my hair all along. Over the years, I've realized just how much my hair is part of my identity, a reflection of who I was at each stage in my life, and no matter how I feel about it at any given time, the bond I have with it can't be broken. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, which is why I tapped three women—Who What Wear market editor Indya Brown and content creators Natacha John and Melany Rodriguez—with different hair types to share their personal journeys and how they've learned to accept and love their locks too.

"I remember every Sunday I would sit on the living room floor between my mom's legs and she would braid my hair for the week. It was always such a long, tedious process but looking back it's such a sweet memory. I'm sure every Black girl can relate! I also bleached my hair to get golden-blonde curls. It was cute until it was fried! I love that now I feel like I have more options to switch up my hairstyle without seriously damaging or losing my natural curl pattern." — John 

"As I've gotten older, I've definitely learned to see the beauty in my hair in all its forms. I love how versatile it is and how tools like the Dyson Corrale have helped changed the relationship I have with my hair. It fits seamlessly in my hair routine and helps me have fun with my look without being too stressed that I might damage my natural curls, and it's all because of the flexing plates which make it easy to gather all of my hair and do less passes. I have 3b/3c curls, which is deceiving because my hair can get so big and look really full, but it's actually low-density. Because of my hair type, I use the 410-degree heat setting, but it always comes out so silky-smooth." — John

Editor's note: Flexing plates shape around the hair, gathering it neatly together on each pass for more control. This means you can achieve the same style with less heat and up to half the damage compared to conventional solid plates.

"I used to be hyper-fixated on having my hair 'done' at all times. I always believed that in order to go out or look presentable, my hair had to be in a very polished style. I would use so much excessive heat on my hair and then decided to bleach it platinum blonde. I had such terrible split ends you could honestly see them from a distance. I wish I would have realized much earlier on that my natural hair was just as beautiful and I didn't need to try to change it and damage it in the process. I want to scream this from the rooftops to all the little girls around the world who feel the same way I did." — Rodriguez

"As I've gotten older, I've become more conscious of what I use on my hair to avoid thinning and more damage. That's why I love the Dyson Corrale. It's helped me find my love for styling hair without feeling guilty. The technology is truly unlike anything I've ever used before, like the intelligent heat control that helps avoid excessive heat damage. I only had to use the 365-degree heat setting to get this wavy look! I took a piece of hair at my roots, placed it into the center of the plates, and worked my way down, rotating it at the ends to get the wave. It only took me 25 minutes—about half the time it'd take me using another tool." — Rodriguez 

Editor's note: Intelligent heat control essentially responds to the thickness, texture, and length of your hair and automatically controls the temperature for optimal styling results.

"I've always looked at my thick hair as a challenge. Having hair that's difficult to style definitely made me feel insecure. Something as simple as putting it in a ponytail required a lot of manpower and extra-thick scrunchies. Growing up, I definitely would think things like, If only I had a looser curl pattern, or If only my hair were less dense. Up until the age of 10, I always wore my hair curly and, during elementary school, mostly in cornrows or other elaborate braiding styles. Having silk-straight hair always seemed like a dream to me, but my mom never let me put in a relaxer to permanently straighten it.

"Around fifth grade, I went to a Dominican salon in the Bronx, and they applied a texturizer to my hair to loosen up my coily texture. I came out having silky-straight hair, and I remember once I went to school, everyone I ran into was shocked—it was like that Manny Degrassi moment. My straight hair was a hit with my classmates, but it sort of ruined my hair because I didn't know how to properly care for chemically treated hair at the time. But that didn't stop me. I started to religiously get relaxers for over a decade, and while it cut down on the time I spent styling my hair, in the end, my hair never truly felt healthy. I finally decided to stop getting them once and for all when I found that my relaxed hair didn't agree with tight braiding styles. It would just fall out in clumps after having it braided for weeks." — Brown

"Now, I've learned to embrace my hair and try to figure out what works harmoniously with it rather than try to make it something it's not. Occasionally, I wish I had a hair texture that would allow me to do wash-and-gos like it's nothing, but I realized when it comes to hair, the grass is always greener. That's why I'm so into the Dyson Corrale. It has saved me so much time. I would rarely straighten my hair because it always felt incredibly daunting to tediously detangle, blow-dry, and straighten it in small sections. But paired with the Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer ($400) and the comb attachment, the Corrale allows me to straighten my hair in half the time. I love that this combo gives me straight hair with lots of volume. After my hair is dry, I use the 410-degree heat setting to straighten it and pass it through my hair in small sections once. It's also great that I can do it cord-free for up to 30 minutes—long enough to complete my hairstyle!—because having a dangling cord wrap around your arms while passing it through is not fun!" — Brown

Editor's note: The Dyson Corrale has up to 30 minutes of cord-free run time. Whenever it isn't in use, keep it in the charging dock to maximize its cord-free run time. 

