Latest from TechRadar AU in Hair-care

This travel hair dryer is so good, I gave away my full-size one and never looked back

catherine.ellis@futurenet.com (Cat Ellis) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

If you're not a wash-and-go type of person, you need a travel hair dryer — and if you pick the right one, you might never go back to your full-size one. I recently switched my mini travel styler for the light and breezy T3 Afar, and I was so impressed, I've realised it's all I need — and you might too.

My first travel hairdryer (a little Remington model) was very simple — it had one speed and one temperature, but it folded down small enough to stick in a bag with relative ease, and it was a big improvement on the offerings in most hotels.

Hotel dryers usually fall into two categories: either they blast you with a jet of desert air, or they’re so underpowered that they only wheeze warmly in your general direction. You’ll usually find the holiday hairdryer in a drawer, nestled in a drawstring bag, but if you’re unlucky, then the dryer might be tethered to the wall using a coiled cable like an old phone handset. Want to style your hair over by the window, in the natural light? Not a chance.

(Image credit: Future)

Even a basic travel dryer will make your life easier and your hair happier, and today's portables are a far cry from my fold-away Remington. Now you can expect adjustable heat and speed to protect your scalp, and ionic technology for smoother results (the only thing flying away should be you).

Opting for a travel dryer doesn’t mean simplifying your styling, either. The T3 Afar is available with an optional diffuser for drying curls, and the Dyson Supersonic Travel (which launched just a few weeks ago) is compatible with all regular Supersonic and Supersonic Nural attachments, including the wide-toothed comb and concentrator nozzles.

The best travel dryers also offer universal voltage, so the appliance automatically adapts wherever you go. You might need to pop a small plug converter into the dryer's carry case, but that’s all.

(Image credit: Future)

All of this comes in an appliance that’s small, lightweight, and tough enough to survive being thrown around in a suitcase. They’re so good, in fact, that after trying the T3 Afar, I realized that I simply didn't need anything else.

A travel hair dryer has advantages at home, too — particularly if you live in a small apartment where storage is scarce. Having only a travel dryer means I can stash it in my nightstand rather than leaving it out, and the Afar has a handy cable tidy to keep everything neat, too. No more tangled cables for a hungry robot vacuum to try to swallow.

Finally, if you're still not convinced, travel dryers are usually less expensive than their full-size counterparts, too. The Dyson Supersonic Travel is $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$449, while the standard Dyson Supersonic Origin is $419.99 / £279.99 / AU$599. The T3 Afar is $199.99 / £159.99 (about AU$280), while the bigger T3 Airluxe is $224.99 / £199.99 (about AU$320).

Next time you're looking to replace your hairdryer, you should seriously consider making it a portable one. Your hair and wallet will be happier for it.

The Dyson Supersonic Travel is proof you don't have to sacrifice hair health on holiday

Victoria Woollaston — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Dyson Supersonic Travel: two-minute review

As the name suggests, the Dyson Supersonic Travel is a scaled-down, travel-friendly version of Dyson's now-iconic Supersonic dryer, redesigned to fit in your luggage. It's 32% smaller and 25% lighter than the original, weighing just 0.7lbs / 330g, and it automatically adapts to any voltage between 100 and 240V without any fiddly switches or converters.

It offers the same 110,000rpm motor and intelligent heat control technology as seen on the full-size Nural, measuring air temperature over 100 times a second to avoid extreme heat damage. You get three heat settings and two airflow speeds, controlled via buttons on the cylindrical head and LEDs show you which setting you're on, at a glance.

The Travel ships with a magnetic smoothing nozzle in the box but is also compatible with any and all existing Supersonic Nural attachments, which is a useful detail if you already own the Nural or if you need a range of alternative nozzles.

The Travel ships with a magnetic smoothing nozzle in the box (pictured) but is also compatible with any and all existing Supersonic Nural attachments (Image credit: Future)

In testing, drying was noticeably faster than a typical hotel dryer, and faster than some cheaper, regular hair dryers. It took around four minutes on my fine, mid-length, curly hair and the results were smooth. Dyson is upfront that airflow isn't quite as powerful as its full-size range and it is noticeable, but not a dealbreaker for my hair type. I imagine it will soon frustrate anyone with thicker or longer hair, though.

The price is where things get complicated. At $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$449, the Supersonic Travel sits at the very top of the travel dryer market. The ghd Flight+ does the same basic job, albeit it with some more fiddly controls, for $129 / £79. The most like-for-like is the Dreame Pocket Pro and even that only pushes the price to $159.99 / £149.

By almost any normal dryer standards, the Supersonic Travel is a well-designed, well-built and powerful contender in the hunt for the best hair dryers. It more than holds its own and there are very few sacrifices to make. This performance goes a long way towards justifying the higher cost, but even then it's still a tough price pill to swallow unless you're a frequent traveler.

The Supersonic Travel is unmistakably a Dyson, from the pink and rose gold accents to the same circular head above a narrow handle (Image credit: Future)

Dyson Supersonic Travel: price & availability

List price: $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$449
Availability: US, UK, Australia

The Supersonic Travel sits at the top end of the travel dryer market – and then some. It's almost three times the price of the GHD Flight+ and twice the price of the Dreame Pocket Pro. In fact, it's not too far off the price of the original Supersonic, which still retails for $399.99 / £279.99 (although is often on sale for less).

It is, however, notably cheaper than its siblings and Dyson's flagship models, the $449.99 / £399.99 / AU$749 Supersonic Nural and the Supersonic r that retails for $549.99 / £449.99 / AU$799.

The Supersonic Travel is available from Dyson, as well as Amazon, Boots and Cult Beauty in the UK; Amazon and Best Buy in the US; and JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman in Australia.

The most obvious budget alternative is the ghd Flight+ at £79 / $129 / AU$159 – a foldable travel dryer with dual voltage, albeit without auto-adapting voltage (you need to use a coin to switch modes) and no wider attachment compatibility.

The Dreame Pocket Pro ($159.99 / £149) is a more interesting comparison: it's lighter (at 300g), similarly auto-adapts to global voltage, and comes with a more generous attachments bundle. It's also foldable, whereas the Dyson model isn't.

Neither the GHD or Dreame models match the Dyson for brand heritage or the intelligence of the heat control system, but both are meaningfully cheaper.

Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Dyson Travel Supersonic specs

Model:	Dyson Supersonic Travel
Wattage:	1,000-1,220W
Weight (without cord, appox):	0.7lb / 330g
Size (H x W x L, approx):	2.7 x 2.8 x 8.7in / 6.8 x 7.1 x 22.2cm
Airflow settings:	2
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot
Cord length:	6.6ft / 2m
Attachments:	Styling concentrator (include in box); Travel also compatible with all Dyson Supersonic and Supersonic Nural attachments (sold separately)

Dyson Supersonic Travel: design

Classic Dyson-style cylindrical head design
32% smaller, 25% lighter than Supersonic
Three heat settings, two airflow speeds, controlled via buttons on head
Universal voltage auto-adapts from 100–240V
Reviewed in Ceramic Pink / Rose Gold with styling concentrator

The Supersonic Travel is unmistakably a Dyson device, from the pink and rose gold accents to the same circular head above a narrow handle.

The biggest difference, visually, is in size. The Travel is 32% smaller (2.7 x 2.8 x 8.7in / 6.8 x 7.1 x 22.2cm) and and 25% lighter (0.7lbs / 330g) than the original Supersonic, but doesn't lose any of the essence. I'd be as bold to say it's the best-looking travel dryer I've ever tested.

Despite the size difference, the dryer still feels well-balanced. It doesn't fold in half like the GHD Flight+ or Dreame Pocket Pro, to name two rivals, but the whole design is sleek and compact enough to drop into a handbag or carry-on regardless. The only thing that really gets in the way is the chunky 6.6ft / 2m cord.

There's no travel case in the box, which at this price feels like a miss, particularly when the ghd Flight+ includes one at a fraction of the cost. Even a bag as standard, to protect what is far from a cheap dryer, would suffice but instead you have to pay an additional $39.99 / £45 for the privilege of a travel pouch.

On the back of the cylindrical head, the airflow button sits on the left with the temperature button on the right. Each button has a row of LEDs above it (Image credit: Future)

To account for the lack of handle space on the Travel, versus the larger Dyson models, the controls are more concentrated on the head.

On the back of this cylindrical head, the airflow button sits on the left with the temperature button on the right. Each button has a row of LEDs above it – two lights for high speed or heat, one for the gentler settings. These LEDs also flash white if the filter needs cleaning, and red if there's a fault. The power button is then a slider on the back of the handle and this slider is used to control the cool shot.

If you've ever used a Dyson, these split controls will be familiar but they do take a little getting used to compared to other, standard dryers. To enable the cold air, give the slider a nudge upwards from its 'on' position. It isn't clear or obvious that you need to do this, unless you have an Airwrap and are familiar with how Dyson maximizes the use of its switches, and ended up being one of the only features on the Dyson Travel that didn't feel natural. Also the LEDs are great on paper, because you can see which setting is selected at a glance but given that they're on the rear of the head, it's not as intuitive as it sounds either.

The removable filter cage sits at the base of the handle and pulls down onto the cord for cleaning. You can remove the entire filter and wash it with water and this is a small but welcomed touch. It also means the Travel should last longer, which at this price is a blessing.

The removable filter cage sits at the base of the handle and pulls down onto the cord for cleaning. You can remove the entire filter and wash it with water (Image credit: Future)

In the box is a magnetic smoothing nozzle, and thanks to Dyson's heat shield technology, the surface of this nozzle stays cool to the touch even during use. It's not exactly a wide default attachment range, especially at this price and the fact the Dreame Pocket Pro ships with five attachments.

However, you're unlikely to want to take lots of attachments when travelling, and the Supersonic Travel is compatible with the full Supersonic and Supersonic Nural attachment range, which is super useful if you already own either machine, and semi-useful if you can afford to buy any of them separately.

This side-by-side comparison shows how the Supersonic Travel (right) is shorter and more compact than the full-size Supersonic Nural (left) (Image credit: Future)

One thing to note, even though the Supersonic Travel automatically adjusts its voltage based on the country you're in, Dyson recommends using an adapter rated to 1,300W across the full voltage range rather than a universal adapter. It's not a dealbreaker but will help preserve the life of the Travel for longer.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic Travel: performance

Dries faster than a hotel dryer; notably quick for a compact machine
Intelligent heat control measures air temperature 100 times per second
Noise level: [XdB] in testing

The Supersonic Travel was tested daily over four weeks, including a trip to San Francisco where the universal voltage got its first real workout.

It's not the fastest dryer I've tested, but it was notably, and surprisingly, powerful for such a compact device. Drying time on my fine, mid-length curly hair ran to around 4 minutes on high heat and high airflow – faster than I expected from a machine this size. If you have thick or long hair, expect to be there for longer but even then, I can promise it will be faster than a hotel dryer and with more heat protection.

Speaking of protection, Dyson's intelligent heat control is one of the reasons the results hold up so well. With temperature measured more than 100 times per second, there's no scorching or uneven heat distribution – just consistent, controlled drying. The finish was always smooth with minimal frizz and enough volume to feel close to an at-home result. Over the review period my hair also felt softer.

The styling nozzle helps further with this. It guides the airflow for precise smoothing and shaping and clicks on magnetically. You can rotate it during styling, which is a bonus if you're trying to get different angles in a cramped hotel bathroom, but it never came loose. It's a delicate balance of movement and security that Dyson is great at across the Supersonic range.

The Supersonic Travel is compatible with all attachments from the Supersonic and Nural. The Nural's styling concentrator attached to the Travel is pictured (Image credit: Future)

One of the more compelling arguments for the Supersonic Travel's price is the attachment compatibility. Any attachment from the Supersonic or Supersonic Nural range clicks straight onto the Travel's magnetic barrel. This means if you already own either machine at home, you can simply pack whichever attachments you need rather than adapting your routine around whatever comes in the box.

I tested the Travel with the Gentle Air attachment alongside the Nural's Styling Concentrator. The Gentle Air attachment diffuses the airflow slightly for a cooler, softer result. This is useful for fine hair that doesn't need aggressive heat, and is particularly good for a second-day refresh, but I found I didn't have much of a need for it given the Travel's already lower, more gentle airflow.

My favorite attachment to use with the Travel (and any Dyson Supersonic model for that matter) is the Flyaway Smoother. It uses Coanda airflow to attract and flatten stray hairs on a finished style, and it works incredibly well. Especially on fine, naturally curly hair; the difference between a finished blow-dry with, and without it is noticeable. My only complaint is that it's a large attachment which doesn't lend itself well for travelling.

Despite these attachments originally being designed for the larger Supersonic models, the magnetic connection felt as secure on the Travel as they do on the Nural; clicking on with the same snap as on the full-size machine, and rotating smoothly during styling without any loosening mid-use.

Dyson’s motor sits in the handle rather than the head, creating the hollow design (pictured) and this allows space for the controls to be split between the head and handle (Image credit: Future)

Plugged in at my hotel in San Francisco with a country adapter, the Supersonic Travel performed exactly as it did at home. There was no perceptible difference in power or overheating. You can often tell when a dryer isn't performing at full strength when abroad by a drop in noise but this also wasn't noticeable with the Dyson Supersonic Travel. Another pleasant surprise.

Speaking of noise, the loudest the Travel got during my tests was 87dB on high speed, and the lowest was 83dB on low speed. The machine is certainly not silent, but it's comparable to – and in many cases quieter than – the sort of dryer you'd find mounted to a hotel room wall. It also carries over the slightly softer-pitched sound found on the wider Dyson range (of vacuums and hairdryers) which is less jarring on the ears than the decibel rating may suggest.

Elsewhere, maintenance is minimal. The filter cage requires periodic cleaning when the LEDs flash white, which involves removing it, washing it under a tap, and leaving it to dry naturally before reinserting. It's a six-step process that Dyson details clearly in the manual and it's not difficult at all.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Premium pricing is hard to justify, especially with only one attachment and no travel bag, but the performance helps account for a lof ot it.	3/5
Design	Recognizably Dyson, well-engineered, and compact, even if it doesn't fold and the cord is long and thick.	4.5/5
Performance	Fast, consistent, and surprisingly effective. The lower airflow is noticeable but a marginal drop for most hair types (other than thick and long).	4.5/5

You travel frequently and your hair dryer matters to you

If you're the kind of person who wants home-from-home hair drying performance, the Supersonic Travel offers compact style with little compromise.

You already own a Dyson Supersonic

If you own a Supersonic or Supersonic Nural and have attachments you love, this is the machine that lets you take that routine on the road.

You travel occasionally

If you're happy enough with a hotel dryer for a week away, there's no compelling reason to spend $299.99 / £249.99. The ghd Flight+ does the job at $129 / £79, and for most people on an occasional trip, the difference won't be worth the outlay.

You have thick or long hair or need more drying power

The Supersonic Travel's airflow is intentionally reduced compared to the full-size machine. For fine or medium hair it's excellent; for a thick, dense mane that takes 20 minutes with a full-size dryer at home, this will take longer and may frustrate.

You want a travel dryer with more versatility

The Dreame Pocket Pro costs around half the price and arrives with curling barrels, a diffuser, and a storage bag.

How I tested the Dyson Supersonic Travel

I tested the Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer over four weeks on my fine, mid-length naturally curly hair.

I used it as my only dryer at home and took it on a trip to San Francisco. Testing included daily use across all heat and speed settings, use with the styling concentrator on wet and damp hair, and real-world travel use with a country adapter in a US hotel room.

I measured noise levels using the DecibelX app and compared drying times against my usual full-size dryer.

First reviewed May 2026

I tried TikTok’s most viral hair hacks —what’s actually worth it

Victoria Woollaston — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:28:05 +0000

There's a mix of hair hacks here covering different hair types, styles, and levels of effort (and skill)
Most can be done with things you already have at home — very little specialist kit is required
If you only learn one, make it the super quick ponytail hack
Heatless styling and smarter drying techniques can make a real difference to curl definition and frizz

TikTok's algorithm is very good at making a 30-second clip look like a hair revelation and my ego repeatedly tells me I can do styles that my clumsy fingers and fine hair say otherwise.

In an attempt to break this cycle and stop myself defaulting to a rushed messy bun each morning, I've spent the past month putting the most viral TikTok hair hacks to the test.

The results were mixed — some have changed my life; others have tested my patience — and below is my shortlist of hacks that cover different hair types, styles, effort and skill.

Most of these also use things you'll likely already have at home too and if I can manage them, I believe anyone can!

The superquick ponytail hack

@ava.scudillo
♬ Untitled #13 - glwzbll

A low ponytail is probably the first look most people master when they're learning how to style their hair. It's a simple classic but it can err on the side of boring after a while.

If your hair is thin, the low pony can end up looking flat, or if you've got shoulder length hair, you can end up looking like one of the founding fathers...

This hair hack, from Ava Scudillo, has been viewed more than 9.5 million times and takes just minutes.

Put the top half of your hair loosely in a clip (any clip will do)
Split the remaining hair in two and pull each side over your shoulders
Let down the clipped-up hair
Twist and wrap the two shoulder sections around the back of your head and pull forward again
Re-clip the top half
Bring the sections to the back and secure in a hair tie
Let the clipped up hair fall into place

It suits slightly longer hair, just because you need to be able to keep sections separate but it worked well on my mid-length hair and you don't need skillful fingers. If you can work a clip and a hair tie, you can master this hack! Plus it's meant to look chic and undone, so no precision needed.

The high-volume half-up hair hack

@audreyvictoria_
♬ doja cat demons second verse - doja cat fan

A slightly trickier hair hack than Ava Scudillo's, but this style from influencer Audrey Victoria — once mastered — looks much more professional than the skill level would suggest.

It's also ideal for elevating an everyday half-up hair do or adding volume to a ponytail if you have thin hair.

Put half your hair up in a tie, and leave half hanging down
Loosen the tie slightly and create a small gap just above where the ponytail sits
Pull the base of the ponytail through this gap to create a twist
Create another smaller half-up ponytail just below the original
Now pull that second ponytail up through the original gap created with the first

The most fiddly part is the little twist at the base of the first ponytail but anyone who grew up in the '90s will be familiar with this technique and it only takes a couple of practice attempts.

To make this even easier, I recommend practising the twist on a single ponytail first before adding in the second. Just so you can get a sense for how it should feel in your fingers.

Like the quick ponytail hack, the outcome is meant to look undone and borderline messy so it's another forgiving style.

The short hair claw clip hack

@katymcbride_
♬ original sound - Katy McBride

Claw clips are one of the easiest hair tools to use and can turn a regular ponytail into a styled up do in seconds.

However, this only really works if you have enough hair to flow and fall down the sides of the clip. If your hair is thin, or short it doesn't have the same effect.

That's why this hair hack from Katy McBride is so genius. It gives the illusion of having much more hair and is almost as quick as the original method.

Create a half-up, messy ponytail/bun
Create another ponytail at the bottom of your hair
Pull the bottom ponytail up and secure in place beneath the messy bun with the claw clip

If you want to make this look even more dramatic, pull bits of hair out of the messy bun or loosen the whole thing to give it more volume.

The hair-behind-your-ears hack

@melisekrem
♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - kittikmr - veesun95

Wearing your hair down is great until the strands get in your eyes or tickle your face.

Tucking it behind your ears is one solution but it either doesn't stay put, or you're left with an ear-shaped kink when it inevitably falls forward again. Securing with bobby pins is another, but being able to see the pins can often ruin the overall vibe.

TikToker Melise Krem has the perfect hair hack that solves this problem.

Separate two strands at the front of your face, on either side of your parting
Secure both with tiny hair ties ideally in the same colour as your hair
Loosen each tie slightly and create a small gap just above where the ponytail sits
Pull the base of the ponytail through these gaps to create a twist
Tighten each tail so the tie sits behind your ear
Bring the rest of your hair forward

The beauty of this hack is that it works for almost all hair lengths, unless you have a pixie cut or similar of course.

A separate hack is to use a flat iron or curling tong to remove the tiny hair ties. Instead of pulling the tie out (and a chunk of your hair with it), put a hot hair tool near the tie and the heat will cause it to snap. You don't need to even touch it in most cases, and you can then just throw the broken tie away.

Easy heatless curls – that are actually easy

@alexandralharaldsson
♬ original sound - Alexandra

I've lost count of how many times I've tried to master the heatless curl trend, which involves wrapping your hair overnight so you wake up with ready-to-go curls.

I've bought various heatless curl kits too, but either I can't get my hair to wrap neatly enough, or it's impossible to sleep with all the clips and twists. Especially because I'm a side sleeper.

Thanks to this TikTok from Alexandra Haraldsson, though, I think I've finally cracked it. All you need is a couple of pairs of clean socks.

Separate your hair into sections – the number and size will depend on how many curls you want and how many socks you have
Place the toe part of the sock at your roots and clip into place
Wrap a section of hair around the sock – the tighter the wrap, the tighter the curls
Once you reach the end of the sock, turn it inside out so that it sits over the curl you just created. The elasticated top of the sock should keep it in place, or you can secure it further with a bobby pin
Repeat for the rest of your head and go to sleep
In the morning, remove the socks and voila!

If you're using cotton socks, your hair may be slightly frizzy when you uncurl it.

I solved this by putting a few drops of hair oil in my hands and running my fingers through each curl. Avoid using a brush as this can make the frizz worse (in my experience.)

If your hair is still slightly damp, use a diffuser or a hair dryer on the lowest speed setting.

The ultimate fake French braid

@loganraehill
♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

I don't have the skill, the patience or the type of hair that makes French braids look so effortless and beautiful, but even I can manage this fake French braid hair hack from Logan Rae Hill.

Instead of trying to fiddle with three strands, you start this braid with two at the front of your face and then twist all the way back until you reach the end.

Separate two strands of hair at the front of your face
Twist one over the other
Add more hair to the first strand and twist it over the second
Add more hair to the second strand and twist it over the first
Continue until you get to the nape of your neck and run out of extra hair to add to the strands
At this point, twist each strand once on itself, and then wrap the twisted strand over the other
Repeat until you reach the end of your hair and secure with a hair tie

This looks (and sounds) much trickier than it is. The key is to make sure the twists at the beginning are tight and as flat as possible, but you can be more carefree and loose as you move backwards.

You can also go back over and loosen each section after the hair is tied, if it's sitting too flat or you want more volume.

The hardest part is trying to keep the strands equal in thickness but even then, that can add to the overall look so it's not something you need to worry about.

Plopping for the ultimate curls

@kianadalleave
♬ original sound - Kiana

If you have curly or wavy hair, you've likely heard of the term plopping. Even if you haven't actually attempted it.

Rather than rough drying your hair with a towel and potentially knocking out the natural curl, or adding frizz, plopping involves flipping wet hair forward onto a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt and wrapping it up.

The idea being that the gentler drying reduces frizz while also keeping your curls defined.

As Kiana Davis demonstrates in the TikTok above, it's relatively easy to do too.

Put your towel or t-shirt on a table
Lean forward and "plop" your hair on top
Wrap the base of the t-shirt or towel around your forehead
Gently gather your hair inside the rest of the towel/t-shirt and loosely wrap it around your head
Once dry, or damp, remove the towel/t-shirt

It helps to add as much hold into the hair as possible before plopping, in the form of gels or mousses, to maximise the definition, maintain moisture to reduce frizz, and keep the curls in place once you've removed the towel.

You can plop for half an hour, or overnight, depending on your plans and if, when you remove the towel, your curls are still damp you can diffuse with a hair dryer, or leave to air dry.

The Dreame AirStyle Era is the Airwrap alternative that nearly has it all

Victoria Woollaston — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Dreame AirStyle Era: two-minute review

The Dreame AirStyle Era is an eight-in-one multi-styler that works as a dryer and creates smooth, curly, bouncy, or straightened styles from a single device.

On paper, it looks like one for TechRadar's best hair styler roundup, and it's the follow-up to the seven-in-one AirStyle Pro, addressing some of that model's most obvious gaps. Namely, adding a diffuser for the first time, and replacing the Pro's flyaway attachment with a U-shaped straightening nozzle.

The auto-wrap curl barrels remain the headline act. The 360-degree airflow draws hair in automatically and produces bouncy, natural-looking curls without the need to manually wind sections around a barrel.

For fine to medium hair, the results are impressive, and at $349.99 / £349 / AU$699 the Era undercuts the Dyson Airwrap by $250 / £130 / AU$150 while producing comparable curl results as an Airwrap alternative. The smoothing brushes perform well too, and the diffuser is a welcome addition for anyone with naturally curly or wavy hair.

The Dreame AirStyle Era styling system includes interchangeable attachments for drying, smoothing, curling and volumizing (Image credit: Future)

The issues are harder to ignore, though. The maximum temperature of 176F / 80C — unchanged from the AirStyle Pro — will be a limiting factor for anyone with thicker or longer hair. You could rope in one of the best hair dryers for that first stage, but that rather defeats the point of an all-in-one tool. The straightening nozzle is also more fiddly than expected, not to mention time consuming.

None of these are dealbreakers on their own, but together they add up to a tool that falls slightly short of its potential. The Era is still the most complete multi-styler Dreame has produced, and the most attractive multi-styler I've tested, and at this price it's a worthy Airwrap dupe, but it needs to be better than it is in a few key areas to make a truly compelling case.

That's the two-minute version; read on for my full Dreame AirStyle Era review.

Dreame AirStyle Era review: price & availability

List price: $349.99 / £349 / AU$699
Available: US, Australia and UK
Launched: May 2026

The Dreame AirStyle Era costs $349.99 / £349 / AU$699 and is available directly from Dreame and Amazon in the US, Dreame in the UK, and from Dreame Australia as well as from several third-party retailers.

It sits closer in price to the $279.99 Shark FlexStyle in the US (which costs AU$499 in Australia), but is more akin in terms of features and attachments to the $599.99 / AU$849 Dyson Airwrap. It's the follow-up to Dreame's seven-in-one AirStyle Pro, which had a higher list price of $399.99 in the US but was rarely sold at that, while the latter's list price is lower in Australia at AU$599.

(There are also other, cheaper Dyson Airwrap dupes, but few come with the auto-wrap curl barrels of these four stylers.)

In comparison to its predecessor, the AirStyle Era swaps the Flyaway Attachment of the Pro for a U-shaped straightening nozzle and adds a diffuser for the first time, addressing one of the glaring gaps in the original's feature set.

It's also had a meaningful upgrade under the hood — the NTC temperature sensor now checks 1,000 times per second compared to 300 on the AirStyle Pro, which in practice means more consistent heat distribution and less risk of spikes that could cause damage.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dreame AirStyle Era specs

Weight (styler only, no cord)	0.64lbs / 0.29kg
Dimensions (styler only)	1.76 x 1.76 x 10.2in / 4.5 x 4.5 x 26cm
Cord	9.2ft / 2.8m
Temperatures (US):	2 (122F / 50C and 176F / 80C) + cool shot (room temperature)
Temperatures (UK)	2 (122F / 50C and 176F / 80C) + cool shot (82F / 28C)
Speeds (US)	3 (50m/s, 55m/s, 60m/s)
Speeds (UK):	3 (50m/s, 57m/s, 65m/s)
Wattage	1,300W
Attachments	Fast dryer, straightening nozzle, diffuser nozzle, 32mm auto-wrap barrels (L+R), hard smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, round volumizing brush

The UK listing features different specifications than the US page – 28°C/55°C/80°C for temperatures and 50m/s, 57m/s, 65m/s for wind speeds. We tested the US model so use the US figures throughout.

Dreame AirStyle Era review: design

Pink and bronze colorway with pebbled leather-texture grip
Eight attachments covering drying, curling, straightening, smoothing and diffusing
Twist-on mechanism same as the AirStyle Pro but more secure
Comes with a storage box and bag

The Dreame AirStyle Era follows the same basic design as its predecessor (and all other multi-stylers for that matter) – a tube-shaped dryer onto which you twist different styling heads.

It comes in a single pink colorway, not too dissimilar to the pink Dyson Airwrap i.d, with bronze accents at either end, and a soft pebbled leather-texture grip running the length of the handle.

It feels and looks solid and luxurious, and at 0.64lbs without the cord, it's light enough that your arm doesn't start aching even when working through a full set of curls.

The controls consist of two buttons with LEDs that let you cycle through the two heat settings. and three wind speeds. The cool shot is built into the top of the on/off slider rather than given its own dedicated button, and you enable and disable it by sliding up once for on, and sliding up again for off.

The AirStyle Era’s textured handle feels solid and luxurious and features dedicated controls for airflow, temperature and power settings (Image credit: Future)

These controls sit at a natural thumb position on the handle and toe a delicate line between being easy to control mid-style and difficult to press accidentally. This is much rarer on stylers than it should be.

At the base of the handle is a removable dual intake filter— an inner stainless steel mesh that keeps fine hair and particles out of the motor, and an outer mesh that prevents tangling.

A small cleaning brush is included for maintenance, and the filter is straightforward to remove and reattach. Attached to this filter is the cord that runs to 9.2ft / 2.8m with a 360-degree anti-tangle swivel at the handle end.

Each of the eight attachments twist on using the same mechanism as the AirStyle Pro, but unlike the heads on the older model, the Era's attachments securely lock into place because they're also magnetic. This was a major complaint in our AirStyle Pro review and I'm glad it's been resolved.

In terms of the attachments, the line-up is as follows:

Fast dryer: A concentrated nozzle for quick drying
Straightening nozzle: U-shaped head with dual airflow channels that direct air downward to smooth and straighten without heating plates
Diffuser: Bowl diffuser with prongs for dry curls without disrupting them
32mm auto-wrap barrels (x2): One for left curls, one for right; 360-degree airflow draws hair in to create curls without manually winding sections
Soft smoothing brush: Spherical teeth designed for fine, fragile, or chemically treated hair
Hard smoothing brush: Conical teeth for coarser, thicker, or heavily product-styled hair
Round volumizing brush: Wider tooth spacing to reduce tangling, with perforations to diffuse airflow and create lift at the roots

A close-up look at the AirStyle Era’s branding, filter and styling tools (Image credit: Future)

The two additions — the straightening nozzle and diffuser — address the most obvious gaps in the original AirStyle Pro's feature set.

If you wanted smooth, straight hair or defined natural curls from the Pro, you needed separate tools entirely. The Era fixes that, and the result is a kit that not only covers the full range of everyday styling needs, but it makes it the only styler that can truly rival the Dyson Airwrap in terms of scope and scale.

Elsewhere, everything ships in a leather-textured storage box that keeps the attachments organized and easy to find, plus you get a travel bag if you need something more portable.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame AirStyle Era review: performance

Fast dryer attachment works well on fine to medium hair; may struggle with thicker, longer hair
Auto-wrap curling barrels produce good results but swapping between directions is fiddly
Straightening nozzle is less effective than the flyaway attachment it replaces

I started, as Dreame recommends, by removing most of the water in my hair with the fast dryer attachment. Like all multi-stylers of this type, you need to get hair to around 80% dry before switching to any of the styling attachments for best results, and the fast dryer handled that first stage well enough on my fine, shoulder-length hair.

It's not the hottest of stylers though, and anyone with thicker or longer hair may find themselves reaching for a standalone dryer to get there faster. This was a complaint with the original Pro and hasn't been fixed, it seems.

Dreame AirStyle Era soft smoothing brush (left), hard smoothing brush (center) and round volumizing brush (right) attachments (Image credit: Future)

The auto-wrap curling barrels are where the Era earns its keep. The 360-degree airflow draws hair in and wraps it around the barrel automatically, producing bouncy, defined curls without the need to manually wind sections. The results hold well, and the curls have a natural quality that can be hard to achieve with traditional tongs. The catch is that if you want the curls to go in different directions, you need to physically swap between the left and right attachment. This isn't just tricky, because the attached barrel is hot, but it interrupts your rhythm. The Dyson Airwrap handles this on a single, multi-directional barrel, and once you've used that system it's hard not to notice the difference here.

The straightening nozzle is the most interesting new addition on paper — a U-shaped head that uses dual airflow channels to smooth and straighten without heating plates. It's more intuitive than the flyaway attachment it replaced, while producing a very similar finish, but I found it more fiddly than I'd hoped. You can only smooth small sections at a time and this takes a while, which feels like a step backwards for anyone who relied on the flyaway attachment for quick touch-ups and frizz control.

The diffuser attachment is a new addition to the AirStyle Era compared to the previous AirStyle Pro and it's great at enhancing natural curls and waves while reducing frizz (Image credit: Future)

The diffuser does what it should. For naturally curly or wavy hair, it distributes airflow evenly without disturbing the curl pattern, and the results are noticeably better than using the fast dryer attachment on the same hair type. It's not doing anything the category hasn't seen before, but its absence from the AirStyle Pro was a gap, and it's good to have it here.

The fast dryer attachment quickly removes moisture before styling; it's great for fine-to-medium hair but people with thicker and/or longer hair might get frustrated with the device's temperatures (Image credit: Future)

Finally, the brushes. The soft and hard smoothing brushes both perform well. The soft brush is gentle on fine or fragile hair, with the airflow automatically redirecting downward when attached to leave your hair feeling smooth. The hard brush handles coarser or more tangled hair well, and separates knots without pulling.

In testing, my favorite brush is the round volumizing brush. It's great for lifting roots and adding shape at the ends and it can even create loose curls.

In terms of noise levels, Dreame claims it produces 76dB, and in testing I recorded 79dB on the highest speed setting. That's slightly louder than the spec sheet suggests although not unreasonable for a tool of this type and it's quiet enough to hear music or have a conversation.

The straightening nozzle (pictured) has replaced the flyaway attachment from the previous Pro model and helps smooth hair (Image credit: Future)

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame AirStyle Era?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Competitively priced against the Dyson Airwrap and broader than the Shark FlexStyle in terms of attachments, though the performance doesn't always match the promise.	3.5 / 5
Design	Comfortable, well-balanced, and good-looking with an improved twist-on attachment mechanism.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Strong curling and volumizing results, but the straightening nozzle disappoints and temperature limits will be a factor for thicker hair types.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want Dyson Airwrap results without the Dyson price

At $349.99, the Era undercuts the Airwrap by $250 with the auto-wrap curl barrels, in particular, producing on par results.

You want one tool that does everything

The Era's eight attachments cover drying, curling, straightening, smoothing, volumizing and diffusing from a single device.

You have fine or medium hair

The Era's temperature range works well for finer hair types, producing good curl and smoothing results without the risk of excessive heat damage.

Don't buy it if...

You have thick or long hair

The Era's maximum temperature may not be enough to dry and style thicker or longer hair.

You rely on frizz control and flyaway taming

The straightening nozzle that replaces the Pro's flyaway attachment is more fiddly and less effective for smoothing.

You want effortless directional curls

Switching between left and right curl directions means swapping the barrels over manually. If you want both directions without the interruption, the Dyson Airwrap's multidirectional barrel is a better choice.

Dreame AirStyle Era: also consider

	Dreame AirStyle Era (reviewed)	Dreame Airstyle Pro	Dyson Airwrap i.d.	Shark FlexStyle
Weight (styler only, no cord):	0.64lbs / 0.29kg	0.6lbs / 0.3kg	1.4lbs / 0.6kg XXCHECK	1.5 lbs / 0.7kg
Styler dimensions (L x W):	10.2 x 1.8in / 26 x 4.5cm	10.2 x 1.8in / 26 x 4.5cm	10.7 x 1.9in / 27.2 x 4.8cm	11.3 x 1.7in / 28.7 x 4.4cm
Cord:	9.2ft / 2.8m	9.2ft / 2.8m	8.5 ft / 2.7m	8ft / 2.4m
Temperatures:	2 + cool shot	2 + cool shot	2 + cool shot	3 + cool shot
Speeds:	3	3	3	3
Wattage:	1,300W	1,300W	1,300W	1,400W (US), 1,600W (UK)
List price:	$349.99 / £349	$399.99 / £299 / AU$599	$599.99 / £479.99 / AU$849	$279.99 / £269.99 / AU$499.99

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

The Airwrap i.d. is king in this category, both in terms of price and features. This multistyler comes with a switch that launches an automated wrap > curl > cool shot sequence, for maximum ease. It can also do clockwise and anticlockwise curls on the same barrel.

Read our full Dyson Airwrap i.d. review

Dreame AirStyle Pro

The AirStyle Pro is a stylish, well-designed multi-styler with a strong attachment lineup, but it's let down by temperatures that aren't hot enough for most hair types and attachments that don't clip on securely enough. If you can work around those limitations, it's a capable tool at a fair price.

Read our full Dreame AirStyle Pro review

Shark FlexStyle

The FlexStyle is a very similar proposition to the AirStyle in that it isn't as good as the original AirWrap, but it's a solid alternative if you don't want to spend megabucks. It looks slightly less stylish than the AirStyle but is all-round a more effective tool in my opinion.

Read our full Shark FlexStyle review

How I tested the Dreame Airstyle Era

I used the AirStyle Era as my main styling tool for a week. During this time I used it to dry my hair, and tested all the different attachments, paying particular attention to the auto-wrap curlers.

I compared the styling results to what I managed to achieve with other similar stylers I've tested – including the Dyson Airwrap i.d. and Shark FlexStyle. I also assessed how easy the styler was to use and the effectiveness of its design and features.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2026

The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night delivers flagship rotary shaving with a sci-fi twist

James Day — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:30:11 +0000

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: two-minute review

The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night is the company’s most advanced rotary shaver, and in this Ryan Gosling-friendly Project Hail Mary edition, it arrives wrapped in a layer of space-age storytelling about aerospace-grade engineering, longevity and precision.

Underneath the launch theatrics, though, this is a serious flagship shaver. Philips’ Triple Action Lift & Cut system trims hair down to a Sphynx cat-like 0.08mm, while NanoTech Dual Precision blades and 360-degree flexing heads are designed to stay close to the skin across awkward contours like the jaw, chin and neck.

An LED pressure-feedback ring around the shaving head changes colour as you shave, showing whether you’re applying too much or too little pressure. It sounds like a gimmick until you realise it’s training you out of bad habits.

(Image credit: Future)

That matters because most electric shaver irritation comes not from the blades, but from you mashing the thing into your face like you’re trying to sand a table. The light ring gives immediate feedback, while the GroomTribe app adds more detailed pressure and motion guidance if you want to get forensic about your morning shave.

Performance is excellent for a rotary model. It’s close, smooth and particularly good across contours, with enough flexibility to handle difficult areas without repeated punishment passes. Foil shavers may still edge it for absolute closeness, but few feel this forgiving.

Battery life offers 60 minutes of runtime, good enough for a fortnight of taming facial follicles, with a one-hour full charge and a five-minute quick charge for emergencies.

The wider bundle also includes a UV Power Charger, Quick Clean Pod, precision trimmer and three-in-one DeepClean Massager, so this feels more like a grooming system than a single shaver.

(Image credit: Future)

The Project Hail Mary collaboration is mostly cosmetic. You get themed packaging and a theatrical unboxing, but the shaving experience itself is unchanged from the standard i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night model.

Still, if you’re buying fresh and want one of the most capable rotary shavers available, this is an impressively polished option.

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: price and availability

List price: from $499.99 (without movie tie-in)
Launched March 2026
Available in the US and UK

The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night sits firmly at the premium end of the electric shaver market.

