I used the new Dyson Airwrap i.d. for three months – here's why it's replaced every other hair tool on my shelf

Luxury meets next-level tech

T3 Platinum Award
 Dyson Airwrap i.d.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
T3 Verdict

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. has truly raised the bar in the hair styling world. It’s lighter, smarter, and more personalised than ever, with game-changing i.d. technology that takes the guesswork out of styling. The attachments are easy to use and provide lots of versatility, for whichever look you're going for. Safe to say, it’s earned a permanent spot on my dressing table.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Impressive i.d. technology

  • +

    Brilliant attachment range

  • +

    Oh so premium

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Eye-wateringly expensive

  • -

    Time-consuming (if using the i.d. technology)

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Trying out hair styling tools is still one of my all-time favourite parts of the job, and not just because I’m constantly on the hunt for the best one. Over the past few years, we’ve seen some seriously impressive newcomers hit the market, most of them clearly by the original Dyson Airwrap first launched in 2018.

Fast forward almost six years, and Dyson has finally unveiled a major upgrade – and let me tell you, the game has officially changed. The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is the brand’s first-ever connected hair tool, and yes, it’s every bit as smart as it sounds.

If you know how we roll here at T3, anything that makes life a little easier (and smarter) gets an immediate gold star from us. You can read my full review below, but spoiler alert – this is Dyson at its absolute best.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: price and availability

The Airwrap i.d. comes in at a whopping £479.99/$599.99, which makes it the most expensive hair styler on the market right now. However, before you gasp too loudly, it's worth noting that it reflects two things: the Dyson brand, and the impressive functionality it offers – which I’ll get into shortly.

There are two configurations depending on your hair type. The Straight & Wavy options comes with a larger barrel and a soft smoothing brush, and the Curly & Coily includes a diffuser and a conical barrel designed specifically for textured hair.

Dyson also offers the Airwrap i.d. in several colourways, including Ceramic Patina & Topaz, Vinca Blue & Topaz, and the hugely popular Strawberry Bronze & Blush Pink. I’ve been testing the Jasper Plum version, and I think it's my favourite so far.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: design and features

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. has had a major design upgrade from the original model. It’s a lot sleeker and now comes with a premium matte finish, and it's almost 1kg lighter as well.

However, the real game-changer is the i.d. curl technology. Syncing with the MyDyson app, it customises each styling sequence depending on your hair type and goals. If you’re not confident in your technique or just want styling to be a bit more foolproof, this is a dream come true.

The controls are simple, and the three sliding buttons (heat, airflow and power/i.d. mode) are positioned smartly near the top, so you won’t accidentally change them mid-style.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)

Dyson’s Intelligent Heat Control checks the temperature 40 times per second, so you never go above 150°C. This means less damage and better long-term results, especially helpful if you style regularly. The app even tailors heat settings in real-time based on your hair profile.

Other handy features include cool-touch tips for safe barrel changes, a lengthy cord and a power button lock to avoid any annoying mid-style shutoffs.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: attachments

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. Straight & Wavy is designed to help you nail volume, smoothness, curls or waves, and the attachments in this version are specifically made to make that happen.

For starters, it comes with two barrels. The 30mm Canonical Barrel has a tapered end that's perfect for creating tighter curls, and the 40mm Long Barrel is ideal for soft, loose curls with a bouncier finish.

Both barrels feature a Direction Control Switch, so you can just flick it to swap curling directions depending on which side of your face you're styling.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Canonical Barrel (right) and Long Barrel (left)

(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)

There’s also the Coanda Smoothing Dryer, which is great for rough-drying before you start styling mode, and for smoothing down flyaways when you're done.

Then there's the Fast Dryer, which does exactly what it says on the box. I tend to reach for this one when I’m fresh out the shower and just need to blast my hair dry before bed.

Brush-wise, the Soft Smoothing Brush is ideal if you want a sleek look without sacrificing volume, straightening gently whilst keeping your natural bounce.

The Round Volumising Brush, on the other hand, gives that blowdry root lift and shape, and I’ve been using it constantly when I need to look half-presentable but only have five minutes.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Soft Smoothing Brush (left) and Round Volumising Brush (right)

(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: performance

Using the Dyson Airwrap i.d. has honestly been a bit of a game-changer and it’s become one of those tools I now can’t imagine my routine without. It’s quietly replaced almost every other styler I used to keep on my dressing table – though the Dyson Airstrait still has a place (for now).

Setting up the MyDyson app was super simple, and it only took a minute or so to create my hair profile. Once that was done, I felt confident that the tool knew what it was doing with my hair, and I even started picking up techniques I’d never used before, just from following the i.d. technology prompts.

That said, I’ll admit I usually save the full i.d. sequence for when I’ve got time to spare. It does take a little bit of time, especially when you're first adjusting.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)

As for the attachments, they all clip on super easily. Of course, I’ve got my go-tos – like the round volumising brush I mentioned – but every one of them has its place. There isn't a single one I haven't used, which is probably the first time that's ever happened.

When it comes to results, I’ve genuinely been really impressed. If you’ve got fine hair like me, you’ll probably find that the curls do start to drop after a few hours, and they’re not as long-lasting as what you’d get from a traditional curling tong. However, using a tool like the Airwrap i.d. is so much gentler on your hair, so it really comes down to what your priorities are.

That said, I did notice that the curls lasted noticeably longer than they have with other similar multi-stylers I’ve tried, and I’m putting that down to the i.d. technology. Check out my video below to see the Airwrap i.d. in action:

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Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: verdict

Overall, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. has seriously raised the bar for what a styling tool can do. It’s beautifully designed, lighter than the original, and packed with genuinely clever features that make styling feel easier, smarter and lots more personalised. The i.d. technology is a total game-changer, especially if you’re someone who wants a bit of extra guidance when it comes to technique or choosing the right settings for your hair.

The attachments are intuitive to use and offer loads of versatility, whether you're after volume, bounce, waves or a sleek finish. I won’t pretend it’s my go-to when I’m in a rush, but for those slower, more luxurious get-ready moments, it absolutely shines. For me, it’s earned its permanent spot on my dressing table.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: alternatives to consider

If I'm being honest, there’s not much on the market right now that competes with Dyson i.d. at this level. I do have a lit of the best alternatives to the original Airwrap, but when it comes to the i.d. tech specifically, this tool is still in a league of its own.

That said, a couple of contenders do stand out. The Shark FlexStyle is a great example, and it has similar attachments and costs nearly half the price, though you don’t get the same advanced smart features.

Another one worth a look is the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler. It includes six attachments and they all have a ceramic coating to help avoid overheating. It even looks pretty premium, just like the Airwrap i.d.

TOPICS
Lizzie Wilmot
Staff Writer, Home

Lizzie is T3's Home Living Staff Writer, covering the latest in style, wellness and beauty tech. From skincare gadgets to vacuum cleaners, she's your go-to for trends and top recommendations.

When not writing, Lizzie enjoys mooching around Bath, spending time with loved ones, or testing her review units – often during an enthusiastic cleaning spree!

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