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Pros say these affordable alternatives are just as good.
From ionic blow dryers to flat irons and even curling irons that spin your hair automatically, there are hundreds of hair tools out there that promise the shiny, bouncy hair you see on red carpets. But how do you know which ones really work? And are the ultra-pricey picks like the Dyson Airwrap really worth all that dough?
At just about $600, the Dyson Airwrap—one the buzziest new gadgets in haircare—is no small investment. But it's one experts say is worth it for ease, speed, and minimal heat damage. "The Airwrap makes use of unique technology resembling that of jet engines to generate a vortex that draws hair towards the barrels or attachments, keeping strands firmly against their surfaces while also monitoring and regulating the heat so your hair never burns," says Justina Blakeney, hairstylist and founder of Niawigs.
Meet Our Experts: Justina Blakeney, hairstylist and founder of Niawigs, Kevin Kelly, a professional hairstylist and color specialist, Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and creator and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, Cleo Merrill, a stylist at G2O Spa + Salon
If you're still totally turned off by the price tag, don't worry: Experts say there are worthy alternatives:
Revlon's one-step dryer is excellent for blow drying all types of hair, including natural hair, since it effortlessly dries, smooths, and styles even tight curls, says Blakeney. "This will undoubtedly save you time, whether you're simply drying or styling your hair." Just note: Unlike the Dyson, the heat output is super hot, so be sure to use a heat protectant before styling.
Another one-step brush recommended by many stylists, this tool by Drybar delivers super shiny voluminous hair in less time than your standard dryer and round brush combo. It's also ergonomic and lightweight to help you stay more comfortable while styling.
You might not get quite as many attachments with this purchase, says professional hairstylist Kevin Kelly, but the two brush styles you do get work hard to deliver different styles—the round brush adds volume, while the flat one gives you super sleek and shiny strands. But the real draw to this hair tool: It has 15 different heat and speed combinations, so you can nail the one that's right for your hair type.
With the click of a button, this super affordable and easy-to-use hair tool draws hair into the 1-inch curl chamber to heat it for a preset amount of time, spitting out the most perfect curls without a second thought on your part.
Chances are you've never seen a hair tool quite like this one, which is sort of a 3-in-1 straightener, curling iron, and dryer. Like a flat iron, it has two plates that sandwich hair, but it also has the traditional clip of a curling iron and rounded edges, so a simple flick of the wrist delivers bouncy waves. Finally, vented slots throughout shoot out cool air to lock in a frizz-free style.
Though it clocks in at just under $50, this Dyson Airwrap dupe has been widely praised on TikTok as the closest thing to the real deal. Like the Airwrap, it comes with a wide range of attachments for multiple styling possibilities. And it just so happens to look a lot like the actual product, too.
Create three different styles—defined curls, relaxed waves or old Hollywood glam waves—using this wand. It couldn't be simpler: You simply clip hair into the 1-inch barrel, then click one of the dual rotation arrow button controls. The tool does the work for you, expertly spinning hair to lock in the style.
Try the CVQuattro Styler, says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. It's another widely-praised set that looks surprisingly like the Dyson Airwrap and comes with almost as many attachments, but at a fraction of the price.
"My clients can achieve a similar look with a large curling iron or wand—a 1.5- 2-inch barrel," says Cleo Merrill, a stylist at G2O Spa + Salon. At 1.25 inches, CONAIR's widely-available rose gold styling tool is close enough, plus comes with three attachments—a vented curling iron, a round brush, and a paddle brush—for additional experimentation.
Shark's dryer is one of the closest things you can get to the Dyson Airwrap, but you'll pay the price for it. The smart hair dryer comes with two attachments for varying styles, but the real draw is how it automatically adjusts and optimizes heat and airflow settings based on how you’re styling.