Availability varies by region and retailer, but it’s widely sold online through major electronics and grooming outlets, with discounts often available. This Project Hail Mary variant (XP9406/93) appears as a limited-edition bundle, though the core device is shared with other i9000 Prestige Ultra models, and the Night & Day edition without the sci-fi tie-in retails at $499.99 (about £370 / AU$690)

Philips attempts to justify the cost with a considerable accessories bundle, including a three-in-one deep clean attachment for cleaning, massaging, and priming the skin for moisturising.

That said, ongoing costs are worth factoring in. Replacement shaving heads and cleaning cartridges aren’t cheap, and the included cleaning system nudges you toward regular refills.

Value score: 3.5/5

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: specs

Type	Rotary electric shaver
Use:	Wet and dry
Blade system	NanoTech Dual Precision blades
Shaving system	Triple Action Lift and Cut
Contour following	360-degree Precision Flexing Head
Guidance	Active Pressure and Motion Guidance
Skin comfort	Hydro SkinGlide Coating
Battery life	60 minutes runtime
Charging time	One hour
Quick charge	Five minutes
Charging	USB-A cable, charging dock / UV Power Charger
Cleaning	Quick Clean Pod, one-touch open, fully washable
Attachments	Precision trimmer, three-in-one DeepClean Massager
Display	Color LCD, battery indicator, travel lock, app connection
Connectivity	Bluetooth, GroomTribe app
Warranty	Five years, extendable to seven years with registration
Replacement head	SH91, replace every two years

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: design

Premium, reassuring build
LED pressure ring gives real-time feedback
UV Power Charger makes the bundle feel flagship

Philips knows how to make a top-end shaver feel expensive, and the i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night doesn’t disappoint. The handle feels solid, balanced and nicely weighted, with an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to control even when shaving wet.

The triple rotary head design, made from aerospace industry steel, is familiar Philips territory, but the smaller, flexible heads help the shaver maintain contact around the jawline, neck and under the nose. It looks technical without tipping into medical device territory.

(Image credit: Future)

The standout design feature is the LED ring around the shaving head. It changes colour as you shave to indicate pressure, and it’s much more useful than a light-up grooming gadget has any right to be.

Press too hard and it tells you. Ease off too much, and it tells you. Hit the sweet spot, and it effectively rewards you for shaving like an adult. Even Barbie movie Ryan Gosling could get to grips with it.

There’s also a colour LCD on the handle, showing battery status, travel lock and app connection. It’s clear and useful, though the pressure ring is the display you’ll actually pay attention to while shaving.

(Image credit: Future)

The accessories are substantial. The UV Power Charger sanitizes the shaver head while charging, while the Quick Clean Pod handles cleaning and lubrication. The 3-in-1 DeepClean Massager feels more lifestyle than essential, but it does broaden the package into skincare territory.

As for the movie tie-in, it’s mostly in the packaging and presentation. The sci-fi styling and engineered unboxing experience are fun, but once the shaver is on your bathroom shelf, the movie connection fades into the background.

Design score: 4.5/5

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: performance

Comfortable rotary shave
LED pressure guidance improves technique
Strong across awkward contours

The i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night is excellent to use, with multiple shaving modes prioritising speed, comfort or a more thorough pass — and the LED pressure ring is central to that.

A lot of premium shavers promise smarter shaving, but this is one of the few where the smart feature is visible and useful immediately. The colour-changing ring helps you maintain the right pressure in real time, which is particularly helpful around the neck, where it’s easy to overcompensate and cause irritation.

It also makes the learning curve shorter. Rotary shaving requires a different technique from foil shaving or wet shaving, and the i9000 gently nags you into better habits.

(Image credit: Future)

The LED ring uses a simple color system: green means you’re spot on, orange means ease off, and blue/purple means stop being so timid. It sounds basic, but it quickly trains you into better habits. After a few shaves, you stop thinking about it, which is usually a sign that a feature is doing its job.

Closeness is impressive, and while I can’t verify the 0.08mm figure with lab equipment, the results are consistently close and clean. It’s especially good at following face contours, where cheaper shavers often leave patches that require repeated passes, and subsequently irritation.

The NanoTech Dual Precision blades cope well with mixed growth direction, and Philips says the system is designed for one, three or seven-day beards. In practice, it’s at its best on daily or every-other-day growth, but it still handles longer stubble better than most rotary rivals.

(Image credit: Future)

Comfort is the bigger story. The Hydro SkinGlide coating helps the heads move smoothly over the skin, while the pressure ring discourages the sort of heavy-handed shaving that usually causes redness. Used properly, it feels controlled rather than aggressive.

The GroomTribe app won’t be for everyone. Not everyone wants to Bluetooth-pair a shaver before breakfast. But its pressure and motion insights do make sense here, because they support the same behaviour the LED ring is encouraging on the device itself.

Future

Wet shaving with foam or gel works well, and the shaver is fully washable, so cleaning under the tap is simple. The Quick Clean Pod is more convenient, though, especially if this is going to be your main shaver.

Foil rivals such as the Panasonic Arc6 and Braun Series 9 Pro may still win for absolute closeness on short, straight stubble. But the Philips counters with comfort, flexibility and a more forgiving feel around awkward facial geography.

Unlike foil shavers, where multiple brands compete at the top end, the rotary market is effectively dominated by Philips — meaning the i9000 Prestige Ultra’s biggest competition comes from earlier Philips models rather than direct rivals.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night?

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Superb bundle and flagship performance, but the RRP is extremely high.	3.5 / 5
Design	Premium build, excellent ergonomics and a genuinely useful LED pressure ring.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Close, comfortable and forgiving, especially around contours and sensitive areas.	4.5 / 5

Buy it if

You want a top-end rotary shaver

This is one of the most capable rotary models around, with excellent contour tracking and comfort.

You have sensitive skin

The LED pressure ring, Hydro SkinGlide coating and app guidance all help reduce over-shaving and irritation.

You want the full grooming system

The UV Power Charger, Quick Clean Pod, trimmer and DeepClean Massager make this feel like a complete bathroom setup.

Don't buy it if

You’re on a budget

This is an expensive shaver, even allowing for the bundle.

You already own a recent i9000

The Project Hail Mary edition adds packaging and presentation, not a radically different shave.

You want the closest possible electric shave

Foil shavers still arguably edge rotary models for absolute closeness on short stubble.

Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night: also consider

Panasonic Arc6

A premium foil shaver that prioritises outright closeness, especially on short, straight stubble.

Braun Series 9 Pro

Another high-end foil option, strong on speed and closeness, with a more traditional shaving feel.

How I tested the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night

Tested over two weeks
Used for wet and dry shaving
Tested with daily stubble and longer growth

I used the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra Day & Night as my main shaver over two weeks, testing it on stubble, longer growth and more awkward areas around the jawline and neck.

I tested the LED pressure-feedback ring during normal shaving to see whether it made a meaningful difference to technique, and used the GroomTribe app to compare its guidance with the feedback on the shaver itself.

I also tested the UV Power Charger, Quick Clean Pod, precision trimmer and 3-in-1 DeepClean Massager to assess whether the wider bundle adds genuine value or simply makes the box look more expensive.

Find out more about how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

The 7 small changes to your routine that make your hair look instantly healthier — without expensive hairdryers or styling tools

Victoria Woollaston — Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

When hair looks 'healthy', what you’re often seeing is how smoothly light reflects off the surface
Making small changes to how you use shampoo and conditioner can reduce damage and improve shine
Using heat correctly and carefully can make a big difference to hair health
Maintain ends and avoid build-up for a smoother, healthier look

With the huge rise in hair serums and tonics, Supersonic Nural-style dryers promising to protect your scalp, and even stylers like the Dreame Miracle Pro using red light therapy to improve your locks, healthy hair is incredibly en vogue.

Yet you don't have to spend a fortune to achieve it. When hair looks 'healthy', what you’re often seeing is how smoothly light reflects off the surface. That means small changes that smooth the cuticle can have a disproportionate effect and can even help your hair grow faster.

Start with how you wash it

This sounds simple, but washing your hair is where a lot of damage builds up. Overwashing strips natural oils, while underwashing can leave buildup that makes hair look flat and lifeless.

The easiest fix is spacing your washes slightly further apart than you currently do, even by a day. That gives your scalp time to rebalance oil production, which in turn helps lengths look smoother and less dry.

Temperature also matters more than most people realize. Very hot water lifts the cuticle, which leads to frizz and a rough texture once dry. Lukewarm water is a better default, followed by a quick cool rinse at the end. It doesn’t need to be extreme; just enough to help the cuticle lie flatter.

Another small shift is where you apply shampoo. Focus it on the scalp, not the lengths. The ends don’t need heavy cleansing and tend to look healthier when left alone.

Use conditioner sparingly

In the same way you should focus shampoo on the roots, you should focus conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Keeping it away from the roots avoids flattening volume and stops hair from looking greasy sooner than it should.

Ideally, get out of the shower or bath, gently dry your hair with a microfiber towel and then apply conditioner.

This not only means you can apply it more precisely, but it also helps you make more of the product. When applied to soaking wet hair in the shower, the conditioner can end up being diluted, which weakens the strength of the ingredients.

Leaving the conditioner on for an extra minute or two, rather than rinsing immediately, gives the ingredients more time to act. This is a small change but one that noticeably improves softness and shine — the holy grail of healthy hair.

Dry with caution

Hair is at its most fragile when wet, so drying it gently and slowly can make a big difference to how healthy it is.

Avoid rough towel-drying. This is one of the quickest ways to create frizz. Swapping to a microfiber towel or even a cotton T-shirt reduces friction and helps hair dry smoother without extra effort.

Even if you rely on heat tools, letting hair air-dry to around 70–80% before using a dryer reduces damage and tends to give a softer finish.

Brushing wet hair aggressively is another. If you need to detangle, use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends, working upwards. It’s slower, but it helps stop unnecessary breakage, which is often what makes hair look thin or uneven over time.

In fact, over-brushing generally can create unnecessary tension and breakage. A balanced approach works best: gentle brushing when needed, ideally with a tool suited to your hair type.

Heat styling isn’t the enemy, poor prep is

Most people don’t need to give up straighteners or curling tools. The issue is usually how they’re used.

A heat protectant isn’t optional if you’re using heat regularly and want healthy hair. It creates a barrier that also reduces moisture loss, which is what leads to that dry, brittle look.

Temperature settings are another easy win. Using the highest heat in a bid to speed things up usually does more harm than good. Fine or already-processed hair rarely needs maximum heat, and lowering it slightly can maintain shine without sacrificing results.

Elsewhere, one slower pass with a tool at the right temperature is far better than multiple passes at a lower one. Repeated heat exposure in the same spot tends to cause more damage than a single, controlled pass.

Trimming regularly helps with length

You don’t need to cut your hair dramatically to make it look healthier, but you do need to manage the ends.

While cutting your hair doesn’t make it grow faster — despite what the famous myth says — it does prevent any split ends from traveling upward, which can stop hair look frayed and uneven.

Avoiding trims to preserve length often has the opposite effect visually, too. Slightly shorter, healthier ends almost always look thicker and more polished.

Shine comes from surface, not just products

Switching your pillowcase to silk or satin one reduces overnight friction, which helps smooth and reduce frizz by morning. It’s not a miracle fix, but it’s one of the lowest-effort changes you can make.

The cool shot on your hair dryer also helps. In addition to setting your style, it helps to close the cuticle and reduces the texture on each strand, which in turn creates a smoother surface for the light to bounce off.

Finishing products should then be used sparingly and strategically. A tiny amount of oil or serum through the ends can add shine, but too much quickly tips into greasy. It’s better to build gradually than to apply heavily and try to correct it.

Get rid of product build-up

If your hair suddenly looks flat or lifeless despite using good products or doing all of the above, build-up is most likely the culprit.

Styling products, dry shampoo and even some conditioners build up over time unless they're properly removed, weighing hair down and making it harder for moisture to get in.

Using a clarifying shampoo once every couple of weeks helps reset things. You don’t need to do it often, but when you do, the difference in lightness and movement is usually immediate.

The Laifen P3 Pro is a fantastic travel shaver with great battery life, but not suitable for more beardy users

christian.guyton@futurenet.com (Christian Guyton) — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver: two-minute review

The Laifen P3 Pro is positioned as a compact electric shaver perfect for travel, and it's immediately reminiscent of the Panasonic Swipe Right we reviewed last year: a small, blocky design with a three-slot shaver head, waterproofing, and USB-C charging.

It's almost suspiciously similar to the Swipe Right, in fact, though it feels a bit more premium. The body is constructed of precision-machined aluminum and comes in either the default alloy or 'space gray' colorways, with a small window on the front that shows the motor at work. Both the transparent top cover and the shaver head attach magnetically with a satisfying snap, and the charging port is concealed seamlessly in the base with a small lid. It's almost as if Apple designed an electric shaver.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike Panasonic's effort, though, the P3 Pro eschews any fancy touch technology for the ol' reliable: a simple button. Hold to turn it on and off, and click to activate the shaver once it's turned on. Easy as pie, and instantly fixes one of our biggest issues with the Swipe Right — nobody needs finicky touch controls for something as simple as a travel razor.

However, like many compact shavers, the P3 Pro is ill-suited for anyone with a large beard. The lack of a trimmer head or any other special attachments (which feels like a significant omission, considering how easy it is to remove the standard shaver head) means that while trimming a beard is technically possible, it's a slow and ineffective process. For stubble, though, it absolutely blasts through and provides an impressively smooth finish for a dry shave.

The only other downside here is the price. I'll dig into it further down in this review, but needless to say, Laifen has unfortunately followed Apple in pricing as well as design ethos. This is a damn expensive product, though I have to concede that the premium design and performance do justify the asking price.

In short, I fully expect to see our esteemed editors put the Laifen P3 Pro in the 'best travel' slot of TechRadar's best beard trimmer and electric shaver roundup, and will be having some stern words with the Home Tech team if it doesn't make an appearance somewhere in that list.

Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver: price & availability

List price: $179.99 / AU$249.95 (about £173)
Launched: September 2025
Availability: US, Canada, Australia, and Europe (UK import only)

The Laifen P3 Pro originally launched in late 2025, and is available directly from Laifen in the continental US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. UK shoppers do get free EU shipping, but you'll have to buy in Euros as Laifen only maintains a generic European site, not a UK-specific one.

Pricing varies somewhat between regions. In the US, it's a steep $179.99, and the EU price of €199.99 converts to an even more expensive £173.34 at the time of writing, while the Australian price of $249.95 is a little more affordable after conversion and US sales tax.

It's undeniably quite a lot of money for an electric travel shaver — even a very high-quality one like this. Nonetheless, I don't want to knock it down too much for this; it really does feel like a high-end product that's built to last, and if you've got the dough, it's a worthy purchase.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver specs

Waterproof	Yes, IPX7
Battery life	Up to 100 minutes
Charge time	45 minutes approx.
Charger type	USB-C
Accessories	USB-C to USB-C charging cable
Suitable for	Face and neck

Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver review: design

Very compact and sturdy design
Waterproof and easy to clean
Parts attach magnetically

Aside from the (mildly pointless) visual flair of the motor window, the P3 Pro has a pretty straightforward design. It's very compact, small enough to easily fit in the palm of your hand, meaning it can be carried in a bag or even a pocket. The cap that protects the blades attaches magnetically and doesn't seem to be at any risk of falling off in transit.

The shape is perhaps not quite as ergonomic as some of the best electric shavers (which are commonly shaped to fit into your grip), but this is ultimately just a byproduct of how small the P3 Pro is. When using it, I found it fitted comfortably in my hand; granted, my hands are quite large, but I think you'd need extremely tiny palms to struggle here.

The aluminum casing makes it a little weightier than some competitors, but I didn't find that to be a problem, and the brushed metal finish offers sufficient grip even with damp hands. The entire unit feels very durable and well-constructed.

(Image credit: Future)

Underneath the glass motor window is a pair of LED icons that indicate whether the razor is turned on or set to 'flight mode' (meaning that it won't activate unless you hold down the button). The single control button is responsive and has a nice, satisfying click to it.

With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the P3 Pro is technically safe to be completely submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. I can't see any rational scenario where that would be necessary, but the point is that you can safely use it in wet environments; no need to worry about moisture damaging it.

Once the USB-C port is sealed with the attached tab, you can simply remove the triple-blade head and wash both parts under running water (though it should be noted that you'll need razor oil to re-lubricate the blades if you wash them with soap or other cleaning products, and this isn't included). I found washing it to be remarkably easy after use, and simply rinsing it thoroughly without soap was perfectly sufficient after a regular shave.

(Image credit: Future)

It's genuinely really difficult to find a single design flaw here, really. As I mentioned earlier, the magnetic blade head lends itself to swappable units, and a proper beard trimmer attachment would've been a very welcome addition here, but overall, the P3 Pro is exceedingly well-designed for its intended purpose.

I would maybe note that it could benefit from having slightly more in the box. I won't mark Laifen down for the lack of attachments (after all, this is supposed to be a super-compact travel shaver), but it would've been nice to see a small brush or some blade oil included here. The charging cable is also only USB-C to USB-C, meaning you'll need an adapter if you want to charge it from a regular wall outlet. In truth, though, this is mostly nitpicking on my part; I honestly really love the design of the P3 Pro, and it really feels like a premium device in the hand.

Design score: 5 out of 5

Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver: performance

Gentle even on thicker stubble, but won't work on full beards
Wide-angled head provides a nice close shave
Where does the hair go??

OK, I'll be completely honest here: I have a full beard, and the Laifen P3 Pro is simply not designed to deal with that. I did find that it was ideal for eradicating stubble on my neck and cheeks, and it was at least somewhat capable of tidying up the edges of my beard, but the latter was a slow process and lacked the precision of a proper beard trimmer. Nonetheless, I was pretty cautious; I get the feeling this thing could've happily cleared off my whole beard if I actually went straight for the skin.

With that knowledge in hand, I enlisted the help of my father, who maintains a clean-shaven look but has been known to let it get a bit scratchy. His report was glowing; week-old stubble came off swiftly and with virtually no irritation, resulting in a shave as close as you'd expect to get from a larger electric shaver.

(Image credit: Future)

It's not particularly noisy (it was far quieter than the cheap old Philips B1216 trimmer I usually use for beard care), and the dual 12,000RPM motors do a great job of cleaving through thicker stubble. The head has a wide-angle foil design - similar to the Panasonic Swipe Right I mentioned earlier in this review - that helps cover more skin and provides a closer shave.

Although Laifen officially designates the P3 Pro for face and neck use, that flatter head design means you could feasibly also use it for other parts of the body, too - provided the hair you're dealing with isn't too thick. I didn't deign to shave my armpits or legs during my testing period (I don't need to be more aerodynamic, sorry), but I reckon a lot of users would be able to use it for this if so inclined.

(Image credit: Future)

The battery life is reported at an impressive 100 minutes, and I tested this by turning it on from a full charge and leaving it running with a stopwatch. Yes, this was a fairly annoying process — it's quieter than some electric razors, but it's certainly not silent — but I'm pleased to report that it ran dry at just shy of 93 minutes, which I'd say is close enough considering that a daily once-over takes barely a minute or two. It's certainly longer than some bulkier competitors can muster, which is stellar performance for such a small device.

It holds its charge remarkably well when not in use, too. I actually received this shaver more than two months ago and didn't have a chance to review it immediately, yet it was still at near-full charge when I finally unboxed it. The USB-C cable offers fast-charging, which can get you about eight minutes of shaving from just three minutes plugged in. If it's completely drained, you'll get a full charge in around 45 minutes.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Laifen P3 Pro electric shaver?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Compact, travel-friendly design but with very robust construction, single control button, waterproofing, USB-C charging.	5 / 5
Performance	Highly effective foil shaving, fantastic battery life, lacks attachments for precision beard trimming.	4.5 / 5
Value	High asking price, but largely justified by its great quality and performance. Worth looking for discounts.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a travel razor
If you want to maintain a clean shave on the go and prefer to travel light, this is probably the single best option on the market.

You want an easy clean shave
If you're aiming to maintain a nice close shave with minimal fuss, the P3 Pro is ideal - it delivers a clean finish with easy cleaning.

You like to shave in the shower
With IPX7 waterproofing, you can use the P3 Pro in the shower without fear of it getting damaged or waterlogged.

Don't buy it if...

You're maintaining a beard
Without any extra attachments for precision trimming, the P3 Pro just isn't well-suited for anyone who wants to look after a full beard.

You're on a budget
Although it's an extremely premium-feeling product, there's no denying that the price tag will place this shaver out of reach for some potential customers.

Laifen P3 Pro: also consider

Panasonic Swipe Right
Probably to closest product on the market to the P3 Pro and notably a lot cheaper (but only in the US, for some reason), the Swipe Right from Panasonic is a similarly ultra-compact travel shaver that won't suit bearded users but delivers a nice close shave on the go if you prefer the clean-shaven look.

Read our full Panasonic Swipe Right review

Braun Series 9 Pro
We called the Braun Series 9 Pro "the Bugatti Veyron of beard trimmers", and like the Laifen P3 Pro, it has the triple threat of a beautiful build, clean design, and excellent shaving performance. It also has a solid battery life of one hour and can achieve a great shave either wet or dry, so if you’re looking to spend even more money, you can’t go wrong with this.

Read our full Braun Series 9 Pro review

How I tested the Laifen P3 Pro

Used it periodically over the course of a month
Used by both myself (bearded) and my dad (clean-shaven)
Tested in both wet and dry environments

I used the Laifen P3 Pro regularly throughout January, about twice a week on average, mostly to tidy up the stubble on my neck beneath my main beard. Once I realized that it would be poorly suited for beard trimming, though, I enlisted the aid of my visiting father, who used it daily for three days and agreed that it delivered a great shave.

During testing, I ran the battery down to empty to test its longevity, cleaned it multiple times, and used it both dry and in the shower. While I mostly used it with only water or no moisture whatsoever, both my father and I also tested it out with off-the-shelf shaving foam, and found that it performed well regardless.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed April 2026

Shark's SilkiPro Straight made my curly hair shine bright –I just wish it was easier to use

Victoria Woollaston — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:47:06 +0000

Shark SilkiPro Straight review: two-minute review

The Shark SilkiPro Straight is a wet-to-dry hair straightener that combines a dryer fan, ceramic plates and three interchangeable combs in a single product. It launched in February 2026 and costs £249.99 in the UK and $249.99 in the US.

At this price, it's the most affordable entry in the growing wet-to-dry styler category. It's significantly cheaper than the GHD Duet Style at £379 / $429 and the Dyson Airstrait at £449.99 / $499.99, plus it's the only one of the three to include a range of attachments and accessories as standard.

It isn't the most intuitive styler. The grip takes some getting used to, and the location of the combs requires some deliberate – at times awkward – positioning. Working in small sections is non-negotiable if you want a consistent finish or you don't want to trap your hair and pull it out with each pass.

If you can get past this, though, the results are great. The SilkiPro consistently made my fine, mid-length, naturally curly hair look shiny and frizz-free when used in Wet mode. This mode is designed to dry and straighten your hair straight from the shower.

It's not the fastest entrant in our best hair dryer list, taking as long as 8.5 minutes for a standard styling session. As a result, it's unlikely to save you a lot of time compared to drying and straightening separately, but it is more convenient. Dry mode works well enough as a finishing step, but it's technically a glorified ceramic straightener, and a large, awkward, and clunky one at that.

The three interchangeable combs are where the SilkiPro really earns its crust, especially if you have curly or coily hair. The wide-tooth comb rough-dries and detangles from the roots on very wet hair; the gentle comb gives a softer, more natural straight; the precision comb delivers a sleek, flat finish. No competitor offers anything like this, and it feels like a feature designed with natural hair in mind, rather than an afterthought.

Elsewhere, the Shark SilkiPro's motion-sensing auto-pause, which cuts airflow after three seconds when you stop moving, is useful in theory but annoying in practice. It interrupts the rhythm, and the constant shift in noise levels as the airflow speeds up, slows down, and stops gets old quickly. At 70dB on high, it's obviously louder than a non-airflow straightener but quieter than a full-power hairdryer.

For fine or straight hair, there are simpler, cheaper tools that will do the same job as the Shark SilkiPro. However, for curly or coily hair where wet-to-dry styling genuinely changes the routine, it's a well-priced, well-equipped choice.

Shark SilkiPro: price & availability

Price: £249.99 (UK) / $249.99 (US)
Launch date: February 2026
Availability: UK / US

At £249.99 in the UK and $249.99 in the US, the SilkiPro Straight is the most affordable entry in the growing wet-to-dry straightener market, by quite some margin.

It's sold directly from Shark as well as third-party retailers, including Amazon and Boots. It's currently available in two colors, called Plum Satin and Rose Petal in the UK, and Rose and Plum in the US. A Turquoise Wave model is also in the works.

Both the UK and US versions ship with the styler plus three attachments: a wide-tooth comb, gentle comb, and precision comb. The UK model also has a heat-resistant storage pouch in the box, but the US version doesn't.

At this price, the SilkiPro Straight is almost half the price of the Dyson Airstrait at £449.99 / $499.99, and more than £100 cheaper than the £379 / $429 GHD Duet Style, which are the most like-for-like 2-in-1 stylers to the Shark SilkiPro. All three take hair from wet to dry, but they go about it slightly differently.

The GHD Duet Style uses heated plates with airflow to deliver the glossiest finish of the three. The Dyson Airstrait has no plates and instead sends high-pressure air through narrow gaps to straighten the hair for a softer, more natural result.

The Shark uses the same plates-plus-airflow approach as GHD but undercuts both it and the Dyson on price. And it's the only one to include interchangeable combs.

The SilkiPro Straight does enough to justify its price, particularly for anyone with curly or coily hair who'd genuinely use the wet-to-dry features every day. If you already have fine or straight hair, you may not see the full value of all of its features – and a cheaper dryer and/or straightener will suffice – but you will appreciate the all-in-one design for a lower price than its rivals.

Viewed from above (pictured), the size difference between the wide-tooth comb and the two narrower smoothing combs shipped with the Shark SilkiPro Straight is clear (Image credit: Future)

Value score: 4.5 / 5

Shark SilkiPro: specs

Model:	Shark SilkiPro Straight
Wattage:	1,000W
Weight (without cord, approx):	1.72lbs / 780g
Size (H x W x L, approx):	12.05 x 2.19 x 1.54in / 30.61 x 5.56 x 3.91cm
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3
Extra modes:	Wet mode plate (212-248 F / 100-120C); Dry mode plate (320-428F / 160-220C);
Noise level	70dB average
Attachments:	Wide-Tooth Comb, Gentle Comb, Precision Comb, Pouch (UK only)
Cord length:	8ft / 2.4m

Shark SilkiPro review: design

Larger and heavier than a regular flat iron
Three interchangeable combs for different hair types
Split controls for airflow and temperature

The gold power button and wet/dry mode toggle (pictured) sit at the base of the SilkiPro Straight, with the airflow and temperature buttons stacked above them on the lower body (Image credit: Future)

There's very little that's subtle about the Shark SilkiPro Straight, from the color to its shape and features.

The top of the body looks like a conventional flat iron with ceramic plates controlled by a hinge, but the chassis is noticeably wider to accommodate both the comb track that runs along the side and the air vents that direct airflow down through the plates.

The main part of the handle sits just below the hinge and just above a vented grille, and the control buttons are stacked along the side of the lower body into two rows.

Along the top row is where you select the SilkiPro's three airflow settings, cycling through them in order. Below this is the button to cycle through the three heat settings, and the wet/dry mode toggle sits at the bottom alongside the gold power button. On the opposite side of the arm is a lock switch that keeps the plate closed when being stored.

The specific temperatures of the plate's heat settings depend on whether you're in Wet or Dry mode.

Wet mode: 212-248F / 100-120C
Dry mode: 320-428F / 160-220C

In Wet mode, which is designed for use on hair that's at least 70% dry after rough-drying from the roots, the plates run between 212F / 100C and 248F / 120C.

Dry mode, which is used for finishing and touch-ups on already-dry hair, runs the plates much hotter – between 320F / 160C and 428F / 220C – and works like a conventional ceramic straightener.

The lilac faux-leather storage pouch (pictured) is included in the UK box and houses the SilkiPro Straight, as well as pockets for the three comb attachments (Image credit: Future)

Temperature	Wet Mode	Dry Mode
High	120C / 248F	220C / 428F
Medium	110C / 230F	190C / 374F
Low	100C / 212F	160C / 320F

The gold cool-touch strip (pictured) runs along the top of the SilkiPro Straight body, providing a safe place to grip during use (Image credit: Future)

I reviewed the Plum Satin model, which has a two-tone purple/lilac matte body with gold cool-touch strip, gold-toned ceramic plates, and a matching cord. It's a fun, if slightly cheap-looking, mix that stands out in a sea of traditionally white-and-black stylers, but won't suit everyone.

On first glance, I assumed the two-tone design was purely aesthetic, but it acts as a reference point when styling your hair to show which direction the air is flowing.

The gold lock switch (pictured) sits between the two arms of the SilkiPro Straight to keep the plates closed when not in use or when traveling (Image credit: Future)

The three combs – wide-tooth, gentle, and precision – clip into a track that runs along the back of the tool, locking in with an audible click. When attached, they sit flush to the styler, which not only keeps them close to the plates but doesn't add more to the chunkiness of the overall design. As they only sit on one side of the styler, you need to be very deliberate about how you hold and use the SilkiPro. This can take a lot of getting used to.

Swapping between the combs is easy, although Shark stressed you shouldn't change combs immediately after using Dry mode, as the hot plates may burn your hands.

The wide-tooth comb attachment (pictured) is designed for use on very wet hair to rough-dry roots and detangle thick, curly, or coily hair before straightening (Image credit: Future)

In terms of weight, at 1.72lbs / 780g, the SilkiPro is heavier than a standard flat iron, and you can feel it, particularly during longer styling sessions.

The swivel cord helps reduce wrist strain, and the cool-touch gold strip gives you a reliable place to grip, but with such a small handle and a top-heavy design, it's not the most comfortable styler to maneuver.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark SilkiPro review: performance

Delivers smooth, frizz-free results quickly
Auto-pause airflow can be annoying
Dry mode doesn't offer more than a conventional flat iron

Although it looks simple enough, the SilkiPro Straight isn't the most intuitive styler to use.

Its larger size and the specific location of the combs and airflow mean the grip and positioning don't come naturally. You also have to work in small sections to make sure you not only get a consistent finish, but also don't trap hair outside of the plates. Once you've mastered all that, it's a great styler, if a little slow and awkward at times.

In Wet mode, the mix of airflow and plates does a good job of drying and straightening at the same time, with impressive results on my naturally curly hair. Even without a comb attached. It gave me shiny, sleek and frizz-free hair every time, but having to meticulously move around your head in small sections means it's not a quick job.

During my tests, it took as much as 8.5 minutes to dry my entire head of fine, mid-length hair on the fastest airflow and heat setting. For comparison, most dryers I've tested average around five minutes.

The precision comb attachment (pictured) clips into the track along the side of the SilkiPro Straight and is designed for a sleek, flat finish with maximum control (Image credit: Future)

The wide-tooth comb is the best place to start on very wet hair, rough-drying the roots while stretching and detangling before you begin straightening. Switching to the gentle or precision comb for the straightening pass creates a clean finish.

In addition to angling the airflow so it blasts up at the roots, and thus adds volume, you can also use the SilkiPro like a standard dryer. Without any hair inside, close the plates to activate the air, and angle the flow at your roots or anywhere you want to quickly blast away water.

Dry mode works well as a finishing step for smoothing flyaways, but at that point, it's effectively just a regular straightener – albeit a larger, less comfortable one.

A built-in HeatSense sensor reads the plate temperature 1,000 times per second and automatically adjusts the heat based on how much moisture remains in the hair, applying less heat when it's wetter and more as it dries.

Shark goes quite hard on the benefit of its motion-sensing auto-pause feature, which cuts airflow after three seconds when you stop moving it. In theory, this sounds great. In practice, it's annoying. Pausing to clip away a finished section is enough to trigger the auto-pause, and the interrupted rhythm gets old quickly. Not to mention the constant change in noise levels between the motor sound when the plates are open, the airflow noise when the plates are closed, and the constant on and off of the auto-pause.

Speaking of which, noise is reasonable for a tool with a built-in fan. It's obviously louder than a straightener that doesn't have an airflow option – averaging at 70dB – but it's quieter than most hairdryers, even at full power.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

How I tested the Shark SilkiPro review

I tested the Shark SilkiPro Straight over four weeks, using it as my go-to styling tool on both wash days and when I wanted to style second-day hair.

I tried all three combs across a range of scenarios, starting with the wide-tooth comb on freshly washed hair to rough-dry and detangle from the roots; moving to the gentle comb for straightening, and finishing with the precision comb on dry mode to lock in the style.

I tested the 2-in-1 styler on damp hair at varying levels of dryness to get a sense of how the heat-sensing plates worked, and paid particular attention to how the results compared to my usual two-step routine of hairdryer followed by straighteners. I also tested it on dry hair in ry mode alone, using it as I would a standalone flat iron.

Throughout, I noted how easy it was to use, noise levels using the DecibelX app, and the finish and hold.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2026

The T3 Aire 360 is the closest I've got to Dyson Airwrap-style results without paying Dyson prices

Victoria Woollaston — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

T3 Aire 360: two-minute review

It's only been two years since T3 first launched the Aire 360 which was, at the time, the world's first ceramic air styler and it's quickly become one of the best hair dryers on the market. That hasn't stopped T3 revamping and relaunching the styler as what it's calling the "next-generation" T3 Aire 360.

Like the original, the new Aire 360 is a ceramic air styler designed to dry, smooth, and curl hair in a single tool. It launched in the US in March 2026 at $349.99 and is due to launch in the UK towards the end of the summer.

At $349.99 (about £260 / AU$490), the next-gen model is $50 more than the original and the headline upgrades are dual voltage, a shorter handle and a lighter base. Thankfully, the styling system itself that made the original so good has stayed the same.

The CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels remain the tool's best feature: they consistently create bouncy, glossy curls that hold well into the next day. Especially on my fine hair. The ceramic coating makes a visible difference here, not just to the finish but to style longevity. Plastic-barrels just don't come close.

The SoftAire concentrator dries faster than its compact size suggests too. My fine, mid-length hair was ready for styling in just over three minutes, even though the wand shape of the base makes directing airflow at the roots awkward and uncomfortable at times. T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the attachments but this means very little in reality. It takes a fair amount of experimentation (and patience) to get the very best results but the Aire 360 still creates "good enough" styles, even while you're on this learning curve.

The oval brush takes the most practice of the four attachments, which was a surprise given that it's effectively just a hot brush. However, its large size coupled with the 1.3lb / 590g weight of the base feels awkward at times. Its bulk will also only likely suit mid-length to long hair and short hair styles may not see the full benefit.

All that said, the rewards outweigh the effort. The oval brush turns even fine hair into voluminous styles that are hard to achieve with a round brush alone. Elsewhere, at 71dB, the Aire 360 isn't loud and isn't quiet; it's comparable to most standard hair dryers I've tested.

Compared to its closest rivals, the case for the T3 Aire 360 is strong. Not only does it undercut its most like-for-like, ceramic air styler the Shark Glam, it also sits well below the Dyson Airwrap range while matching, and at times bettering both, in terms of performance. If you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, or even looking for an upgrade, you could do a lot worse than this flagship styler.

T3 Aire 360: price & availability

List price: $349.99
Available: US only / UK coming summer 2026
Launch date: March 2026

There are currently two versions of the T3 Aire 360 on sale.

The original launched in 2023 at $299.99 / £249.99. This is currently the only model on sale in the UK. In March 2026, T3 launched what it's calling the next-generation Aire 360 in the US. Since launching the next-gen version, the original has been discontinued in the States and we're assuming that when it eventually comes to the UK later this year, the original will also be removed there, too.

This review covers the next-generation model, which costs $349.99 for the Standard bundle, or $359.99 for the Diffuser version. It's sold directly from T3 as well as Sephora and Amazon in Satin Blush or Milk Grey colorways.

For $50 more than the original, you're getting a lighter, redesigned base, a shorter handle and dual voltage for international travel. The styling system itself – the CeraGloss ceramic barrels, Aire 360 airflow technology, SoftAire concentrator and oval brush – is the same as before.

The T3 Aire 360's attachments include oval brush (left), SoftAire concentrator (top) and two ceramic curling barrels (right) (Image credit: Future)

At this price, the next-generation T3 Aire 360 lands in the thick of what's become a competitive (and growing) multi-styler market. The closest like-for-like in terms of price is the Shark FlexStyle that also retails for $349.99. However, the FlexStyle lacks the ceramic barrels of the T3 version.

To get the same ceramic design and finish, as well as range of attachments, you need to pay an extra $100 for the $449.99 Shark Glam. The Dyson Airwrap is the most expensive alternative, ranging from $549.99 / £399.99 for the Origin up to $749.99 / £579.99 for the latest Co-anda 2x. The most like-for-like comparison is the Airwrap i.d. at $649.99 / £479.99, which adds Bluetooth connectivity and personalized curling options on the Dyson app.

If you already own the first-generation Aire 360, and rarely travel abroad, there's limited reason to upgrade. However, if you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, this is the model to get because it represents considerably better value than the Dyson and Shark alternatives without sacrificing much on results.

Value score: 4.5 / 5

T3 Aire 360 Next-Gen: specs

Model:	T3 Aire 360 Next-Generation
Wattage:	1,400W
Weight (without cord, approx):	1.3 lbs / 590g
Size (H x W x L, approx):	9.2 x 1.8 x 1.7in / 23.37 x 4.57 x 4.32cm
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3
Noise level	71dB average
Attachments:	2x 1.35in CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels; SoftAire drying concentrator; oval brush; vegan leather storage tote
Cord length:	9ft / 2.74m swivel

T3 Aire 360: design

Slim, lightweight base with a shorter handle than the original
Four twist-and-lock attachments
Three heat settings plus cool shot, three speed settings

As has been the case since the Dyson Airwrap put the multi-styler category on the map, the next-generation Aire 360 looks more like a curling wand than traditional hair dryer.

It has a slim, cylindrical shape that, at 1.3 lbs / 590g is almost half the weight of the original Aire 360 and on par with the Airwrap i.d. The handle has been shortened, compared to the original Aire 360, and this makes the whole styler more balanced, even when the attachments are in place.

The styler comes in Satin Blush and Milk Gray; the Satin Blush leans into what's become a crowded market of blush-toned tools but the Milk Gray model that I reviewed is more traditional and understated. I was worried the glossy, plastic finish would pick up fingerprints but it's slightly dusty rather than shiny which makes it easy to grip without leaving marks or smudges.

The speed and temperature buttons (pictured) each cycle through three settings indicated by LEDs, with the power switch sitting just below (Image credit: Future)

All of the controls run down the front of the handle: the top button cycles through the three speed settings; the middle button controls the three temperatures including the Cool shot function, and the power switch sits just below.

Each are within easy reach during styling but don't get in the way, which means you don't have to worry about knocking them mid-session. The heat and speed buttons also sit ever-so-slightly below the surface of the handle, too, meaning every press needs to be deliberate.

At the base of the handle are two LED indicators that show which voltage the styler is running at – 110 V or 220 V – and the filter sits on its own with a magnetic cover that twists off easily. Albeit a little too easy sometimes, mid-style.

The Standard Aire 360 ships with four attachments. The Diffuser bundle adds a ceramic diffuser to the mix. You can get the diffuser with the styler for $359.99 or buy it after the fact for $29.99.

SoftAire drying concentrator: Softens the airflow for fast drying; works like a traditional blow dryer nozzle but is more compact and directional.
2 x CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels (left and right): These use a mix of airflow and ceramic heat to wrap hair and create curls.
Oval brush: SmoothGrip bristles and T3's CeraGloss ceramic surface smooth and lift. It sits somewhere between a round brush blowout and a hot brush.
Ceramic diffuser: Gently disperses airflow over natural curls and wave patterns.

The oval brush (pictured) mixes SmoothGrip pins with bristles on a CeraGloss ceramic surface to smooth and lift at the roots without snagging (Image credit: Future)

All of these attachments twist and lock onto the base with a single hand movement and stay in place until you flick the unlock switch on the rear of the handle. The two curling barrels are handed, one for each side of the head, and both have T3's CeraGloss ceramic coating designed to hold the heat more than plastic rivals.

The SoftAire concentrator is small and nozzle-shaped, doing a similar job to a traditional blow dryer concentrator but more compact. The oval brush is then the chunkiest of the four, with SmoothGrip bristles on a ceramic surface. This is designed to smooth and lift at the roots but the size will suit mid-length to longer hair better than shorter styles.

Everything packs neatly into the included vegan leather tote, which is one of those details you don't think much about until you're trying to travel with four attachments and a styling base.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

T3 Aire 360 review: performance

Fast and gentle drying
Curling barrels produce bouncy curls that last well
Oval brush delivers a smooth, lifted finish but takes practice

The Aire 360's central promise, that it can style hair with airflow and ceramic heat rather than direct, damaging heat, is bold but for the most part, it holds up.

The SoftAire concentrator, which is where most sessions begin, dried faster than I had expected from something so compact; knocking most of the moisture out of my fine, mid-length hair in just over three minutes on the highest heat and speed setting. The wand shape takes some getting used to for just drying; directing airflow at the roots with any precision requires a bit more wrist work than a traditional dryer.

T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the styling attachments but in reality, it's hard to know exactly what this means. If your hair is too wet, it can take a while to get the best finish, but if it's too dry, the style won't hold.

From my tests, I found that hair that's no longer damp but which still feels slightly cool when you run your fingers through it is about right. It's also worth working in sections, and if you're unsure, err on the side of slightly wetter rather than drier.

The styler itself runs warm rather than hot. My hair felt noticeably less frazzled after drying than it does with a traditional dryer and the airflow is powerful enough to be useful but not so aggressive that it sends fine hair flying in every direction. This is a balance that's harder to strike than it sounds.

The gold cool-touch strip (pictured) runs along the top of the SilkiPro Straight body, providing a safe place to grip during use (Image credit: Future)

The curling barrels, which are the Aire 360's best feature in my opinion, are easy to use once you've got the hang of which barrel best suits which side of your head. One barrel makes curls wrap from your face, while the other wraps them towards your face and while this sounds simple, it makes a big difference to the look you're trying to achieve.

To use each one, you move the styler towards a section of hair and the airflow does the wrapping; pulling the hair towards and around the barrel. You then hold the hair in place for around 10 seconds, depending on your hair type, how tight you want the curl and how damp the hair is. It takes a session or two to get the positioning and timing right, particularly on fine hair where letting go too soon can loosen the curl before it's set.

Once you've found the right rhythm, though, the results are impressive: bouncy, glossy curls that look natural and which last well into the next day on fine hair. This is undoubtedly down to the ceramic coating on each barrel. Ceramic holds heat better than plastic and this makes a noticeable difference to the finish; there's a shine to the curl that holds rather than dropping to a frizzy wave by mid-afternoon.

I had expected the oval brush to be the easiest attachment to use but it also required a bit of practice and technique to get the best results because the positioning and size make it awkward to move around your head.

Two LED indicators at the base of the handle (pictured) show whether the styler is running at 110V or 220V (Image credit: Future)

On my fine, mid-length hair it smoothed well and added a lifted, voluminous finish at the roots that's difficult to achieve with a traditional round brush alone, unless you're skilled at blow-drying. The ceramic surface again adds a shine that lasts, and the SmoothGrip bristles are gentle enough that they don't snag or pull.

In my experience, it works best on hair that has a little more moisture than is needed for the curling barrels, for example, and it also rewards the kind of tension and wrist action that takes a few attempts to get right and which can ache after a while. Its large size was also ideal for my hair length, but it will likely have limited benefits to short hair styles.

Noise-wise, the Aire 360 runs at an average of 71dB, it's not offensive but it's not subtle either which is on par with most standard hair dryers.

Across the board, the Aire 360 rewards patience. The first session is unlikely to produce the results you're hoping for, and fine hair in particular needs some experimentation with heat and speed settings before you land on the right combo.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

How I tested the T3 Aire 360

I tested the next-generation T3 Aire 360 over three weeks, using it as my go-to styler on both wash days and when I wanted to refresh second-day hair.

I have fine, mid-length naturally curly hair, which gave me a good sense of how the tool performs on hair that needs both volume and definition, without being weighed down.

I worked through all of the attachments across a range of scenarios starting with the SoftAire concentrator to rough-dry freshly washed hair, moving to the curling barrels to style, and using the oval brush on days when I wanted a smoother, more polished finish rather than curls. I tested the curling barrels on hair at different levels of dryness and paid particular attention to how well the curls held across different heat and speed settings. I also used the oval brush on both damp and dry hair.

Throughout testing I noted how easy each attachment was to use, how long the results lasted into the following day, and noise levels using the DecibelX app. I didn't test the ceramic diffuser, which is sold separately.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2026

Forget wheezy hotel hair dryers — the Dyson Supersonic Travel is small enough to fit in your carry-on bag

catherine.ellis@futurenet.com (Cat Ellis) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:01:00 +0000

The Dyson Supersonic Travel is a lightweight, compact hair dryer
It's compatible with the same attachments as full-size Supersonic dryers
It adapts automatically to suit the voltage in the country you're visiting

Dyson has launched a new travel-size hair dryer that's small enough to pack in your hand luggage and safe to use anywhere in the world. The Dyson Supersonic Travel is 32% lighter and 25% smaller than the original Dyson Supersonic (released in 2016), but still offers intelligent heat control to prevent damage

If you already have a Dyson Supersonic or Supersonic Nural hair dryer, you'll be pleased to know that the new travel-size model is compatible with all the same attachments, so you don't need to struggle without your favorite diffuser, wide-tooth comb, or smoothing nozzle.

The attachments are held in place with magnets so you can snap them on and off, and your Supersonic dryer will recognize which one is currently in place. When we tested the original Supersonic, we were particularly impressed by the Flyaway attachment, which tames stray hairs with the same technology as the Dyson Airwrap.

Dyson

Voltage can be an issue when you're travelling with electrical appliances, but the Dyson Supersonic Travel automatically adapts to the country you're visiting, so you can take it around the world without worrying about damaging the motor or experiencing poor performance.

During styling, the Dyson Supersonic Travel measures airflow temperature 100 times per second to ensure your hair isn't overheated, which can cause damage over time — a welcome change from hotel hair dryers, which tend to either wheeze warm air onto your hair, or blast it with heat.

The Dyson Supersonic Travel is available to buy now direct from Dyson for £249.99 in the UK or from Dyson Australia for AU$449 (about $340 in the US). The company has yet to announce dates for its international launch.

The Revamp Tri-Care is heavy and awkward, but I can't fault how well it dries and protects my hair

Victoria Woollaston — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:25:06 +0000

Revamp Tri-Care Infrared: two-minute review

The Revamp Enigma Tri-Care Infrared Ionic Hair Dryer is a mid-range dryer with an ambitious spec sheet. Alongside three speed and heat settings and a cold shot, it uses constant infrared heat to dry hair from within as well as switchable red (625nm) and blue (440nm) LED modes, designed to stimulate scalp circulation and support hair growth over time. Three magnetic attachments, a curl diffuser, wide concentrator and slim concentrator, are then included in the price.

On high speed and high heat, my medium-length, fine hair went from wet to dry in around four minutes with a surprisingly sleek finish — smooth enough that I stopped having to reach for my straighteners. The lower heat settings feel genuinely gentler too, with the infrared seemingly doing a lot of the work rather than compensating with more surface heat. Hair felt noticeably softer across my testing period.

The light therapy modes are easy to switch between: one button on top of the barrel cycles between off, red and blue, but as with any light therapy device, the real benefits take months of use to show up. It's also worth noting that fitting any of the attachments blocks this light, so getting the full benefit means spending most of your routine nozzle-free.

Where the Tri-Care falls down, though, is in the handling. The weight sits in the barrel rather than the handle and this makes it tiring to hold even in short styling sessions. The heat and speed buttons sit exactly where your fingers naturally rest, which means they're always in reach, but also means you accidentally change settings mid-style.

At £199.99 (about $270 / AU$380), the Tri-Care sits at the upper end of the mid-range of the best hair dryers, but it fills a gap that nothing else currently occupies. If you want a dryer that takes hair health seriously without spending in excess of £300, the Tri-Care makes a strong case, ergonomic frustrations and all.

Revamp Tri-Care Infrared: price & availability

List price: £199.99 / €149.99
Availability: UK / EU

Revamp's Tri-Care dryer, or to give it its full, long-winded name, the Revamp Professional Enigma Tri-Care Infrared Ionic Hair Dryer, costs £199.99 in the UK and €149.99 in Europe and is sold at Revamp, Amazon and Boots.

For this price you get the dryer plus three magnetic attachments: a curl diffuser, wide concentrator and slim concentrator.

At £199.99 the Tri-Care sits at the upper end of the mid-range. The mdlondon BLOW is on par, price wise, but it ships with two attachments and lacks the infrared, red and blue light therapy found on the Revamp model. The most direct infrared comparison in the UK is the Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro at £129.99. It uses far-infrared technology to dry hair from within but, again, lacks the red and blue light options and ships with only one nozzle.

To come closer to the range of features and attachments of the Revamp Tri-Care, you're looking at paying £399.99 for premium dryers like the Dreame Miracle Pro. In Dreame's favor, you do get an essence mister to soften you hair, extra attachment and storage case but you're paying twice the price for those privileges.

The included diffuser and nozzles give the Revamp Tri-Care flexibility for both curls and smooth finishes (Image credit: Future)

At the time of writing, the Revamp Tri-Care isn't available in the US so the closest rival if you're in the States, in terms of features and attachments, is the L'Oreal AirLight Pro. At $475 it uses infrared rather than red light therapy, with the focus on faster drying rather than scalp health, but it comes with an app for precise heat and airflow controls. A novel and welcomed extra.

This means, at £199.99, the Tri-Care sits in a gap in the market that nothing else currently fills and while £200 isn't an insignificant amount of money, you are getting great value for your money.

Value score: 4.5 / 5

Revamp Tri-Care Infrared: specs

Model:	Revamp Enigma Tri-Care Infrared Ionic Hair Dryer
Wattage:	1,600W
Weight (without cord, approx):	1lb / 460g
Size (H x W x L, approx):	11.5 x 5.5 x 4.1 in / 29.2 x 14 x 10.5 cm
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3 + Cold shot
Extra modes:	Infrared (constant), red LED, blue LED
Noise level	72dB average
Attachments:	Curl diffuser, wide concentrator, slim concentrator
Cord length:	9.8ft / 3m

Revamp Tri-Care Infrared review: design

Matte black finish with wide circular barrel
Two sliders on the handle for heat and speed
Button on top switches between red and blue LED modes
Three magnetic attachments: diffuser, wide concentrator and slim concentrator

The barrel and easy-to-reach, albeit overly sensitive controls (pictured) make the Revamp Tri-Care simple to use. There are three heat settings and three speed settings (Image credit: Future)

The Revamp Tri-Care looks like a cut-price Dyson Supersonic and for the most part, that's exactly what it is.

Its barrel-over-handle shape has a black matte finish with silver accents around the front of the barrel, and on the filter that sits at the base of the handle. In a sea of increasingly funky colorways from rivals — Dyson, I'm looking at you with your Apricot Topaz and Jasper Plum models — there's something classy about this muted design. Even if, from a distance at least, the dryer errs on the side of looking cheap.

Once you hold the Tri-Care, its weight and soft plastic give it much more premium feel. As do the heat, speed and Cold shot buttons that sit flush with the handle. There's an extra button on the top of the barrel, used to switch between red and blue LED modes, and the On/Off slider sits on the rear of the handle.

Looking at the Tri-Care face-on and you can then see the central infrared beam sitting in the middle, a ring of alternating red and blue LEDs around it, and the four ionic emitters at the outer edge.

At 1lb / 460g, Revamp's dryer is noticeably heavier than most rivals — the Dreame Miracle Pro, by comparison, is 0.9lbs / 420g – and it's not well balanced. A lot of the weight sits in the barrel, which makes sense when you consider how much tech has been crammed in, but it also makes it uncomfortable to use for long periods. In fact, this heft is noticeable during short styling sessions too and while, size-wise, it's not unwieldy, you will feel the difference in your arms and wrists.

Looking at the Tri-Care face-on (pictured) and you can then see a ring of alternating red and blue LEDs around it, and the four ionic emitters at the outer edge (Image credit: Future)

The three attachments are all magnetic and swap over in seconds. Just align the pin and they click into place.

The slim concentrator is for working through sections precisely, the wide one for faster general drying and the diffuser for curls and volume.

Sadly, it's missing the attachment recognition feature (which knows which nozzle is attached and remembers your previous heat and speed settings) but this is a small complaint. Selecting settings manually each time is hardly a major inconvenience.

A much bigger inconvenience, though, is how easy it is to accidentally switch between settings. The buttons sit exactly where your fingers naturally rest and while this means they're in reach should you want to change them mid-style, they're too sensitive.

The Revamp Tri-Care hair dryer has clearly positioned controls on the handle, including an on/off switch on the rear (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

There wasn't a single styling session throughout my whole Revamp Tri-Care review period where I didn't accidentally change the speed or heat. Similarly, because of the relatively short handle, I wasn't able to shift my hand's position without blocking the filter or without the poorly balanced weight aching my wrists further.

Beyond these largely standard dryer design features, the standout addition for me is the use of infrared and LED modes:

Infrared
Red light (625nm)
Blue light (440nm)

The infrared light runs constantly and is invisible. Its job is to dry the hair from within, rather than just blasting heat at the surface. This results in less exposure to heat and, eventually and with consistent use, healthier hair and scalp.

The red LEDs sit at 625nm and work on the scalp rather than the hair itself. Red light causes blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow and the delivery of nutrients in this blood to the hair follicle. There's decent clinical evidence behind this. Stanford Medicine, among others, published a report that showed consistent use (over months) can help your hair grow longer and stronger.

The blue LEDs, at 440nm, are less well known about but still validated. A University of Bradford study found that blue light at 453nm can prolong the anagen phase – the active growth stage of the hair cycle — and there's also evidence it reduces scalp inflammation, which is a more common driver of hair loss than many people realize. It should also be noted that one report said the effects are stronger on Asian and caucasian hair and less effective on African hair. Other research suggests the two wavelengths work better together than either does alone.

Fitted with the diffuser (pictured), the Revamp Tri-Care is more unwieldy to use but it defines curls well (Image credit: Future)

Both the blue and red light are visible in use, without being distracting, but as is also the case with the Dreame Miracle Pro, as soon as you use an attachment, large portions of this light are blocked.

If the light therapy is the main reason you're buying this, you'll want to spend part of your routine without a nozzle attached.

Design score: 3 out of 5

Revamp Tri-Care Infrared review: performance

Dries hair quickly with a smooth, frizz-free finish
Quieter than most dryers at this price
Light therapy modes easy to switch between but benefits hard to assess short-term

For all my complaints about the Revamp Tri-Care's design, its a fast and incredibly capable dryer.

The three speed settings and three heat settings give you enough combinations to work with most hair types. High speed and high heat are great for a fast rough dry; medium heat and speed is good for everyday styling; and low heat is ideal for fine or damaged hair. The cold shot is then quick and does a good job of setting a style in place.

On high speed and high heat, my medium-length hair went from wet to dry in around four minutes with a surprisingly smooth finish. So much so, I've stopped reaching for my straighteners after use to knock out the last evidence of frizz.

The concentrator nozzle (pictured) helps the Revamp Tri-Care focus the airflow more precisely for sleek, polished results (Image credit: Future)

On the mid and lower heat settings, drying took longer but felt noticeably gentler, which is where the infrared technology likely earns its place – you're not compensating for the slower dry with more heat, the infrared is seemingly doing a lot of the work from within. My hair was noticeably softer across the board too.

Switching between the red and blue LED modes takes one button press on top of the barrel and is simple enough. As with any light therapy device, it's hard to quantify the true impact because they require consistent use over months to make a difference, and even then the difference is unlikely to be so stark that it's fully noticeable.

The magnetic attachments click on and off quickly and stay secure in use. The curl diffuser works well for enhancing natural curls without disrupting it too much, and the slim concentrator gives enough precision for working through sections. That said, while the attachments don't add a lot of extra weight, they do change how and where you hold the dryer in relation to your head. This highlights the poor balance and bulk of the dryer even more.

Elsewhere, the filter twists off the base of the handle for cleaning, which is easy enough to do weekly.

Noise-wise, the Tri-Care is on the quieter side for a 1600W dryer at this price, with an average of 72 dB. The Dyson Supersonic Nural at the same wattage measures around 79 dB (and has a more shrill, annoying motor noise).

In my tests, the average readings for each of the modes were:

Cool: 70 dB
Low speed: 73 dB
High speed: 77 dB

Performance score: 4 out of 5

How I tested the Revamp Tri-Care Infrared

I used the Revamp Enigma Tri-Care as my main hair dryer for four weeks, replacing my usual dryer daily on my fine, mid-length hair.

In the first week I worked through each heat and speed combinations, all three attachments, and both LED modes systematically. I then settled into more natural everyday use to get a realistic sense of how it performed over the remaining three weeks.

I timed sessions across the different settings and tracked decibels using the DecibelX app. I also compared the results to other dryers I've tested at similar and higher price points, including the £399 Dreame Miracle Pro.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2026

Dyson's biggest product innovations, ranked from game-changer to gimmick

Ruth Hamilton — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Dyson is one of the most respected appliance brands around, and has a reputation for invention. In my role as a TechRadar Homes Editor, I've had a chance to try out almost all of this brand's gadgets and appliances (as well as plenty of competitor products, for added context). I'm consistently impressed with Dyson's creativity and innovation... but not all of its inventions are quite as good as others.

Below, I've listed Dyson's big innovations, ranked from best to worst. To narrow things down a bit, I've focused on the brand's vacuum cleaners and haircare gadgets, though, of course, it also has significant stakes in the air purifier and fan markets. Read on for the Dyson features that truly blew me away, and those that turned out to be downgrades in disguise.

#1. A teeny tiny motor

Any handheld gadget typically benefits from being as compact and light as possible. For its Supersonic r hair dryer, Dyson shrunk the motor right down and put it in an incredibly compact shell. It looks weird, but it's a dream to use, with the pipe-like shape directing air with precision – plus, it blasts out air with serious force for such a small gadget.

(Image credit: Future)

Perhaps even more impressive is the new Dyson PencilVac. This is a cordless stick vacuum, except all the internal mechanics have been shrunk down and tucked into the handle, which is 1.5 inches / under 4cm in diameter.

It looks like a broom handle, except inside there's a tiny little motor, alongside filters, a battery, and even a dust cup. It almost defies belief. I've been busy testing this gadget at home, and it's ultra-nimble and light.

#2. Lasers on vacuums

Want to be disgusted by exactly how dusty your floors are? Now you can! Dyson was the brand that first put dirt-illuminating laser headlamps on its vacuum floorheads. They're ultra-bright and positioned at precisely the right angle to cast big shadows on the tiniest particles and finest hairs on your hard flooring.

They're genuinely useful in making sure you get every last speck of dust cleared away. They're also just generally really satisfying to use and helpful in highlighting (literally) the dirt-hotspots that are getting neglected.

(Image credit: Future)

These were first introduced on the Dyson V15 Detect, but appear on most of Dyson's newest vacuums, including the Dyson Gen5detect and V16 Piston Animal. Lots of brands have copycat versions these days. I've tested plenty of headlamp-equipped vacuums from different brands, but very few come close to Dyson's version in terms of effectiveness.

#3. Curl automation

Dyson deserves credit for pioneering a new way of curling hair with its OG Airwrap. Now my bathroom is full of Airwrap dupes, and the auto-wrapping, air-powered curling feels like old news, but Dyson has managed to capture my attention once again with a major upgrade to its iconic multi-styler.

The newest models – the Airwrap i.d. and Airwrap Co-anda 2x – have a little spring-loaded switch on the front that automates the curl sequence for you. Flick it upwards, and it kicks off a wrap – curl – cool shot process, so all you need to do is hold the styler in place while it works its magic.

The timings of each part are specific to your hair and determined by a quiz you complete in the companion app. Normally, I'm pretty opposed to apps for things that shouldn't really need one, but here, Dyson gets a pass.

(Image credit: Future)

Now, this upgrade isn't essential. I could achieve the same results on my own with some focus and clock-watching. It's just that it makes styling so effortless. And because I invariably get bored or distracted when trying to curl without the automated sequence, the results on me always look more polished and last longer when the machine times it all out for me.

#4. Ultra-precise dust detection

Dyson's newer flagship vacuums (from the V15 onwards) have the ability to detect exactly the size and number of particles they're sucking up at any time, and report back on a screen mounted above the handle. They do this in real-time, via a colorful, moving bar graph, and a summary is provided at the end of the cleaning session. The vacuums also use the information to adjust suction to clean away the particles efficiently.

Let's be clear: I do really like this feature. The reason it's further down my list is that I'm not convinced all of it is strictly necessary. The particle detection and automatic suction adjustment is super-useful. I also enjoy watching the bars shift as I clean, and to some extent, it helps me do a more thorough job, as I can see where the floor is especially dirty.

(Image credit: Future)

However, the real-time reports are limited in their practical usefulness, and there's certainly no need for them to be broken up by particle size. I have a sneaking suspicion the bar graph is mainly there for the gratification of the engineers who really, really wanted us to know what was going on under the hood and how much work it took to make it.

#5. Submarine floorheads

Another innovation I'm on the fence about is Submarine floorheads – mopping heads that can be swapped onto certain vacuums to enable them to wet-clean as well as vacuum. In fact, it might be more accurate to say I'm not sure Dyson has really found its way when it comes to wet cleaners in general.

(Image credit: Future)

I haven't been blown away by any of the mopping gadgets I've tested from Dyson so far. The V15s Detect Submarine suffered from a poorly designed Submarine head that had an unfortunate tendency to leak dirty water when disconnected from the machine for emptying. And while the Dyson WashG1 is a very good cleaner, it doesn't do enough to justify its sky-high price tag. There are similarly priced (and cheaper) models in my best wet-and-dry vacuum roundup that do more, and better.

I have a new Clean+Wash Hygiene on its way for testing, so Dyson may still redeem itself on the mopping front.

#6. Conical floorheads

My final entry in this list is one that I genuinely think is a downgrade. On its latest flagship – the V16 Piston Animal – Dyson decided to shake things up on the floorhead front. Instead of having one parallel brushroll, the new-look head has two cone-shaped rollers connected in the center. The idea is that any long strands of hair will make their way to the narrow end of the cone and away into the bin, rather than staying tangled around the roller.

The knock-on effect is that the front of the floorhead becomes slightly pointed. This is a major pain when it comes to cleaning the edges of rooms, because the head won't sit flush to the wall. Getting the perimeter of a room clean now requires a load of awkward maneuvering, whereas before it was straightforward as anything.

What's more, there's a barrier in the center of the floorhead where the two rollers connect, and below which nothing gets sucked up.

(Image credit: Future)

While the new design does work on an anti-hair tangle front, here's the thing: I never had any real issues with hair wrap on Dyson's previous (parallel) floorhead, either. It might make a noticeable difference if you have Rapunzel-like locks, but for most households, the issues it creates will far outweigh any benefits.

The 25 best gadgets we saw at CES 2026 — smart Lego, big TV innovation, a robovac with legs, and much more

TechRadar Team — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:33:12 +0000

CES 2026 is well underway now, and the TechRadar team has been on the show floor – and in the many private briefing rooms dotted all over Las Vegas – to see what the most important, most innovative, and most fun gadgets coming your way in 2026 will be.

We've had our experts all over the big launches as well as the smaller stuff tucked away at the back of the halls, and we've chosen our 25 favorite products of the show. We're covering a wide gamut of consumer tech here, so make yourself a coffee and dig into what we loved, and why it stood out to us.

Want to watch along and see more of the tech we loved at CES? Check out the video below!

Best phone

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

A phone that really turns into a tablet
Impressive camera system, too
Read more: I finally tried the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and couldn't believe my eyes

We finally got to try Samsung's first double-folding phone (it may be called the TriFold, but there are two hinges…), and we called it a "remarkable feat of engineering that offers the potential of truly pocketable big-screen tablet productivity". When folded, it isn’t meaningfully thicker than regular phones, and it has a 6.5-inch screen… but then it becomes 10-inch tablet – so truly tablet-sized – in an instant when you fold its two sides out.

It's not just a one-trick pony, though – the TriFold has five cameras in total, to make sure it can deliver all the flexibility you want from a modern phone. There's Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy customized powerful processor, and a generous 5,600mAh battery. It's the clear stand-out among CES's phones this year.

@techradar
♬ original sound - TechRadar

Best earbuds

Shokz OpenFit Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Shokz' first open earbuds with active 'noise reduction'
Great fit and sound quality
Read more: I’ve worn the all-new Shokz open earbuds for 4 days and the ‘noise reduction’ is so good, I forget they’re open-ear

The best open earbuds have become incredibly popular, but Shokz has making them for longer than most, and the new OpenFit Pro proves that it's good to be the veteran. Crucially, these are the company's first with active noise cancellation – even though Shokz doesn't want to call it that, because not having an in-ear seal means it's not quite as effective as what people think of for ANC. No, this is 'noise reduction'.

Well, we've tested them, and actually the noise reduction is as good as a lot of ANC earbuds. It's really effective, and paired with impressive sound and high levels of comfort, these are really impressive.

Best stereo speakers

Cambridge L/R Series

(Image credit: Future)

3 sizes of wireless stereo bookshelf speakers with huge power
Dedicated bass drivers with passive radiators
Read more: Cambridge has unveiled three active bookshelf speakers at CES and it’s not hard to see the KEF resemblance

British hi-fi company Cambridge launched its first wireless stereo speakers, and despite being modest in size, they are huge in sound. There are three sizes – the L/R X is the biggest, the L/R M is the medium, and the L/R S is the small – and it's amazing how much oomph they provide.

We heard the L/R X going hard, and the bass is enough to shake the room, despite not being that big. A big down-firing woofer and dual passive bass radiators get it to this point, delivering an amazingly full sound, with tons of detail and finesse to it as well. And they're great-looking, too.

Best Bluetooth speaker

Fender Audio Elie 6

(Image credit: Future)

3-way speaker system in a small body produces great sound
Connections for guitars and mics, and great wireless options
Read more: Fender just released new wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers

Fender Audio launched two speakers and a pair of headphones at CES, and all are interesting in various ways, but during our ears-on time it was the Elie 6 that really impressed us. It's a pretty small unit, but it packs in a tweeter, full-range speaker and down-firing bass driver, meaning the sound is amazingly full and impactful – especially in stereo mode, with two units connected wirelessly.

They have interesting features, too – a combined XLR and 1/4-inch port for connecting a mic or guitar directly, and even two wireless buttons for a specific connectivity feature Fender is planning to work with wireless mics. We like the design too, with a solid carry handle.

Best headphones

TDM Neo

(Image credit: Future)

Headphones that 'twist' to become a portable speaker
200-hour battery life in headphones mode

We love seeing something totally new at CES. The TDM Neo work like a regular pair of on-ear wireless headphones. You put them on, you enjoy some nice bassy music. But when you take them off, you can twist the flexible headband and connect the earcups together magnetically, to form a small round device. As soon as you do this, they start playing music out loud, as a Bluetooth speaker.

They have two sets of audio drivers to make this happen: one for headphones mode, and a more powerful set for speaker mode. And they're really thoughtfully designed – the headband hinges attach to each other when you twist, so you know you've done it correctly, but then they become a flat surface you can stand the speaker on.

If you prefer, you can also change the behavior so that when you twist, they pause instead of auto-switching to speaker mode. And because the speaker mode requires more power, they have huge batteries, and can deliver a colossal 200 hours of life in headphones mode.

Best toy

Lego Smart Play

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

A classic Lego brick, now with sound and light magic
All the tech is under the hood – no screens required

At first glance, Lego’s Smart Brick looks like a regular 2x4 Lego brick. Aside from a transparent top, you’d never know it’s any different. But bring a Smart Minifigure close, and that's where the magic starts to happen. If Darth Vader approaches, the Imperial March starts up. Move R2-D2 nearby and you’re greeted with frantic boops and flashes of blue light. Same goes for a Smart Tag to identify what the Lego build is – say, an X-Wing or Tie Fighter.

All of this is powered by a custom chip hidden inside the brick, along with sensors, a gyroscope, non-invasive microphones, and a sound synthesizer. Together, they let the Smart Brick understand what’s around it and respond with the right sounds and lighting effects, without adding a screen or changing the core Lego experience. For now, it’s limited to a handful of Star Wars sets, but it’s a smart, confident foundation – one that enhances play rather than distracting from it.

Best OLED TV

LG W6 Wallpaper TV

(Image credit: Future)

LG's best OLED panel, in a super-thin 9.9mm body
Uses a wireless connections box to keep it aesthetically pure
Read more: LG announces new OLED TVs at CES

The LG W6 is a stunner in more ways than one. It uses LG's most advanced OLED panel – the new Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 also used in the LG G6 – but in a design that's just 9.9mm thick. It's also totally uniform, meaning it can be as invisible on the wall as pretty much any TV can be these days. In the image above, you can see how well it blends in using a photo of the wall behind it. To help this minimalism, it uses a wireless connections box that's capable of full-quality 4K HDR pictures, but without the tangle of cables running to the TV.

It looks like it'll be a fantastic TV, thanks to the panel and LG's latest-gen image processing, and should only cost a little more than the G6 does. That means you'll be getting something super-impressive and premium at a still-realistic price.

Best RGB TV

Samsung R95H

(Image credit: Future)

Stunningly rich color and fantastic contrast
Available in realistic sizes, and shown in an amazing 130-inch model
Read more: Samsung's enormous micro-RGB TV is coming to smaller screen sizes, and it borrows one great feature from Samsung OLED TVs

CES has been dominated by RGB TVs this year. These are basically mini-LED TVs with a new more colorful backlight behind the pixels, meaning they offer a greater range of colors, and can be even brighter. Having seen them in action, our pick of the bunch is the Samsung R95H. It looks so lush and colorful, with impressively inky black tones, and Samsung's anti-reflective screen ensuring you can see everything, without distractions.

More than that, this is a TV available in realistic sizes – Samsung showed off 75-inch and 85-inch versions, but overall its RGB TVs will come in sizes starting from 55 inches – while still feeling cutting edge. However, for good measure, Samsung also showed an amazing 130-inch version of this TV.

Best Mini-LED TV

TCL X11L SQD MiniLED

(Image credit: Future)

A twist on traditional QLED mini-LED TV tech
Astoundingly bright, with 20,000 dimming zones
Read more: TCL launches next-gen SQD mini-LED TV at CES – the ‘best TV in the market’ for 2026

TCL has put a fascinating twist on its flagship TV here. It uses more traditional mini-LED tech rather than RGB mini-LED – but only sort of. TCL is employing a single-color mini-LED backlight, but has applied a layer of 'Super Quantum Dots' (the SQD part) directly over the top, which filter the color before – rather than after – it reaches the LCD layer.

This means it kind of works like an RGB TV, but TCL says this approach means it can pack in way more LEDs. It can produce 10,000 nits of brightness and 20,000 dimming zones for probably the best contrast we've ever seen from a mini-LED TV. Based on early impressions, this is the closest we've seen to mini-LED beating the blooming problem completely.

Best projector

Hisense PX4-Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Ultra short throw laser 4K projector with amazing brightness and color
Up to 200 inches projected with the device just inches from the wall
Read more: Hisense unveils two 4K laser projectors — a 300-inch beast with huge brightness, plus the sequel to the best ultra short throw projector

The PX4-Pro is the follow-up to the projector we rate as the best ultra short throw projector overall right now, so we were excited to take a look, and it lived up to our expectations. Its picture looks beautifully bright with a good light-rejecting screen – closer than ever to TV brightness – and eye-grabbingly rich color.

But it can now project up to 200 inches in size still from right near the wall, while maintaining immersive brightness and color depth, and all still in the same size of projector package. CES is full of projectors this year, but this one popped for us.

Best soundbar

LG Sound Suite H7

(Image credit: Future)

The world's first Dolby Atmos FlexConnect soundbar
A powerful all-in-one, and you can add more speakers in any position
Read more: LG’s 2026 TVs and soundbars get the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect treatment

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is a really interesting technology that means you can place home theater speakers wherever is convenient for your room, and the system will configure their sound to create immersive spatial audio, even if they're not in the 'ideal' spot.

LG's Sound Suite H7 is the first soundbar to include the tech, delivering 9.1.6 channels of Dolby Atmos sound on its own. However, you can add a sub and satellite speakers that are positioned anywhere in the room, and the soundbar will automatically optimize them and create the ideal immersive system. It sounds amazing, and the freedom of placement is a game-changer.

Best smartwatch

Pebble Round 2

(Image credit: Future)

The original smartwatch returns!
E-paper screen means a week of battery life
Read more: Pebble unveils Pebble Round 2 — and fixes all the original's major pitfalls

Pebble holds a strong place in the heart of tech lovers – it was the first smartwatch that really took, and now it's back with its coolest model yet. Pebble Round 2 is a sleeker, rounder watch, and using a color e-paper helps it deliver a week of battery life per charge.

Naturally, it does some fitness and sleep tracking, and there's a big range of apps and watch faces, thanks to the ongoing commitment to having open source software on the Pebble range.

Best fitness tracker

Noise Luna Band

(Image credit: Future)

A screenless health-tracking band
No subscription needed – a rarity these days

We've enjoyed the Luna Ring models, and now the brand has the Luna Band. It's a Whoop-like fitness tracker, meaning there's no distracting screen. It doesn't really feel like tech, and that's a good thing – you just live your life, and the Luna Band will offer helpful updates on your diet, workouts, sleep, mood and more. You can use your voice to tell it what meal you ate, to log your workouts, or how you're feeling – and then you can review them later on the app. The one downside is that this function uses Apple's Siri, which means it's iPhone-only for now.

Perhaps the best part is that it doesn't require a subscription on top of the device cost to do all this – people are tired of being nickel-and-dimed, and so the Luna Band looks like it'll help you stay zen in more ways than one.

Best exercise tech

Merach W60 Walking Pad

(Image credit: Future)

"Treadmill-grade engineering" for a low price
Auto-incline or manual incline options

Walking pads are getting more and more popular, especially for people who work from home and want to get some exercise in during the work day. Merach's new model promises to help you do this more easily and reliably than ever. We love the promise of "treadmill-grade engineering" for a super-sturdy feel, and Merach says it will have a 2,000km warranty.

It's available in two options: one with an auto-incline feature, and one where you'll have to manually set an incline. There's also RGB lighting and Bluetooth speakers built in, if you want to set a mood. Starting from just $299 for the manual version and $329 for the auto-incline version, this really looks like it could be the new standout walking pad on the market.

Best wellness innovation

Nuralogix Longevity Mirror

(Image credit: Future)

A smart mirror that can detect blood flow in your face to give health insights
Everything from physiological age to mental health

This smart mirror has cameras built in that combine with an AI algorithm to work out a surprising amount of health data just from your face. It's not looking at your features – it's detecting blood-flow patterns, which it can make a variety of sophisticated estimations from.

These include your heart-rate, your physiological age (as in, is your body working as well as it should for your 'real' age?) and your mental health. It appears to be pretty accurate based on early testing – it seems like an incredibly clever system.

Best laptop

Dell XPS 14

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Smart new design with usability improvements
Intel's new Core Ultra 3 chips inside
Read more: Hands on: Dell XPS 14 2026 and XPS 16 2026

Without question, the most exciting laptop of CES 2026 was the Dell XPS 14. While many a reviewer and tech journalist is praising the return of the XPS brand itself, what matters most – in our opinion – is the redesign of the laptop. The last Dell XPS 14 and 2025's Dell 14 Premium (the short-lived successor to the XPS 14) were both fantastic laptops that were hamstrung by some major design flaws; namely, the virtual function keys and ‘invisible’ trackpad that turned out to be an accessibility nightmare.

Those have now been fixed with a new design that is also thinner and more modern-looking than its predecessors. And with the new Intel Core Ultra series 3 chips, it’s even more powerful and better equipped to take on the Apple MacBook Air for the 'thin and light' laptop crown.

Best gaming laptop

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

A 16-inch display that expands to a 24-inch display
The flexible OLED screen literally rolls out like a scroll
Read more: Lenovo officially unveils the rumored Legion Pro Rollable gaming laptop with expanding screen

The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable, previously rumored but officially unveiled at CES 2026, is easily one of the most intriguing gaming laptops we’ve ever seen. Its screen expands horizontally from a 16-inch display to 21.5 inches, then once more to a 23.8-inch panel at max extension – all from a quick keyboard shortcut.

The Legion Pro Rollable is an exciting prospect for PC gamers who travel often and want desk-like levels of screen space without attempting to cram a massive laptop into their bag. Gaming aside, it also brings benefits to everyday browsing and productivity, giving you more space to organize windows at the click of a button. It’s only a proof of concept at the moment, but we'll be following it closely to see if the Legion Pro Rollable hits mainstream production.

Best computing innovation

Core Ultra series 3

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Excellent performance in thin-and-light laptops
Particularly impressive GPU means great gaming on ultrabooks
Read more: The Intel Core Ultra series 3 processors look impressive enough, but the Arc B390 iGPU is the real game-changer here

We’ve been waiting for the Intel Core Ultra series 3 for several months now, having seen pre-launch builds of Intel Panther Lake last year. Now the Core Ultra series 3 has launched, every laptop we’ve tried with the new chips just reinforces how well Intel has stuck the landing on this release.

This is especially true when it comes to the graphics performance of the higher-end 12 Xe core Arc B390 iGPU, which delivers high-quality 1080p PC gaming on an ultrabook – no other chipmaker even comes close in 2026. If you’re looking to upgrade to a premium thin and light Windows laptop, there’s little reason to buy anything other than a laptop with an Intel Core Ultra series 3.

Best action camera

Dreame Leaptic Cube

(Image credit: Future)

Tiny modular 8K action camera
Clip to a screen module, or just a battery

Dreame is best known for its vacuum and cleaning tech, but it used CES 2026 to announce its entry into a ton of other product categories. And one of the coolest things we saw at the show was this tiny action camera. The core here is a really small action cam with up to 8K recording, or 4K in HDR if you prefer.