Do you remember that exciting day back at the end of June when we nicely asked our Instagram followers to vote on hairstyles they wanted to see come to life? I, for one, voted for a '90s-inspired 'do and beach waves, and it turns out most other people did as well, as they were the winning styles from our poll. Sure, on paper, they might sound standard, but it's more complicated than that. How do two people with very different hair types achieve the same look? By investing in the right tool.

One of the best ways to determine a straightener's effectiveness is to try it on different hair types, which is exactly why I tapped Who What Wear's wavy-haired editor in chief, Kat Collings, and curly haired fashion editor Anneliese Dominguez to put the Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener ($500) to the test. To no one's surprise, it lived up to the hype. Both were able to achieve the same styles on a lower heat setting all because of the flexing-plate technology and intelligent heat control, which essentially responds to the thickness, texture, and length of anyone's hair and automatically controls the temperature for optimal styling results. "It's like the machine is just smarter and knows how to adapt to (and make the most of) your hairstyling know-how. The technology basically transforms you into a hairdresser," says Collings.

I know it sounds too futuristic to be true, but it is, and Dominguez and Collings prove it below. Keep scrolling to see their takes on each hairstyle and why the Dyson Corrale is worth the investment.

"I have 3b/3c curls and love them, but sometimes I like switching things up. And since I'm a '90s baby, I was excited to do a straight style with a slight curl at the ends. I'm extremely cautious about putting heat on my curls, so really, the Dyson Corrale is a dream come true. I'm not worried about frying my hair at a temperature that's too hot since it uses intelligent heat control. Also the flexing plates help make it so my hair doesn't constantly fall out of the grasp of the straightener and I don't have to go over the same section of hair multiple times. All I did for this style was clip my hair into sections, place it on the center of the plates, and slowly glide the tool down and rotate it inward at the ends of my hair. It's easy—just look how good the style turned out! It feels polished and fun." — Dominguez 

Editor's note: Intelligent heat control essentially responds to the thickness, texture, and length of your hair and automatically controls the temperature for optimal styling results.

"This '90s-inspired style is sleek and straight and curled under at the ends. For my hair type, relatively straight hairstyles are pretty easy to achieve with a straightener. You just clamp and pull, right? But with the Dyson Corrale, I found that the little curl under at the ends of my hair (usually an opportunity for disaster with my old straightener) felt like it came out easily as a really pretty and natural curve. It was also exciting to see I could get really sleek results without so much heat. I was able to go about 70º lower than I normally do to get the same style, and it's because of my favorite feature: the flexing plates. Honestly, when I first heard of the feature, I was like, sounds cool, but not sure what it actually does or means. I still probably can't explain the mechanics of it, but I know that when using it, I felt like the straightener was shaping and gathering my hair, and voilà: impressive (for me) results. Previously, when using a hot straightener, I would often get unintended dents in my hairstyle because I didn't have great control of the device, but I felt protected from that with the Dyson Corrale. It sounds cheesy, but I'm honestly grateful I was introduced to it. I'd definitely wear this hairstyle every day because it was quick to execute." — Collings 

Editor's note: Flexing plates shape around the hair, gathering it neatly together on each pass for more control. This means you can achieve the same style with less heat and up to half the damage compared to conventional solid plates.

"If I'm being totally honest, I was a little nervous the beach waves were going to take me a long time to do, but to my surprise, they didn't. I clipped my hair into sections and placed one section at a time in the center of the Dyson Corrale's flexing plates, rotated it away from my face, and glided it down slowly. One of my favorite things about the Dyson Corrale is that I don't have to press down hard when gliding it through my hair." — Dominguez

