I got my hands on the Dyson "Airstrait" - a first impression

Recently, Dyson announced the launch of a new hair styling tool. In a nutshell, the "Airstrait" is a hair straightener without heating plates that dries and straightens wet hair in no time at all. And only with air. In contrast to the "Corrale" - Dyson's cordless hair straightener with heating plates - the finish is supposed to be airier and more voluminous. In other words, as if you had used a brush and hairdryer to straighten your hair. While the device is already available in the USA, we'll have to wait until next year in Switzerland. But it's worth the wait. How do I know that? I've already been allowed to use it for a short trial styling session.

Dyson invited the press and influencers to its Media Days in Malmesbury, England, where the technology company has its headquarters. There I was allowed to take a look at the device in advance.

Hands-on

The first thing I notice: The "Airstrait" fits better in the hand than the "Airwrap" due to its flattened silhouette and it also feels lighter. The tool also weighs less than the "Corrale".

Many buttons, different settings. I have to admit, I haven't quite figured out which button is for what. There is a small display above the buttons that shows me which settings I have currently selected. I only tried out the wet mode. This is the mode that dries and stretches wet hair at the same time. Dry mode could also be used to straighten a dry mane.

First I sprayed a few strands wet with a water spray and then pulled them through the plates.

I have to admit, my eyes widened in disbelief. It goes in a flash. One pull and your hair is completely dry in seconds. No wonder with 12 litres of air being chased through the nozzles every second. The strands are smooth, but not dead straight like with a hot iron. The finish looks natural and well-groomed.

Also exciting: The device only goes full throttle and gets louder when you press the plates together. In terms of noise, I find the "Airstrait" pleasant, especially because it automatically takes these quieter breaks as soon as the plates are separated again.

For anyone wondering how it compares to the ghd "Duet Styler": Not at all! We're clearly in different spheres here. But I'll be happy to go into more detail when I have the opportunity to test the device thoroughly and - most importantly - the price for the Swiss market has been finalised.

You can find more information on the technical specs of the "Airstrait" in this article: