The Airwrap: Kit Essential or Luxurious Addition?
Is the Dyson Airwrap Worth the Hype? A Comprehensive Review
Let's talk about the Airwrap—a game-changer in the world of hairstyling. But is it a must-have essential in your kit, or more of a luxurious treat? Well, let's dive in and explore.
Around twelve months ago, I decided to invest in the Airwrap, primarily lured in by its brush attachment. I'll admit it, laziness was the main driver behind my purchase. With the resurgence of bouncy blow waves, I was on the hunt for a shortcut, an escape from the labour-intensive process of traditional blowouts.
And let me tell you, the Airwrap delivered exceptional volume—the lazy girl's dream! But here's the thing—it didn't quite live up to the hype when it came to achieving that superior blow wave compared to the traditional brush and dryer method.
One of the drawbacks I found was that it doesn't get as close to the roots, and the longevity just isn't the same as when using a round brush and allowing the hair to set. Initially, my plan was to smooth with the round brush attachment and then switch to the Airwrap attachment for added volume. While it does work, the longevity doesn't quite match up to the good old brush and blow dryer combo.
However, I've discovered that this is only a concern when working in the event and bridal space, where style longevity is key. On commercial jobs, where time is of the essence and a more undone look is desired, the Airwrap shines. The large Airwrap attachment allows for a bouncy blow wave that adds movement and frames the model's face beautifully.
The process I used to create a commercial bouncy blow wave:
1. Quick round brush blow wave to smooth out the hair and lift the roots. You could use the round brush attachment, but I'm fast with a brush and blow dryer.
2. I use the large Airwrap attachment to go through and set the hair. I clip it up and allow it to cool.
I chose this technique due to timing, and both models had hair that held well.
If I have space, I pack this for every job. When I'm traveling light, it gets left in the car or at home.
In my opinion, the Airwrap has played a significant role in the resurgence of the '90s blow wave. It gives consumers the opportunity to achieve a salon-grade finish at home, provided they're willing to put in the effort to learn and if their hair type is, you know, that perfect blowable hair.
However, if you're a beginner at hair styling, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a shortcut. I handed my Airwrap to an assistant on set once, and let me tell you, it wasn't exactly a pick-up-and-go kind of tool. It still requires sectioning and the ability to work with hair and apply tension effectively.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room—the price tag. At $900, it's certainly an investment. If you're considering purchasing the Airwrap, it's worth exploring other options, such as the Shark, which comes in at $399.
In conclusion, the Airwrap is undoubtedly a fantastic tool for achieving salon-worthy styles at home, but whether it's an essential kit item or a luxurious addition depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Happy styling! Let me know if you have any other questions.