"Before, when I used a straightener to get waves, it was always somewhat unpredictable. Sometimes, what I did looked pretty good, and other times, not so much! Using the Dyson Corrale definitely felt like an upgrade in terms of being able to get the look I wanted and with no real learning or skill upgrade on my part. I was so pleased with how it turned out! I felt like my waves felt uniform yet undone and effortless. My goal is to make beach waves look like an enhanced version of my natural air-dry texture (not like something I used a hot tool to achieve), and the flexing plates made it easy. My favorite tip for creating waves with a straightener is to imagine revving a motorcycle. The motion of flicking my wrist forward and backward is what I used to get my waves. I'd wear this hairstyle for occasions like attending a wedding or a big night out or, honestly, any day I want to feel extra confident." — Collings

"It's no secret that the Dyson Corrale is an investment, but if you use a straightener regularly or just want exceptional results when you do, I'd recommend it. My previous straightener was professional level, and not exactly affordable either, but I found that switching to the Dyson Corrale gets me better results. And the cord-free factor is huge. Besides just being convenient, it has unrestricted movement that actually helps increase control. Plus, lower heat means less damage. When you put all of these things together, the investment starts to make a lot of sense." — Collings

Who What Wear's senior market editor Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour is proof that you can get a lot done in 20 minutes. The effortlessly stylish editor—and busy new mom!—is notorious for being polished at all times, and she's here to tell us that it's all about having the right tools that allow her to multitask, like the Dyson Corrale™ Straightener ($500). "The cord-free flexibility is really a game changer," says Eshaghpour. "I have really long hair, and when I use other tools, I always get tangled when I try to do the longest pieces in the back." It also doesn't hurt that she can literally pick out an outfit as she styles her hair. (The tool has up to 30 minutes of cord-free run time.)

But the real kicker? The flexing-plate technology. "I've always loved how smooth a straightener makes my hair feel but was afraid of using one regularly because of the damage, so knowing that the Dyson Corrale can do the same job (but better) with less heat and less damage makes all the difference," she says. Here's how it works: The flexing plates shape around hair, gathering it neatly together on each pass for more control. This means you can achieve the same style but don’t have to use as much heat compared to conventional straighteners. "It makes me so much more comfortable using a straightener again," Eshaghpour shares. 

Here, she gives us a look into 20 minutes of her extremely efficient routine, where we get to see everything she can get done in a matter of minutes.

"We have a team happy hour this afternoon, so I've been making sure to stay on top of my timing all day so that I can finish my work beforehand. So far, things are looking good. Before I finish, I'm going to turn on my Dyson Corrale to style my hair because I was at the beach this weekend, so it's feeling a little flat and lifeless."

Editor's note: It only takes the Dyson Corrale 30 seconds to heat up. Once it's in the charging dock, plug it in, and set the temperature to your desired heat setting. Always start on a lower heat setting than what you typically use (thanks, flexing plates!), and turn the temperature up only if necessary. 

"Sure, it's a straightener, but I love using the Dyson Corrale to curl my hair, too. To get the perfect style, I usually wrap a small piece of hair at my roots around the back plate once, then slowly move the Dyson Corrale down my hair. It always leaves me with a tight curl, which I like to brush out to help soften it up."

Editor's note: Because Eshaghpour's hair is so thick, she uses the 410-degree setting.

"The weather in L.A. feels like it changes hourly, so I know I need another layer to go with my jeans and smocked black tank. Since it doesn't seem like it's going to get too cold tonight, I think I'll opt for an easy (and conveniently of-the-moment) button-down as my third piece. Best part? I can do it all with my Dyson Corrale in hand!"

Editor's note: Whenever the Dyson Corrale isn't in use, keep it in the charging dock to maximize its cord-free run time. 

"Sometimes I overbrush my curls and end up needing to give certain pieces a second pass. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to get it just right, and it's always so worth it. Plus, I'm not too worried about damaging my hair because I know I'm using less heat. When my hair is styled just the way I want it, it gives me so much more confidence in daily life, which is something you can't really put a price on."

"When I'm trying to keep my look casual, I always opt for a tinted brow gel, brown eyeliner, mascara, under-eye concealer, and a neutral lip. It's fast but also easy and impossible to mess up for a makeup novice such as myself. And I had to pair my low-key look with these low-heeled sandals that I pretty much wear nine out of 10 times I leave the house these days." 

"I want to perfect one curl before heading out the door, and thanks to the Dyson Corrale's cord-free feature I can do one more quick pass without being late." 

Editor's note: Because the tool has up to 30 minutes of cord-free run time, you can put it in its heat-resistant travel pouch and put it in your bag to take with you.

"And look at that—ready in under 20 minutes!"