But the clever part is its modular design. It has a little docking system, and Dreame showed it running into two modes: one with a clip-on battery, keeping the whole thing at a small size; and one with a touchscreen module that's larger. You can imagine all the possibilities for accessories from here, all enabling smart extra functions, not just attaching dumbly.

Best gaming accessory

Razer Project Madison

(Image credit: Future)

The ultimate immersive gaming chair
Surround speakers, haptic feedback and RGB lights all react to games

Razer has decided to throw every kind of immersive gaming chair tech into one product here. This chair uses sight, sound and touch to create something totally enveloping, taking features from Razer's products including the Freyja haptic gaming cushion and Clio headrest speakers.

This chair has speakers behind your head, which combine with front speakers to create a true 5.1 or 7.1 surround system. It has lights that react to compatible games, creating the feeling that events are happening around you, not just on the screen. And the built-in haptics deliver sensations and impacts during play. It looks like the best way to get truly lost in a game.

Best gaming innovation

Neurable / HyperX headset concept and priming software

(Image credit: Future)

A brain-reading gaming headset to improve your performance
Helps you lower reaction times and improve accuracy
Read more: I tried a prototype brain-scanning headset designed to make you better at Valorant — and it actually works

Brain-scanning company Neurable has worked on headphones that can scan your brain activity using EEGs to help you focus and prevent burnout in the past. Now it's bringing these ideas to gaming headsets, in a collaboration with HyperX – but the focus is on improving your focus and performance in games.

We tried it out, and it really makes a difference. Using a 'priming' exercise before playing, where you have to focus your mind to shrink a cloud of dots down to nothing, we improved accuracy by a few percentage points, and the company's research has shown it can reduce reaction time by around 40 milliseconds. For esports players, this is a big deal, and the software can track your focus and cognitive load levels while playing, to potentially help with coaching and to prevent tilting.

Best robot mower

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD

(Image credit: Future)

Offers ±1 cm positioning precision via an upgraded LiDAR, RTK and Vision navigation system
Can make decisions almost instantly with a 10 TOPS AI chip
Read more: I just watched Mammotion's new flagship lawnbot scale an astroturf mountain, and it was mesmerizing

There were a lot of incredible robot lawn mowers on show at CES this year, but the one that really stood out to us was the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD. It builds on the success of the excellent LUBA 2 AWD that precedes it, and is one of the most all-round capable lawnbots we've seen.

At the heart of the design is an upgraded 'Tri-Fusion' navigation system, where the bot will switch between LiDAR, RTK GPS and AI Vision depending on what's most appropriate for the situation. That means it's unlikely ever to get itself lost – the brand promises positioning accuracy to ±1 cm. Mammotion has also upgraded the processing system with a powerful AI chip that can handle 10 trillion operations per second, meaning it can make smart mowing decisions almost instantly.

Best robot vacuum

Roborock Saros Rover

(Image credit: Future)

It's a robovac with actual, proper legs
It can climb stairs, duck and dive, and even hop
Read more: I saw Roborock's new robot vacuum with legs, and it promises to make no-go zones a thing of the past

This one is still in the middle of development, but is so cool already – and, admittedly, a little weird. This robot vacuum uses two extended legs that make it look like a Star Wars droid to get around your house more easily. Having articulated legs means it can climb stairs – including spiral staircases – cleaning them as it goes.

In fact, stairs are just the start. Roborock says the Rover is designed to be able to tackle any kind of terrain or home layout, no matter how awkward. Think of it like a 4x4 for cleaning.

It has some fancy object avoidance tech that means it can duck and dive, weave and jump, remaining completely stable throughout. We're not sure exactly what this is for, but it sure is impressive to watch. This maybe the most that a robovac has looked like a pet – it's got personality, it's useful, and we love it.

Best haircare tech

L'Oréal Light Straight +

(Image credit: Future)

A straightener that uses infrared light tech to straighten effectively at lower temperatures
Avoids the high temperatures that damage hair
Read more: L'Oréal exec on why its new glass, infrared-powered hair straightener is so exciting

This innovative hair straightener promises to be three times faster at straightening hair, and yet will leave hair twice as smooth as regular plate straighteners do. And at the same time, it can do this at a lower temperature – always under 320°F / 160°C, compared to 365°F / 185°C for typical models. High temperatures break down hair, so reduction is a long-term good for your hair's health.

We got to try them out on – and this has been the first time we've ever used this phrase – human demo hair, and they certainly seemed to work incredibly well. This could be a huge change for a long-running industry, and that's what CES is all about.

Best smart light

IKEA Varmblixt LED Lamp

(Image credit: Lance / Future)

It's a glowing, color-changing donut
Works with IKEA's smart hub, or a Matter home system
Read more: IKEA just revealed a new donut-shaped smart light – and it'll look sweet on your tables or walls

Sometimes, you've just got acknowledge when something is charming as hell, and that's what we're talking about with the new IKEA Varmblixt. It's a revamp of an ultra-popular lamp IKEA launched in 2022, but this new version is all about the color options, using an array of LEDs to create a beautiful soft toroidal glow.

It can be controlled with a remote, or you can connect it to IKEA's Dirigea home hub, but it also works with any Matter-ready smart home control option.

'It's a total reinvention of a category' – L'Oréal exec on why its new glass, infrared-powered hair straightener is so exciting

Ruth Hamilton — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 23:48:45 +0000

L'Oréal Light Straight + Multi-styler has been unveiled at CES 2026
Plates are made from glass and use patented infrared technology
Can straighten effectively at lower temperatures

L'Oréal has just unveiled its next-gen straightener, and it could be a game-changer – not just for anyone struggling with frazzled locks, but for the haircare market in general. The Light Straight + Multi-styler uses a patented infrared light technology that's designed to work at lower temperatures, helping keep hair healthy.

L'Oréal claims the Light Straight works 3x faster than 'leading premium stylers' and leaves hair twice as smooth. While I can't verify that, it certainly was efficient in the CES 2026 demo room. Upsettingly, for hygiene reasons they wouldn't let me use it on my own frizzball hair, but I was very impressed with how smooth it made the human demo hair, in a single pass.

The Light Straight + Multi-styler never exceeds 320F / 160C (for comparison, GHD straighteners operate at 365F / 185C). Higher temperatures cause damage to hair over time by weakening the cuticles, leading to more breakage and less shine. I spoke with Guive Balooch, Global Vice President of Tech and Open Innovation at L’Oréal Groupe, to get the low-down on the new technology.

Guive explained to me that the Light Straight + Multi-styler – and the L'Oréal AirLight Pro hair dryer launched at CES 2024 – both use a specific, high-powered type of infrared light that until a few years ago was very expensive.

On the hair dryer, he told that the heat from the airflow "synergizes" with the heat from the infrared light, allowing the dryer to dry hair more quickly and at a lower temperature.

(Image credit: Future)

The same concept is used in the Light Straight, but here it's used slightly differently. "The light not only generates heat but also helps go into the hair and temporarily modify the bonds in the hair. It's synergizing with the heat that it generates," Guive explained to me. It's this synergy that means the straighteners can operate at temperatures that can be as much as 80F / 40-50C cooler than traditional options.

The infrared light used here is invisible, but LEDs are added to provide that space-age vibe. The light on the working prototype is red, but the final version will glow blue, to match the AirLight Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Although the Light Straight + is called a 'multi-styler', I'd class it as a hair straightener – albeit a rather unusual one. Like most flat irons, it can be used to curl as well as straightening. However, I also saw an early concept of a L'Oréal multi-styler that uses the same technology.

Guive stressed that the form factor is still in development, but the current model looked rather like a squared-off infrared-emitting Lightsaber onto which various styling hats could slot. He also explained that now they had the infrared tech developed in both dryer and hot plate form, the real challenge was to figure out the exact design and its capabilities – wet-to-dry straightening and curling were both mentioned.

Category-changing tech

Guive is especially excited about the wider possibilities of the new technology. "It's a total reinvention of a category that has been using the same technology for a long time. But for a real purpose – like it actually gives you results that are less damaging to the hair," he told me.

L'Oréal has over 170 patents on the specific light used in its hair gadgets (and also a new LED facemask that I also got a sneak peak of at CES), but he predicts that light in general will become more prominent in beauty. "This particular wavelength and what we have patented is very high-performing – and we tested many types of wavelengths, both for the skin and the hair. Will people look at other types of light and see if they could make it work for hair and skin? Probably. And that I'm happy to see."

The bad news is you'll have to wait a while to get your hands on the straightener – the R&D should be be completed by end of 2027, but a global launch date is still TBC. Pricing is also unconfirmed, but Guive predicts the straightener will sit in the middle of the premium bracket.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI. You can also ask us a question about the show in our CES 2026 live Q&A and we’ll do our best to answer it.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

My daily shaver just hit an all-time low of AU$49.99, and boy do I wish I waited for Black Friday 2025

Max Delaney — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:20:00 +0000

If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas for the special man in your life, Amazon's Black Friday sale has a deal I can personally attest to the value of. The Philips OneBlade 360 makes quick work of daily shaving or facial-hair grooming, and it's currently down 50% to just AU$49.99.

There's no telling how long this deal will last, so I suggest jumping on it as soon as possible to secure a device that's well worth its original asking price. Don't believe me? I bought this exact model for AU$93.76 during early Black Friday sales a little over a year ago and have exactly zero regrets.

Granted, back then it was still boasting an original RRP of AU$169, so I thought I was getting a great deal. I might even feel slighted by this new price if my baby-smooth cheeks weren't still singing from their morning shave as I write this. With its 5-in-1 Comb attachment, it offers impressive versatility too, so I'm more than happy to have spent nearly AU$100 on this handy electric shaver. Currently priced at around half that and with Christmas around the corner, if you or someone you know might find it useful, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

A moustache is about all I can grow, but my facial hair sprouts in plenty of places without actually becoming a beard. That makes the OneBlade 360 perfect for my needs – easily blasting through the fluff without needing to worry about nicks. Even our shaving expert said it "might be the perfect budget razor" in our Philips OneBlade 360 review, and that's when it cost AU$110 more than this current discounted price. It's gentle, precise and suitable for your face and body, though I'd stick to Manscaped for the third region. It's also waterproof. This deal is also available in NZ for NZ$60.08.View Deal

While I love this handy little machine for the clean shave it provides, it truly is a jack-of-all-trades. Its double-sided blade flexes on its mount, letting it tackle hair from any direction or angle comfortably, without any nicks.

While it's perfect for my needs, our tester has more experience than I do when it comes to this category. But, while he admitted in his review that "it doesn’t excel in any one area or provide the closest shave", there isn’t much you can’t do with it.

It's a great pick-up for anyone who has struggled with shaving due to sensitive skin, as it doesn't generate much heat at all. Furthermore, its head is actually superior to most foil-shavers we've tested in terms of how it precisely covers areas.

It's easy to hold, features full weather sealing and has a great battery life. These factors make the OneBlade 360 unbeatable for AU$50. The Philips OneBlade 360 Pro and OneBlade 360 Pro Hybrid offer a similar experience with additional attachments.

That said, if you're in the market and aren't sure which is best for you (or your giftee), here are two other options currently discounted for Black Friday that offer a slightly different use case to this one.

It's pricey even with a near-AU$500 saving, but we think the juice is well worth the squeeze. In fact, we consider the Philips 9000 the best electric razor that money can buy. Its innovative SkinIQ tech means the head adjusts its power automatically depending on how thick the hair is. Combined with 'Ultraflex suspension' that contours to your face and body, the result is an incredibly easy shave, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. You can also get this deal in New Zealand for only NZ$383.40.View Deal

If facial hair comes secondary – whether you get your beard professionally done or just don't have much of one to deal with – this offering from Manscaped excels at grooming all body hair. Ideal for your groin, body, or back, the rounded ceramic blade features a built-in guard to help reduce nicks and cuts. Plus, two adjustable comb attachments (2–12mm) handle facial hair easily if you're just trimming it to varying degrees of stubble.View Deal

For even more Black Friday deals, be sure to follow our live coverage of the Black Friday sales in Australia.

Want salon-finish hair for the party season? These Black Friday Dyson Airwrap deals save you up to AU$250 on the coveted multi-styler

sharmishta.sarkar@futurenet.com (Sharmishta Sarkar) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:05:45 +0000

If there's one product that we see sell out real quick during big shopping events like Black Friday sales, it's the Dyson Airwrap. It's been one of the most popular hairstyling tools since the original was released 2018.

The Airwrap has been upgraded over time – a 2022 refresh, the 2024 Airwrap i.d and the 2025 Airwrap Co-anda 2x. Now, don't expect to see price drops on that last one, but if you really, really want an Airwrap, the Origin and i.d models get modest price drops directly from Dyson.

The good news is if you see either of these going for less at another retailer, Dyson will price match. So why not get the British brand's most popular tech directly from the maker?

It's not the cheapest price I've seen on the Origin, but it's still a hefty price drop on one of the most coveted styling products ever released. Buying this kit directly from Dyson gets you the 40mm barrel for curls and waves, the fast-drying condenser and an anti-snag loop brush that helps straighten hair.View Deal

The Airwrap Origin is the cheapest way to get yourself this Dyson multi-styler if you don't want to settle for a dupe like the Shark FlexStyle or the Dreame Dazzle, but some of you might well be swayed the Airwrap i.d.

Physically it looks very much like the Airwrap Origin, but comes in different colour combos, and there's really no difference in power between the two generations. What the Airwrap i.d adds is Bluetooth connectivity to make a curl switch work. This launches a curling routine that's customised to your hair and is set up via the companion app. This is a time-saving addition that can speed up your morning routine.

To justify its higher price tag, you also get a lot more attachments in the box than the Origin – a conical barrel alongside the standard 40mm barrel, the anti-snag brush, a round volumising brush, the flyaway smoother and the condenser. These are neatly stowed away in a case, which also houses a small filter-cleaning brush.

While the Airwrap i.d is discounted to AU$699 at Dyson, Amazon has it for AU$4 less, but you can get Dyson to price match on an identical colourway.

This is Dyson's latest version of the Airwrap and it's a whole lot better than previous iteration. As we said in our Dyson Airwrap i.d. review, this multi-styler creates effortless curls at the touch of a customisable button, in combination with powerful airflow. Plus, with the attachments included, it doubles as a hair dryer, making this the only tool you need in your bathroom.View Deal

From purely an economic point of view, I would opt for the Airwrap origin for AU$399. It's honestly more than enough for most users as you can add curls or straighten your hair.

Sure, you might spend more time adding waves manually, which the Airwrap i.d will do in a jiffy once you've got your setup right in the app, but it's just not a big enough upgrade for me to justify splurging on the more expensive option.

Still, if that's important to you and you can put all the attachments to good use, the Airwrap i.d is basically futureproofing your styling routine.

What is the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x and how is it better than the Airwrap?

Ruth Hamilton — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year Dyson launched the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x. If you're wondering how exactly it differs from the regular Airwrap, and if it's worth buying, this article is here to help.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is based around the same principle as every other Airwrap: it uses a phenomenon called the coanda effect to cause strands of damp hair to wrap around a barrel, shaping them into curls as it finishes drying them. The process uses far less heat than a traditional curling tong, so is better for your hair in the long run.

Prior to the release of the Co-anda 2x, the latest version of the styler was the Dyson Airwrap i.d.. The big upgrade with that model was the addition of an i.d.curl switch that launches an automated wrap > curl > cold shot sequence that takes all the effort (and counting) out of styling your hair. Right now, I rate it the best hair styler on the market... but then I haven't had a chance to test out the new version yet.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2 doesn't just introduce a hyphen where a hyphen has never existed before, it also adds a more powerful motor, attachment memory, and a new attachment that enables you to straighten your hair from wet. All that in a styler that's also lighter and more compact than the Airwrap i.d.

Read on for more about the Dyson Co-anda 2x, and whether you should consider buying one or not.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x: price & availability

List price: $749.99 / £579.99 / AU$999
Launched: summer 2025

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x was unveiled in the US and UK at the start of July 2025 (in fact, it had already been on sale in Korea at that point, but news hadn't really travelled overseas). It went on sale in the US that same month, and hit the UK market in September. It's now widely available internationally, direct from Dyson as well as via select third party retailers.

At ticket price, the Airwrap Co-anda 2x costs $749.99 in the US, £579.99 in the UK, and AU$999 in Australia.

That's a decent price bump compared to the Airwrap i.d., which is $649.99 in the US, £479.99 in the UK, and AU$849 in Australia. That version remains available as part of the main Dyson lineup.

There are also a couple of older Airwraps, typically referred to as the Airwrap Origin. These occasionally pop up on the Dyson AU website, but are generally only available via third party retailers.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x specs

Model:	Airwrap Co-anda 2x	Airwrap i.d.
Wattage:	1,700W	1,300W
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot	2 + cool shot
Speed settings:	3	3
Cord:	2m / 6.6 ft	2m / 8.5 ft
Size w/ no attachments (L x W):	10.3 x 1.7 x 1.5in / 29.2 x 4.4 x 3cm	10.7 x 1.9 x 1.6in / 27.2 x 4.8cm
Weight w/ no attachments:	2.1 lbs / 0.7kg	1.4 lbs / 0.6kg
Airflow:	13.7 l/s	13.5 l/s

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x: design

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but also more powerful. (Confusingly, the weight listed in the specs section of the products listings doesn't seem to support this claim – I'm not sure what's happened there.) To achieve this, the internal mechanics have been completely redesigned, with the Co-anda 2x packing a 'Hyperdymium 2' motor that can spin nine times faster than an F1 car engine. Dyson says it can deliver twice the air pressure and 30% more power than the Airwrap i.d., without being any noisier.

(Image credit: Dyson)

To save you from fiddling with settings as you style, Dyson has added attachment memory. The attachments have RFID sensors that enable the dryer to recognize which one is clipped on. It'll then switch automatically to the recommended (the first time) or your last-used (thereafter) temperature and windspeed settings with each attachment.

I've used this feature on the Dyson Supersonic Nural, and I found it really smoothed out the styling process. It's especially helpful if your routine involves switching between various attachments.

(Image credit: Dyson)

My favorite part of the Airwrap i.d. is the i.d.curl feature, which launches an automated curling sequence at the flick of a button. That feature is still present here, and it's had a small upgrade: the barrels can detect when hair is fully wrapped, and it's time to move on to the curling part of the sequence. That should save time if you have a lot of hair to style.

You've got an extra temperature setting for added control. The i.d. had two heat options plus a cool shot, whereas the Co-anda 2x has three. I'm slightly frustrated to see that the buttons that control these settings seem to have been shrunk down – rather than the i.d.'s chunky, easy-to-use buttons, the 2x has the same dinky switches that I found so annoying on the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x: attachments

With many haircare brands, the attachments seem to be something of an afterthought. Not so with Dyson, and I was pleased (but not surprised) to see the attachment selection has been revamped for the Co-anda 2x.

Perhaps the most notable addition is the AirSmooth, which essentially turns your Airwrap into a Dyson Airstrait. Two unheated plates clamp together and blast air at the strands of hair trapped between them, smoothing and straightening them as they dry. When you reach the bottom of your hair, the plates will automatically unclamp. This attachment helps reposition the Airwrap from primarily a curling tool, to a true multistyler.

Dyson

There's a plethora of other attachments, too, including different sized curl barrels and round brushes to smooth or volumize. For curly or coily hair, there's a tension comb and two-part diffuser, and for naturally straight hair there's a flyaway smoother.

In the US and UK, Dyson sells two bundle options: one geared towards naturally straight or wavy hair, and the other towards curly or coily hair, with attachments to match. In Australia, there seems to only be one bundle option, although you should be able to purchase further accessories individually.

Should I buy a Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x?

Based on what I know about the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x, here are the people I'd suggest should (and should not) consider buying one...

Buy it if...

You want to create curly and straight styles

The straightening AirSmooth attachment is a major upgrade here, and helps justify the cost if you're someone who was previously thinking of investing in a separate Dyson Airstrait. View Deal

You have a lot of hair

The amped-up wrapping power, lighter build, and tweaks to the i.d.curl sequence are likely to come into their own if you have a lot of hair to curl. View Deal

You use a variety of attachments

Attachment memory helps smooth out the styling process, and saves you from having to fiddle with settings. View Deal

Buy it if...

You have shorter or thinner hair

The improvements to weight and the curling process aren't likely to be noticed if you're not spending that much time styling – an Airwrap i.d. will work just fine for your needs. View Deal

You don't have complex styling needs

If you're only using the styler occasionally or just need it for the curl barrels, it probably won't be worth the outlay. You could get away with an Airwrap i.d. (or even an Airwrap dupe) and save some cash. View Deal

I treated myself to a premium Philips electric razor – here’s my six month review

Timothy Coleman — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:12:29 +0000

Philips i9000 electric shaver: two-minute review

Before I splashed out on the Philips i9000 electric shaver, I was putting up with a generic $35 / £30 one I picked up at Amazon. Forking out 10x the price for a premium model was a painful idea, but not as painful as my shaving experiences with the cheap model, so I went for it. (By the way, that shaver at Amazon had a 4.5 star average rating over hundreds of user reviews, many of which are clearly bogus. That's a risk in trusting unknown user reviews.)

Six months later, my face is still thanking me that I spent extra on the Philips i9000, especially for the 50% off sale price that pushed the base model closer to $300 / £230. (There are also pricier 'Prestige' models in the series, which I haven't tested.) The i9000's agile triple-head electric shavers easily navigate tricky contours, including the jawline, maintaining a close shave along the way. It feels great in the hand, too.

This is the first electric razor I've used with pressure indicators, which are a genuinely useful feature: if the shaver lights up green then you're applying the right amount of pressure, if blue you're too soft, while orange is too hard. I've generally found that following the pressure indicators delivers an effective shave while minimizing irritation – this feature is no gimmick.

Battery life is decent, too. For an average shave, I'm seeing a 3% reduction in battery life on the digital display, and that's even six months down the line. I'd say the i9000 is good for 30 shaves before needing a recharge, for which Philips provides a wall mounted USB-A charging base (a minor complaint is that USB-C would be more convenient for travel).

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The razor is waterproof so can handle wet and dry shaves, while the flip-out trimmer on the razor's underside is a reasonable solution for tidying beard edges and precise cuts, which is something I regularly do (and deal with stray nose / ear hairs – apologies for the overshare).

I reckon the i9000's heads have gradually lost some of their cutting effectiveness over the 6 months, but they still cut fine, just with a little extra effort than was required on day one. Replacement heads are available for a not-too-unreasonable cost, but I suspect I'll need to swap mine yearly rather than every two years, as Philips suggests.

Don't buy into any user reviews on the brand's site about the i9000 being closer than a proper wet shave with a safety razor – it's simply not true. If you want the closest shave possible, with fewer missed hairs, old school is the way. However, I've been super happy with the i9000. I can't recall switching to a wet shave ever since, which definitely wasn't the case when I was using that cheap alternative.

You really do get more for your money with the Philips 9000 series, and my shaving routine has been a happier experience since I made the switch – for my money, this is one of the best electric razors on the market.

Philips i9000 electric shaver: price & availability

List price is $240 / £479.99 / AU$600
Regularly on sale for less than half the list price in the UK
Replacement heads available

I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would buy the Philips i9000 at full cost, but thankfully it's almost always available for less than half the list price, which is palatable. At the time of writing, I'm seeing the shaver for $240 / £225 on the Philips site. Even then, I'd hardly call it superb value, but then again you do get the better shaving experience versus a generic sub $45 / £35 model.

Replacement heads are available at the Philips site for $65 / £40 / AU$106 – prices will likely vary at independent stockists. The guidance is to replace the heads every two years, but on my experience I reckon every year is ideal, given 6 months use has seen a slight reduction in cutting efficiency. The product comes with a 5-year service warranty.

Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Philips i9000 electric shaver specs

Waterproof:	Yes
Battery life:	50 minutes
Charge time:	1 hour full, 5-min quick
Charger type:	Shaver/USB-A
Accessories:	Quick clean pod, charging stand, travel pouch, plus GroomTribe app
Suitable for:	Face or body

Philips i9000 electric shaver review: design

Ergonomic handle and handy pressure LED indicators
Pop-up trimmer for edges, or dedicated beard trimmer head
Charge dock and hard case for travel, but the latter only fits the razor

From the ergonomic handle to the agile heads and digital display plus LEDs, the i9000 is a premium shaving experience. Rightly so, given how pricey it is.

I've no real complaints in any area: the three heads pack what Philips dubs a triple action lift and cut system up to precisely 0.00mm skin-level, without the risk of cutting skin that comes with wet shaves – you'll certainly get a close shave, even if I found a few months down the line that the shaver regularly missed individual hairs.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The shaver integrates an LED light ring around the base of the shaver head. With the shaver active, those LEDs emit a blue light if the pressure your applying is too soft, orange for too hard, and green for the right amount of pressure.

Below that, an small non-touch color screen displays battery life and cycles through features such as the Philips app. I'll be honest, I didn't see the need to pair the shaver with my phone and explore the app, which Philips says will give you 'an even-better routine and technique' by offering 'real-time guidance and personalized shaving insights to help you look and feel your best every day'.

Tim Coleman

There's a pop-up trimmer on the shaver's underside, which is pretty basic but works well enough for quickly tidying up beard edges. If that's the main task though, the main head can be removed and swapped with a proper beard trimmer, which is much more powerful and effective.

Practically, I'd like to see a USB-C port which would make on the go charging much more convenient than lugging the charging base, which uses the proprietary shaver connector, on a trip. Although Philips supplies a hard travel case for the shaver, this will only fit the razor itself, and not any of the shaver or trimmer heads.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Philips i9000 electric shaver: performance

Around 30 shaves from a full charge
Triple flexing shaver head and trimmer head options
Modest pop-up trimmer

One cutback made versus the pricier Philips S9000 Prestige is in the charging department – the i9000 features the proprietary shaver connector (USB-A) only, while the Prestige model offers convenient wireless charging.

Still, a full charge should deliver around 30 shaves, so it's no real inconvenience to place the shaver in the dock at home once you're back from being away. And it'll charge quickly too – just 5 minutes returns the lion's share of the power, or it's an hour to fully juice it up.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

There are two heads supplied with the razor: the triple flexing head with what Philips says is 360-degree precision, plus a trimmer head to neaten edges. A basic pop-up trimmer in the shaver's underside supplements that trimmer head.

Overall, I've been really impressed with the performance of the i9000 electric razor. The flexing heads glide smoothly over every contour and have delivered close shaves, even if I'm getting stray hairs 6 months down the line, especially on my neck.

And the trimmer head is properly powerful, for doing the first stage of tidying edges, while the tiny pop-up trimmer take care of the finishing touches for a neat beard.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Philips says the flexing heads are good for two years use before being replaced (you can buy replacement heads on the Philips website). I'm not so sure – more than six months down the line and after regular use, I'm already thinking of replacing them. Of course the numbers depend on how regularly you shave, but I reckon the average person would want to replace the heads after one year for the best possible performance.

Overall, the Philips i9000 has given me the best electric razor experience I've ever had and the proof is in the pudding – I feel good after a shave and my wet razor has been left unused the entire time.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Philips i9000 electric shaver?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Ergonomic handle, waterproof, pop-up trimmer.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Agile heads, powerful trimmer head, handy pressure indicators.	4.5 / 5
Value	Make sure you get it on sale – it's regularly available for less than half the list price.	3 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a premium electric shave experience
Triple action lift-and-cut heads combine with LED pressure indicators for a close shave with minimal irritation.

You're looking for a versatile razor
The triple heads are smaller than average and can cover relatively precise areas, while the powerful trimmer head can neaten edges.

Don't buy it if...

You want a cheap razor
The i9000 is a pricey razor. If you're less fussed about its premium features, there are cheaper alternatives.

You want something for travel

The i9000 relies on a proprietary shaver connector, whereas many alternatives can charge conveniently through USB-C or even wirelessly. The travel case only fits the razor itself.

Philips i9000: also consider

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige
If you can spend a little extra, the 'Prestige' version in Philips 9000 tops the bill for features, including wireless charging and adaptive power tech.

Read our Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review

Braun Series 9 Pro
Even pricier, the Braun Series 9 Pro is also beautifully designed and boasts an excellent shaving performance. It's charge and run times are similar, and you'll get a close shave whether wet or dry. Another stellar premium choice.

Read our full Braun Series 9 Pro review.

How I tested the Philips i9000

My primary razor for six months
I've used it most days, whether for shaves or trimming
Tested in both wet and dry environments

I used the Philips i9000 as my only shaver a few times a week over the course of six months. I generally tidy my neck and cheeks with the triple shaver head and trim beard edges daily with the trimmer head or pop-up trimmer, while full shaves are less frequent.

I have been able to use the razor in wet and dry shaving conditions, assessing how it performs in both scenarios and how effective its water resistance is. In general, I store the shaver in a wash bag and run the battery down to zero before docking it in the charging base to recharge. I have also used the supplied cleaning pod to give the device a deep clean.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed October 2025

Dreame's new hair dryer will mist your locks with nourishing essence and give your roots a boost with red light – it's like a spa for your head

Ruth Hamilton — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:38:45 +0000

The Dreame Miracle Pro is a new premium hair dryer that's packed with tech
Features red light therapy and a nourishing mister
Can also sense distance from head and adjust temperature in response

Dreame's new Miracle Pro doesn't just blast out hot air – oh no. It's like a full spa for your head, packed with tech and features geared towards delivering luscious, healthy locks. I got to try it out in person – and I barely knew where to start.

The headline feature is an Auto mode that senses how close the dryer is to your head, and adjusts airflow and temperature in response. It's designed to protect your hair and scalp – if the dryer is right up close to your head, the power drops and the temperature cools, so you don't get unnecessarily blasted with heat and air.

The idea makes sense, although during my brief hands-on time I wasn't blown away (no pun intended) by the execution. I could only really feel the windspeed amping up and down – placing my hand near the barrel was still uncomfortably hot. It also took a bit of time for the dryer to respond to its new position.

This feature is surely inspired by the Dyson Supersonic Nural – the latest iteration of Dyson's uber-popular dryer, and one of the very best hair dryers on the market right now. The Nural has a very similar feature, although that model only adjusts temperature and not airflow.

Dyson's effort also uses sensors, while Dreame claims its Miracle Pro is powered by AI (although why you'd need AI to be involved, when distance sensors can provide all the information required, is beyond me). On test it felt like the Supersonic Nural responded much quicker than the Miracle Pro.

However, the Miracle Pro has several tricks you won't find on Dyson's dryers. Around the nozzle of the dryer is a light ring that delivers dual-wavelength red light therapy, at 633 and 1064 nanometers.

Red light therapy is one of the hot skincare trends right now – masks like the Shark CryoGlow issue red light to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Here, it'll apparently stimulate micro-circulation in the scalp, encouraging more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Over time, this should support stronger hair growth and help hair feel more resilient.

(Image credit: Future)

On top of that, this dryer also has a built-in mister. A tiny capsule slots into a gap at the top of the dryer, and sprays an essence over your hair as you dry. This essence is water-based, and designed to nourish your hair, shield it from heat, and make it smell nice. The capsule is removable and refillable.

This was perhaps my favorite feature on test. Sure, spritzing your hair with a heat protectant before drying it is an easy alternative, but this feels much more luxurious. There is apparently a scent, but it's not overwhelming – I couldn't smell it when holding the dryer.

(Image credit: Future)

The shape is that streamlined look that was popularized by the original Dyson Supersonic but has since become common. The Miracle Pro is a little chunkier than the Supersonic Nural, but still compact and is light enough to be comfortable to wield, despite the volume of tech packed in there. It also stands out from the pack with the same faux-leather finish that the brand used in its Dreame AirStyle Pro. Like that muti-styler, it also comes in a very smart storage case.

Price-wise it's an investment, coming in at $399.99 / £349. However, it's not quite as expensive as the Supersonic Nural ($499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749 at list price), and arguably justifies its price tag better with all those features.

It's already on sale direct from Dreame US, and I'm currently confirming the UK on-sale date, along with pricing and availability in Australia. I couldn't test everything properly during my 10 minutes of hands-on time in the Dreame showroom, but I've got a full review in the works, look out for our official verdict.

The Dyson Supersonic Nural may blow you away but there's 34% off the older model – now from just AU$380

sharmishta.sarkar@futurenet.com (Sharmishta Sarkar) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:44:27 +0000

The Dyson Supersonic Nural, with all its bells and whistles, has taken its rightful place as one of the best hair dryers you can get, but that doesn't mean you should ignore the prowess of the model that began it all.

The older Dyson Supersonic can still hold its own – it takes barely minutes to dry thick, mid-length hair and doesn't use excessive heat that can damage your tresses. And while it can still burn a hole in your bank balance when at full price, it can be worth the splurge when there's a discount.

Like right now: Dyson has slashed 31% off the Supersonic Origin model, which is now down to AU$380, but I would recommend that you spend an extra AU$15 on the Prussian Blue Dyson Supersonic instead, which is 34% off at AU$395. Not only is the colour absolutely gorgeous, but you'll also get three magnetic attachments in the box as opposed to just one with the Origin.

You can easily get good hair dryers that cost a fraction of the price of this discounted Supersonic, but Dyson's reputation for engineering excellence precedes it. So if you're really keen on a good hair dryer that won't damage your luscious locks, consider treating yourself to this one. The 34% discount makes it a lot more accessible and there are three magnetic attachments in the box to help you style your hair.

If you don't need the additional attachments, then the Dyson Supersonic Origin is slightly cheaper at AU$380, and comes with just the concentrator in the box.View Deal

I admit that spending upwards of AU$380 on a hair dryer would make most people balk at the idea, but there's a good reason why the Dyson Supersonic costs as much as it does, and why it's worth picking up at a discounted price.

Dyson's hair-care products are engineered the same way as the British brand's popular vacuum cleaners, so they too carry a high price just like their floor-cleaning brethren.

In the Supersonic's case, it's built around a tiny but powerful V9 digital motor that spins at up to 110,000 rpm, and pairs up with Dyson's air-multiplier tech to blow you away. Yes, literally. This combination produces high-velocity air for fast, yet controlled, drying.

The Dyson Supersonic is capable of measuring air temperature 40 times per second, and it controls the heat automatically so you never have to worry about damaging the strands. Sure, it doesn't have the Nural's Scalp Protect mode, but then you'd be paying about AU$700 for the newer model's smart features.

You get four heat settings and three speed options on the older Supersonic, which is more than sufficient for most blow-drying needs.

And if you thought it didn't have any smarts at all, think again. It takes into account that you'll need to set it down often while you dry and style your hair – the moment you do, it automatically recognises that it needs to deactivate its heater, which in turn reduces airflow and noise.

Dyson also claims that the Supersonic will outlast other hair dryers, so you won't have to keep repurchasing a new one every few years or so. Now, that is a sound investment.

I snapped up the Dreame Hair Gleam during Prime Day – here's why you should too now that it’s back to its discounted price of AU$79

zac.kelly@futurenet.com (Zachariah Kelly) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:54:42 +0000

A hair dryer is a bathroom necessity, not only for those with long and luscious locks, but even the short-haired population, which includes myself. Yes, I, a man, feel no embarrassment in admitting I use a hair dryer on a daily basis. Not only does it cut down drying time, but it helps with styling – and rubbing a towel vigorously over shorter hair can one day lead to hair loss, which I’m not about.

You might not see the need of grabbing one of the most feature packed hair dryers if you’re not the type to do much styling, and just want something to dry your hair quickly – but when you consider the Dreame Hair Gleam can do both incredibly well, and it’s affordable to boot, it’s hard to ignore.

Right now, the Dreame Hair Gleam can be scored for only AU$79, a substantial 53% discount from its already attractive base price of AU$169. It’s the exact same low price that convinced me to buy one during the Amazon Prime Day sales in mid July, and given that it’s already proven to be a reliable piece of kit in my home, I can confidently recommend it at this even more accessible price.

The Dreame Hair Gleam has a powerful motor capable of 110,000 RPM with an airflow speed of 65m/s. The tool promises quick drying in a matter of three minutes, with the hair dryer made even more attractive by its considerably light weight (330g) and 57° Celsius maximum temperature. Both Pink and Grey models are discounted.View Deal

In our Dreame Hair Gleam review, we awarded the dryer four stars for its compact design, powerful airflow and dual speeds across four different modes, though we did note that the controls aren’t particularly intuitive mid-style – although personally, I’ve not encountered any major issues – and that there’s no diffuser. If you’ve got short hair like me, this isn’t a dealbreaker either.

The review also noted that its internal fan isn’t in the best spot – while being placed in the handle prevents hair from being sucked in (to an extent), your hand can still cover it, which may prove tedious.

It actually received a slightly better score than what's currently listed as the best budget option among the best hair dryers, the Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Ionic, which received three and a half stars, losing marks for its non-premium feeling, non-removable filter and short cable length.

So even though the Dreame Hair Gleam is not technically listed as TechRadar's favourite budget hair dryer, it’s still worth considering among the best for its impressive review score (and my personal seal of approval).

Dyson's next-gen Airwrap is smaller, lighter, and more powerful, but it's the new straightening attachment that really turned my head

Ruth Hamilton — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

New Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter but more powerful
Introduces attachment memory and a cool new straightener attachment
On sale on 8 July in the US, and 'September' in the UK

Dyson has launched a new version of its Airwrap, and it looks better than ever. The new Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter, but offers more air pressure and more power. The accessories have also been upgraded to amp up the styler's versatility.

There's now attachment recognition, and an all-new AirSmooth attachment that looks particularly interesting for those looking to create sleek, straight styles.

I reviewed the Dyson Airwrap i.d. and rated it the best hair styler on the market. I haven't tested this one yet, but if I were a betting woman, I'd say Dyson is about to dethrone its own styler with the upgraded version.

To create that smaller and lighter build, the Airwrap Co-anda 2x has had its internal mechanics completely redesigned, with a new Hyperdymium 2 motor. Two cool facts about this motor are that it can spin nine times faster than an F1 car engine, and that the wire powering the motor is just 90 microns wide – which is as thin as a strand of human hair. It can apparently deliver twice the air pressure and 30% more power than the Airwrap i.d., without increasing noise levels, which should mean faster drying, more efficient hair wrapping, and sleeker straightening.

(Image credit: Dyson)

You're still getting the i.d.curl feature, which was such a game-changer on the Airwrap i.d. It enables you to launch a personalized curl sequence with the flick of a button. Here, the barrels can also apparently detect when hair is fully wrapped, and it's time to start the i.d. curl sequence.

Overall, it looks like the gap between Dyson and other Airwrap-alikes is widening – today's best Airwrap dupes can't even offer clockwise and anti-clockwise curls on the same barrel, let alone automating the entire process for you. However, I am slightly perturbed to see that Dyson seems to have redesigned the buttons here, swapping the Airwrap i.d.'s chunky, easy-to-use buttons for the fiddly, unnecessarily small switches found on the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer.

It's all in the accessories

As I said up top, the accessories are where it's really at, so let's take a closer look at them. Previous versions of the Airwrap were mainly geared towards curling, but this latest iteration amps up the versatility and acts more like a true 'multi-styler'.

