Learn about the how the curling wand works, how the Coanda effect is used to harness energy, and how the product fares in comparison with the other hair curlers in the market
Dyson. The brand that brought you the bladeless fan and the cordless vacuum cleaner has come up with yet another invention – this time for hair care enthusiasts. Known as the Dyson Airwrap styler, it is a device that dries and styles your hair at the same time without damaging it. What’s more, the curling wand does the heavy lifting for you and wraps hair around itself automatically. Sounds like magic, but it’s really just science.
How It Works
It harnesses something known as the Coanda effect, which is when a jet of air travels across a convex surface and clings onto it. Using Dyson’s digital V9 motor that rotates at 110,000rpm, the styler blasts hot air through the six slots built around the curling barrel. This creates a vortex around it. When you place a lock of hair close to it, the lock attaches itself to the airflow and curls around the stick. Now the tip of your tresses has been attached. Simply move the barrel closer to your scalp for the rest of your hair to curl around the device. While the airflow dries your hair, it causes the hair to conform to a certain shape according to the equipment as well, expediting your morning routine.
Unlike conventional metal wands, there’s no need to physically wind your locks, hold it in place, suffer tight pulls or risk getting burnt. Temperatures are also regulated with the Dyson Airwrap. It is equipped with a glass bead thermistor that sends temperature data to the microprocessor at 40 times per second, making sure it never goes beyond the limit. This means even at the maximum heat setting, it won’t exceed 150°C, which is the highest you can go before the heat starts to damage your hair. Typical curling irons, on the other hand, can go up to 400°C, and in extreme cases, literally melt your locks off.
The Dyson Airwrap also has a button that releases cool air to close the pores of your hair and set the curls, allowing them to last longer. Though it is designed as a wet-to-dry tool, best applied when the hair is 20 per cent damp, it works on dry hair too – as long as you have hair spray.
The Long And Short Of It
It’s supposed to work on all hair types, from the thick and kinky to the thin and straight. Though the device takes some getting used to, it is easy and safe to use. Each curl takes just a few seconds to achieve, and they always come out looking effortlessly beautiful without frizz or static – thanks to the negative ions. The only caveat is, like other hair curlers, the Dyson Airwrap only works with a small section of hair each time. That, and the bit where you’ve to switch between clockwise and anti-clockwise barrels as you curl the hair from one side of your head to the other.
The main curling wand comes in two diameters, 30mm and 40mm, for different sized curls. In addition, the Dyson Airwrap comes with a variety of styling brushes suited for different types and lengths of hair. The full kit, presented stylishly in a tan leather box, costs $699. Smaller, more tailored kits are priced at $649. It is an enticing game-changer, six years in the making, but is it worth the investment?
How It Fares When Compared With Xtava, Babyliss and Philips
The Dyson Airwrap’s three most outstanding features are its temperature regulation system, its automatic curling iron and its dual function as a dryer and styler.
There are many curlers in the market that are made from ceramic and tourmaline, and one of them is the Xtava Satin Wave 5-in-1 Curling Iron and Wand Set. While ceramic allows for even distribution of heat, tourmaline emits protective negative ions. Priced at around $140, it also has nine temperature settings. Although it’s able to go as low as 120°C, its highest setting is well above the limit for healthy hair.
Lauded as the world’s first automatic curling solution, the Babyliss Miracurl (S$188) is another worthy contender. All you have to do is clip a section of hair, press a button and watch it zip into a heat-proof curl chamber. After a few seconds, it’ll release a perfect curl. As effort-free as it looks, it isn’t as kind to your hair, with the lowest heat setting at 190°C.
Perhaps the closest competitor to the Dyson Airwrap is the Philips AirStyler, which has both round and flat styling brushes that double as hair dryers. The only difference is the curling tool. Instead of a wand, it mimics the Miracurl chamber, which may block the airflow and result in accumulated overheating.
The full kit is currently sold out on Dyson’s online store. It’s also available at Robinsons The Heeren and Tangs at Tang Plaza.