If you've been on the fence about purchasing the Dyson Corrale, let this story be all the convincing you need. The cord-free feature gives you tons of flexibility and the flexing plates technology means you can achieve the same style with less heat and up to half the damage compared to conventional solid plates. It's definitely worth the investment! 

If there's anything I've learned over the last seven months, it's that I'm a creature of habit. My routines make me happy; I'm more productive when I actually get ready; and I've realized just how important a little self-care is. I'm starting to realize a lot of people are discovering the same thing about themselves. "Right now it's easy to let our favorite little rituals fall to the wayside," says Michaela Bushkin, my co-worker and the senior fashion editor at Who What Wear. "I've barely done anything to my hair during quarantine, and my mood has suffered because of it," she tells me. "But now I'm just so bored of wearing my hair straight all the time." She made it her mission to find a product that would give her a fresh new ’do without sacrificing the health of her strands. 

So she hit up Lauren Eggertsen, a close friend and fellow co-worker, for some advice. "I trust Lauren on pretty much everything from the fashion trends I should try to what to order at restaurants. She's never failed me." So she didn't think twice when Lauren suggested investing in a product from the experts in hair health, Dyson. The Dyson Airwrap™ styler—a tool that curls, waves, smooths, and dries hair all at once with no extreme heat—could be just the thing to help boost her mood and bring her hair back to life. If intelligent heat control and the Coanda effect (an aerodynamic phenomenon that attracts and wraps hair using only air) can't do it, nothing can. Did it work? Watch the IGTV above to find out, then simply keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide on how Michaela got her hair to look even better than after a trip to a salon.

Before jumping in, it's worth noting that the Dyson Airwrap comes with six styling attachments, meaning you can create a number of hairstyles using one tool. Every set comes with a pair of 1.2- and 1.6-inch barrels, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, a volumizing brush, and a pre-styling dryer. Now that that's out of the way, let's dive right into how to use it.

Start with wet hair and use the pre-styling dryer until your locks are 80% dry before attaching the 1.2 inch barrel.. Hair should be slightly damp before using a styling attachment because the Dyson Airwrap dries as it styles—the most genius feature.

Start on one side, using high heat and air, and make sure the arrows on the barrel are pointing away from your face. Hold a piece of hair to the mid-shaft, so the tip of your hair is able to wrap around the barrel using only air—this is known as the Coanda effect. Michaela wanted more casual loose waves, so she used the 1.2-inch-barrel styling attachment here.

Before you release the curl, it should be completely dry. Then, set your style with the cold shot for five to 10 seconds and turn the machine off. Repeat until this half of your hair is done.

Once you've finished one side, move onto the other. Switch out the barrels, so the arrows are pointing away from your face, and repeat the previous steps until this side is complete.

Spritz on some hairspray and that, my friends, is it. All in all this style takes Michaela 20 minutes, and as she puts it, the results are insane. "I’ll admit the tool is an investment, but I’m happier with the results than I am with a salon blow out. Unlike visiting a salon, I know exactly what I’m going to get and I can get the same look without extreme heat damage, so it’s really a win-win," says Michaela.

If you still need some convincing on making the investment, we did a cost-per-use analysis to make your decision very easy. Spoiler: It's worth it.

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Interested in the Dyson Corrale™ straightener? It's one Who What Wear editor's secret to having a good hair day.

For someone who has always worked from an office, these last six months of working from home have been a rollercoaster of emotions, and I don't even have kids. I have some guilt over feeling lucky in this scenario because I can't imagine the added layer of stress that comes with being responsible for another human right now. Finding the fine line between me time, work time, and kid time sounds like the perfect recipe for getting even the strongest person to crack, but not for my co-worker Judith Jones. "Towards the end of last year, I suffered major burn out, and realized then and there just how important it is to spend time on myself in order to be a better mom, wife, and all-round nicer and happier human being," she explains. "Even if it’s just 10 minutes, a little self-care time can change my whole outlook for the day."

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that Judith has been prioritizing self-care, and that always starts with her hair. "I'm focused on quality products that will save time, and I've found that the Dyson hair tools are the best investments if you want to look and feel confident with minimal heat damage and styling time," she tells me. After all, Dyson is the expert in designing tools that put hair health and functionality first. So it makes sense that Judith is especially drawn to the Dyson Corrale™ straightener, that uses flexing plates that shape to gather hair for more control, which means less heat and damage. Plus, it's cordless and gives her a lot of flexibility. "I love listening to a work call and doing my hair at the same time," she says. If you're as curious as I am about what a typical day actually looks like for Judith—and when she sneaks in these moments to give her hair some love—she takes us through it below.

