Is the $749 Dyson Airstrait Worth It? A Busy Mum’s Honest Review

If you have big, frizzy hair, you know the struggle. My natural hair, left to its own devices, has a mind of its own—think less beachy waves, more Ursula from The Little Mermaid. For years, I was a devoted user of the original Dyson Airwrap multi-styler, but after a long and happy life, it finally gave up on me. As a busy mum, I just don't have the time for complicated routines anymore. I was getting a bit desperate.

Sensing my frustration, my lovely boyfriend bought me the new Dyson Airstrait™ Straightener. This tool has been sparking a lot of debate online, and I was so excited (and a little nervous) to see if it could really solve my problems. After putting it to the test, I’m here to give you my completely honest thoughts—the good, the bad, and whether it’s worth the hefty price tag.

The Short Answer

My Verdict: For a busy person with frizzy or unruly hair who primarily wants a sleek, straight style, the Dyson Airstrait is a game-changer. It genuinely delivers on its promise of fast, wet-to-dry straightening with noticeably less damage. However, its high price and lack of styling versatility (it only straightens) mean it's absolutely not for everyone.

What Exactly Is the Dyson Airstrait?

Let's clear this up, because it’s not just another straightener. The Dyson Airstrait is a 'wet-to-sleek' styler. Unlike traditional flat irons that use scorching hot metal plates to press your hair straight, the Airstrait uses a precise, high-velocity blade of air. You clamp a section of wet hair between the arms, and as you glide it down, the hot air simultaneously dries and straightens your hair. It’s designed to be an all-in-one tool to take you from a post-shower towel-dry to a finished, sleek look without needing a separate hair dryer.

Putting It to the Test: My Airstrait Experience

As someone who needs fast and simple, the Airstrait's core promise was everything I was looking for. My goal was simple: could it tame my frizzy mane into a smooth, presentable style in a fraction of the time?

The first time I used it, I was shocked. I took my damp, towel-dried hair and sectioned it off. The machine is intuitive to use—it roars to life when you clamp it shut and pauses automatically when you open the arms. I glided it down each section two or three times, and the results were immediate. My hair went from unruly waves to a smooth, a straight finish in under 15 minutes. For my hair type, that is unheard of.

What I really noticed was the finish. Traditional straighteners can sometimes leave my hair looking flat and lifeless. The Airstrait left it straight, but with a natural volume and softness. It didn't feel "fried" or crispy; it just felt like my hair, but smoother and healthier. It has truly filled the gap left by my old multi-styler for my current, time-poor lifestyle.

What I Genuinely Love About the Airstrait

• ✓ Incredibly Fast & Fuss-Free: This is its biggest win. Combining the drying and straightening steps into one saves a serious amount of time. It’s a lifesaver on busy mornings.
• ✓ Healthier-Feeling Hair: Because it uses powerful air instead of hot plates, the difference in damage is noticeable. My hair feels softer and looks less stressed, and there's no scary sizzle or burning smell.
• ✓ A Natural, Voluminous Finish: It gets your hair straight without making it look pin-straight and flat. It maintains a natural body and bounce, which I love.
• ✓ Thoughtful, High-Quality Design: The build quality is what you’d expect from Dyson. Features like the auto-pause when you open the arms and the "cool shot" to set your style make it feel intuitive and safe to use.

The Downsides: Who Is the Airstrait NOT For?

• ✗ The Astronomical Price Tag: Let’s be real, at $749 AUD, this is a massive investment. It's hard to justify unless you plan to straighten your hair very regularly.
• ✗ It's a "One-Trick Pony": This machine does one thing beautifully: straighten. If you like creating curls, waves, or flips, you will be disappointed. This is not a replacement for a versatile tool like the Airwrap.
• ✗ It's Bulky & Heavy: The device itself is larger and heavier than a typical straightener, and the power brick on the cord is also quite chunky. I don't mind it personally—I just consider it a good arm workout—but its weight is definitely a consideration and can make it clumsy to handle, especially when trying to get close to your roots.
• ✗ Not a Full Hair Dryer Replacement: While it dries your hair, you can't use it to rough-dry your roots or achieve a bouncy, round-brush blowout. You still might need a regular hair dryer for certain styles.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

After using this for a while, my final verdict is a strong, but conditional, yes.

The Dyson Airstrait is an incredible piece of technology that solves a very specific problem. If you, like me, have hair that you almost always straighten and you are fighting a constant battle against frizz and time, I genuinely believe it is worth the investment. The health of your hair and the time you get back are invaluable.

However, you should probably skip it if: the high price is a major concern, you love styling your hair in different ways (curls, waves), or you have naturally straight hair and only need occasional touch-ups.

Your Questions Answered: A Mini-FAQ

• Does the Dyson Airstrait™ really prevent heat damage? Yes, because it primarily uses high-velocity air instead of direct-contact hot plates, the risk of extreme heat damage is significantly lower compared to traditional straighteners.
• Can you curl your hair with the Airstrait? No, not really. It’s engineered specifically for straightening. You won’t be able to create curls or defined waves with it.
• Is it worth the price? If you straighten your hair almost every day and value speed and hair health, it’s a worthy investment. If not, it's an expensive tool for occasional use.
• How does it compare to the Dyson Airwrap? They are for different people. The Airwrap is a versatile multi-styler best for creating curls, waves, and voluminous blowouts. The Airstrait is a specialist tool for achieving a sleek, straight finish from wet hair.