Firstly, the attachments now contain RFID sensors that enable the dryer part to recognize which one is clipped on. Then it'll automatically adjust to the optimal temperature and windspeed settings (the first time) or your last-used settings (thereafter) with each attachment. It's precisely the same as on the Supersonic Nural and Supersonic r hair dryers, where I found it massively helped to streamline the styling process, making it easier than ever to swap between tools.

Second, there's a new attachment geared specifically towards straightening: the AirSmooth2x, which looks like it's been inspired by the wet-to-dry Dyson Airstrait. Two unheated plates clamp together and blast the hair between them with air, with the tension helping smooth and straighten the strands as they dry. The plates will automatically unclamp once you reach the bottom of the hair.

Dyson

Dyson says the Airwrap Co-anda 2x is the only multi-styler on the market to come with six attachments included with purchase. I'm not sure that's true, but there is certainly a more comprehensive range than you'd usually get.

There are two bundles to choose from, with different attachments to suit different hair types:

Straight + Wavy bundle:

30mm curling barrel
40mm curling barrel
Anti-snag loop brush
Round volumizing brush
AirSmooth attachment
Fast dryer

Curly + Coily bundle:

40mm Co-anda curling barrel
Anti-snag loop brush
Round volumizing brush
Tension comb
Wave+Curl diffuser
Fast dryer

You can pick up most of the attachments individually if the one you want isn't included in your chosen bundle. Also available individually is a 20mm barrel for tighter curls (interestingly, Dyson seems to have already done away with the tapering barrel it introduced with the Airwrap i.d.).

“Traditional stylers can damage hair, but we have always focused on developing tools that protect hair health whilst enhancing without compromising precision and/or performance," comments brand founder James Dyson. "We harness our expertise in motors, fluid dynamics, and materials to continually improve... It’s about creating exciting long-lasting styles using smarter, more efficient technology."

(Image credit: Dyson)

Price & availability

The Co-anda 2x is actually already available in some international markets, including Korea. However, it was unveiled in the US and UK today (July 1). Both markets will offer the styler in Ceramic Pink or Jasper Plum, and the option of Straight+Wavy or Curly+Coily bundles (priced the same).

It will go on sale in the US from July 8 at Dyson.com and Sephora.com for $699.99. For comparison, the i.d. has a list price of $599.99.

UK shoppers will have a bit longer to wait: the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x will go on sale in September with a list price of £579.99 (compared to £479.99 for the i.d.).

Dyson Supersonic Nural vs Dyson Supersonic r: which ultra-premium dryer is better?

Ruth Hamilton — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:33:28 +0000

If you're willing to blow about half a month's rent on a new hair dryer, Dyson has options for you – but should you invest in the Supersonic Nural or the Supersonic r?

The former is probably what you think of when you hear 'Supersonic' – it's the latest version of the dryer with the compact, symmetrical barrel that everyone went nuts for when it first launched. The latter has a similar name, but looks very different; it's shaped like a pipe-shaped dryer and was originally a professional-only gadget, but it's now available in a consumer version.

I've tested both, and they're among the very best hair dryers on the market. You can read more about each one individually in my Dyson Supersonic Nural review and Dyson Supersonic r review. But which one should to spend your hard-earned money on?

Future

Both models have their strengths, but for most people, I think the Nural offers greater versatility and better value for money, and it's the cheaper of the two. However, it's still worth learning about the Supersonic r – it may be a better fit for your needs. Here's a closer look at how the Dyson Supersonic Nural and Dyson Supersonic r match up, based on my side-by-side testing.

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural: price

Supersonic Nural list price: $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749
Supersonic r list price: $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
Both premium options; Nural offers a bit more for the money

The Supersonic Nural launched in May 2024, with the consumer version of the Supersonic r following about a year later in April 2025 (the professional version had been on sale since February 2024). Both are now widely available, and neither are cheap. In fact, they're just about the priciest hair dryers you can buy.

The older Supersonic Nural is the more affordable option – relatively speaking, of course – with a list price of $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749, compared to $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799 for the Supersonic r.

Both look and feel premium, and boast tech and features that you can't find elsewhere on the market. Of the two, I think the Nural justifies its lofty price tag a little better than the r – I'll get into exactly why in the Design and Performance sections.

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural: specs

	Dyson Supersonic r	Dyson Supersonic Nural
Wattage:	1,700W	1,600W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm	10 x 4 x 3.1in / 24.5 x 9.7 x 7.8cm
Weight:	Confirming	Confirming
Airflow settings:	3	3
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot	3 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None	Scalp protect
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m	8.5 ft / 2.6m
Airflow:	12.4 l/s	13.3 l/s

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural: design & features

Supersonic r is lightweight and ultra-streamlined
Nural has a distance-sensing Scalp Protect mode
Both recognize attachments and remember setting preferences

The Nural looks a lot like other, older Supersonic dryers, with its compact barrel. In this version, Dyson added a Scalp Protect mode. Sensors recognize how close the dryer is to the user's head, so it can heat up or cool down to maintain a constant temperature on the scalp.

This mode means you can get up close to your head without burning your scalp, and should mean less heat damage overall. To indicate what's happening, the inside of the dryer glows different colors, in a cool, kinda space-y way.

The Nural and r look very different and have different USPs (Image credit: Future)

The r looks very different. For this model, Dyson completely reimagined the hair dryer format once again, redesigning the internal mechanics so they could all fit in one slim, r-shaped tube with a diameter of 1.5 inches / 3.8cm.

To achieve this, it has shifted some of the tech into the plug, which, in contrast, is really very chunky. But hey, better the extra bulk on the wall than in your hand. (The overall product weights provided on the Dyson website are inconsistent – perhaps because some include the cable/plug and some don't, so I'm going to dig out my scales and update this article with specifics as soon as possible.)

Dyson has shifted some of the mechanics into the r's plug (right), making it far chunkier than the Nural's (left) (Image credit: Future)

Both dryers have three temperature settings plus a cool shot, and three wind speeds. The Nural has the bonus of a Scalp Protect mode, which is missing on the r. The cable on the r is longer – to my mind, a big benefit, because there's nothing worse than a too-short cord on a hair tool.

Both dryers have a range of compatible attachments – these are the ones that came with my Nural review sample (Image credit: Future)

Dyson is one of the very best brands when it comes to styling attachments. There's a wide range of compatible attachments for both the Nural and the r, and they cater for different hair types too (for example, alongside the standard diffuser and concentrator, you'll find a wide-tooth comb for coily hair, and a flyaway tamer for frizz).

The exact attachments that are included depend on where you live and which bundle you buy, so I won't get too much into that. What I will highlight is that in both cases, the dryer will recognize which item is clipped on. The first time you attach a tool, the dryer will adjust to the recommended temperature and wind speed, and after that, it'll revert to your last-used settings for each.

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural: performance

Both powerful, efficient dryers
The r is very comfortable to use and incredibly easy to direct
Nural's Scalp protect mode could be a game-changer for hair health

Onto the really important bit: how do the Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural perform in the real world? If you're looking for a powerful, efficient dryer, neither will disappoint. Officially, the r has a higher wattage while the Nural offers faster airflow, but, in practice, I struggled to find a difference in power – both dried my hair equally quickly.

Where the r has the edge is in maneuverability. Don't get me wrong; the Nural is comfortable enough to use and direct – that was one of the reasons the design became so popular in the first place. But the r's pipe-like design makes it incredibly easy to direct the airflow, even in typically tricky-to-reach spots. (The back of my head never looked better than when I was conducting my Supersonic r review.)

The Supersonic r is comfortable to hold in the hand and light enough to use for long periods. You can really tell this design was originally created for hairdressers, who would be drying multiple heads every day.

(Image credit: Future)

However, where the r's professional origins haven't translated so well to consumer use is in the controls; these are tiny and slightly tricky to adjust on the fly. They definitely feel like they've been designed for someone who has a clear view of the dryer while using it on someone else's head.

In contrast, the Nural's controls are easy to find and adjust. The wind speed and temperature controls, and the Scalp Protect mode button are placed around the edge of the dryer's barrel, and despite being compact, are easy to find and press.

So what about the Nural's USP: the Scalp Protect mode? I was really impressed with this. It worked reliably throughout my testing, and the power of the airflow meant my hair still dried nice and quickly, even though I was using less heat.

While I'd usually default to hair-frying max-temperature and max-power mode when drying my hair, I found myself sticking on Scalp Protect mode while testing the Nural. I'm sure my hair would thank me in the long run. It's a shame this isn't included on the r.

All attachments snap on and off easily and work well in use (Image credit: Future)

In terms of attachments, there's not a lot in it. While the r's options look a little different from the Nural's, the selection is roughly the same. One exception is the diffuser – curly-haired users might want to take note of the fact that the Nural is compatible with Dyson's newer, two-part Wave+Curl diffuser. The r just has a more traditional, all-in-one diffuser.

With both models, the attachments snap on and off easily and feel secure in use, and there are stay-cool sections to help you avoid burnt fingers. The sensor-based attachment memory is an excellent addition when it comes to streamlining the styling process, too.

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural: which should I buy?

Buy the Dyson Supersonic Nural if...

You're concerned with hair health

The Supersonic Nural has an innovative Scalp Protect mode, where the temperature will auto-adjust based on how far the dryer is from your head. That means you can get really close without frying your locks, and is useful if you're looking to minimize heat damage in the longer term.

You want maximum value for money

While both machines are expensive, the Nural is the cheaper of the two. The difference at list price is $70 / £50 / AU$50 – which doesn't feel massive when you're spending several hundred already, but is still a decent chunk of change. The inclusion of the Scalp Protect mode on the Nural gives it a further edge when it comes to value for money.

You have curly hair

The Nural is compatible with Dyson's newer Wave+Curl diffuser, while with the r there's only a traditional, fixed diffuser on offer.

Buy the Dyson Supersonic r if...

You need something for precision styling

That unusual compact, curved design makes it incredibly easy to direct the airflow when using the Supersonic r, even when tackling hard-to-reach places.

You have very long or thick hair

The body of the Supersonic r is lightweight and comfortable to use for long periods – a big benefit for those who have enough hair to end up with an arm-ache while using a standard dryer.

You love a long cable

The Supersonic r has a generous 9.2ft / 2.8m cable (compared to 8.5 ft / 2.6m on the Nural), giving you plenty of meandering/lassoing room while you style. An important caveat here is that the plug itself is bulky and long, so it's not suitable for power outlets that sit above protruding baseboards.

I tested 3 Airwrap dupes, and I'm more convinced than ever that Dyson's styler is the GOAT

Ruth Hamilton — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:31:50 +0000

Dyson changed the multistyler game when it launched its Airwrap. So much so, that it wasn't long before a wave of copycat stylers began to appear on the market. I loved the newest version of this gadget when I tested it out for my Dyson Airwrap i.d. review, but there's no denying it's silly expensive.

So I got my hands on a selection of cheaper alternatives, to see how they matched up and if I could get similar results without clearing out my bank account. Unfortunately, I have bad news for the bargain-hunters.

While today's best Airwrap dupes can now replicate the functionality of the original model from 2018, Dyson has been busy upping its game since then – the current Airwrap i.d. includes features you just can't find elsewhere, and elevate it head-and-shoulders above the competition. It's hands-down the best hair styler I've used, and if you can afford it, the Airwrap i.d. is worth the investment.

From front to back: the Shark FlexStyle, Dreame Airstyle Pro and Dyson Airwrap i.d. stylers (Image credit: Future)

Airwrap rewind

Before I tell you why, let's rewind slightly. What makes an Airwrap so worthy of copying? It's essentially a tube-shaped hair dryer onto which different styling attachments can be clipped.

The original launched in 2018, and the reason it garnered so much attention is because it offered a new way to create curls. Rather than use the extreme heat of traditional tongs to style hair, the Airwrap uses something called the Coanda effect to attract and wrap hair around its barrel automatically, shaping it into curls as it finishes drying it.

The Airwrap changed the game with its auto-wrapping curl barrel (Image credit: Future)

At that time, the alternatives didn't offer Coanda-powered, auto-wrapping curl barrels, and as such struggled to really compete. However, modern stylers – including the Shark FlexStyle, Revamp Dynamic Radiance Pro Blow Dry 7-in-1 and Dreame AirStyle Pro (review in progress) I've tested – do all offer this tech.

In fact, they do it pretty well. Functionally, a styling tool such as the FlexStyle works very similarly to the original Airwrap to create curls. So why wouldn't I buy one?

May I see some i.d. please?

The biggest reason is because Dyson has added two new capabilities to its Airwrap since that original model, and both are game-changers. The first innovation – introduced in the Airwrap (2022) model – is the ability to create clockwise and anticlockwise curls on the same barrel, rather than two separate ones, simply by twizzling a knob at the top.

The ability to switch direction creates more natural-looking curls with less effort. I'm not aware of any dupes that can do this – when testing the alternatives, I found myself sticking to one direction of curl on one side of my head, and the other on the other side, just because I couldn't be bothered to switch barrels.

If you want to change curl direction on a non-Dyson styler you'll need to swap over your barrels, but on the Airwrap (right), you just twizzle the knob on the top of the barrel (Image credit: Future)

The second innovation is i.d. curl, introduced with the 2024 Airwrap i.d. Flick the switch on the front of the styler and it will launch an automated curl sequence: a few seconds of lower-powered air to get the hair in place; a few more seconds of hot air to create the curl; then a cool shot to set the style. The exact timings are based on your specific hair type, set via a short quiz you complete in the companion app.

That little central switch is an absolute game-changer (Image credit: Future)

On test, I found that not only did this feature make for a fantastically low-effort styling session, it also meant a big improvement in the results. My curls created using the Airwrap i.d. looked more uniform and lasted far longer than those created using any of the other alternative stylers – something I attribute entirely to the fact that the routine is personalized to my styling needs and hair type.

It's a pain to have to clock-watch or guesstimate timings when creating your curls. The same applies to the cold shot – I know it's the best way to make Airwrap curls last, but what are the chances of even remembering to cold shot each curl amidst styling a whole head of hair? No chance at all. A very patient and conscientious home-styler with plenty of time on their hands might be able to achieve the Airwrap's results with a cheaper, less automated gadget, but I'm willing to bet most of us don't fall into that camp.

The buttons on the Revamp sit right where you grip the tool (Image credit: Future)

The other reason for not wanting to stray from my beloved Airwrap i.d. is that I simply feel it wins out over rival brands for build quality and attention to detail.

With the FlexStyle model, for example, I found the texture of the barrels a little too rough, so hair would snag when trying to wrap or release. And on the Revamp model, the location of the buttons makes it all too easy to accidentally change the settings mid-style. While the Dreame gadget I'm currently reviewing looks the part, the attachments don't clip on securely, and can twist off while you're trying to wrangle your locks into place.

The barrels on the Airstyle Pro twist gently on (and then fall off mid-style) (Image credit: Future)

Such issues might not be deal-breakers on their own – especially on a low-cost styler – but here's the thing: some of the rival tools aren't especially low-cost. They're cheaper than the Airwrap i.d., but they're far from budget – the FlexStyle has a list price of $279.99 / £269.99 / AU$499.99, while the Dreame Airstyle Pro costs $399.99 / £299 / AU$599. Not exactly pocket change.

In contrast, the Airwrap i.d. is $599.99 / £479.99 / AU$849. That does represent a big price-hike, but if you can get it on a deal, it's well worth the extra investment.

Dyson Supersonic r review: an unusual hair dryer that's perfect for precision styling

Ruth Hamilton — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:14:13 +0000

Dyson Supersonic r: two-minute review

The Dyson Supersonic r began life as a professional-only hair dryer, but is now available to the general public. It looks unlike any other hair dryer on the market; there's no barrel to speak of, but instead the handle curves to a right angle, so the whole thing looks like a pipe – or a lower case "r", if you like.

I tested the model to see how it compares to the rest of the best hair dryers on the market, and overall I was impressed. It's lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the unusual shape makes it super-easy to direct the airflow with precision, even in awkward spots such as the back of your head. As I'd expect from Dyson, it's also impressively powerful, making speedy work of rough-drying hair.

The compromise of the design is that in order to achieve the ultra-streamlined shape, Dyson has shifted some of the mechanics into the plug, which in turn is so chunky, it likely won't fit into some sockets. I also found the controls – which are small and positioned on the back of the handle – slightly fiddly to use, and a little too easy to accidentally press while styling. It feels like a design that would work just fine for professionals, who have a clear view of the buttons as they hold the dryer in front of themselves; but it's a little awkward for drying your own hair.

The magnetic attachments are thoughtfully designed and work well. Sensors enable the dryer to recognize which attachment is snapped on, and automatically adjust to your last-used temperature and airflow settings, which helps streamline the styling process.

Price-wise, it will come as a surprise to no one that we're in ultra-premium territory here. While the Supersonic r's build quality is impeccable, and the design innovative, some customers might find themselves more inclined to spend that amount on the Dyson Supersonic Nural, with its hi-tech Scalp Protect mode and ability to auto-pause when it's put down (both of which are absent from the Supersonic r). Most of the Supersonic r's appeal is in that lightweight and streamlined shape, and on that front it really is a standout option, and unique on the market, too.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dyson Supersonic r review.

Dyson Supersonic r review: price & availability

List price: $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
Launched: April 2025 (consumer version)
Available: Worldwide

The original version of the Dyson Supersonic r hit the market in February 2024, but it was available to professional hairstylists only. The consumer version reviewed here launched in April 2025.

At list price it costs $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. That's firmly in the premium bracket for hair dryers, and one of the priciest on the market right now – possibly beaten only by Dyson's other dedicated dryer, the Supersonic Nural, which comes in at $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749.

However, the outlay is perhaps a little easier to justify with the latter, because the Nural offers several features not found in other models on the market, whereas the Supersonic r, for the most part, is simply a very efficient hair dryer.

As I'd expect from Dyson, build quality is top-notch, and there's plenty of meticulous research and engineering that's gone into the development of this dryer. It looks and feels premium, and as mentioned, it's incredibly well suited to precision styling. Nevertheless, if the outlay is too much, there are plenty of excellent dryers available for a far lower price.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r specs

Wattage:	1,700W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm
Weight:	Confirming
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m

Dyson Supersonic r review: design

Lightweight, with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape
Some mechanics have been shifted into the plug, which is enormous
Magnetic attachments with setting memory

The Dyson Supersonic r looks nothing like the Supersonic that helped cement Dyson's status in the haircare market. In fact, it doesn't really look like a hairdryer at all – it looks like a pipe. It's tubular in build, with a top end that curves to a stubby right-angle.

The only difference compared to the professional version is that the cable is shorter. It's now 9.2ft / 2.8m, which is still up there with the longest on the consumer market.

(Image credit: Future)

That diminutive build is made possible by some redesigned mechanics. On the inside you'll find a more streamlined air heater than the one found in the regular Supersonic hair dryers. Ten heater foils follow the curve of the dryer, apparently to offer more consistent temperatures, with no hot or cold spots. That sits alongside a Dyson Hyperdymium motor (unconfirmed whether this is the same / a version of the Hyperdymium motor that powers today's best Dyson vacuums).

(Image credit: Future)

Dyson has also redesigned the plug socket, which now "incorporates primary electronics" that would otherwise have been inside the dryer itself (it looks very similar to the one included with the Dyson Airstrait.) That shifts extra weight away from your arm, but it does mean the plug is now pretty chunky – the main part measures 4.8in / 12.2cm (excluding the wrap at the top of the cord), with a part that protrudes downwards from the pins and lies flat to the wall. If you have power outlets that sit close to the floor or above protruding baseboards, it might not fit.

There's a removable filter cage, with a flashing yellow LED to tell you when it needs cleaning.

(Image credit: Future)

The consumer Supersonic r is one of the first Dyson haircare gadgets to introduce the brand's new colorways (currently being rolled out across the full range). Rather than the tropical tones we're used to seeing, it's available in the more delicate Ceramic Pink and Jasper Plum.

Controls

In terms of settings, there's a rocker switch to increase and decrease temperature, and another for windspeed. There are three levels for each, indicated by lights. There's also a separate power button. All can be found on the rear of the handle. Round the front, beneath the curve of the dryer, is a cool-shot button.

(Image credit: Future)

Attachments

In terms of attachments, there's an impressive selection. Compatible attachments include a Professional Concentrator, Powerful Air Attachment, Gentle Air Attachment, Flyaway Attachment, Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser and Wide-Tooth Comb. Beware, though, what's included in the box varies by region.

Personally, I'm a fan of the way the model is being offered in the UK: just as with the Dyson Airwrap i.d., you can choose between a Curly+Coily Supersonic r and a Straight+Wavy one. Both have a Powerful Air Attachment, Professional Concentrator and Flyaway Attachment, then the one for curls adds a Wide-Tooth Comb and Diffuser, and the other swaps in the Smoothing Nozzle and Gentle Air Attachment. That means you don't end up with a bunch of attachments that aren't suitable for your hair type, gathering dust.

(Image credit: Future)

As is standard for Dyson haircare products, the add-ons attach via magnets. And like the Supersonic Nural, they contain RFID sensors, which means the Supersonic r knows which one is attached. The recommended settings will kick in as default, and if you change them then the hair dryer will remember your preferences next time you snap that attachment back on.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r review: performance

Comfortable to hold and incredibly easy easy to direct airflow
Controls a little fiddly and can be pressed accidentally
Attachment setting memory helps streamline the styling process

Dyson describes the r as being geared towards "fast, precision drying", with the unusual design making it easier to reach areas that would otherwise be tricky to tackle – namely, the back of your head. On test, that absolutely held true. It's comfortable to hold and extremely easy to direct; perfect if you want to be able to dry with precision. My only slight complaint is that I found the handle a touch too short.

Airflow is nice and powerful, drying my hair quickly; a rough-dry won't take long at all. However, the Supersonic r is really geared towards more complex styling tasks, where its light weight and easy-to-direct airflow come into their own.

The Supersonic Nural has a feature where it will automatically drop into low-powered mode if you put it down. That' isn't present here, and I missed it, although I will concede that it's a nice-to-have rather than an essential.

(Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the controls, the design of which I was a little less sold on. The switches to adjust speed and temperature are tiny and a little fiddly to use, and the positioning on the back of the handle means they proved fairly easy to press accidentally. I feel like they're better suited to professional use – where the person drying the hair can easily see the buttons; they're a little fiddly if you're trying to dry your own hair.

I was far more impressed with the cool-shot button, which sits on the inside of the handle, where it's comfortable to depress for setting your style.

(Image credit: Future)

Attachment performance

All the attachments are well designed and good quality, and the magnetic connection feels secure in use. Usefully, all the attachments have areas that stay cool, so you can comfortably remove them immediately after using if switching to another, for example.

Attachment memory is a welcome addition. It helps streamline the drying process, and means less fiddling about with controls as you dry. It will prove most useful for people who use multiple attachments throughout their styling routine. I guess it might also help with hair health, if it makes you less likely to default to "hot and fast" for everything.

(Image credit: Future)

Curly haired users might miss the two-part Wave+Curl Diffuser, which was introduced with the Supersonic Nural but is absent here – you're just getting the standard all-in-one option instead.

A special shout-out should go to the Flyaway Attachment, which uses the Coanda effect (the same thing that makes the Airwrap work) to attract and smooth your locks once you've finished styling. It's unique to Dyson's dryers, and it made a noticeable difference to the sleekness of my hair.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Supersonic r?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very much a premium buy, and while the quality is outstanding, the list of special features is relatively short.	3.5 / 5
Design	Lightweight with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape and a wide range of well-designed attachments. Plug is very bulky, though.	4 / 5
Performance	Powerful airflow that's extremely easy to direct, while automatic attachment recognition saves time. Buttons are a little fiddly.	4.5 /5

Buy it if...

You spend lots of time styling
The lightweight-yet-powerful Supersonic r will really come into its own for those with long, thick hair and/or spend a lot of time styling as they dry.

You want precise control
It's incredibly easy to direct the airflow from this dryer, even in tricky areas such as the back of your head.

You want a luxe option
The Dyson Supersonic r looks and feels ultra-premium, and comes with a price tag to match.

Don't buy it if...

Your plug sockets are near to the floor
The scaled-up plug protrudes downwards, which means that depending on the placement of your sockets and what's going on beneath them, you might not actually be able to plug in the hair dryer.

You need something for travel
The voltage of the Supersonic r will match the country of purchase, and Dyson warns that it shouldn't be used abroad.

You're concerned about scalp health
The Supersonic Nural has a Scalp Protect mode that adjusts the temperature based on how close the machine is to your head, meaning you can get right up close without burning your head. The Supersonic r is missing this mode.

Dyson Supersonic r: alternatives to consider

	Dyson Supersonic r (reviewed)	Dyson Supersonic Nural	Laifen Mini
Wattage:	1,700W	1,600W	1,100W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm	10 x 4 x 3.1in / 24.5 x 9.7 x 7.8cm	8.6 x 3. x 2.5in / 22 x 7.7 x 6.3cm
Weight:	Confirming	1.9lbs / 680g (with cord)	0.7lbs / 299g (no cord) 1.1lbs / 482g (with cord)
Airflow settings:	3	3	2
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot	3 + cool shot	2 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None	Scalp protect	Child mode, auto-temperature cycle
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m	8.5 ft / 2.6m	5.9ft / 1.8m

Dyson Supersonic Nural

The Nural is Dyson's other dryer option. It's heavier and bulkier, but has an innovative Scalp Protect mode that's absent on the Supersonic r. It will also automatically drop into low-powered mode when you put it down.

Read our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review

Laifen Mini

Laifen's original dryer was a blatant Supersonic dupe, but the newer Mini version is more unique. While not as streamlined as the Supersonic r, it's still super compact and lightweight, with a stylish matte design and some cool specialist modes, including temperature cycling. It's not as widely available as Dyson's dryers.

Read our full Laifen Mini review

How I tested the Dyson Supersonic r

I used the Dyson Supersonic r as my primary hair dryer for over a month. During this time, I tested all the settings and explored the different attachment options. I paid particular attention to how easy it was to use, and how efficient it was at drying and styling my hair. I compared my experience with other hair dryers I've used.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2025

Philips' new Prestige shaver can cut hair below your skin's surface for the smoothest shave of your life

jacob.krol@futurenet.com (Jacob Krol) — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:20 +0000

Philips promises the new i9000 is its 'most intelligent shaver' yet
Claims it can lift and cut hair -0.08mm below the skin’s surface
Also offers real-time customization and pressure-activated lighting

If you’ve been wondering what’s next for premium electric shavers, Philips has an answer for you: the Philips Norelco Shaver i9000 Prestige Ultra, the brand's most intelligent and powerful yet. It builds on the design and ergonomics that impressed us on previous models – this is the brand behind some of the best beard trimmers and electric razors on the market – as well as introducing a number of innovative new features.

I got a chance to check it out at a preview event, and I was intrigued. (Unfortunately, I was also clean-shaven, so while I did get a chance to see it in action, you'll have to wait for my upcoming review for my official verdict.) Here are three reasons why the Philips Norelco i9000 stands out from the crowd...

1. It can shave below the skin

The most significant change between the i9000 and previous shavers is that Philips promises a root-level shave with the new model. Using what Philips has dubbed ‘Triple Action Lift & Cut Technology', it'll lift hair directly from the root, cutting up to -0.08mm below the skin’s surface, for the cleanest, smoothest shave of your life. It sounds painful, but I saw it in action and can confirm there was only hair being shaven, no one ended up taking their top layer of skin off.

With only a little stubble on my face, it easily took care of more short, fine hairs with ease. I look forward to putting this to the test when it's bit more grown out and see if it can solve for the tug-of-war feeling that some other shavers afford when getting their bearings around longer, more grown-out hair.

2. Real-time AI shaving feedback

Like the previous model (which impressed us when we tested it for our Philips Shaver S9000 review), there are five modes: sensitive, foam, intense, regular, and custom. New with the i9000 is SenseIQ Pro – an upgraded version of the tech used in previous models, which uses AI to customize the shaving experience in real time, offering feedback and aiming to deliver a better shaving experience.

That combines with a new 360-degree 'Precision Flexing System' designed to offer 20 per cent more precision in use, thanks to three flexible heads that hide 72 blades and can perform 165,000 cutting actions in a minute.

(Image credit: Philips)

I got to try the Philips Norelco i9000 on hair growing in various directions and of various lengths on boards that Philips had set up. There was no tug, even when the surface wasn't smooth. The i9000's flexible heads certainly let it navigate any area skin a bit easier, and the blades work quickly enough to let you move the shaver as you see fit.

3. Disco lighting and a bright, color screen

You’ll control and monitor all of this via a new, color screen on the front. I could see at the preview event it's considerably brighter than the one found on previous models. That screen will also greet you with a Good Morning or Good Evening, depending on when you pick the shaver up off the stand (and like most other devices, the i9000 also works with a connected app for Android or iOS).

Even cooler, though, is a ring of LEDs under three floating shaving heads that glow green or red depending on how hard you're pressing the shaver.

The LEDs get nice and bright, so they're easy to see in the mirror or in your peripheral vision, and they really do adjust on the fly based on how much pressure I apply. It's a really useful guiding tool, and even if you don't care to connect up the companion app, can provide that feedback right on the shaver.

The general gist here is that more intelligent features plus plenty of power help the Philips Norelco i9000 deliver the shave you need, in any environment at any time. The extra tech flair being thrown in is neat, and the use of AI for real-time personalization has already proven successful in earlier generations.

I’ve just unboxed the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra and am excited to fully put it through its paces over the next few weeks. It’s out now with a starting price of $329.99, depending on the exact model – as of this publishing, I see the i9000 Prestige Ultra for $329.99 on Amazon with a charging stand, a carrying case, and an extra attachment. It will get as pricey as $499.99, though, and in the UK it's starting at £599.99. We’re waiting for Philips to confirm pricing for Australia, though.

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6 ways to extend the life of your Dyson Airwrap

Ruth Hamilton — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Dyson Airwraps don't come cheap. If you're looking to protect your investment by making yours last as long as possible, this article is here to help.

It's also Sustainability Week here at TechRadar, and we're looking at ways you can make your gadget habit more eco-friendly. Finding ways to fix, upgrade or otherwise avoid having to purchase a whole new Airwrap isn't just a win for your bank balance, it's better for the planet, too.

We spoke to a Dyson spokesperson about the brand's approach to sustainability, and they told us its first priority is to make sure everything is built to last in the first place.

"During development, Dyson relies on extensive testing – products are dropped over 5,000 times, digital motors run for up to 20,000 hours, and machines undergo durability tests to ensure the machine remains uncompromised and is tough enough, testing to the point of failure," the spokesperson told us. "By focusing on longevity and supporting repairability through modular designs, Dyson helps customers keep their devices in use for longer."

Hopefully, then, your Airwrap should be built to stick around – we were certainly impressed with the build quality when we tested it for our Dyson Airwrap i.d. review. However, if you do want to upgrade, repair, replace or recycle it, read on for how to do so...

#1. Upgrade your accessories

If you had an older Airwrap and are dismayed to see better accessories appearing with newer models (for example, comparing Dyson Airwrap vs. Airwrap i.d., the latter has a new tapering curl barrel), you can pimp your original Airwrap by buying new add-ons separately. This is also a good shout if one of your attachments breaks.

For genuine Dyson parts you need to head direct to the accessories store within the Dyson site. Here, you can buy different shaped and sized curl barrels, or upgrade to a bi-directional one if you made your initial purchase when it was still separate clockwise and anticlockwise barrels. There are also different brush attachments, and even accessory bundles.

(Image credit: Future)

As you might expect, the official Dyson accessories are rather pricey – although much cheaper (and more sustainable) than buying a whole new Airwrap. Note, too, that what's available will vary by country – the US and Australian stores are much better stocked than the UK store at time of writing.

Dyson accessories store: US / UK / AU

We have spotted some dupe accessories via sites like Amazon, but unless you're really desperate we'd recommend avoiding these and opting for the real thing. You're never quite sure what you're getting, and if it turns out to be rubbish quality or incompatible, then you'll be entering the Wild West of Amazon returns.

#2. Replace broken parts

As well as an accessory store, Dyson also sells spare parts for many of its products. There actually aren't many moving parts to the Airwrap – aside from the accessories we've covered above – but you should be able to pick up a replacement filter cage if yours breaks.

(Image credit: Future)

This is also the place to head if you want to pick up a case or travel wrap for your Airwrap. The former might be a good idea for protective purposes, if you don't have somewhere safe to store your styler, together with its accessories.

Dyson spare parts store: US / UK / AU

#3. Clean the filter monthly

According to Dyson, the cause of the vast majority of Airwrap issues is that you've neglected to keep the filter clean. You should be cleaning your filter, following the process detailed below, monthly – or failing that, when the LED filter warning light starts continuously flashing at you.

Unplug the machine and leave it to cool down completely
Slide the filter cage over the cord and open it
Pass the C-brush through the power cord to begin cleaning
Rotate the C-brush up and down the filter mesh or use a soft, dry toothbrush to remove dust and debris (don't use water or chemicals to clean the filter mesh itself)
Wipe the C-brush gently to clean it
Loosen debris from the filter cage using the dry C-brush
Bring the filter cage to a sink (don't bring the rest of the machine with it – leave that well away from water)
Rinse the filter cage and C-brush under warm running water
Apply a pea-sized amount of clarifying shampoo to the C-brush
Lightly scrub the filter cage using the C-brush in circular and up-and-down motions to remove stubborn buildup
Rinse for 20 secs to ensure all shampoo is gone from the filter cage
Shake the filter cage gently to remove excess water, then squeeze-dry with a paper towel
Hold the filter cage up to the light to check it's completely clean
Allow all parts, including the filter cage, to air-dry thoroughly before reassembling (don't reassemble the machine while any parts are still wet)
Clip the filter cage back onto the machine.

#4. Troubleshoot any other issues

There's a Support section on the Dyson website designed to help if something goes awry. Here, you can download the user manual for various versions of the Airwrap.

There's also a click-through troubleshooting section, covering issues such as poor product performance, electrical faults, and unusual smells or noises. Some of the solutions offered are common sense, but it can still be useful to help make sure there's nothing obvious you might be missing.

If you need further assistance, there is a customer support line or you can access support via live chat or WhatsApp (UK only).

Dyson customer support: US / UK / AU

#5. Repair it

Yes... sort of. It seems to vary by product and by country.

In the UK, Dyson offers a repair service, where it'll pick up your machine, take it away and fix it for you. This is free if the machine is under guarantee (two years from purchase), or £99 otherwise.

On the Dyson UK website it's not clear if Airwraps are included – the page reads, "For more information on repairs and servicing for the Dyson hair care range (including hair dryers, straighteners, stylers) please contact us."

However, our Dyson spokesperson told us that repair was an option for Airwraps: "Repairs, replacements, and parts are covered free of charge for issues caused by normal use or manufacturing defects via the two-year guarantee. For out-of-warranty products, paid repair services with genuine Dyson parts are available. Registering your device with a MyDyson account lets you track your guarantee and access personalized support."

(Image credit: Future)

In the US, Dyson will cover repairs for products under guarantee, but it doesn't seen to be an option if it's after that period. Again, it's unclear if hair tools like the Airwrap are included, as all the language on the site focuses on vacuums.

In Australia, you also have the option to try the product for 45 days, and if you don't get on it with it, you can return it (with original packaging, in original condition) for free. We couldn't find any mention of repair options in Australia.

Dyson guarantee and repairs: US / UK

#6. Buy refurbished

If your current Airwrap is not salvageable, or you're seeking a more sustainability-conscious (and affordable) option for your first purchase, then consider buying a refurbished model.

"Dyson gives their machines a second life by extending their sustainability efforts through refurbished machines," the spokesperson told us. "They are thoroughly quality tested and use genuine Dyson replacement parts."

(Image credit: eBay)

Occasionally you'll find refurbished Dyson products sold directly via Dyson, but a better place to look is the brand's official eBay refurb store. This generally has a wide range of certified refurbished appliances available, and there's also a relatively fast turnover of products – it's worth checking back if the Airwrap you want isn't available the first time you look.

eBay has a well established refurbishment system. Based on this writer's experience and other customer reviews, it's a reliable and straightforward place to pick up pre-loved electronics.

View eBay Dyson store: US / UK / Australia

Can you recycle a Dyson Airwrap?

If you're buying a new Dyson Airwrap, and you have an old one you no longer want or need, you might be able to give your old one back to Dyson to recycle – in the UK at least.

"To recycle your old machine, you can bring it into a Dyson demo store within 28 days of purchase of your new Dyson machine, show us the receipt or order confirmation email, and it can be recycled free of charge," our UK spokesperson told us. "The machine being returned must be of similar type or have performed the same function as the new item being purchased."

You can also recycle old Airwraps in the same way you would other small electrical appliances. This will vary by country and area. If you're in the UK, this is a very useful tool to find your local recycle, donate or repair options for electricals (Airwraps aren't listed, but we suspect it'll be treated the same way a a blow dryer, which is).

How to get your Airwrap curls to hold, plus more top tips for getting the most from your Dyson multi-styler

Ruth Hamilton — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The Dyson Airwrap is an outstanding styling tool. Perhaps the best hair styler around, actually. But with so many attachment options, not to mention a curling method that will be entirely foreign to those more accustomed to traditional hot tongs, figuring out how to actually use it requires a little effort.

I was offered a chance to get my hair styled professionally using the Airwrap by Chris Long – a celebrity hairdresser and GB Styling Ambassador for Dyson. I used the opportunity to pick his brains for insider tips; in particular, I wanted to know how to make my Airwrap curls last longer.

The good news is that when I got my own one to test for my Dyson Airwrap i.d. review, I was able to mimic Chris' techniques without any difficulty. And if I can do it, I'm confident you can, too. Here's what I learned during my morning at the salon...

How to make Airwrap curls last longer

#1. Don't skip the cool shot

If your Airwrapped curls are dropping quickly, Chris has one key piece of advice: "For long-lasting curls and waves, always use the cold shot button." That means using it after every curl, for a decent amount of time, rather than for a couple of seconds whenever you remember.

Dyson recommends around five seconds of cool shot per curl, although you might need a little longer or shorter depending on how well your hair holds styles. The good news here is that, unlike tools that use heat, the Airdrop i.d. isn't going to damage your hair if you hold the cool shot for too long.

This i.d. curl switch on the newest Airwrap automates your cool shot for you (Image credit: Future)

The newest version of the Airwrap makes this super-easy, because the cool shot is built into the automated i.d. curl sequence, activated by flicking up the button on the front of the dryer. You'll feel the Airwrap become hot, then cold, then drop into a lower-power mode when it's time to release the curl. If you have your companion app open, you can also watch the countdown on your phone's screen.

If you have an older version – the 2022 Airwrap, for example – then you still have a cool shot function, but you'll have to activate it manually and guesstimate your own timings.

#2. Get your hair to 80% dry before curling

While you'd only use traditional curling tongs on completely dry hair, the Airwrap works best on hair that's still slightly damp. "For best results when creating curls, use the Dyson Airwrap i.d. when your hair is around 80% dry," says Chris. "Wet hair holds curls more easily, allowing for tighter, more defined waves when styled with an Airwrap."