Judith wakes up early, around 6 a.m., just so she's able to have some alone time. On a good day, she hops in the shower then dries her hair. "I used to always skip hair tools as it felt like a really arduous task that would take at least an hour to get my hair styled," she says. And after having her son, Judith's hair started growing in uneven tufts that made her hair super frizzy, so she was hesitant to do anything to it. Once the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer came into her life that quickly changed. "I don't have hours to spend on my hair, so the fact that I can actually get the job done in less than 10 minutes and quietly without waking my son is a miracle. Plus, my hair is always left so soft, smooth, and frizz-free," she says.

After alone time, Judith has to switch gears between childcare and work for the rest of the day. Next on the list? Cuddles and playtime with her son before sitting down to eat breakfast. Her WFH set up is actually really nice: She has a good-sized desk, desktop monitor, and laptop, so her workflow doesn't feel too different from when she's actually in the office. Work starts at 9 a.m., and she usually powers through edit pitches and articles before getting into an afternoon of meetings.

An afternoon of Zoom meetings inspires Judith to change and freshen up to look camera-ready: aka she straightens her hair and adds a light amount of makeup. "I just love how sleek and silky-smooth my hair looks after I straighten it, it really only takes me a few minutes to do, and the technology exposes my hair to less heat, which is a big deal for me," she says. That's one of the many amazing features of the Dyson Corrale; the plates flex so that they can gather around your hair, which delivers more control with styling; allows you to lower the temperature of the machine, exposing your hair to less heat; and prevents you from having to pass over your hair so many times. 

After a number of calls, Judith takes a much-needed break and fills up on a protein-packed lunch that'll keep her full until dinnertime. Usually, a walk around the block or a quick drive to her neighborhood coffee shop happens around now, too. Then, you guessed it—she's back at her desk working until 4 p.m., which is when she takes a daily walk with her son.

After some more playtime, Judith tries to squeeze in a virtual happy hour with friends or family but not before sprucing herself up. If you had a feeling she was going to use the Dyson Corrale to add some waves to her hair, you're absolutely right. "The cordless feature is a real advantage. I can be in any room and do my hair so quickly and easily, while checking in on my son or reading my work emails," she explains. A quick change of her top and her transition from "work Judith" to "evening Judith" is complete.

Judith and her family eat dinner and relax together, but as soon as her son is in bed, she squeezes a few more hours of work in because that's just what she has to do right now to get things done. All the more reason for her to prioritize "me" time whenever she can.

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Interested in the Dyson Airwrap™ styler, too? Here are seven cute and easy hairstyles you can create with the versatile hair tool.

2020 isn’t shaping up to be the year I thought it would be—and that’s the simplest and nicest way for me to put it. Among many things in life, my hair routine has been disrupted. No salon treatments, no feeling like I'm in a hair campaign thanks to a fresh blowout. Even though salons are starting to open across the country, who knows when things will be back to how they once were, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. 

My good friend and co-worker Natalia Sztyk has been raving about the Dyson Airwrap™ styler the tool that lets you curl, wave, smooth, and dry hair all at once with no extreme heat—all thanks to the Coanda effect, which attracts and wraps hair to the barrel using only air. Honestly I was surprised to hear she was using (and loving) it, since the last I heard she'd given up hot tools. Here’s a little backstory: A few years ago, Natalia dyed her hair ombré, and as much as she said she loved how it looked, the chemicals seriously damaged her locks. So last year, she decided to get her hair healthy again by taking it back to her natural black color and committing to air drying. When recently, Natalia felt ready to invest in a product that would help reduce hair breakage and damage, it only made sense to go with a hair tool from the experts in hair health—Dyson. Dyson has a team of experts that study in detail everything from thermal, mechanical, and chemical hair damage to airflow dynamics. "Before I felt like I had no option other than letting my hair air dry, but the Dyson Airwrap is a way to create hairstyles without extreme heat,” she tells me. "There are also so many different styling attachments [six to be exact], so you can create so many hairstyles and never get bored.” 

