Dyson Airwrap alternatives worth a look

What you are replacing

The Airwrap Complete Long listing describes the Coanda effect, which uses air to attract and wrap hair around the barrel, a Dyson digital motor V9 spinning up to 110,000rpm and generating 3.2kPa, intelligent heat control that measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second, negative ions, three airflow speeds and three heat settings.

So an Airwrap alternative should match the job you care about: air curls (wrapping without clamping), blowout and volume (round or oval brush), or drying (a dryer attachment). Few tools match all three. Decide which one you use most. For a full rundown of Dyson's own lineup, see Dyson Airwrap models explained.

Spec table: the Airwrap and three listed alternatives

All rows come from the Amazon listings. Prices are listing prices at the time of writing.

ghd Duet Blowdry: the closest blowout alternative

The ghd Duet Blowdry is built to take hair from wet to blow dried in one step. ghd says its Heat-Air Xchange Technology delivers powerful drying at a consistent low temperature of 248°F, with snag-free heated bristles and an elliptical barrel for smooth, voluminous styles. It uses a compact brushless motor and an acoustic system for quieter use, and comes with a cleaning brush, a heat-resistant bag, a 30-minute auto sleep mode and a 2-year warranty.

It will not make air-wrapped curls. For smooth, bouncy blowouts it is the most direct swap for the Airwrap's brush attachments. See all ghd options in our ghd hair dryer guide.

Drybar Triple Shot and T3 AireBrush Duo: flexible brushes for less

The Drybar Triple Shot comes with interchangeable small round, oval and paddle attachments. Drybar matches them to defined curls, body and straight styles. It lists Ionic Technology, strategically placed vents, three heat settings plus cool airflow.

The T3 AireBrush Duo has two interchangeable heads, T3's IonFlow technology, five heat settings and three speed settings, a rotating cord and up to a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Both cost about a third of the Airwrap Complete Long at the listed prices. They make bends and soft curls with a round head, but they work like brushes, not like air curlers. For more picks see best blow dryer brushes and Drybar hair tools.

See the best blow dryer brushes →

Shark FlexStyle and Laifen: multi-styler alternatives

If air curling is the point, you need a multi-styler, not a brush. Shark FlexStyle is the most common one compared with the Airwrap. Shark markets it as an air styler and hair dryer in one, with a body that pivots between a dryer position and a styler position and auto-wrap curl attachments. We do not list it, so its price, motor and heat specs are not confirmed here. Our Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle page goes deeper.

Laifen also sells hot air stylers alongside its dryers. Laifen advertises high-speed brushless motors and multiple attachments. Specific models, attachment sets and prices change, and none are confirmed here, so check Laifen's site for the current version.

With either brand, check that it includes the attachments you will use, like curl barrels in both directions or a diffuser.

Note.Specs for Shark and Laifen products are taken from what those makers publish and are not confirmed by our listings. Check the maker's current product page before buying.

How to choose

Start with the style you wear most days, then set your budget and check which attachments you need.

1. 1

   Want smooth volume most days: pick a blow dryer brush. ghd Duet Blowdry for low-temperature drying, Drybar Triple Shot or T3 AireBrush Duo for variety at a lower price.

2. 2

   Want air-wrapped curls and waves: look at the Airwrap itself, or Shark FlexStyle and Laifen stylers as lower-cost multi-stylers.

3. 3

   Want both curls and a dryer in one premium tool: the Airwrap Complete Long, or the newer Airwrap Co-anda2x.

4. 4

   Not sure: use our styler finder to match a tool to your hair type and length.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Dyson Airwrap dupe? It depends on what you use the Airwrap for. For blowouts, a blow dryer brush like the ghd Duet Blowdry is the closest match. For air curls, a multi-styler such as Shark FlexStyle is the usual comparison.

Can a blow dryer brush make curls like an Airwrap? A round head can add bends and soft curls, but it does not wrap hair with airflow the way Airwrap barrels do. For defined curls, use a multi-styler or a curling tool.

Is the ghd Duet Blowdry safe on damaged hair? ghd lists a consistent low temperature of 248°F and calls it no heat damage styling. Lower, steady heat is generally gentler than very high heat, but use heat protection either way.

Is the Airwrap still worth it over the alternatives? If you use curls, brushes and drying together, one Airwrap replaces several tools. If you only use one function, an alternative usually gives better value. See is the Dyson Airwrap worth it.