Get your hair about 80% dry with one of the dryer attachments before going in with the curl barrel (Image credit: Future)

Helpfully, you can just use your Airwrap for this bit. With the Quick Dry attachment clipped on, the performance of the Airdrop i.d. rivals some of the best hair dryers on the market. Older versions might come with a different drying attachment, and you can also just use the dryer part with nothing attached at all.

Beware, if your hair is too wet, curling won't work well either – the remaining moisture will make your hair heavy, and cause the curl to fall out before it's dried fully. It might require a degree of trial-and-error to get your hair to the correct level of dryness for long-lasting curls.

#3. Use a pre-styling cream

Chris also emphasized the importance of using a pre-styling cream if you want your curls to stick. He likened it to how you'd use a primer on your face before applying makeup.

For my hair, Chris used Dyson's own Chitosan Pre-Style cream. This uses an ingredient derived from oyster mushrooms and is designed to give your curls hold and reduce frizz. Chris smoothed four pumps' worth of it through my armpit-length hair before curling. There are, of course, plenty of alternatives on the market, so use the one that works for your hair.

Dyson makes its own pre- and post-style creams, but you can use whatever works for your hair (Image credit: Future)

Following up with a post-style hold product can also help. Chris used Chitosan Post-Style serum to add definition to my curls after he'd finished styling.

#4. Wiggle the barrel to create tension

When your hair is wrapped around the barrel, you don't want to hold it completely static, but nor do you want to be pulling it all over the place. For the best results, Chris recommends just wiggling it slightly to so the hair stays taut.

Pulling slightly on the Airwrap helps create tension to lock in the curl (Image credit: Future)

He explains: "When using the Dyson Airwrap i.d. with the barrel attachments, the Coanda effect naturally wraps the hair around the barrel. For a tighter curl, gently move the Airwrap back and forth as the hair wraps around the barrel to create more tension and create long-lasting curls."

More Airwrap tips

All clear on how to create Airwrap curls that last? Here's some more advice on how to get the best from your Dyson multi-styler...

#1. Check you're holding it the right way up

When I first picked up an Airwrap, my instinct was to hold it above my head with the handle at the top. This is apparently incorrect. (I also use traditional curling tongs this way, but it's yet to be confirmed if I'm also making an error there.)

Chris explained that you should hold the handle at the bottom, with the barrel pointing upwards. You'll find the Airwrap is much easier to control this way, not to mention it's less tiring for your arm muscles. It will also give the roots a bit of an extra volume boost.

#2. Alternate directions for a natural look

"If you're starting with straight hair and want a natural curl, use a barrel attachment, and alternate the direction of the curls with each section," suggests Chris. "This variation adds movement and a more effortless, natural appearance."

One area where the Airwrap stands out from some of the competition is that you can use the same barrel to create clockwise and anticlockwise curls – you simply twist the knob at the top of the barrel to change direction. To my knowledge, even the best Airwrap dupes still require you to swap over barrels to go from clockwise to anticlockwise curls.

Alternating clockwise and anticlockwise curls helps create a more natural look (Image credit: Future)

One potential issue with the Coanda effect – the process by which hair is attracted around the barrel using directed air – is that bits of hair from other curls can fairly easily get sucked into the curl you're currently working on. To avoid too much cross-contamination, Chris sectioned my hair before starting to curl, clipping the rest of the hair out of the way so it didn't get caught up and pulled into the barrel.

#3. Use the tapered barrel for tighter curls and precise edges

Dyson introduced a new tapered barrel with the i.d. version of the Airwrap (the regular barrels are parallel all the way down). This will give you a tighter curl near the root, so is good if you're after a very curly look. Chris also used it to smooth my frizz-prone baby hairs – the small tip is great for precision work such as this. Don't hold it too long, though, if you want to avoid the High Court judge look.

The new conical barrel creates curls that are tighter near the root (Image credit: Future)

#4. Try the smoothing brush for a polished look

Your Airwrap will come with other styling attachments, so don't feel you need to stick to just the Airwrap barrels when crafting your look.

"For a polished, glamorous style, use the Dyson Airwrap i.d. barrels to curl the hair away from your face on both sides," suggests Chris. "Then, gently brush through the curls using the smoothing brush attachment to transform them into smooth, flowing waves."

This curling wand looks like a drill and I'm not sure if it's dumb or genius

Ruth Hamilton — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The MDLondon Curl is a curling wand with a difference. For one, it looks more like something you'd find in a tool box than on a dressing table. That right-angled wand is designed to be more comfortable to hold, for a styling experience with more control and less arm-ache. Unfortunately, the only demo video I can find shows someone having their hair done, and I'm struggling to envisage how you might use it on yourself.

The main body of the curler is shaped very similarly to most of today's best hair dryers. It's not a hair dryer, though – there's no air blowing out. The ceramic barrels simply heat up to set the hair into place, like a traditional curling tong.

Another cool upgrade is that the curl barrel is swappable. The Curl comes with four different barrel styles, and you can simply switch them out for different looks. There's a fairly standard 25mm barrel, a chunkier 31mm one for bigger curls, an ultra-thin 10mm one for super-tight corkscrews and an intriguing reverse conical one (pictured below) that the brand says will give you a relaxed, beachy look.

(Image credit: MDLondon)

While I'm still a little unsure about the right-angled design, I am fully sold on the idea of swappable barrels. In a market flooded with multi-stylers, it's starting to feel old-fashioned to have a tool that just does one thing, and this is a clever way to add versatility. Tiny curling wands (to create tight curls) are having a bit of a moment right now, but for most people that'll just be an occasional look rather than something for every day. Adding it as an option alongside more relaxed curl barrel options saves you from having to buy a whole separate gadget that you just might not need that often.

We've tested MDLondon hair gadgets before and been consistently impressed – the MDLondon Strait features in our best hair straightener roundup, and we found the MDLondon Blow hair dryer "lightweight yet luxurious, compact yet powerful". Both have some slightly out-of -the-ordinary design tweaks, although neither are quite as head-turning as the Curl. I'm interested to see how it holds up in practice, and if other haircare brands start to follow suit.

Heat vs air

It's a little unusual to see a traditional heated tong (albeit within a non-traditional design) being launched these days. The current focus seems to be all about Dyson Airwrap-style tools that use directed air to create curls using the Coanda effect. The idea is that it's better for your long-term hair health because there's less extreme heat.

While I do like that approach – I've just reviewed the Dyson Airwrap i.d. and was very impressed, and today's best Airwrap dupes are increasingly capable too – I will concede that it does have its drawbacks. Curls created using air still tend to drop more quickly than those created using heat, the styling process takes longer (and especially if you're diligent about using a cold shot to help set each curl) and it can be fiddly, too – hair is attracted to the barrel and wraps around automatically, but you have to be precise or you'll end up with strands from other curls getting pulled into the curl you're currently working on. It might be that a revamped traditional tong is just what we need.

The MDLondon Curl curling wand is only currently available in the UK, and it costs £129 (but that would make it around $168 or AU$270, as a rough estimate).

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: a major upgrade on the original

Ruth Hamilton — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Dyson Airwrap i.d: two-minute review

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is the latest generation of the brand's ultra-popular multi-styler. Released in 2024, the i.d. introduces one significant upgrade on the original Airwrap: an i.d.curl switch that launches a curling sequence (wrap, curl, cool shot). This simple upgrade is an absolute game-changer – curling with the Airwrap i.d. feels effortless compared to other auto-wrap stylers I've tested, and the results hold far better, too. It's predictably expensive, but I truly think this is the best hair styler on the market right now.

In terms of design, it's the same tube-shaped dryer, onto which various styling tools can be attached. The main ones are the Airwrap barrels, which use the Coanda effect to attract hair, shaping it into a curl as it dries it, without the need for the extreme heat of traditional curling tongs. These are the ones that work with the i.d. curl feature – and to double-down on what I've said above, the whole thing is now extremely straightforward to use.

You don't need to mess around with finding the cool-shot button mid-curl, or take a guess over how long each bit of hair has been wrapped; you just flip the switch, drape a bit of hair over the wand, wiggle it about a bit, and the i.d. will do the rest for you. The timings of the curl sequence are based on information you supply in a companion app (another new development) about your hair type and styling aims. And while nothing has changed with regards to how the Coanda function works, I found my curls remained in place for far longer than they have done using other auto-wrap multi-stylers, purely because the process is automated for you here.

With the i.d., Dyson introduced a new tapering barrel alongside the parallel ones of previous models. As before, changing the direction of curl is as simple as twisting the knob at the top of the barrel – something even today's best Airwrap dupes don't yet offer.

The auto-wrap curlers are the main reason to buy an Airwrap, but for styling enthusiasts this styling tool comes with a plethora of compatible add-ons. There are enough drying attachments that mean it can rival today's best hair dryers, too, along with brushes for smoothing or volumizing hair. The variety of attachments on offer also open up the Airwrap to different hair types and lengths – there's a wide-tooth comb for coils, for instance. However, in terms of effectiveness, I can only really speak to my own experience (I have armpit-length, wavy hair).

Price-wise, the Airdrop i.d. is firmly a premium buy; in terms of design, usability and build quality, though, I can't fault it. If you're enthusiastic about styling, like to curl your hair often, and care about long-term hair health, the i.d. is worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Airwrap i.d. review.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: price & availability

List price: $599.99 / £479.99 / AU$849
Launched: August 2024

Dyson products almost always sit in the premium end of the market, and the Airwrap i.d. is no exception. From Dyson direct, it has a list price of $599.99 in the US, £479.99 in the UK, and AU$849 in Australia. At time of writing, in the US and UK, you can choose between a "Straight+ Wavy" or "Curly+Coily" bundle, which comprise different attachments, but the pricing for both remains the same. In Australia, it's just the one standard bundle right now.

The Airwrap i.d. first launched in August 2024, a newer version of the Airwrap (read our Dyson Airwrap (2022) review for more on that model), which Dyson appears to be phasing out.

The i.d. certainly isn't cheap, and of course you're paying a bit of a premium for the Dyson name. However, there's nothing else quite like it on the market right now, and I can fault it for either build quality or attention to detail when it comes to the design.

You can pick up cheaper dupes, a few of which even arrive with feature auto-wrapping barrels. Of these, the Shark FlexStyle is perhaps the best regarded, and costs $279.99 / £269.99 / AU$499.99. In the US, you also have the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler at $269.99, while in the UK there's the Revamp Dynamic Radiance Pro Blow Dry 7-in-1 Ionic Air Styler at £179.99. The Airwrap i.d. is a clear step above all of these models for build quality and features, however – none can do clockwise and anti-clockwise curls on the same barrel, and none have an automated curl sequence.

Dyson isn't especially known for its discounts, but they do crop up from time to time, and are well worth taking advantage of if you do spot one.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Airwrap i.d. specs

Wattage:	1,300W
Temperature settings:	2 + cool shot
Speed settings:	3
Cord:	2.7m / 8.5 ft
Size w/ no attachments (L x W):	10.7 x 1.9in / 27.2 x 4.8cm
Weight w/ no attachments:	1.4lbs / 0.6kg
Airflow:	13.5 l/s

Dyson Airwrap i.d review: design

Tube-shaped dryer onto which styling accessories attach
Auto-curl sequence button and companion app
Extensive range of compatible attachments

The Airwrap i.d. is a tube-shaped hair dryer onto which various styling accessories can be attached. Primary among these are the Airwrap barrels, which use the Coanda effect to attract hair so it automatically wraps around the barrel and is shaped into curls as it dries. The attachments twist into place easily, and there's a lock switch on the rear of the dryer to release them when you want to swap in another one. I'll get more into the attachments themselves below.

Accessories attach to this top section, and lock into place (Image credit: Future)

On the dryer itself are three sliding buttons to control the settings. There are cleverly positioned near the top of the barrel, out of the way of your grip, but they're easily accessible during styling. Since they're sliding rather than press buttons, you have much less chance of accidentally changing settings as you hold the barrel, too.

Sliding buttons to control windspeed and temperature, and launch the curl sequence (Image credit: Future)

Two operate temperature (two heat options plus a cool shot) and windspeed (three options), but the third is probably the most interesting. This switches on the blower, but also operates the i.d. curl sequence, where there Airwrap will cycle through the settings required to create the perfect curl.

This function is new with the i.d., and works in conjunction with a companion app (see all the differences between the old and new models in my (Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. comparison). Here, you complete a quiz about your hair type, length and styling goals, and the Airwrap will set its curl sequence settings based the information you've supplied.

On initial completion of the quiz, the Airwrap i.d. will remember your sequence, so you don't need your phone connected or with you to use the i.d. curl sequence. However, if you do have the app open, you can also see the progress of the sequence via a countdown graphic.

There's a removable filter cage (Image credit: Future)

At the base of the dryer is a grille, behind which sits the filter. You can remove the grille to keep the filter clean – Dyson recommends doing this regularly to keep the i.d. working as efficiently as possible.

Attachments

The Airwrap i.d. has an extensive range of compatible attachments; in fact, more extensive than any other multi-styler I've come across. Don't expect to get all of these with your styler – different attachments will be included with different bundles, and some are only available to purchase individually via Dyson's accessory store.

This tapering curl barrel is a new accessory option with the Airwrap i.d. (Image credit: Future)

The ones that the Airwrap first gained popularity for are the Airwrap barrels. These are curling barrels, but instead of heating up, they blast out directed air in such a way that the hair automatically wraps around them, shaping the hair into curls as the styler dries it. Dyson is the only brand (so far) that enables you to create clockwise and anti-clockwise curls using the same barrel. To switch direction, you twist the cool-touch knob at the top of the barrel.

The standard barrel is the same width all the way down, but with the i.d. Dyson has added a tapering barrel that creates curls that are tighter at the top and looser at the bottom.

The standard, same-width barrels are still included (Image credit: Future)

My review model was supplied with a couple of attachments geared towards use of the Airwrap as a hair dryer: the Fast dryer and Dryer+Flyaway smoother. One of the new dryer attachments introduced with the i.d. is the Blade Concentrator, but I didn't test this – and, as far as I can determine, it isn't included in any bundles right now. Bundles geared towards curly or coily hair will include a diffuser and wide-tooth comb.

There are various brush attachments in the range, some soft and some firm, and some for smoothing and some for volumizing, and in different sizes to suit different hair lengths. (I got a soft smoothing brush and large round volumizing brush included.)

My review model came with a storage / presentation box, but I'm not sure if this is included with every bundle, so check before you buy.

Design score: 5 out of 5

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: performance

Comfortable and efficient to use as a dryer
i.d. curl sequence is effortless and delivers long-lasting results
Volumizing and smoothing brushes also work very well

As a dryer, the Airwrap i.d. works very well. It feels lightweight, well balanced, and it's comfortable to hold and easy to wield.

The Fast dryer attachment shifts the flow of air so it's at a right angle to the dryer, rather than shooting straight upwards. This means you can hold your arm in a natural and comfortable position. Some Airwrap-alikes have top sections that pivot to a right angle, for the same purpose. Dyson's attachment is more effective because it also widens the flow of air, and results in a noticeable boost in power.

On test, I found the Airwrap plus Fast dryer combo dried by armpit-length hair efficiently. It wasn't quite as speedy as a dedicated hair dryer such as the Dyson Supersonic Nural, but it's more powerful than other multi-stylers I've tested. (I've compared the Dyson Supersonic Nural vs Dyson Airwrap, if you're not sure which one you need.)

With the Fast dryer attachment on, the i.d. works effectively as a hair dryer (Image credit: Future)

Curling

Before testing the Airwrap i.d., I thought the curl sequence might be a bit of a gimmick, but I've done a 180 on that view – I love it. It makes a massive difference to both the effort required to create curls and their staying power once you've finished styling.

Let's back up a bit. Setting up the i.d. curl sequence in the app is straightforward. You connect your Airwrap via Bluetooth by switching it on and holding it near your phone, then take a short quiz, which incorporates questions about your hair type, length, experience level and hair goals. Based on this information, the app will create your curl sequence settings.

This sequence includes wrapping, curling, and then a cool shot, timed to suit your hair type and needs. If you say you're a beginner, for example, you'll have longer to wrap your hair; if your curls tend to drop quickly, you'll get a longer cool shot. Note, though, that you can manually adjust the timings in the app at any time, if you find they don't suit you.

The app counts down each part of the curl sequence (Image credit: Future)

To launch the sequence, you flick the central button upwards, and then just get on with curling. If you're not used to this kind of curling, it will take some getting used to, but once you have it down it's easy. (I was shown how to use this by a Dyson-representative hairdresser, as shown in the photos here, but I also tested it out at home, and managed it just fine on my own.)

The i.d. curl switch takes the guesswork and fiddling about out of the equation. I've tested a few of these auto-wrap curlers now and there are two areas they prove most annoying. First, guesstimating the time you've been curling a particular section of hair – it takes longer than traditional tongs, in the region of 8-10 seconds per section – and second, locating and running the cool shot on each curl. The i.d. takes care of both.

The blower shapes the hair into curls as it dries it (Image credit: Future)

In terms of results, I was super impressed. However, I'll state upfront that curls created in this way generally tend to fall out far sooner than those created with traditional hot tongs (you'll need to decide if the benefits to hair health and less heat damage is worth it to you).

Nevertheless, my curls created with the i.d. lasted far longer than those created with competitor stylers. I think this is all down to the automation features: each section of hair is curled for the same length of time; I'm not forgetting or cutting short any cool shots.

Smoothing and volumizing

I also tested out the volumizing and smoothing brushes that came bundled with my Airwrap i.d. Both have been deigned well and I had no complaints about how they worked in use. They clip on easily and feel secure in use, and each has a stay-cool section that you can grip hold of for removal. While in terms of functionality there isn't anything particularly unique here, they work well and help boost the versatility of the multi-styler for those times you don't want a curly look.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d.?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very expensive, but a clear step above alternatives in terms of both quality and features.	3.5 / 5
Design	Comfortable to hold and use, thoughtfully designed, and the range of compatible accessories is extensive.	5 / 5
Performance	Results will vary by hair type, but the i.d. curl made creating curls effortless on my long, wavy hair. The results lasted very well, too, although not as long as traditional hot tongs. Also effective as a hair dryer.	4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You curl regularly
Where the Airdrop i.d. shines is for creating curls. The i.d. curl sequence makes the process effortless, with the results more likely to outlast those where you're relying on guessing timings yourself.

You care about hair health
This type of curling is far better for your long-term hair health over regularly frying your locks with a curling wand.

You're a styling enthusiast
The Airwrap i.d. isn't cheap, but the quality of the tool and swappable accompanying attachments come into their own for those who love to create different styles. Of all the multi-stylers, the Airwrap probably features the widest range of compatible accessories.

Don't buy it if...

You don't often curl your hair
If you don't regularly curl your hair, there's much less of a performance gap between this and the many Airwrap dupes and multi-stylers on the market. If you're only creating blowout styles, for instance, you could save a lot of money by going for a dedicated brush dryer.

You're on a budget
There are dupes that will do a very similar job, albeit with lower build quality and more effort required from you.

How I tested the Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Before receiving my review model, I first got a demo of the Airwrap i.d. from a Dyson representative in a salon. I then used the styler over a few weeks at home, testing out the curling system extensively, and using the other attachments too. I compared my experience to other alternatives I've tested, in terms of quality, usability, and how long the styles lasted.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: a premium electric shaver that comes at a premium price

harry.padoan@futurenet.com (Harry Padoan) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:35:45 +0000

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: one-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

UK and AU: Philip Shaver S9000 Prestige, SP9883/35
US: The SP9883/35 variant doesn't appear to be widely available from online US retailers, but you can find the very similar Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige (product code SP9886/89) on Amazon US.

If you’re in the market for a premium electric shaver, it’s well worth checking out the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige. This premium model is packed with Philips’ SkinIQ tech for an adaptive, delicate shave, a highly ergonomic design and waterproofing – meaning it offers an all-round excellent user experience.

For reference, I specifically tested the SP9883/35 variant of the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige – and this doesn’t come cheap. It’s available now in the UK and Australia with a list price of £699 / AU$999. Thankfully, though, it’s unlikely you’ll have to pay quite this much in all regions. For instance, I’ve spotted it going for much closer to £300 from a lot of UK retailers. Still, that’s quite a bit to spend on an electric shaver – so is it worth it?

Well, if like me you have pretty sensitive skin and are used to irritation after a typical shave – then I’d say the answer is yes. Whether I was having a wet or dry shave, the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige glided across my face with ease and never felt strenuous or sharp on my skin – something we always look for in our hunt for the best beard trimmers and electric razors. You can also adjust power to low, medium or high depending on what feels and works best for you.

But wait… there’s more. This easy-to-handle shaver harnesses SkinIQ technology and Ultraflex suspension, meaning the S9000 Prestige’s head can adjust its power and positioning depending on hair thickness and shaving angles. That makes for a super simple, rapid shaving experience – ideal if you need a quick trim before heading to the office. It also comes with a self cleaning station, which can get your shaver looking all shiny again after just one minute: pretty cool!

Is this model perfect? Not quite. The SmartClick trimmer – which you can easily click on to the top of the shaver – isn’t perfect for cutting down those overgrown hairs, as I found myself going over the same patches a couple of times. And when using the default shaver head, I still found it easier, personally, to get rid of the odd straggler with my manual razor – but your mileage may vary.

Otherwise, this is a top-class option that I’d highly recommend, especially if you want a shaver that’s going to play gentle. That’s not even mentioning the fact that this is a beautiful model with a handy display and solid battery life of one hour. And it comes with a wireless charging pad. Pretty convenient, right?

(Image credit: Future)

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: Price and specs

Price	£699 / AU$999 (about $880)
Waterproof	Yes
Battery life	1 hour
Charge time	3 hours
Charger type	Qi-charging pad
Accessories	SmartClick trimmer, nose hair trimmer, cleansing brush, carry case, cleaning station and fluid

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: design

Fantastic ergonomic grip
Premium metallic exterior
Interchangeable attachments

In terms of design, it doesn’t get a whole lot better than the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige. It has a premium-looking metallic build with an ergonomic rubber grip, which makes handling the shaver both extremely easy and satisfying.

On top of that, there’s a display on the face of the shaver that indicates the power level in use – between one and three – battery life, travel lock activation and more. Above that screen, you’ll find a few button controls: power on/off, power level down, and power level up. All of this makes for a pleasingly visual, straightforward user experience – something you’d expect from a shaver with such a high price tag.

(Image credit: Future)

Another great aspect of the S9000 Prestige’s design is its support for multiple attachments. It comes with a few interchangeable heads including the default foil shaver, SmartClick trimmer and nose hair trimmer. These all easily clip on and off and are quick and straightforward to wash, thanks to the shaver’s great waterproofing. You also get a brush for cleaning tighter crevices – Philips have thought of everything.

There are even more goodies in the box worth mentioning, though. First of all, this model comes with a self-cleaning station and a quick clean pod. This contraption can both clean and lubricate your shaver in just one minute using the power from the S9000 Prestige itself. Philips says this is 10x more effective than a simple wash under water – I’m not sure I can speak to just how precise that is, but it did get the shaver spick and span when I tried it out.

On top of that, there’s a wireless charging pad that you can connect up to a shaver socket in your bathroom for some extra juice when you’re running low. This works fantastically well and your S9000 Prestige will make a beeping noise to let you know it’s building some battery life back.

Finally, you can pack the attachments, shaver and more into an expensive-looking carry-case that is included with the S9000 Prestige. It has a hardy exterior and plenty of room inside, making for a nifty travel companion. The pristine look and feel of the case feels pretty indicative of the overall quality you’re getting, design wise. With excellent build quality, a durable exterior and plenty of tasty extras in the box, you’re getting the full package with the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige.

Design score: 5/5

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: performance

Comfortable, rapid shave
Harnesses adaptive SkinIQ tech
Pretty standard one-hour battery life

And the shiny exterior isn’t all for show, this shaver is a pretty neat performer too. Firstly, that firm-feeling grip I mentioned ensures seamless handling, regardless of what angle you’re trimming at. I found it to be a big step up from my usual electric-shaver, which can be a bit challenging to handle in tighter, more awkward positions.

But how about the shaving itself? Well, a standout plus here is that the S9000 Prestige is a not only smooth, but rapid operator. Within mere minutes I was able to achieve a clean shave using the Dual Precision rotating blades, which can achieve up to 165,000 cutting actions per minute. The blades took care of hairs growing in multiple directions with ease for the most part. I did, admittedly, have a few stragglers, which were easier to remove with my manual razor – but this really was a minor inconvenience.

(Image credit: Future)

The default shaver head uses some pretty nifty tech to ensure you get a close shave, such as SkinIQ. This tech senses hair density on your face (or head) and adapts cutting power for a more gentle shave. It also has an ‘Ultraflex’ suspension system that helps the heads work along every contour of your face.

All in all, this is designed to deliver a more efficient, but also a more comfortable shave. And for me personally, that was greatly appreciated. I have pretty sensitive skin and the technology packed into this shaver helped to reduce a lot of irritation. As well as the adaptive SkinIQ tech, there’s an option to manually adjust the shaver’s power – which paired with the default head’s Hydro SkinGlide Coating, ensures a more relaxed shaving experience.

(Image credit: Future)

If I was to be more critical, though, I have to say that the included SmartClick trimmer is a little underwhelming. After four days of growth – yeah, it wasn’t my best look – I tried to give myself a more even, neat look, using this trimmer on the lowest grade. It worked decently well, but just wasn’t as efficient as I’d hoped for, as I found myself going over the same patches on my face a fair few times. Also, this trimmer only has five lines to indicate the length it cuts down to, but I would prefer a measurement in millimetres – something my everyday shaver uses.

Meanwhile, you get a decent battery life of one hour out of the S9000 Prestige. That’s very much in-line with what a lot of hi-tech electric shavers can manage. But if you’re hoping for more, fear not. After every shave, you can simply pop the S9000 Prestige onto its wireless charging pad and get it fighting fit in no time. It takes three hours to get this shaver’s battery fully restored – not bad considering the use of wireless charging.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review: value

Very expensive list price
But regularly available with a considerable reduction
High cost does come with premium design and performance levels

OK, I won’t beat around the bush. If we’re talking about its list price, this shaver is very, very expensive. I’d argue a bit too expensive even. £699 / AU$999 is a lot of cash to spend, especially considering you can spend much less than that and still get a very astute shaver, like the Braun Series 9 Pro, for instance.

But I bring good news. You’ll rarely have to pay such an astronomical fee for this stylish shaver. In fact, I’ve seen it going for close to £300 in the UK via retailers like John Lewis – that’s more than 50% off! And that really changes the picture – in this price range, the S9000 Prestige is well-worth considering. Otherwise, it would be tough to recommend – even given its high-level performance.

(Image credit: Future)

Ultimately, the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige is built to last and packs in a gentle, personalized shaving experience. You’re unlikely to need an upgrade or replacement in the near future if you pick this up, which really adds a lot of weight in the value department. And although I can’t overlook its sky-high list price, I’d still happily recommend this shaver in the knowledge that it’s regularly discounted.

Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Ergonomic grip, handy display, neat accessories, beautiful finish.	5/5
Performance	Quick, comfortable, adaptive shave, SmartClick trimmer could be better.	4.5/5
Value	Bags of quality but list price is very high, rarely costs so much, though.	4/5

Buy it if...

You want ultimate comfort
Not only is the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige extremely comfortable to handle, but it’s kind to the skin in-use. That makes it the perfect shaving companion, even for those with sensitive skin.

You’re rocking the clean-shaven look
If you’re someone that likes to maintain your clean shave every day, or maybe every other day, this is a top-tier option. The rotating blades and suspension tech help you to dust off any facial hair swiftly and seamlessly, meaning you won’t have to waste all too much time perfecting your look.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Even though this model can be purchased at a significantly cut-price, it’s still not the most budget friendly. And at full-price, this one’s a no-go if you’re not looking to spend an arm and a leg. Even an alternative like the Reamignton T-Series Beard Trimmer and Hair Clipper can get the job done (if you’re in the UK) for less than £100, but there are tons of options out there.

You want a phenomenal option for short beards
The only thing about the S9000 Prestige I didn’t love was the SmartClick trimmer. Don’t get me wrong, it does work pretty well, but it’s not quite elite. Sometimes I needed to go over the same patches again and I also wished that it indicated, in millimetres, how short it cuts across its five levels.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige: also consider

Braun Series 9 Pro
Like this Philips shaver, the Braun Series 9 Pro has the triple threat of a beautiful build, ergonomic design and excellent shaving performance. It takes just 50 minutes to get it up to full charge again and has a solid battery life of one hour to boot. Again – this one can achieve a great shave, whether wet or dry, so if you’re looking for a premium alternative, you can’t go wrong with this. Read our full Braun Series 9 Pro review.

Panasonic Arc6 review
Another fantastic wet and dry shaver is the Panasonic Arc6. Its battery life isn’t quite as long as this Philips model and it isn’t quite as elegant looking, but you still get a super-smooth shave and plenty of features, like a self-cleaning station. Read our full Panasonic Arc6 review.

How I tested the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige

Tested for one week
Used for a wet and dry shave
Trimmed for a neat stubble look and then went for a clean shave

I tested the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige for one week, ensuring to try out all of its various features and attachments. I typically keep my facial hair trimmed to around 2mm, so I used the SmartClick trimmer at first to replicate my typical shaving routine.

On top of that, I also tried having a wet and dry shave with the default head attachment. I also made use of the included wireless charging pad and self-cleaning station to ensure the shaver was up to TechRadar Recommended standard.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed February 2025

Dyson just released a consumer version of its best pro hair dryer, and I can't wait to get my hands on one

Ruth Hamilton — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:24:04 +0000

Dyson has released a consumer version of its Supersonic r Professional
It's the brand's smallest, lightest, most powerful hair dryer
Available now in US for $569.99, due 2 March in UK at £449.99

Previously a professional-only hair dryer, the Dyson Supersonic r has now been added to the core haircare range, and made available to us mere (non-hairdresser) mortals for the first time. This is Dyson's smallest, lightest and most powerful dryer – it's 20% smaller and 30% lighter than the original Supersonic – so if you have deep pockets and want to create salon-worthy styles from the comfort of your own home, this is your chance.

The Supersonic r first went on sale back in February 2024, and initially turned heads because it looked more like a pipe than any hair dryer we'd ever seen. After everyone had stopped making jokes about its appearance, the dryer began to win people over with its performance. That weird design is far more comfortable and easier to wield than a traditional dryer, and allows for more precise styling too.

The only thing stopping it from troubling our best hair dryer list was the fact it was professional-only. Until now. The Dyson Supersonic r that's about to go on sale is identical to the original pro version, save for a shorter cable (home-length, rather than salon-length).

(Image credit: Dyson)

The more streamlined and maneuverable shape and lower weight are made possible by some redesigned mechanics. Under the hood you'll find a more streamlined air heater than the one found in the regular Supersonics, and a Dyson Hyperdymium motor too (possibly the same / a version of the one that powers today's best Dyson vacuums).

The r will initially be available in Ceramic Pink, and a Jasper Plum version is in the works too. These are two of the new colorways being filtered into the Dyson's haircare lineup, and, in my option, a big upgrade on its previous tropical tones.

(Image credit: Dyson)

The r also comes with some intriguing looking new magnetic attachments to play with. What is this PowerfulAir tool? How the heck does the SmoothNozzle work? All things I look forward to discovering when I get my hands on one. I am pleased to see there's an compatible version of the fan-favorite FlyAway attachment.

All attachments have RFID sensors, which means the dryer knows which one is attached and will remember your last-used temperature and airflow settings with each.

Mysterious new compatible attachments include (L-R) PowerfulAir, Smooth Nozzle and GentleDryer (Image credit: Dyson)

When and where can I get my hands on it?

The Supersonic r has just gone on sale in Ceramic Pink in the US, at a list price of $569.99.

In the UK, the Supersonic r will come with a list price of £449.99 (£50 more than the Nural). The Ceramic Pink version will go on sale from 2 April at Dyson Demo stores, Dyson.co.uk and select retailers (you can sign up for a UK release notification).

It looks like it will also launch in Australia – you can sign up for AU release notification – with pricing confirmed to be AU$799. Dyson AU has said it will launch "in the coming months".

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional will remain on sale on Dyson’s 'For Business' website page as well as via select trade distributors. It looks like the two versions are identical, except the 'Professional' version has a longer cable, making it more suited to use in a salon. The Pro version also has different colorways.

(Image credit: Dyson)

Nural vs r – which dryer will reign supreme?

The brand's current range-topper is the Supersonic Nural. I was blown away by that model when I tested it for my Dyson Supersonic Nural review, and it remains the best premium hair dryer we've tested at TechRadar. I'll do a proper comparison once I've had a chance to try the r out, but at a glance it looks like the r is smaller and lighter, but that the Nural might have more special features.

The Nural has a Scalp Protect setting that seems to be absent on the r (Image credit: Future)

The Nural comes with a Scalp Protect setting, where the dryer monitors how far away from your head it is, and gets hotter or cooler to maintain what feels like a constant temperature on your scalp. There's no mention of that with the r. Ditto the automatic drop to lower power when you put the Nural down.

Many of the attachments look different, but I think most are different versions of the same idea. It's notable that the r doesn't come with the upgraded, two-part diffuser, but rather a more traditional-looking version. Both dryers can recognize which attachment is on, and switch to your last-used settings with that attachment. Based on US and UK pricing, the Nural is slightly cheaper, too.

We loved this 4-star portable hair dryer – at 50% off, it's a third the price of the Dyson Supersonic

Max Langridge — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:36:09 +0000

With the international day of love landing tomorrow, it might be too late to get one of the best Valentine’s Day gift ideas delivered to your front door, but we reckon your special someone (it could even be yourself) will appreciate a thoughtful gift even if it does turn up a little late.

Case in point is this Dreame Pocket portable hair dryer that is on the receiving end of a 50% discount both directly at Dreame and at JB Hi-Fi. Admittedly, if you bought it from the latter, there is a good chance you could opt for the click-and-collect service and have it gift wrapped before your special someone wakes up on February 14.

Why are we highlighting this particular hair dryer? Well, for starters, we gave it a glowing four-star rating in our Dreame Pocket Hair Dryer review, praising it for its travel-friendly and compact design, powerful motor and a multitude of attachments to elevate it beyond your everyday hair dryer and transform it into a versatile hair-styling tool.

Save AU$200

Despite its small size and lightweight build, the Dreame Pocket hair dryer features a high-speed motor that can majorly cut down the time it takes for hair to dry. It has a range of heat options from cold to hot, to help it be kinder to various hair types and to prevent any unwanted burning. A couple of included attachments are designed for use on both sleek, straight hair and those who either have, or wish to, create curls and waves. At AU$199, it’s a third of the cost of the comparable Dyson Supersonic, representing excellent value. View Deal

Our reviewer noted that when using the Dreame Pocket hair dryer, it took an average of 3 minutes and 45 seconds for her to rough dry her long, thin hair using the warm mode on the lower speed setting. When she increased it to the highest speed, the overall time dropped to just 2 minutes and 35 seconds. Not too shabby if you ask us.

The ability to combine and experiment with heat and speed settings is a major plus point of the Dreame Pocket. Our reviewer also found that, for her, using the Unfrizz attachment with the cycling mode at high speed returned a smooth, sleek and healthy-looking finish each and every time.

Plus, the Dreame Pocket’s design can’t be overlooked. It can fold away and be placed into a travel bag (also included) with ease, making it a versatile machine that can go wherever you go. A lot of other travel-friendly hair dryers sacrifice power and airflow for a compact design, but the Dreame Pocket throws the rulebook in the trash can.

The only slight downside is that the curling attachment wasn’t always that effective, especially as it can be pretty picky with the dryness level of your hair for it to work at its best. However, our review did note that it was ultimately a better performer than the much-more-expensive Dyson Airwrap.

All in all, this is a fantastic, and now affordable, hair dryer that can leave hair looking its best. If this sounds like a tempting option, you might want to get a wriggle on as Dreame is advertising this discount as a Valentine’s Day sale, so we can’t be sure how long it will last.

I tried Dreame's new AirStyle Pro and was blown away by how quickly this Dyson Airwrap alternative gave me curls

amelia.schwanke@futurenet.com (Amelia Schwanke) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:34:11 +0000

It was near impossible to ignore Dreame at CES 2025, not least because its new lineup of hair care gadgets looked so stylish leaning against the accompanying brown leather carrying bags. Even more excitingly, Dreame’s new line-up featured the upgraded model of its Airstyle multi-styler that's set to rival the best Dyson Airwrap dupes.

(Image credit: Future)

We covered all of the latest CES news from the show as it happened. Stick with us to see the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok to get a behind-the-scenes look at the CES show floor!

The appliance maker's news about the Airstyle Pro was somewhat overshadowed, though. After all, this hair styling gadget doesn't have mechanical legs like Dreame's newest robovac that can climb stairs (although, adding a mechanical arm to the Airstyle that can also braid your hair like those quirky hair tools from the 90s would be a fun throwback feature).

That's not to say it isn't an iterative upgrade on the baseline Airstyler product, though, which launched in a number of APAC regions last year but didn't make it over to the US or UK. That's set to change with the Airstyle Pro series, as Dreame says it will debut its multi-styler in the US in a few months time.

Not familiar with all-in-one hair stylising gadgets like the infamous Dyson Airwrap? The multi-styler and hair dryer multi-tool set a new standard for the appliance when it launched in 2018, paving the way for a slew of copy cats that were welcome rivals for consumers that wanted a cheaper alternative. After all, Dyson's Airwrap is rather costly, retailing for around $549.99 / £449.99 / AU$799.99 since launch and only seeing discounts a few times a year.

The new Dreame Airstyle Pro I got to see, by comparison, is more affordable (though still costly) at $399 / £320 / AU$630. Although when you weigh up its benefits, including it being great for less damaged hair, thanks to the fact that it uses air rather heat to style, it’s a small price to pay.

What's new with the Airstyle Pro?

Each attachment for the Airstyle Pro is for a different hair style finish, whether that's curling, smoothing or adding volume. (Image credit: Future)

There look to be two main improvements that Dreame has made to the Airstyle Pro versus the original device released last year, the biggest being the additional two attachments, upgrading it from a five-in-one hair drying and styling tool to a to seven-in-one. Alongside the usual accessories for different styling finishes, including the auto wrap barrel for small-sized curls, round volumizing brush for large-sized curls and blowouts, smoothing brush for taming frizz, fast dryer for blowdrying and flyway attachment for evening out your hair, there’s now two more sized brushes for even more variety.

I didn’t try out these two new styling tools during my visit to Dreame’s booth at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but I did get to test out the auto wrap barrel. For context, I’m not someone who styles my hair very often, but I was massively surprised at how intuitive and easy this tool was to use. The Airstyle Pro uses the same technology as the Airwrap, which leverages the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Coanda effect to channel a powerful jet of air along an adjacent surface when under the right speed and pressure.

What that translated into was me simply holding the device up to a piece of my type 1 (i.e. straight) hair that I had separated and then instantly letting going of it as my hair wrapped around the Airstyle Pro's auto wrap barrel. After only holding it for about 10 seconds, I pulled my hair away to find a new curl in its place. The whole experience was near-instant and felt effortless; I didn’t have to readjust the hair strip or try holding the tool in a certain way to get fantastic results.