She had my attention, but a $550 price tag isn't a buy-on-a-whim situation. I really needed to be sure it's worth the investment. So, I did what I always do when I'm thinking about a big purchase: calculate what the cost per use would be over the course of a year and it's impressive. (Take a look for yourself above—even if I'm using it just once a month, it's more affordable than getting a blow-dry.) Natalia took it one step further by sending me pictures of all the salon-worthy hairstyles she created last week and the Dyson styling attachments she used for each. I'm sold and assume you will be, too, after you take a scroll…

I know Natalia is my friend and all, but how cute does she look? It's crazy how some hair volume and bounce can make a casual jeans-and-tee outfit look way more fun.

Get the look—soft waves: Natalia used the pre-styling dryer attachment, then the firm smoothing brush at her roots, and finished with the 1.2-inch barrel to curl her hair away from her face. "I brushed the curls out with my fingers for a more undone feel," says Natalia. 

Simple yet sophisticated and so easy, Natalia tells me. "I love that I was able to go from damp hair to smooth and straight so easily without extreme heat."

Get the look—smooth & straight: Natalia used the firm smoothing brush styling attachment from root to tip and repeated until all her hair was done. "It helps to section your hair, and focus on the bottom part before moving to the top," explains Natalia. 

I've known Natalia for years now, and I'm telling you she used to always wear her hair with beachy waves. So, I'm calling it: Now this is going to be her regular style again.

Get the look—beachy waves: After using the pre-styling dryer attachment, use the 1.2-inch barrel styling attachment with the arrows pointing away from your face. "I alternated the way each section was curled by changing the barrel directions because it made the style feel more relaxed and beachy," explains Natalia. 

If you don't live in Los Angeles, then you might not know we've been experiencing quite a heatwave. It only makes sense Natalia styled a 'do that was completely out of her face for a particularly warm day. It's definitely a nice way to spice up a regular ole ponytail.

Get the look—pony up: Natalia says she used the pre-styling dryer attachment and then both the 1.2-inch barrel and 1.6-inch barrel styling attachments to curl her hair before pulling it all back into a ponytail. Super easy and effective.

Okay, it legit looks like Natalia got her hair professionally blown out. This is the style that has 100% convinced me I need a Dyson Airwrap of my own.

Get the look—full-bodied volume: Natalia says she used the pre-styling dryer attachment and then the round volumizing brush styling attachment. "For this look it's important to get volume at the root, so lift hair at the crown, shaping and lifting side sections up and outwards."

To me, this looks like it must have taken forever to do, but Natalia assured me it was actually super quick and easy. "It reminds me of my wedding hair, so I felt super confident and happy all day long," she tells me.

Get the look—Hollywood waves: Natalia used the pre-styling dryer attachment and the 1.6-inch barrel styling attachment curling toward her face. "For a more voluminous feel, brush the curls out after," she says.

I love this final 'do. It looks like a combination of a few of the earlier ones: not as glam as Saturday's style but not as casual as Wednesday's. It's the perfect middle ground.

Get the Look—tousled texture: Natalia used the pre-styling dryer attachment and the 1.6-inch barrel styling attachment, alternating the barrel directions for a more undone, tousled look. "Don't forget to run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up," she says.

I don't know about you, but Natalia has totally sold me on the Dyson Airwrap. Sure, the price is an investment, but considering there are six styling attachments, the options for hairstyles feel endless. It's the versatility that's got me! Plus, even if I only used it once a month, it'd still be cheaper than getting a blowout. Who is with me?

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Interested in the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer, too? Associate fashion editor Anna Dominguez shares how it helped save her damaged her.

Our hair says a lot about us. It’s part of our identity—something that has been with us through thick and thin, quite literally, and is a direct reflection of who we are at each stage in our lives. Hair is a unique form of self expression; thus, it should always be celebrated. Every woman has a story about her hair, and to my good fortune, my lovely friend and co-worker Anna Dominguez, Who What Wear’s associate fashion editor, was down to chat with me about all things hair. Below, Dominguez shares her personal hair journey (and not to mention some extremely cute childhood photos) in hopes of inspiring others to embrace their natural texture.