Here I am testing out the AirStyle Pro at CES 2025. (Image credit: Future)

The last new upgrade that Dreame has made to the Airstyle Pro is one you can’t miss – it’s what gives it that ‘Pro’ look and feel that somewhat justifies a higher price tag for those that like premium looking gadgets. The stylish new ‘leather-coated’ finish is extremely eye-catching and has been added to the handle as well as the matching carry case.

I'd even go as far to say that I like the textured finish more than the chrome handle that the Airwrap has, because it looks like it will offer more grip and comfort, which is crucial when trying to tame your hair or switch between attachments for different finishes.

If the Airstyle Pro has caught your eye as much as it has mine that we don’t have too much longer to wait, with Dreame promising it be released in May. While we haven't yet fully tested out all of its new features, the Dreame Airstyle Pro does tick a lot of boxes when compared to the best hair styler tools, so make sure to check back to see how it fares once we've had a chance to put it through its paces.

Dyson Airwrap's dreamy new colorways might finally tip me over into buying one

Ruth Hamilton — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Dyson has just revealed two new special edition colorways for its popular hair styling tools, and I think I'm in love. They're called 'Jasper Plum' and 'Red Velvet & Gold' and they'll be available across the full haircare range, including the Airwrap i.d. multi-styler (which I gave a near-perfect 4.5* in my Dyson Airwrap i.d. review), the Supersonic dryer, and the Airstrait wet-to-straight styler.

While I don't dislike the current purple-and-orange or turquoise options, they have more of a 'Children's TV presenter' energy than I'd ideally want in a haircare tool that costs upwards of $400 / £350. These new options have a much more luxe feel that fits the premium price tag, and are perfect for a grown-up dressing table. I've been eyeing up an Airwrap for some time, and this might be the thing that makes me take the plunge.

In the US, the Red & Gold colorway is available to buy direct from Dyson US today – we're not sure if/when the purple option will join the lineup. UK shoppers can pick up the Jasper Plum colorway direct from Dyson UK from today (22 January), with the Red Velvet & Gold options arriving in late February.

(Image credit: Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer in red with case, then the same dryer, the AirWrap and the AirStraight in purple)

Dyson says the new color options are "thoughtfully designed to celebrate love, individuality, and the small yet powerful moments of self-care". The Jasper Plum option, which combines violet and plum with blush pink detailing, symbolizes "strength and self-discovery". The Red Velvet & Gold model "embodies sophistication and modern beauty".

I didn't immediately get all that, but the new colors certainly do look very nice. And the Red Velvet version taps into the current obsession with burgundy that's sweeping the fashion world.

(Image credit: Dyson)

We consistently rate Dyson's styling gadgets among the best hair dryers and best hair styling tools you can buy. Having made its name in vacuum cleaners and fans, the brand gained prominence in the beauty market with its Supersonic hair dryer, which reimagined the traditional dryer shape to make it more streamlined and put the weight in the handle to make it easier to control. The current version – Dyson Supersonic Nural – adds some clever features to streamline the styling process.

That was followed by the Dyson Airwrap, an innovative gadget that harnesses the Coanda effect to shape hair into curls without the extreme heat of traditional curling tongs. More recently, the Dyson Airstrait – which again does away with the extreme temperatures of regular straightening irons and instead uses concentrated blades of air to smooth your tresses – has been gaining popularity. All of these options are available in the new colors.

How to choose an electric shaver

Tom May — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Finding the best electric shaver for your needs can transform your grooming routine, and give you a more polished look, so it's well worth investing some time and effort in getting it right.

But with so many models, features and technologies on the market, selecting the right electric shaver can be daunting. Our guide will help you make an informed decision and choose a shaver that suits your facial hair, skin type and lifestyle.

Step 1: Choose between foil and rotary

The first thing to understand is the differences between foil and rotary designs. Foil shavers such as the Remington F6 Style Series Aqua use a thin, perforated metal layer to capture hair, with oscillating blades beneath cutting it close to the skin. These types of shaver are great for precision and sensitive skin, and are best used with straight, linear strokes. They’re particularly effective for achieving a clean, smooth finish.

In contrast, rotary shavers like the Braun Series 9 Pro use three or more circular heads, with spinning blades beneath. These are designed to adapt to facial contours, making them ideal for coarse or uneven hair growth. They perform well on the jawline, neck and other tricky areas, and the most effective way to use them is to use circular motions.

Choose a foil shaver if:

You have sensitive skin
You want a close, precise shave
You shave frequently and deal with shorter hair
You need accuracy for detailing facial hair

Choose a rotary shaver if:

You have coarse or dense facial hair
You often deal with uneven hair growth
You need flexibility for facial contours
You want a quick shave and prioritize convenience over precision

Step 2: Choose between wet and dry

The Panasonic Arc6 can be used for wet and dry shaving (Image credit: Future)

Another important choice is between wet and dry shaving. Wet shaving is ideal for sensitive skin, as it allows you to use shaving cream, gel or water to reduce friction and irritation. On the other hand, dry shaving offers unmatched convenience, letting you shave quickly without the need for additional products or cleanup.

Many modern electric shavers, such as the Panasonic Arc6, are waterproof, allowing you to switch between wet and dry for maximum flexibility. Not all of them are, though, so if you like the idea of wet shaving, do check before buying!

Step 3: Think about design and attachments

What else? Well, as you evaluate different models of electric shaver, you might want to pay attention to their blade and head design. More advanced foil or rotary heads adapt better to facial contours, providing a closer and more consistent shave. Shavers with high-quality stainless steel or titanium blades deliver smoother results and last longer.

For added versatility, look for adjustable settings or attachments. These allow you to trim sideburns, maintain stubble, or groom body hair. Integrated trimmers are particularly convenient and eliminate the need to switch between devices. Cleaning and maintenance are also important considerations. High-end models often include self-cleaning stations, which simplify upkeep, while budget options may require manual cleaning. Opting for a model with washable parts can make maintenance easier.

Step 4: Choose between corded and cordless

The Remington F6 Style Series Aqua's battery life is excellent (Image credit: Future)

A further choice you need to make is between corded and cordless. Cordless shavers offer greater flexibility and are particularly convenient for travel. Just make sure that the battery life aligns with your routine; models can provide between 45 minutes and several hours of runtime.

Corded models mean you won't need to recharge. But on the downside, they're less portable and you won't be able to use them if you can't access a power socket. Some devices offer dual functionality, giving you the best of both worlds.

If you're going for cordless, check battery life and charging time to make sure they'll fit your lifestyle. Many shavers include quick-charge options that provide enough power for a single shave in just a few minutes

Step 5. Think about price

Budget is one final factor to consider. Electric shavers range from affordable models to premium devices with advanced features. While higher-priced shavers often provide better performance and durability, it’s essential to weigh the upfront cost against long-term expenses, such as replacement blades or foils. Premium models may also include features like lift-and-cut technology, enhanced contour adaptation, and smart controls.

Beard trimmer vs electric shaver: what’s the difference, and which should you buy?

Tom May — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Want to look your best? Then when it comes to facial grooming, you need the right tool for the job. This guide will help you understand the differences between a beard trimmer and an electric shaver, so you can get the right result, whether you’re sculpting a sharp, defined beard or aiming for a clean shave.

We'll look at each of these grooming tools in turn, explain the differences between them, and how to make your choice. Then turn to our roundup of the best beard trimmer and electric razors to find the right model for your specific beard-care needs.

What is a beard trimmer, and what is it used for?

A beard trimmer, such as the King C Gillette Beard Trimmer, is designed for precision trimming to keep your beard or stubble at a specific length. You can use it to define edges, create fades, and keep your facial hair looking neat. They often come with multiple attachments or adjustable settings for different lengths of beard or stubble.

The King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer (Image credit: Future)

Beard trimmers have two sets of blades: a stationary blade and a moving blade. The moving blade oscillates (moves back and forth) against the stationary blade. The facial hair is cut when it gets caught between the two blades.

They're generally straightforward to use and require minimal maintenance. By avoiding direct contact with the skin, trimmers reduce the risk of irritation, cuts, or razor burn. It's also worth noting that despite having the word beard in their name, many trimmers are multi-functional and can be used for grooming body hair or even touch-ups on head hair.

What is an electric shaver, and what is it used for?

Electric shavers use motorized blades to cut hair close to the skin without the need for shaving cream or water. That makes them the best option when you want a clean, close shave.

If you grew up in the 1970s or 1980s, you may remember electric shavers not being very good. However, modern shavers are a vast improvement, being designed to minimize nicks, cuts and irritation. They're typically quick and convenient, which means you can often shave in minutes. And there are even wet/dry models of electric shaver that can be used with shaving creams or in the shower.

Braun Series 9 Pro foil shaver (Image credit: Future)

Electric shavers come in two main types: foil and rotary. Foil shavers, such as the Braun Series 9 Pro, provide a close, precise shave, while rotary shavers are better for thicker hair and facial contours.

With foil shavers, a thin, perforated metal foil captures hair as you glide the shaver over your skin. Oscillating blades beneath the foil move back and forth to cut the captured hair, while the foil protects the skin, reducing irritation.

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige rotary shaver (Image credit: Philips)

With rotary shavers such, multiple circular heads with spinning blades pull hair into openings in the heads. The blades rotate to cut the hair close to the skin, while flexible heads adapt to facial contours, making them ideal for uneven areas like the jawline.

Choose a foil shaver if:

You have sensitive skin
You want a close, precise shave
You shave frequently and deal with shorter hair
You need accuracy for detailing facial hair

Choose a rotary shaver if:

You have coarse or dense facial hair
You often deal with uneven hair growth
You need flexibility for facial contours
You want a quick shave and prioritize convenience over precision

Beard trimmer vs electric shaver: which should I buy?

Key differences
	Beard trimmer	Electric shaver
Main use	Maintaining and styling facial hair	Achieving a clean-shaven look
Closeness	Leaves stubble	Smooth, skin-close shave
Hair length	Works on longer hair	Best for short stubble
Attachments	Adjustable guards for different lengths	Limited (some come with pop-up trimmers)

So which should you choose: beard trimmer vs electric shaver? Ultimately it's pretty simple. Use a beard trimmer if any of these apply:

You prefer a beard or stubble to a clean shaven look.
You want precise control over the length and shape of your facial hair.
You’re looking for a versatile tool that can trim facial, body and head hair.

Alternatively go for an electric shaver if:

You prefer a clean-shaven look
You value speed and convenience for daily grooming

Beard trimmer vs electric shaver: maintenance tips

Whether you buy an electric shaver or a beard trimmer, make sure it performs optimally and lasts longer by following these simple steps.

1. Clean your device regularly: Stop your shaver or trimmer getting clogged up by removing any hair and debris that gets lodged in it after every use. Many these models are also washable, but obviously check the instructions before doing so.

2. Oil your blades: For beard trimmers, regular blade oiling prevents rust and maintains sharpness. Again, take care to follow the instructions on this.

3. Replace worn-out parts: Foils, rotary heads, and blades wear out over time, but they can often be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Charge your device properly: Always refer to the user manual for the recommended charging duration. Avoid leaving the device plugged in longer than necessary, because overcharging can make the battery wear out faster.

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. – what's the difference?

Ruth Hamilton — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Dyson's Airwrap shook up the hair styling market when it launched in 2016, because it offered a way to create curls that didn't rely on extreme heat. Despite a slightly painful price tag, it became hugely popular and is widely considered to be one of the best hair styler tools around. In 2024, Dyson added an upgraded version: the Airwrap i.d. If you've spotted this on sale and are wondering about the difference, I'm here to compare the Dyson Airwrap to the Airwrap i.d. for you.

The styler tool itself is almost identical on the Airwrap and the Airwrap i.d. The major difference is that the latter has an i.d.curl switch on the barrel. Flip this, and the styler will kick off a wrapping, styling and cold shot cycle, with timings based on your specific hair type. This routine is created using a companion app, connected via Bluetooth. If you're typically using your Airwrap to create curls, it looks like a worthwhile upgrade, taking some of the fuss out and streamlining the process.

Both the Airwrap and Airwrap i.d. version are compatible with a wide range of styling attachments. The i.d. has three new or upgraded pieces – including a conical curling barrel. These are all available to buy separately and are compatible with both Airwrap versions, so on their own they aren't necessarily a reason to go for the Airwrap i.d.

When we start to look at pricing and availability, it becomes clear that Dyson is pushing the Airwrap i.d. as a replacement rather than an alternative option. In the US, you can still buy both versions directly from Dyson, and both have the same list price. In the UK, the older Airwrap is listed but out of stock on the Dyson website. (In Australia, both versions are out of stock.)

Read on for a closer look at the Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d., or head to our Dyson Airwrap review to see how we got on when we tested one out.

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. specs

	Dyson Airwrap	Dyson Airwrap i.d.
Weight:	1.4lbs / 0.6kg	1.5lbs / 0.58kg
Dimensions (H x L x W):	10.7 x 1.6 x 1.9 inches / 27.2 x 4.1 x 4.8cm	10.7 x 1.6 x 1.9 inches / 27.2 x 4.1 x 4.8cm
Wattage:	1,300W	1,300W
Cord:	2.7m / 8.5 ft	2.7m / 8.5 ft
Heat settings:	3	3
Speed settings:	3	3
Airflow:	13.5 l/s	13.5 l/s

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d.: price

Both are high quality, premium products
List price for Airwrap i.d. is more expensive, except in the US
The Airwrap is no longer available from Dyson in the UK and AU

Both the Airwrap and Airwrap i.d. sit firmly in the premium price bracket. Dyson is known for its cutting-edge engineering, so you can expect a high quality product in both cases – while there are plenty of Airwrap dupes, none can quite match the Dyson version when it comes to performance.

There are a few bundle options of the Airwrap, with different combinations of tools, to suit different hair types and lengths. To keep things simple, these all tend to have the same list price. Being newer and techier, you'd expect the Airwrap i.d. to be pricier than the original Airwrap, but it's a little more complicated than that.

Head direct to Dyson US and you'll find both the Airwrap and Airwrap i.d. version. Weirdly, both have a list price of $599.99.

At Dyson UK, you can only get the i.d. version, with a list price of £479.99. (We have seen some strong discounts on this model though: over Black Friday, we saw prices drop to £399.99.) The original Airwrap is still available from third party retailers, and has a list price of £399.99.

Finally, Australia. Dyson AU has the older Airwrap listed from AU$749, but are all out of stock at time of writing. The Airwrap i.d. is in stock, and comes with a list price of $849.

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d.: design

The Airwrap launched 2018; Airwrap i.d. was released 2024
Main machine is pretty much identical in size and power
Airwrap i.d. has an i.d.curl switch that launches a curl routine

The original Airwrap was launched in 2018, and superseded by an updated version in 2022. Gen 1 had separate barrels for clockwise and counterclockwise curls, while the newer model included the option to switch curl direction without having to swap over the barrel, as well as adding new attachment options. We're mostly focusing on the 2022 Airwrap in this article. The Airwrap i.d. joined the lineup in August 2024.

In terms of the core design, the Airwrap i.d. and Airwrap are almost identical. All the key specs are the same, save for a difference in weight that is very minor. It's essentially a tube-shaped hair dryer onto which attachments can be added to create different styles.

The main focus is the curling barrels, which use a phenomenon known as the Coandă effect to shape the hair into curls as it dries it. When the first Airwrap launched, the main selling point was that it offered a healthier way to create curls; one that didn't require the extreme heat of traditional curling tongs.

The big difference between the Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. is that the latter works with a companion app, and also comes with three new attachment options.

The 2022 Dyson Airwrap (Image credit: Future)

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d.: app

Original Airwrap does not have a companion app
i.d. has a Bluetooth-connected app
This is used to create a curl routine based on your hair type

Let's look at the app first. You take a short quiz the first time you use it, inputting information about your hair type and length. Based on this information, the app will then create the ideal wrapping, styling and cold shot timings for your hair specifically. Pair the app with your Airwrap i.d. over Bluetooth, then the styler will launch your curl routine when you press the i.d.curl button.

If you're using the Airwrap mostly for curling, this is a worthwhile, time-saving addition. It also takes the fuss out of creating and setting curls. On the non-i.d. version, you'll need to adjust each setting manually for each curl.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. with some of its attachments (Image credit: Dyson)

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d.: attachments

Both have a wide range of compatible attachments
3 new or upgraded attachments launched with the i.d.
New attachments can be purchased separately and used with the original Airwrap

Both versions of the Airwrap have a broad range of compatible attachments for different styling tasks. The tools you'll get will depend on the Airwrap bundle you've opted for – there are different options geared towards different styling needs. So you could pick a Straight+Wavy Airwrap set, or a Curly+Coily one, or a Complete Long Volumize set.

There are tools for curling, smoothing, and volumizing. If you just want to use the Airwrap to dry your hair, there's also a compatible fast dryer attachment – this makes it a potential alternative to the Dyson Supersonic (head to our Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap article to see exactly how the two match up).

(Image credit: Dyson)

Many of the attachment options are the same with the Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d., but Dyson added three new attachments when it launched the latter.

There's a Conical Airwrap barrel for creating tighter curls that start closer to the root, and a Blade Concentrator for sleek styles. Dyson also upgraded its diffuser, shifting the Airwrap's fairly standard diffuser to a two-part diffuser (similar to the one included with the Supersonic Nural) that can be used to shape and define curls, as well as for drying them. All of these new attachments are available to purchase separately from Dyson, and will work with either version of the Airwrap.

Here's a full list of the tools that work with the Airwrap:

Barrels:

40mm long Airwrap barrel
30mm long Airwrap barrel
20mm Airwrap barrel
New with the i.d.: Conical Airwrap barrel

Smoothing brushes:

Soft smoothing brush
Firm smoothing brush
Small soft smoothing brush
Small firm smoothing brush

Round volumizing brush:

Small round volumizing brush
Round volumizing brush
Large round volumizing brush

Dryers:

Dryer+Flyaway smoother
Fast dryer
Wide-tooth comb
Diffuser
New with i.d.: Blade Concentrator
New with i.d.: Wave+Curl diffuser

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: do I need both?

Ruth Hamilton — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:55:45 +0000

Dyson might have made its name in vacuum cleaners, but these days it's also become a force to be reckoned with in the market for haircare tools. The two models that are perhaps best known and most highly regarded are the Dyson Supersonic and the Dyson Airwrap.

Both can dry and style your hair, but what's the difference between them? And do you need a Supersonic if you already have an Airwrap (or vice versa)?

The Supersonic launched first, in 2016, and was the product that turned Dyson into a serious name in haircare tech. It's primarily a hair dryer – in fact, one of the very best hair dryers on the market – but its range of attachments means it can also be used for some styling tasks. Read about the newest version in our Dyson Supersonic Nural review.

The Airwrap joined the party in 2018 and is primarily considered a hair curler – although, again, the wide selection of accompanying accessories mean it can be used to create other looks too (TechRadar ranks it among the best hair styler tools around). Crucially, it can also operate as a hair dryer, allowing it to compete more directly with the Supersonic. Read about the newest version in our Dyson Airwrap i.d. review.

Neither is especially cheap, and with that in mind, you'll want to be sure about the model you need before investing in either – or, indeed, both. As TechRadar's Homes editor specializing in haircare gadgets, I have both the Airwrap i.d. and Supersonic Nural in my styling drawer. I've tested both extensively and have a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Read on for my in-depth comparison of the Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap.

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap specs

	Dyson Supersonic Nural	Dyson Airwrap i.d.
Weight:	1.8 lbs / 0.7 kg	1.5 lbs / 0.6 kg
Dimensions (L x W x H):	4 x 3.1 x 10 inches / 9.8 x 7.7 x 28.8cm	10.7 x 1.6 x 1.9 inches / 27.2 x 4.1 x 4.8cm
Wattage:	1,600W	1,300W
Cord:	2.62m	2.7m
Heat settings:	Low, medium, high, Scalp Protect (auto-mode), Cool shot	80ºC, 100ºC
Speed settings:	3	3
Airflow:	13.3 l/s	13.5 l/s

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: price & value for money

Both are premium products in their respective categories
Supersonic is typically cheaper than the Airwrap

Both the Supersonic nor the Airwrap sit firmly in the premium price bracket. Dyson is known for its meticulous engineering and high-quality products, which goes some way to justifying the higher price tags. And despite a proliferation of copycat versions of both, the Airwrap and Sypersonic remain unmatched in terms of quality and performance.

Here I'll focus on the pricing for the newest versions, when you buy direct from Dyson. You might also find the original Supersonic and Airwrap featured on Dyson's official listings, but prices vary and it's clear both are slowly being phased out. You'll also find these products on third party sites like Amazon.

Head into Dyson US and you'll find the Supersonic Nural for $499.99 (we've see it discounted as low as $429.99 in the past, but in general Dyson deals aren't that common, and are well worth taking advantage of). At list price, the Airwrap i.d. costs $599.99.

At Dyson UK, the Nural has a list price of £399.99, and the Airwrap i.d. costs £479.99. It's available in various bundles, but all at the same price. Over Black Friday, though, I saw prices drop to £399.99.

At Dyson Australia the Supersonic Nural costs AU$749, while the Airwrap i.d. has a list price of AU$849.

Based on the newest versions, the Airwrap i.d. is a fair bit more expensive than the Supersonic Nural. In fact, barring a really good deal, any version of the Airwrap is going to cost you more than a Supersonic. However, which will be better value for money depends on the styles you're hoping to achieve.

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: design

Supersonic is predominantly a hair dryer; Airwrap is predominantly a styler/curler
Newest versions are the Airwrap i.d. and Supersonic Nural, both released 2024

Let's start with the Supersonic. There are two main versions: the original model (launched in 2016), and the Supersonic Nural (launched in 2024).

The Supersonic shook up the market by delivering a different shape to traditional hair dryers. The barrel is compact and streamlined, and most of the weight is in the handle, making it easy to wield. It also gained popularly for its fast, efficient airflow.

The Nural looks pretty much the same, but adds some cool new features. There's a Scalp Protect mode, which uses sensors in the barrel to measure how close the dryer is to your head. It will then get hotter or cooler to maintain what feels like a constant temperature on your scalp, so you can get right up close to your head for styling without frying your locks.

The Nural also knows which attachment is clipped on, and remembers your setting preferences for each; it can tell when you've put it down and will drop into low-power mode in response. You can see how the two models compare in more depth in our Dyson Supersonic vs Nural explainer.

The Supersonic Nural looks similar to the original but adds some cool new features (Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the Airwrap. This is essentially a tube-shaped dryer onto which you can add various attachments for achieving different styles. The main focus is the curling barrels, which use a phenomenon known as the Coanda effect to attract the hair around the barrel, shaping it into curls as it dries it – rather than relying on extreme heat, as traditional curling tongs do.

We're now on the third generation model. The first version launched in 2018 and had separate barrels for clockwise and anti-clockwise curls. In 2022, an updated version appeared, introducing more attachment options and – crucially – the ability to switch curl direction by twisting a knob at the top of the barrel, rather than having to swap the whole thing over. (You can read about that version in our Dyson Airwrap 2022 review).

The Airwrap i.d., with conical curl barrel attached (Image credit: Future)

August 2024 saw the launch of the current version: the Airwrap i.d., which introduces an i.d.curl switch that automates the wrap-curl-cool shot process, with timings based on information you've supplied about your hair from within a companion app. This is the main upgrade, but Dyson also added some new attachments, including a conical curl barrel.

For a closer look at all the differences, head to our Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. comparison.

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: tools & attachments

Both have a compatible Wide-tooth comb, Flyaway tool and diffuser
Airwrap also has curling attachments and round brushes
Fast Dryer attachment for Airwrap enables use as a hair dryer

Both the Airwrap and Supersonic offer a selection of styling attachments that help increase versatility and broaden the range of styles you can create with each.

Supersonic attachments

Let's start with the Supersonic. Here are your attachment options:

Gentle air attachment (for light diffusing)
Concentrator (for sleek styles)
Wide-tooth comb (for coils and tight curls)
Flyaway attachment
Diffuser (1-part diffuser, included with Supersonic)
Wave+Curl diffuser (2-part diffuser, included with Nural)

Clockwise from left: Flyaway attachment, Styling concentrator, Wave+Curl diffuser (Dome mode), diffuser insert, Wide-tooth comb, gentle air attachment (Image credit: Future)

That's a smaller attachment range than the Airwrap, and the main things missing are curling barrels and volumizing brushes.

All Supersonics come with the full range of attachments. That makes things simple in terms of buying and comparing prices, but also means that most people will end up with at least one or two attachments they'll never use.

Airwrap attachments

The Airwrap has the broader range of attachments. These include different-sized barrels for curling, smoothing brush options, and round volumizing brush options. There are also various attachments for drying, many of which are similar (or in some cases, the same) as you'll find with the Supersonic dryer.

Note that not all are automatically included; which tools you get will depend on the Airwrap bundle you've opted for. Here are the current Airwrap attachment options:

Barrels:

40mm long Airwrap barrel (for curls on longer hair)
30mm long Airwrap barrel (for curls on shorter hair)
20mm Airwrap barrel
Conical Airwrap barrel (for tighter curls, closer to the root – new with i.d.)

Smoothing brushes:

Soft smoothing brush (for fine hair)
Firm smoothing brush (for frizz-prone hair)
Small soft smoothing brush
Small firm smoothing brush

Round volumizing brush:

Small round volumizing brush
Round volumizing brush
Large round volumizing brush

Dryers:

Dryer+Flyaway smoother
Fast dryer
Blade Concentrator (new with i.d.)
Diffuser
Wave+Curl diffuser (new with i.d.)
Wide-tooth comb (to shape/lengthen coily hair)

While the main machine remains the same, in most territories you can pick up versions with different sets of attachments depending on your hair type – so there's a Straight+Wavy set, and a Curly+Coily set, for example.

The Fast dryer attachment makes it easy to use the Airwrap i.d. as a dryer (Image credit: Future)

You can use the main part of the machine on its own, with no attachments, for drying. However, adding on the Fast dryer attachment amplifies and widens the flow of air, as well as changing the angle to make it more comfortable to use as a dryer.

The fact there's also a compatible Dryer+Flyaway smoother and Curl+Wave diffuser allow the Airwrap to compete more directly with the Supersonic. There is technically a concentrator – the Blade concentrator, introduced with the i.d. – but at time of updating it's not included in any Airwrap bundles, and it feels like Dyson isn't wholly committed to it as a new addition.

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: performance

The Airwrap is better for creating curls or bouncy blow-dry styles
The Supersonic is better for rough-drying and smooth/straight styles

Both the Airwrap and Supersonic dryer are both excellent at what they do, and I scored both highly in their respective reviews (both got a near-perfect 4.5* out of 5). This aim of this article is to compare the two, so let's focus on which is better for which kind of style. Remember, results will vary by hair length and type. I tested these tools on my armpit-length, wavy hair.

Hair drying

As you might expect, the Supersonic is more efficient at drying hair, and the added scalp health features are a welcome bonus. If I need to rough-dry my hair, the Supersonic Nural does the job faster, and is slightly more comfortable to use too, because the proportions are geared specifically towards drying. It also works very well with the Concentrator, Flyaway attachment and Diffuser.

Using the Airwrap i.d. on its own as a dryer is less efficient, less comfortable and takes longer. However, the Fast dryer attachment speeds the drying process up significantly, as well as making the Airwrap more comfortable to use in this way (because the flow of air is at right angles to the handle).

Rough drying my hair with the Fast dryer takes a little longer than when using the Supersonic Nural, but not much. If I had especially thick or long hair, I suspect the difference would be more noticeable. You're also not getting the attachment recognition or auto-adjusting temperature features.

However, if I want to dry and add volume at the same time, I reach for the Airwrap, with its brush attachments. There are no round brush attachment options with the Supersonic.

Both work as a hair dryer, but the Supersonic is more efficient and powerful (Image credit: Dyson)

Curly styles

If you have naturally curly hair, theoretically both the Supersonic and the Airwrap will work on your hair type. Both have a compatible two-part Curl+Wave diffuser, and for those with coily hair, both options have a very similar Wide-tooth comb attachment.

If you don't have naturally curly hair, the Airwrap is the clear choice. The barrel attachments are designed to create curls on straight hair, or encourage a curlier look on wavy hair. There's no equivalent on the Supersonic.

The Supersonic can define existing curls, while the Airwrap is designed to create curls on straight/wavy hair (Image credit: Future)

Straight / smooth styles

While the Airwrap does have attachments for creating smooth styles (a smoothing/drying attachment, a concentrator), it's really more geared towards curly, voluminous or bouncy styles. That, plus the slightly lower-powered drying means that for smooth, straight styles, a Supersonic is a better choice.

Both tools have compatible smoothing attachments, but the higher power of the Supersonic makes it a better pick for smooth or sleek styles (Image credit: Dyson)

Which should I buy?

Buy the Dyson Supersonic Nural if...

You need to dry thick/long hair fast
The Supersonic is the more powerful option as a dryer, so a better choice if that's your priority. It also has the Scalp care mode, which is an added bonus here.View Deal

You want to create smooth, sleek styles
There are smoothing brush options with the Airwrap, but the Supersonic Nural's higher power and included Concentrator mean it might be a better choice if you're just wanting to smooth out your hair.View Deal

You don't want to create curls
There's little reason to opt for an Airwrap over a Supersonic if you don't want to create curls, especially since the Supersonic will generally be much cheaper.View Deal

Buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d. if...

You want to create curls
The Airwrap really shines when it comes to creating curls on straight or wavy hair. The curl barrels and i.d.curl switch make this a breeze. There's no equivalent on the Supersonic. View Deal

You want to create bouncy blow-dries
There are various volume and smoothing brush attachments compatible with Airwrap, designed to add bounce and volume while drying slowly. The Supersonic Nural doesn't have this option.View Deal

You like to experiment with different styles
The Airwrap has a wider selection of compatible attachments, and the ability to deliver a broader range of styles, including curls.View Deal

L'Oreal's new hair dryer blows with the force of a Category 4 hurricane

Ruth Hamilton — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:22:06 +0000

L'Oreal has launched a new hair dryer designed to blow away the competition. First announced at CES 2024 and now available to buy, the AirLight Pro will apparently deliver "a styling experience like no other", thanks to a combination of ultra-powerful windspeeds, infrared light (delivered via patented new technology), and a companion app.

We're not entirely sure what the infrared light part does – we haven't seen this approach before (and we've tested most of the best hair dryers on the market). The windspeed part is easier to grasp, and certainly sounds impressive. Thanks to a 17-blade, high-speed motor, the AirLight Pro will be able to blast your locks with windspeeds of up to 130mph. That's equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane – which sounds like a very rousing morning styling routine.

The theory is that this dryer will blast water off the hair surface while leaving the moisture inside the strands, for "up to 33% more hydrated hair and up to 59% visually smoother hair".

Buy the L'Oreal AirLight Pro, $475 at Ulta

(Image credit: L'Oreal)

The companion app allows you to create custom profiles, although exactly how these work with the dryer remains to be seen. (We've never seen a hair dryer with a companion app before – not even the $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749 Dyson Supersonic Nural has one.)

L'Oreal says it has modes geared towards straight, curly and coily hair, and offers optimized temperatures, to dry your hair quickly while using less energy. Bundled in are a concentrator and a diffuser, both of which attach using magnets, and the dryer is able to sense which attachment is being used.

The AirLight Pro is now available exclusively at Ulta, priced at $475. Full review to follow.

Dyson's new Supersonic Nural blew us away and it gets its first discount ahead of Black Friday

zac.kelly@futurenet.com (Zachariah Kelly) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 01:13:20 +0000

With Click Frenzy and Black Friday on the horizon, it’s safe to expect deals here, there and everywhere across a wide range of consumer tech. Today, one of the best discounts we’ve spotted is on Dyson’s high-tech Supersonic Nural hair dryer, which has received an AU$170 price drop directly from the maker.

Dyson, a company widely known for making some of the best vacuums and the best fans on the market, is also a big player in the hair-dryer space. The Supersonic Nural in particular is our favourite premium hair dryer on our list of the best hair dryers, and this year the gadget was the recipient of TechRadar’s Home Tech of the Year award. It truly blew us away and although it’s quite expensive, the Supersonic Nural is a very powerful hairdressing tool that’s ideal for fast drying without heat damage.

Save AU$170
With other retailers offering competitive pricing, Dyson has matched the price making this offer on its latest and arguably best hair dryer one heck of a purchase. With a saving of AU$170, you get a hair dryer with a plethora of sensors that make sure your scalp remains healthy, automatically adjusting heat and airflow depending on how far away the dryer is from your head. You also get a bunch of magnetic attachments for a styled blow dry too. Available in blue/orange and ceramic/orange via the same listing.View Deal

In our Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer review, we praised the gadget for how quickly and effectively it was able to dry a head of hair, with an innovative scalp protecting mode and a lightweight design. When you put the hair dryer down, the device drops to a low-power mode, producing less noise, saving energy and reducing the risk of heat damage. We also loved the five attachments that are purpose-built for different hair types, and each one fits magnetically onto the wand to making the whole package really easy to use.

Though the hair dryer received a TechRadar Recommends seal of approval, we did note that it has quite a short handle and its capabilities as a hair dryer may be a bit overkill for many users. Obviously we also weren’t too thrilled about the high price, but this deal alleviates that criticism nicely.

Just keep in mind that we may yet see an even cheaper deal during the gigantic Black Friday sales event at the end of the month. While this appears to be the cheapest listing online in Australia for the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer at the time of writing, it’s uncertain how long this deal will last or if another retailer will swoop in with a lower price.

Check out our dedicated coverage of the best early Black Friday deals in Australia for more discounts and savings.

A hair dryer for our Home Tech Device of the Year? Here's how the Dyson Supersonic Nural blew us away

Ruth Hamilton — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We see tons of cool home tech being released each year – coffee machines that deliver perfect drinks at the push of a single button, robot vacuums that can do a better cleanup job than you can, and so on. But this year, the product that impressed us the most was a hair dryer – the Dyson Supersonic Nural, to be precise – the newly crowned winner of the Home Tech of the Year prize at the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024.

This is the follow-up to the original Supersonic, which seriously shook up the haircare market when it hit shelves in 2016. One key reason for its popularity was the streamlined shape, doing away with the chunky barrel, putting most of the weight in the handle, and thus making it much easier to wield. In a market that was, at that point, pretty stagnant, that was a game-changer.

Dyson could have gone with iterative improvements in its next-gen version, but instead, it decided to shake things up again by throwing a whole load of tech at it. One key takeaway from my time as TechRadar's Homes Editor is that tech for the sake of tech is not a good thing (I, personally, do not need app control for my microwave). But here, it's not just for the sake of it.

These are improvements that all address niggles and annoyances that, so far, we've just put up with. None of them are essential, but they sure made my styling routine smoother than ever when I tested this dryer out for my Dyson Supersonic Nural review.

The Nural drops into low-power mode when you take a pause in styling (Image credit: Future)

For instance, this hair dryer knows when you've put it down and will drop into low-power mode after a second or so in response. That means you don't have to fuss about switching it on and off when you want to take a pause in styling to grab a comb or some heat-protect spray, and it's immediately ready to go as soon as you pick it up. That's a feature that none of the other entries in our best hair dryer ranking can offer.

Sensors, sensors everywhere

The attachments also have sensors, so the Supersonic Nural will remember which settings you like to use with each, and there's no need for manual adjustment every time you snap a different one on. This is doubly useful because the attachments here go way beyond the basic diffuser-and-concentrator combo. You've got a wide range, considering different hair lengths and types, too. These transform the Nural from 'just a hairdryer' into a tool that can compete with some of today's best multi-stylers.

(Image credit: Future)

I love both of these things, but neither is the headline feature. That is the 'Scalp Protect Mode'. These days, people are increasingly aware of the damage that regular heat styling will do to your hair in the long run. Dyson has come up with a solution you won't find anywhere else on the market: the Nural can adjust how hot or cold the airflow is based on how far it is from your head to maintain what feels like a constant temperature on your scalp.

That means you can get up close to your head for precision styling without burning your locks. The inside of the barrel will also glow blue through to orange as the temperature adjusts (okay, this bit isn't strictly necessary, but it is cool). During my testing time with the Nural, I found myself using Scalp Protect mode automatically, finding there was no real compromise in drying times.

(Image credit: Future)

Such an advanced dryer will be overkill for many, and the sky-high cost – at list price, $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749 – will put others off too, but this kind of innovation can only be a good thing for the wider market. (I've covered why I think the Nural's price tag is fine, actually, in a separate article, so I won't get into it too much here.)

It's difficult to innovate meaningfully in the home appliances marketplace and even more so to introduce improvements that are genuinely useful, but Dyson has knocked it out of the park with the Supersonic Nural. It is a worthy winner of our Home Tech of the Year award 2024.

We've tested the best hair stylers on the market – these are our 6 top picks for every budget

Ruth Hamilton — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 09:00:32 +0000

Styling tools have come a long way over the past decade. Today’s best hair stylers can handle everything from bouncy curls to sleek blow-dries, often just by the simple switch of attachments. In 2026, there are styler options for a wide range of hair types and lengths, and many now focus on minimizing extreme heat. The latter is a welcome shift if you’re trying to keep your hair in good condition long-term, or if you're a serial bleacher.

We’ve tested a range of hair stylers across different brands and price points, and the difference the right tool makes is huge. Get it right, and what used to feel like a full arm workout with a round brush becomes a much quicker, easier hair routine. All of the picks below have been thoroughly tested, either by one of our experienced beauty reviewers, so you can trust they deliver in real-world use.

Our most recent addition to the guide is the T3 Aire 360 (Next Gen). If you have your eye on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., our top pick (by the way), but don’t want to drop Dyson-level money, it’s a very strong runner-up. Aside from multi-stylers, we’ve also included a range of other tools to suit different routines and styling preferences.

Many of these tools can be used to dry and smooth hair, but if you'd prefer a dedicated tool we have separate guides to the best hair dryers and best hair straighteners on the market.

The best hair stylers: reviewed and approved by experts

The best multi-styler overall

Future

1. Dyson Airwrap i.d.

The best multi-styler for most people

Weight: 1.4lbs / 0.6kg | Dimensions (L x W): 10.7 x 1.9in / 27.2 x 4.8cm | Cord: 2.7m

Versatile, low-effort, effective

Loads of compatible attachments

Premium look and feel

Premium pricing

The Airwrap i.d. takes everything that was great about the original Dyson multi-styler, and adds a new feature that's a complete game-changer. If you can afford it, this is the best hair styling tool on the market.

The original Airwrap rose to popularity for introducing a new, healthier way to create curls. Rather than applying extreme heat with a traditional curling tong, this tool harnesses a phenomenon called the coanda effect to cause hair to wrap itself around the barrel, shaping it and setting it into curls using just air. The i.d. version adds an i.d.curl switch that launches an automated curling sequence (wrap > curl > cool shot), taking all the guesswork out the process and making it absolutely effortless.

Where the Airwrap i.d. really shines is when creating curls, but there's a wide range of other compatible tools that increase its versatility. It can be used as just a hair dryer, and there are various brush attachments for creating bouncy blow-dries, a diffuser and wide-tooth comb attachments for curls and coils, and a flyaway smoother, amongst other things. Unusually, there's also the option to pick a longer or shorter curl barrel to suit your length of hair.

The sticking point for many will be the price – there's no getting around the fact that the Airwrap i.d. is extremely expensive. There are other multi-stylers in this list that also use the coanda effect to create curls (see the Revamp at #3) but none that can create clockwise or anti-clockwise curls on the same barrel, and none that offer an automated curl sequence.

Note: there's a newer version of this styling tool now – the Dyson Co-Anda 2X. We haven't been able to test it out yet, but the main differences compared to the i.d. version is that this one is lighter, more powerful, and has a compatible 'AirSmooth' attachment for straightening.

Read our full Dyson Airwrap i.d. review

The second best multi-styler

Future

2. T3 Aire 360

The best second best hair styler – with great lasting results

Weight: 1.3 lbs / 590g | Dimensions (W x L): 9.2 x 1.8 x 1.7in / 23.37 x 4.57 x 4.32cm | Cord: 2.74m

Dual voltage makes it travel-friendly

Cheaper than Dyson and Shark alternatives

Curls hold well into the next day

Leaves hair looking smooth with minimal frizz

Takes time to master

Oval brush feels bulky

Not the best for short hair due to large attachments

The Shark FlexStyle was our previous pick here, but in testing the latest T3 Aire 360 (next generation), it edges ahead with better curl hold and a more consistent, glossy finish.

Our tester Victoria used the Aire 360 as a daily styler for three weeks on fine, mid-length hair, working through every attachment on both fresh and second-day hair. The CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels (the dedicated curling attachments) were the clear winner for her in testing, helping her create bouncy, glossy curls that held well into the next day. The ceramic coating helps them grip, shape, and set hair as you style, something plastic barrels often struggle to replicate.

But it's not just all about curls with the Aire 360. The SoftAire concentrator dried Victoria’s hair in just over three minutes during testing, and the oval brush added noticeable lift at her roots, creating volume that’s hard to replicate with a standard round brush. The whole system of the T3 runs at a gentler heat than traditional tools (like curlers or straighteners), leaving hair looking smoother and less frazzled in the long run.

That said, it’s not the easiest tool to master, especially with the bulk that comes with the oval brush. It’s also perhaps not the best fit for short hair, as the larger attachments are really built for mid-length to long styles and can feel a bit clumsy when there’s not enough length for them to properly grab and wrap the hair.

Read more in our T3 Aire 360 review

The best affordable multi-styler

Future

3. Revamp Dynamic Radiance Pro

The best mid-range multi-styler

Weight: TBC | Dimensions (L x W): 11.7 x 1.7in / 29.7 x 4.4cm | Cord: 3m

Low price but still effective

Airwrap-like auto curl barrels

Useful range of attachments

Easy to accidentally change controls

Cheaper build quality

The Revamp Dynamic Radiance Pro Blow Dry 7-in-1 Ionic Air Styler is the best budget multi-styler we've tested, as well as being one of the best Airwrap dupes if you can't stretch to the real thing (it's UK only – US shoppers should hop to the slightly pricier Shark FlexStyle at #2).

Like many modern multi-stylers, the design combines a tube-shaped dryer – the top of which pivots for more comfortable drying – and various attachments for different styling tasks. These include the all-important auto-wrapping curl barrels, which I found worked just as well as any we've tried (although they do require more effort than the Airwrap i.d. version – you'll have to manually swap them over when you want to switch from clockwise to anti-clockwise curls, and there's no automatic curl sequence option).

There's a decent selection of attachments bundled in: the two auto-wrap curl barrels, a concentrator, flat paddle brush, large oval bristle brush with ceramic barrel and a round barrel with retractable bristles. Other brands' efforts have a wider selection of compatible attachments, but most bases are covered here, with the notable exception of a diffuser.

Of all the attachments, the only one I wasn't impressed with was the round barrel – I couldn't get the bristles to stay out long enough to actually style anything. However, I am a big fan of the large bristle brush. It's great at adding volume, and I still reach for this tool and attachment whenever I want to create a big, bouncy style.

Although it understandably doesn't feel ultra-premium, the build quality is decent and functions as intended – all the attachments clip on and off easily and feel secure in use, for example. The helpful addition of an easily accessible 'pause' button means you can remove the wand without disturbing your curls. In fact, our only minor complaint was that it was a little too easy to accidentally change the settings mid-style.

In general, Revamp is worth checking out if you're looking for a cheap multi-styler. The even more affordable Progloss appears in our list at #6.

The best hair brush dryer

(Image credit: Future)

4. Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer and Volumiser

The best hair brush dryer

Weight: 1.87 lbs / 0.85kg | Dimensions (H x D x W): 4 x 11.4 x 10.1 in / 10.4 x 29 x 25.7cm | Cord: 2.5m

Salon-worthy results

Fast and effective

Very affordable

Quite heavy

Just does one thing

Irritating sound on higher setting

If you're on a tighter budget and want something that'll help you create bouncy blow-dries, Revlon's Pro Collection One Step is the best brush dryer we've tried. It's not much to look at, but it really delivers when it comes to results – and it's extremely affordable too.

This kind of hair styler tool dries and shapes your hair at the same time. It's quite heavy, but on test our reviewer found it was so efficient that the extra weight didn't really matter. There are just two drying settings: lower powered and less hot, or higher powered and hotter. The higher setting created an irritating noise, but my tester found the lower setting was powerful enough that she never had to use anything else. The large barrel enables you to tackle large sections at a time, and its oval shape makes it easy to create volume at the root.

Although the design isn't perfect, the results more than made up for any flaws: the Revlon Pro Collection One Step consistently left our reviewer's hair sleek, bouncy and voluminous. If you're seeking more versatility – including the ability to create curls – there are plenty of multi-stylers in this list to choose from. But for bouncy blow-dries on a budget, this is the tool for you.

The best straightening tool

Future

5. Dyson Airstrait

The best wet-to-dry straighteners

Weight: 1.2 lbs / 0.54kg | Dimensions (H x L x W): 2.4 x 8.7 x 1.6in / 6 x 22 x 41cm | Cord: 2m

Straightens from wet

Doesn't use extreme heat

Unique design

Natural rather than pin-straight results

Doesn't get right to the root

Investment pricing

The Dyson Airstrait uses an angled blade of focused airflow to dry and straighten at the same time – meaning you can use it on wet hair. Its design has an 80s sci-fi vibe and swaps the usual straightener hot plates for unheated panels, with vents to deliver the air.

At 1.18lb / 536g, the Airstrait is heavier than a traditional straightener, but it makes light work of drying/straightening hair, with our reviewer able to achieve both in 10 minutes, less than half the time it would take to dry and straighten her hair usually. It has some neat features too: one that senses when there's hair clamped in and adjusts the volume of airflow in response, and another that cuts airflow when its arms have been open for more than three seconds.

Our reviewer found that there was little-to-no hair snagging or sizzling and that the Airstrait was able to dry segments of her hair with just one pass. Its results were natural-looking straight hair rather than pin straight, however, and the Airstrait can't get right up to the root, so may not be as effective for those with tight curls.

Talking of curls, what the Airstrait is not so good at is creating them – for that, you'll want the Airwrap (#1) or another multi-styler. In fact, for maximum versatility, you might want the Dyson Airwrap Co-Anda 2x, which is essentially an Airwrap with an Airstrait attachment (although I haven't tested it so can't vouch for it personally).

If you have wavy or slightly curly hair and are looking for a styling tool that will help you smooth things out without damaging your locks, the Airstrait would make an excellent choice. It's expensive, but top quality, and there's nothing else like it on the market right now.

Read our full Dyson Airstrait review

The best cheap multi-styler

(Image credit: TechRadar)

6. Revamp Progloss Airstyle 6-in-1 Air Styler

Best budget multi-styler

Weight: 0.9lbs / 0.45kg | Dimensions (L x W): 9.25 x 2.7in / 23.6 x 6.9cm | Cord: 3m

Versatile budget option

Can create versatile styles

Suitable for all hair types, including curly hair

No storage case

Hard to grip when curling

Quite loud

The Revamp Progloss Airstyle 6-in-1Air Styler DR-1250, or the Revamp Progloss, is a very budget-friendly multi-styler that comes with with six attachments: a wide-bristle brush, a paddle brush and a rotating hard bristle brush, which is designed for creating soft waves. There's also a conical attachment for creating curls, a drying attachment and a diffuser.

The dryer works well, drying our reviewer's hair relatively efficiently, and she found the smaller barrel brush and paddle brush were particularly well-suited to her fine hair. The larger, rotating brush was easy to wind hair around, but the width of the barrel makes it better suited to longer-haired users, if defined waves and curls are your aim.

There were a couple more compromises to note, too. Our reviewer found it hard to grip the hair styler when creating curls, due to the length of the handle, and the Progloss was also rather noisy at 80dB. Still, you're getting decent quality for the price – I'd recommend the Progloss to those who want to create a variety of styles without spending big.

How to choose a hair styler tool

When choosing a hair styler, you first need to consider what you want to achieve. Are you looking to create waves, straight locks or to enhance or define existing curls? If there's only one style you know you'll want to create most of the time then you may want to choose a hair styler dedicated to that function, or if you want to be able to mix up styles then a multi-styler may be better for you. Think about your hair type – some tools are better suited to some hair types than others. We have indicated where this is the case in our list.

It's also worth considering design and portability, do you need something that will travel easily or will your tool likely stay in one place? Do you have the space to keep several accessories and a large hair styler tool or do you need something that's relatively compact? Is an included carry case important to you?

Budget will also likely play a key part in your decision. The price of hair stylers ranges from relatively inexpensive 2-in-1 hair brush dryers to advanced multi-stylers, which vary in price, with Dyson being the most expensive.

Better than before: the Dyson Airwrap drops to a record-low price of AU$499 in this Prime Day deal

sharmishta.sarkar@futurenet.com (Sharmishta Sarkar) — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:54:02 +0000

[Update (October 10): The price of the Dyson Airwrap Origin has dropped even further, making it the absolute best price we've seen. We've updated the original article below to reflect the change.]

Dyson's popular products have only been officially available on Amazon since July this year, and to see some great discounts during October's Prime Day sale is encouraging – this could indicate what's to come for Black Friday in Australia. We've already seen two of Dyson's best vacuum cleaners get discounted rather steeply, but another highlight is the Airwrap.

Dyson's popular hair-styling tool is down to AU$499 – a AU$250 (or 33%) discount – but note that this is on the Airwrap Origin model which gets you only two attachments in the box. The previous low price was AU$549 at the start of this Amazon Prime Day sale (a repeat from December 2023). To add a little more context to this offer, back in July, it was the Complete version that got a 21% discount, bringing it down to AU$668.

As part of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, this offer is Prime exclusive, which means you'll need a Prime subscription to grab this great offer. If you aren't a member already, you can sign up now for a free 30-day trial and cancel just after the sale ends on October 13 if you don't want to continue paying the monthly fee of AU$9.99.

The good news is that this will even ship to New Zealand with the same 27% discount, bringing the price down to NZ$521.69 and delivery is free across the ditch too.

Save AU$250
It would have been nice to see a slighter better discount, but then the Airwrap Origin is listed as out of stock at most retailers, including Dyson. So if you're keen on this popular multistyler, you should get a wriggle on before this offer disappears... or the stock does.

Shopping in New Zealand? Get this for NZ521.69 with free shipping.View Deal

The Dyson Airwrap has become such an icon, it has inspired a generation of dupes as well as gone viral on TikTok. It got so popular, in fact, that a couple of years back, it was actually hard to find it in stock, and people had to be on a waitlist to get it.

It makes sense. Not only is this hair styling product such a versatile tool as it's able to switch out attachments so it turns from a hair dryer to a curling wand within seconds, but it also has intelligent heat control and enhanced Coanda airflow to minimise damage to your tresses. That's all while producing stunning-looking results.

If you're worried about using hair styling tools due to heat damage, but you need an effective (and efficient) tool that's also lightweight and easy to use, the Dyson Airwrap is worth the steep price.

Shop more discounts in our dedicated Amazon Prime Day deals coverage or check out all the Prime Big Deal Days discounts at Amazon.

Dyson Airwrap: the best Dyson Airwrap Styler sales and deals

Mackenzie Frazier — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 07:39:44 +0000

Dyson Airwrap Styler sales can be tricky to find, but if you're browsing in the right place at the right time, your hunt can certainly surface some excellent savings. We're taking that legwork out of your day here, rounding up all the latest releases and scouring the web every half hour for their best prices.

While Dyson originally made its name in vacuum cleaners, it's now a force to be reckoned with in the haircare market. One of its most popular tools is the Airwrap, a curler/multi-styler that gained popularity for its ability to create curls and waves with less extreme heat than traditional curling irons.

In 2024, Dyson released the Airwrap i.d, Dyson's first Bluetooth-connected multi-styler that adapts to your specific hair needs for long-lasting curls and foolproof styling. We awarded it a near-perfect 4.5* in our Dyson Airwrap i.d. review, and rate it amongst the best hair styling tools around. The Airwrap i.d. retails for $599.99 / $499.99 and is currently available from Dyson's website.

While it's a little more difficult to get hold of these days, the original Dyson Airwrap (2022) remains popular too. This version retails for $549.99 in the US and £449.99 in the UK. You can also find the main differences between the two models in our Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. comparison.

While both versions cost more than your typical hair styler, the quality and versatility help justify the cost. Each Airwrap styler can also operate as a hair dryer, meaning you might not have to shell out for a Dyson Supersonic for your dressing table.

To help you (and your wallet), we've listed the best Dyson Airwrap sales and deals so you can find the best online price. Don't forget to see what Dyson promo codes are available to reap some savings, and look forward to rare discounts at holiday sales.

The best Dyson Airwrap sales and deals

(Image credit: Dyson)

1. Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler and dryer Straight+Wavy

Dyson's most advanced multi-styler

Dimensions: 10.7" x 1.6" x 1.9" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power: 1300 W | Attachments: Conical Airwrap barrel, Blade Concentrator,

Easy to use

Includes six different attachments

Dries and curls hair

Most expensive

If you want Dyson's most advanced hair styler that does all the work for you, then the all-new i.d. Airwrap is one for you. Released in 2024, the i.d. is Dyson's most expensive multi-styler, retailing for $599.99 / £499.99, and is available in two different models, the Straight+Wavy and Curly+Coily.

So what sets the Dyson i.d from the original airwrap? The i.d is Dyson's first Bluetooth-connected multi-styler that adapts to your hair. The Airwrap i.d intelligently tailors the adapt heat, airflow,w, and timings, so you don't have to guess or switch between settings while curling your hair. The Straight+Wavy Airwrap has a new attachment, the Conical Airwrap barrel, which styles closer to the root for tighter curls and boosted volume.

Because the i.d is Dyson's newest multi-styler, you won't find discounts anytime soon, but we can hope to see bundle deals at upcoming holiday sales.

(Image credit: Dyson)

1. Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler and dryer Curly+Coily

Dyson's smart multi-styler for curly hair

Dimensions: 10.7" x 1.6" x 1.9" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power: 1300 W | Attachments: Conical Airwrap barrel, Wave+Curl diffuser

Easy to use

Includes six different attachments

Dries and curls hair

Most expensive

The latest styler from Dyson is the Airwrap i.d., which was released in August of 2024. The starting price is $599.99 / £499.99, more than the original Dyson Airwrap released in 2018. Currently, the i.d is only available from Dyson's website, but I predict it will come to third-party retailers soon.

The Airwarap i.d differs from the original because it's Dyson's first-ever connected hair tool. It uses Bluetooth wireless technology to sync to a compatible Dyson app, so you can personalize the styler. You'll create a hair profile, and the Airwrap i.d will adapt heat, airflow, and timings to a tailored experience.

The new Airwrap comes in two different models, the Curly+Coily and Straight+Wavy. The model highlighted above is the Curly+Coily Airwrap, which includes new attachments such as the Conical Airwrap barrel and a Wave+Curl diffuser, which sets the two models apart. The i.d. also includes all the attachments to the original AirWrap.

(Image credit: Dyson)

3. Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete

Best for multiple hair types and styles.

Dimensions: 10.7" x 1.61" x 1.89" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power: 1300 W | Attachments: 1.2-inch Airwrap barrel, 1.6-inch Airwrap barrel, firm smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, round volumizing brush, pre-styling dryer

Easy to use

Includes six different attachments

Dries and curls hair

Most expensive

The Dyson Airwrap Complete styler is engineered for multiple hair types and styles and includes six attachments to achieve curls, waves, and smooth, shiny hair. The different attachments include a 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch Airwrap barrel, a firm, smoothing and round volumizing brush, and a pre-styling dryer. The Airwrap barrels allow you to create different size curls and waves, and the three different brushes are engineered to help flat, fine, and frizz-prone hair.

The Airwrap Complete Styler retails for $549.99 in the US and £449.99 in the UK and includes a storage case that protects and stores your Dyson Airwrap styler and its attachments.

(Image credit: Dyson)

4. Dyson Airwrap Styler Smooth+Control

Best for frizz-prone hair

Dimensions: 10.7" x 3.1" x 1.89" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power: 1300 W | Attachments: 1.2-inch Airwrap barrel, 1.6-inch Airwrap barrel, firm smoothing brush, pre-styling dryer

Includes four different attachments

Set loose or voluminous curls

Creates a straight style with less frizz

The Dyson Airwrap Styler Smooth+Control is designed for people that have coarse or frizz-prone hair. The Airwrap styler comes with four different attachments, which include the 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch Airwrap barrel, the firm smoothing brush, and the pre-styling dryer. The smoothing brush features firm bristles that are engineered to control frizz-prone hair to create a straighter style with less frizz and fewer flyaways.

Because the Dyson Airwrap Smooth+Control lacks the soft smoothing and round volumizing brush, the styler retails for less when compared to the Airwrap Complete and is priced at $499.99 in the US and £379 in the UK. This Airwrap styler also includes a convenient storage case.

(Image credit: Dyson)

5. Dyson Airwrap Styler Volume+Shape

Best for fine, flat hair

Dimensions: 10.7" x 1.61" x 1.89" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power: 1300 W | Attachments: 1.2-inch Airwrap barrel, soft smoothing brush, round volumizing brush, pre-styling dryer

Includes four different attachments

Creates volume and body

Ultra-fast drying

The Dyson Airwrap Styler Volume+Shape is designed to add volume and shape to fine, flat hair. The Airwrap Styler features four different attachments, which include a 1.2-inch Airwrap barrel, a soft smoothing, and a round volumizing brush. The Airwrap barrel produces voluminous curls or waves, and the soft smoothing and round volumizing brush let you achieve a sleek, straight style or round, bouncy curls.

The Dyson Airwrap Styler Volume+Shape does not include the 1.6-inch Airwrap barrel or the firm smoothing brush, so it retails for less when compared to the Airwrap Complete and is priced at $499.99 in the US and £379 in the UK. The Airwrap styler also includes a storage case and a pre-styling dryer.

If you're still undecided about the Dyson Airwrap we've answered some common questions below to help with your buying decision.

What does the Dyson Airwrap do?

The Dyson Airwrap is powered by the digital motor V9, which produces air pressure to create an aerodynamic phenomenon called the Coanda effect to attract and wrap hair around the barrel for you. Because the Dyson Airwrap doesn't have to rely on heat alone, the styler avoids extreme temperatures to produce voluminous, effortless curls.

Can you use the Dyson Airwrap on wet hair?

One of the biggest perks of the Dyson Airwrap is that it can be used to help dry and style hair. While you shouldn't use the styler on entirely wet hair, you can rough dry your hair and style it damp so curls last longer.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth it?

We know the hefty price tag on the Dyson Airwrap can initially cause sticker shock, but there are several reasons for the steep price. The Dyson Styler is built like an appliance and uses an aerodynamic phenomenon called the Coanda effect, where a high-velocity jet of air meets a curved surface and wraps itself around the curve. This produces effortlessly, beautiful curls without extreme heat damage. The Airwrap also is available in three different sets for different hair types and includes a hair dryer and convenient storage case.

If you already have damaged hair or want to save time on styling your hair, then the Dyson Airwrap is the perfect tool for you. The Airwrap styler will also outlast other curling irons so you won't have to keep repurchasing the same $70 curling iron every couple of years.

Learn more about the Dyson Styler with our Dyson Airwrap review and you can also see the best Dyson Supersonic prices and sales.

You can also shop for more Dyson discounts with our best cheap Dyson deals and offers that are currently going on.

Just in time for Father's Day: up to 43% off these body and beard trimmers

Max Delaney — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:15:18 +0000

There are few better trusty gifts for dad than a beard and hair trimmer, but Amazon's discounts on an array of trimmers makes it an even safer option than usual. From bald-headed dad's with bushy beards to those with luscious locks and the arms of a silverback gorilla, no matter what kind of body hair dad wants or has, there's a deal for him.

While Manscaped products tend to lean toward more sensitive areas – so might be better coming from mum – 15% off the Perfect Package 4.0 Kit, Premier Package Kit and The Tool Box 4.0, which combine tools and accessories into one neat package, makes them worth considering. If dad needs his beard manicured daily, requires daily trimming or needs a hand keeping his back hair in check, make Father's Day shopping easy with one of these hair and body trimmer deals.

Remington 5-in-1 Titanium Multi-Grooming Kit | ~~AU$29.95~~ AU$19.55 (save AU$10.40)

You don't have to spend big to get dad a useful gift. With strong titanium-coated blades that promise a clean cut and a 32mm wide trimming blade, this Remington multi-groomer can tackle it all. It also comes supplied with five attachments for a close shave, nose and ears, moustaches and getting dad's beard the perfect length, they're even easily washed under the tap.View Deal

Philips Beard Trimmer Series 3000 | ~~AU$79.95~~ AU$49.99 (save AU$29.96)

You can't go wrong with this beard trimmer from Philips for just AU$50. It promises precision trimming thanks to its 20 length settings, while a 90-minute cordless runtime and 5-minute quick charge means dad doesn't need to worry about being left with half a beard or an unwanted moustache. It's even got rounded tips to help dad remain cut-free during those rushed morning shaves.View Deal

Philips Bodygroom Series 5000 | ~~AU$149~~ AU$93.99 (save AU$55.01)

No matter what hair is being trimmed, the Philips Bodygroom is up to the task. Thanks to its back attachment, back hair is easy to remove, and the blades' rounded tips and hypo-allergernic foil promise cut protection. Showerproof with an ergonomic grip, 60-minute cordless runtime and bi-direction trimmer and comb, no body hair is safe. While there's only three user ratings on Amazon, they've all been five-stars and the 4.2-star average from 340 reviews on Philips tend to agree.View Deal

Manscaped The Beard Hedger | ~~AU$159.99~~ AU$119.99 (save AU$40)

Manscaped products tend to focus on sensitive areas that make them ill-equipped as Father's Day gifts, but The Beard Hedger is a rare exception. With 20 variable lengths from 0.5mm to 10mm and a built-in comb that pledges to lift hairs no matter the cutting angle, it promises smooth, single-stroke trimming. And, with large 41mm blades it should have no problem cutting through even the thickest of manes – it's also waterproof with a IPX7 rating for easy cleaning and shaving in the shower.View Deal

Remington Rapid Ultimate Hair Cut Kit | ~~AU$149.99~~ AU$84.99 (save AU$64.96)

If dad likes to cut his own hair, this Remington kit is easy to hold and its curved 71mm blade means it follows the contour of the head for a clean finish. There's also an array of attachments for different lengths and getting those sideburns right, as well as a shorter blade for manicuring stubble. View Deal

Manscaped The Perfect Duo 4.0 | ~~AU$164.99~~ AU$123.74 (save AU$41.25)

If dad's more interested in just shaving off his beard – and the rest of his body hair – while retaining some stubble, this duo that can clean-up his body, nose and ear hair is for him. Both trimmers are waterproof in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes, and they promise worry-free trimming of even the most sensitive body parts thanks to its rubberised grip and soft ceramic blades.View Deal

Manscaped The Perfect Duo 5.0 | ~~AU$205.99~~ AU$164.79 (save AU$41.20)

Dad need the latest tech? This kit swaps out the 4.0 trimmer for its successor, and adds a toiletry bag. While there are better options for beards, with a fixed-length 1.4mm comb and adjustable lengths ranging from 2-12mm, body hair is no problem. And, if dad's nose hairs are blowing in the wind, the nose & ear trimmer promises are close, easy cut. With a 4.4 and 4.3-star Google rating respectively, we think dad would be happy to open this up on Father's Day morning.View Deal

RevAir Reverse-Air hair dryer review: designed to tackle complex hair

Tonya Russell — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 13:00:29 +0000

RevAir hair dryer two-minute review

The RevAir hair dryer is designed around the knowledge that curly folks — particularly those with especially curly type four hair like mine — spend more time and energy blow-drying and straightening their hair.

In response, RevAir developed a first-of-its-kind reverse-air dryer that’s extremely easy to use. Instead of the pistol-shaped body or wand form factors we’re used to seeing in some of the best hair dryers and best Dyson Airwrap dupes, the RevAir hair dryer opts for a unique design that looks far more like one of the best vacuum cleaners.

Somewhat similar to the Dyson Airwrap, the RevAir draws air into its wand, using reverse-air suction to gently tug on the hair to dry, stretch and reduce shrinkage. It offers seven tension settings to accommodate a variety of hair types, and uses internal sensors to maintain an even temperature and reduce heat damage.

(Image credit: RevAir)

It’s far from perfect, with its bulky design and loud components, but this vacuum-style dryer is worth the space it takes up, especially when dealing with children’s hair.

Those with braids or who simply want more manageability built into their styling routine may also like how this hair dryer—especially when used briefly—can save you from a literal headache.

RevAir hair dryer for $399.99 at Best Buy

RevAir hair dryer review: price & availability

Price: $399
Availability: US only

With an MSRP of $399 the RevAir appears costly at face value, but if you consider how few and far between devices with such versatility are, and that everyone in the family can use it, then the cost is somewhat justified.

Also, when I purchased mine, I took advantage of a coupon that brought down the cost. It is available on the RevAir site, as well as at Bloomingdale’s and Best Buy.

Unfortunately, it’s not sold in the UK or Australia, but it can be imported from the US. It needs a hefty transformer setup to get it working though, and it’s not recommended.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

RevAir hair dryer specs

Power	120V/60hz
Heat settings	2 plus cool shot
Power settings	7
Weight	8lbs
Cord length	6.5ft
Hose length	5.5ft

RevAir hair dryer review: design

Bulky and heavy
Long hose
Seven power settings

The RevAir looks not unlike an old-school vacuum cleaner with a long hose attached to a box (the base). You may have stumbled upon something like it in your grandmother's attic.

Just like those old vacuums, and with all the extra parts, this blow dryer is heavier than average. It weighs 8lbs / 3.6kg, but luckily, you’re not necessarily holding all that weight since the 5.5ft / 1.68m hose is long and lightweight. Probably 80% of the weight is in the base which would sit on a surface like your counter or bed, depending where you’re using it. Altogether, the product is pretty bulky at 7.94 x 7.25 x 7.68in / 20.17 x 18.44 x 19.51cm.

(Image credit: Future)

The wand, which is also larger than most, feels like holding a regular blow dryer. There are seven tension settings, which control the intensity of the suction via a dial on the side of the device. The RevAir also has three heat settings that can be controlled using a switch on the handle: 158F / 70C for low, 220F / 104C for high, and then a cool shot. Two other convenient features are the rack attachment for storing the wand, and the mesh filter basket, which is included in the accessory-laden “total package” bundle from RevAir.

Design score: 3 out of 5

RevAir hair dryer review: performance

Easy to use
Sucks instead of blowing
Dries fast and reduces heat damage

What stood out to me most when testing the RevAir was the ease of use and the time I saved. I still had to detangle my hair by hand after washing, but I felt like the RevAir helped with relaxing the coils so that each section became more manageable. That’s probably the reverse-air technology keeping my hair from getting overly frizzy.

The RevAir works using the opposite technique of a typical blow dryer. It actually sucks the excess water from your hair and that, in turn, helps to seal your cuticle since it’s pulling the hair in its natural direction.

Before using, you may be a little anxious about your hair getting stuck. My 4c hair tends to tangle very easily, but after a few passes, I had no concerns about it getting stuck anywhere in the RevAir. There is nothing in the blow dryer for your hair to get caught on but if you were concerned, you could just turn off the suction.

(Image credit: Future)

I initially didn’t think about using the RevAir for drying braids. I don’t wear braids often, as I’m a swimmer—triathlete, to be exact— and excessive water can weigh down locks, braids, and twists and leave your shirt soaked for hours. However, inserting a braid or plait into the wand is just as easy as it would be to grab a small section. Thus, the RevAir can give you more freedom with hairstyles without sacrificing washes (chlorine is damaging after all).

One downside is that, unlike other modern dryers, the RevAir won’t work for a blowout at home. You can’t “bump” with a brush or the wand like a standard dryer or Dyson Airwrap. Nonetheless, and much like those other tools, you’d have to follow up with a flatiron or a different styling tool anyway for curlier hair types, so that doesn’t take much from the product.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the RevAir hair dryer?

Attribute	Notes	Score
Price	The RevAir is undeniably expensive, but it's great at what it does and it's occasionally discounted.	4/5
Design	Big, bulky and heavy with seven power settings and three heat settings.	3/5
Performance	Dries complex hair impressively fast and is easy to use, and your hair won't get caught in it.	4.5/5

Buy it if...

Your family has coily hair and you’re seeking manageability

This dryer is perfectly suited for tackling coily hair, so if there’s a lot of that in your home, the RevAir will be your best friend.

You're trying to cut down on drying time and heat damage

The RevAir offers impressively quick drying times and its reverse-air technology serves to protect your locks from heat damage.

You have ample storage space

If space isn’t an issue, the RevAir is among the best products you can use for curly or coily hair.

Don’t buy it if...

You are looking for a portable dryer

With its hefty base, long hose and general form factor, the RevAir is sadly not suited to travel.

You want the look of a blowout

While it comes as close as many of us could hope to salon-styled results, there’s nothing like the real thing.

You won’t use it often

For its price and hefty design, the RevAir is not something to be trifled with; it’s an all-or-nothing kind of hair dryer.

How I tested the RevAir hair dryer

I used the RevAir for about 30 minutes once a month for about six months
I started on freshly cleaned and detangled hair after removing excess water
I sprayed heat protectant spray on each section, which I separated with hair clips

I’ve been testing the RevAir for several months on my thin, medium-length 4c hair, comparing it against my go-to dryer and using my normal daily haircare routine for a fair comparison.

That involves cleaning and detangling my hair, using a cotton t-shirt to soak up excess water and then spraying my sectioned hair with heat protectant.

I’ve been writing about health, wellness and beauty for years, and over that time I’ve identified the most important aspects of value, design and performance that make great products great. This, and my personal hands-on testing, have informed my opinions.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

There's a new Dyson Airwrap in town - and this one personalizes your style using the Dyson app

josephine.watson@futurenet.com (Josephine Watson) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:00:40 +0000

The Dyson Airwrap has captivated haircare lovers since its release back in 2018, and now the ever-popular multi-styler is back and smarter than ever. The main upgrade, when comparing Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d., is that the latter is the brand's first connected beauty device.

In the MyDyson app, users can program their hair profile, specifying their hair type, length and skill level. Based on this information, the app will recommend the perfect curling routine, which the Airwrap i.d. will be able to fetch through a simple push of the power button using Bluetooth connectivity.

The app will also help you to better maintain your Airwrap, providing insights into the filter status, guidance for filter cleaning, and any fault actions. However, there's also a new white LED on the machine that will flash when it's time to clean the filter for when you forget to check the app.

Otherwise, the specs are broadly the same, with the Airwrap i.d. offering the same intelligent heat control to measure and regulate heat and Coanda airflow technology to offer reduced hair damage and salon-ready results.

Additionally, Dyson has unveiled three new attachments to further the versatility of the Airwrap; a conical barrel for more defined curls that promises better root styling, the Wave+Curl diffuser to enhance and define natural wave patterns, and a blade concentrator that funnels Coanda airflow across two curved surfaces to create one even jet of air for a smoother finish.

Dyson

Work smarter, not harder

The original Dyson Airwrap (later improved in an updated 2022 model with bi-directional curling barrels and a new flyaway attachment) was an impressive, groundbreaking device, and despite its eye-wateringly high price, became one of the most sought-after hair care devices we've ever seen.

Now, there's a slew of Dyson Airwrap dupes available (chief amongst which is the Shark FlexStyle), many of which offer comparable performance for as little as half the price. Still, having used the Airwrap myself for the best part of a year, I can't say anything quite equals the ease of use offered by the OG.

The new technology and attachments could widen the gap even further between Dyson and its competitors, especially as they could be a real boon for a wider variety of hair types, too. Curly and coily hair, in particular, might benefit from the conical barrel and Wave+Curl diffuser, as well as the MyDyson app hair profile, which is a pleasant departure from the original multi-styler's one-size-dries-all approach.

The new Dyson Airwrap i.d. range will be available in-store and online on Dyson.co.uk for £499.99 on August 27 in the United Kingdom, will cost $599.99 in the US (release date TBC) and we're eagerly awaiting Australian pricing and release details from Dyson. It will be available in two bold and beautiful colorways; Ceramic Patina and Topaz, as well as Vinca Blue and Topaz.

While you're shopping, make sure to also check out Dyson's new and first-ever wet line styling products, the Dyson Chitosan formulations range, produced specifically to complement Dyson's hair tools.

Fellas, the wait is over – the "first ever" hair dryer for men has arrived

Ruth Hamilton — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:17 +0000

London-based haircare brand Heist has launched a hair dryer that's specifically for men. In fact, according to the email that landed in my inbox this morning, it's the first-ever hair dryer for men. Embarrassingly, I hadn't realized you guys had been drip-drying for all these years, so I will be off to check my female privilege.

Outlandish claims aside, this hair dryer actually looks pretty impressive. The Heist 3.0 has been designed in collaboration with British barbers to be the perfect tool for taming those manly locks, and it has many of the features we'd look for in one of the best hair dryers in general.

There's a powerful 100,000RPM motor, three airflow speeds, and four temperature options (including what looks like a cool shot to set your style) to give you plenty of control over your styling routine, and a generous 3m power cable so you're not tethered too closely to the wall. The streamlined design is also decidedly cool, even with its resemblance to a high-end piece of plumbing.

(Image credit: Heist)

A mysterious H-Protect System "automatically adjusts to optimal heat settings, ensuring hair protection and promoting scalp health," although I'm not quite clear on how that works in practice. Based on the buttons visible in the images, it looks like your standard manual temperature and airspeed adjust options rather than anything more intelligent than that.

The Heist 3.0 also boasts 'Plasma Coating Technology' to improve hair condition. It sounds novel and exciting, but reading between the lines, it seems to be a manlier-sounding name for the ion technology that's been popular for a long time in 'women's' hair dryers.

Attachments are magnetic and snap on and off, à la the Dyson Supersonic. The standard 3.0 includes a concentrator nozzle, but curly gentlemen will need the Heist 3.0 Pro Styling Kit, which adds a diffuser and metal stand.

(Image credit: Heist)

If you're wondering about the name, it wasn't chosen just because it sounds hella macho – according to the website, the Heist bit is actually a portmanteau of 'height' and 'style.' For me, this raises more questions than it answers. What does 'height' refer to? Is this a tool for creating Ace Ventura-style, gravity-defying dos, or is it only for tall men? How can it be a 3.0 model and also the 'first-ever'? Is it even possible to create a portmanteau that's already an existing word? We may never know the answers.

The Heist is available to preorder in the UK, for shipping in September. The standard Heist 3.0 is £199 (around $255 / AU$342), which is right on the cusp between mid-range and premium based on the TechRadar price bands. The Pro kit has had a fairly steep markup for just a stand and diffuser, coming in at £267 (which is about $390 / AU$524). It's not cheap, but it is roughly in line with other range-topping hair dryers like the GHD Helios (£179 / $249) and T3 AireLuxe (£180 / $199.99).

Here are the top 6 tools this professional hairdresser wouldn’t be without

Emily Peck — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 10:00:26 +0000

For beautiful, healthy looking hair, it helps to use the best tools to suit you. There’s a wide range of best hair dryer for smooth and shiny styles and and best hair straighteners from brands such as Dyson, GHD, Remington, Panasonic and others. But with so many to choose from, having a little inside knowledge on what the professionals are using is always a good idea when you’re trying to decide what is right for you and your family.

To stay informed on what top hair dressers love to use, we asked expert hair stylist Ameyo Napo (who’s also a member of hair and beauty app 10outof10) to highlight her top hair tools.

Ameyo Napo's top 6 hair tools

"As a hair stylist, I appreciate high-quality tools that make styling more efficient and effective," says Ameyo. "Here are six gadgets I can't live without, plus some personal insights and tips for strengthening and growing your hair."

1. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

(Image credit: TechRadar)

"The Dyson Supersonic is a must-have in my toolkit," says Ameyo. "It dries hair fast without exposing it to extreme heat, which helps maintain the hair's natural shine and health. The flyaway attachment is fantastic for creating a smooth, polished finish. Its lightweight design and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to use for extended periods."

2. T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

"The T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer is another essential in my kit. It's powerful yet gentle, with advanced ion technology that helps reduce frizz and enhance shine. It's also very lightweight and ergonomically designed, which makes it perfect for long styling sessions. I love how it leaves the hair feeling soft and smooth."

3. GHD Platinum+ Hair Straighteners

(Image credit: Future)

"Decent hair straighteners are a must. Both the GHD Chronos and GHD Platinum+ have their strengths but the GHD Platinum+ Styler is my go-to for versatile styling. Whether I'm creating sleek, straight looks, bouncy curls, or beachy waves, this tool delivers consistently excellent results. Its ultra-zone predictive technology ensures the perfect temperature, reducing the risk of heat damage and keeping hair looking shiny and healthy."

4. mdlondon STRAIT Hair Straightener

(Image credit: Future)

"The mdlondon STRAIT Hair Straightener is another fantastic tool for achieving sleek, straight styles. Its precision-engineered plates provide even heat distribution, ensuring smooth, frizz-free results. The adjustable temperature settings allow for customised styling, making it suitable for all hair types. It's a reliable straightener that I often recommend to clients."

5. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

(Image credit: BaByliss)

"The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron is excellent for precise styling for silky smooth results. Its thin design is easy to handle and control and perfect for both straightening and creating beautiful curls. The titanium plates heat up quickly and evenly for smooth and quick styling without causing damage."

6. Wet Brush Original Detangler

(Image credit: Wet Brush)

"As for a hair dryer, the Wet Brush Original Detangler is indispensable for gently detangling hair without causing breakage. Its flexible bristles glide through knots effortlessly, making it suitable for all hair types, including fine and fragile hair. I always recommend it to clients for daily use to keep their hair healthy and tangle-free."

Ameyo Napo's top 6 tips for strengthening and growing your hair

Trim your hair regularly: Even if you're growing your hair out, trimming it often at around every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends and keeps your hair looking healthy.

Handle gently: Be kind when brushing and styling your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair and avoid harsh pulling.

Stay hydrated: Keep your hair moisturized with deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners. Hydrated hair is less prone to breakage.

Limit heat exposure: Minimize the use of heat styling tools, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.

Care for your scalp: A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Regularly massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation.

Stay healthy: Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, can promote hair growth and strength.