When Dominguez was a little girl, all she wanted was to snap her fingers and suddenly have different hair, especially when she was around her crush or girls she thought were cooler than her. "I always envied my friend in high school who had long, perfectly straight hair because everyone always gave her the attention," Dominguez tells me. "I know it’s silly to say now, but growing up, there weren’t a lot of boys who had crushes on me because—I felt—I looked different.” This feeling of being out of place was present for Dominguez from a young age, which ultimately led her to experiment with a number of hair treatments, tools (like straightening her hair every single day for years), and hair dyes (including bleach!) in order to feel as if she fit in better with her white peers. Not surprisingly, her strands were left dry, brittle, and downright damaged. It wasn’t until just a couple of years ago, when Dominguez was 22 that she really felt ready to embrace her hair in its most natural form. "I was sick of always needing to cut off more length than I wanted, and deep down I just knew that I needed to preserve the health of my hair," Dominguez tells me. 

The best part about accepting her curls is her newfound hair health. "I cry happy tears every time my hairdresser comments on how healthy my hair is getting,” says Dominguez. But she can’t take all the credit—in fact, she says that it's the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer she'd mostly thank. Yes, a hair dryer of all things. "Not only does it take like five minutes to style my towel-dried hair using the diffuser, but it also helps define my natural curl pattern, and the heat control protects against extreme heat damage.” And for someone who has put her hair through a lot over the years, nothing is more comforting than knowing she won't be anymore.

Hair has been a part of Dominguez's identity for as long as she can remember. Before school, her mom would use No More Tangles on her mane just so she was able to tame it. Dominguez hated how long it took to get ready in the mornings, how unpredictable and frizzy her curls were, and how different she looked from everyone else. "I never saw a celebrity who looked like me and wore their hair curly," explains Dominguez. "If a Black woman wore her hair curly, it was considered unkempt or unprofessional." It's one of the many reasons Dominguez found it hard to manage her own curls. "Society has instilled this idea that straight hair is the better look, and it's something I struggled with until fairly recently."

So, Dominguez did what so many kids do: try to change who she was. The first time she was introduced to a hair straightener, she was at the mall with her mom and a salesperson at a kiosk lured them over. 40 minutes later, Dominguez felt like a brand new person with stick-straight locks. "I couldn't stop running my fingers through my hair and thinking that this is what my friends get to feel regularly. I would always get compliments about how beautiful my hair looked when it was straight, so it was hard for me not to think that my curls were less desirable."

Looking back now, Dominguez tells me she's bummed that she ever felt she was inferior because of something like her appearance. "I wish I could tell my younger self that my curls, skin, and features are what make me so unique."

Even as she got older and people started to compliment her curls, Dominguez never believed them because of her own insecurities. It wasn't until she started dating her boyfriend that her mentality changed. "Early into our relationship, I remember freaking out because we had an event to go to and I was worried I wouldn't have enough time to straighten my hair beforehand. I was in the middle of some crazy rant, and he interrupted me to tell me how beautiful he thought my curls were," says Dominguez. "He was actually the first person to say he preferred them to my straight hair." It was the confidence boost she needed to help flip the narrative, let go of the beliefs that were holding her down, and get to where she is today.

And today looks a lot different than it did 10 years ago. Dominguez's hair is a top priority now. She rarely straightens it, takes biotin supplements every day, and invests in products like the Dyson Supersonic that prevents extreme heat damage, protects natural shine, and helps define her curls. "I never used to diffuse my hair because it was hard to maintain my curl shape, and it'd just take too long and end up looking like a frizzy mess," Dominguez says. But now with a healthier head of hair and a new perception of beauty, Dominguez feels that anything is possible. "I realize now that the weight of my appearance doesn't even come close to what I have to offer with my intelligence, personality, and compassion," she says. "If only I was able to come to this realization earlier in life." But hey, better late than never, right?

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If you’re not overly familiar with Dyson haircare, let me offer you a brief overview. Back in 2016, the brand, previously known for crafting high-end vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, and fans, launched into beauty with the Supersonic Hair Dryer ($399). It promised intense power with minimal noise and, most importantly, minimal heat damage. Then, two years later in 2018, it released potentially one of the most innovative hair tools that the industry had ever seen, the Airwrap ($549): a multi-use tool (again with minimal heat) that offers a full blow-dry experience at home by utilizing an air-flow Coanda effect for bouncy curls. In short, Dyson's track record means that when the brand talks, we listen. 

A small caveat, however, is that Dyson haircare products are exceptionally expensive. The Supersonic will set you back a cool $400, while the Airwrap varies in price from $500 to $550, depending on attachments. With that being said, I’m not ashamed to say I genuinely believe that when it comes to Dyson, you get what you pay for. Since switching to Dyson hair tools, not only is the condition of my hair so much better, but my styling game has improved tenfold. So when I discovered that Dyson was launching a new hair tool, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

The new Dyson Corrale is a hybrid cordless hair straightener that promises quicker styling with half the damage of a standard-plated straightener. And sure, when I heard about it, I was intrigued. However, initially, something didn’t quite sit right with me. My go-to straighteners cost a mighty $250 and have never let me down. I don’t feel like they damage my hair too much, and I don’t really have any gripes (although a cordless option would be amazing). So when I discovered that the Corrale is the first Dyson hair tool to ditch the air technology that I know and love in order to produce a heat-reliant hair straightener that costs an eye-watering $500, I questioned my need for such a thing.

But then I tried it, and I really started to understand what all of the fuss was about. Unlike normal straighteners (although it does curl too, by the way), the Corrale utilizes patented flexing, micro-hinged plate technology, which works to shape and gather every strand of hair to prevent them from splaying and pulling. In practical terms, this basically means that one glide is enough to create straight, sleek lengths with no snagging, no pulling, and no need to go over sections more than once, drastically minimizing heat damage. Essentially, the flexi-plates mean the level of heat required for maximum results is much lower than a conventional straightener. Plus, with three heat options, there really is no hair type that the Corrale doesn’t work for—from tight, coarse curls to thin, fine strands.

And it really does make a difference. When I first sat down in the stylist’s chair (this was pre–social distancing), my hair was not in a good way. It looked dry, frizzy, and like it needed a serious deep-conditioning treatment. When I first saw the Corrale, I was blown away by how chunky it is. In its charging dock, it looks like it could be some sort of weapon. However, once you actually pick it up and get it in your hands, it’s not quite as heavy and cumbersome as you’d expect. It’s heavier than your average pair of straighteners, sure, but it’s by no means uncomfortable to use. Then the stylist informed me that should you wish to use the Corrale as a wireless, battery-operated straightener, you simply detach the magnetic cord for 30 minutes of cord-free styling when fully charged. The weight suddenly makes sense. 

As the flexi-plates grabbed hold of each section and worked their magic, I genuinely could not fathom how seamless and easy each stroke was. Within a matter of minutes, every single strand on my head looked sleek, glossy, and poker-straight. I looked like a totally different woman compared to the flustered Stig of the Dump character that had turned up just five minutes earlier. I was impressed, to say the least.

But as I stared at my glass-like lengths, I just couldn’t seem to shake off the fact that in order to achieve such a finish, I’d had to spend $500. For someone who doesn’t use straighteners (or any hair tool for that matter) every day, the Corrale seems like a reckless investment. However, if you ever find yourself worried about the amount of heat damage you’re putting your hair through or are simply looking for a quicker, easier way to achieve sleek strands, the Corrale is absolutely worth your time and money.

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This post originally appeared at an earlier date on Who What Wear UK, and has since been updated. Up next, six easy ways fashion girls are styling their hair right now.

As a beauty editor, one of the most common things I get asked about are Dyson's hair tools. Questions like, "Is the Dyson Airwrap worth it?" or, "Is the Dyson Supersonic the best hair dryer?" And with the launch of the Airstrait, the buzz around Dyson's hair tools has never been louder. Which is why I was excited to get my hands on the Dyson Corrale Straightener, to truly test first-hand if it's the best hair straightener around. I thought it was the perfect time to spend a couple of weeks putting them through their paces. Scroll ahead for my honest review with before-and-after pictures.

Dyson Corrale Hair Straighteners Review

Dyson Corrale Technology

Okay, so let's talk through some of the features that command the Corrale's eye-watering price tag. The first point of difference from other straighteners is that the Dyson Corrale is cordless. A big win, if, like me, you hate being tethered to a plug socket. These straighteners really do grant you the freedom to do your hair anywhere that a cord might otherwise limit you. From a full charge, you get 30 minutes of cord-free styling time, and depending on the thickness, length and texture of your hair, this could be a hindrance. It takes 70 minutes for the straighteners to reach full charge after the battery runs out.

This brings me to another neat feature. The Corrale has a Flight Ready mode, which disconnects the battery, allowing you to safely carry it on board in your hand luggage (though this doesn't apply if you're flying to or from Japan, where airline rules differ) without the worry of it turning on mid-flight. The straighteners also feature a sliding lock mechanism that safely closes the plates together when not in use, and it turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity—a great plus for peace of mind when leaving home.

Dyson Corrale Plates and Heat Settings