When Dyson launched the original airwrap back in 2018, it quickly became one of the most talked-about tools on the market. Its clever ability to dry and style hair from damp using airflow rather than extreme heat felt genuinely innovative at the time – and it didn’t take long before other brands started following suit.
It soon gained cult status, and since its launch, Dyson has refreshed the airwrap several times, with the styling line-up now including the airwrap origin, airwrap i.d. and the newer co-anda 2X. The origin sits as the most streamlined version of the tool, designed to offer the same core airflow styling technology in a more affordable, simpler attachment bundle.
The Dyson airwrap origin keeps the signature co-anda styling system but pares things back to a smaller selection of everyday styling attachments suitable for most hair types. So how does it compare with earlier versions of the airwrap – and is it still worth investing in? Here’s what happened when I put it to the test.
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Dyson airwrap origin
Why we love it
- Uses airflow rather than extreme heat
- Simpler attachment edit makes it less overwhelming to use day-to-day
- Same core styling tech was higher-spec models
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Fast dryer attachment reduces need for a separate hairdryer
Take note
- Fewer attachments than earlier versions
- Only one barrel size curler included and no round brush attachment
- Premium price for reduced bundle
- Storage case not included
Technology and attachments
Dyson’s coanda effect – described as an aerodynamic phenomenon – is the technology at the heart of the airwrap. Air is directed at a specific speed and pressure so it naturally follows the surface of the attachment, pulling hair towards it and wrapping it around the barrel. A cool shot then helps set the finished style in place.
The airwrap origin uses the same airflow styling approach as previous versions, but comes with a more streamlined attachment edit than the larger multi-styler kits that launched previously, making it a more affordable option.
Instead of a full styling wardrobe, the origin includes three core attachments designed to cover everyday drying and soft-curl styling:
The fast dryer attachment replaces the need for a separate hairdryer step, which is used to bring hair to around 80 per cent dryness before styling begins (but you can also just use it in place of a hair dryer if you want to dry your hair fully). Meanwhile, the loop brush uses airflow to smooth the hair’s surface while maintaining natural movement through the lengths.
Compared with earlier complete versions of the airwrap, this attachment edit is noticeably more focused. Rather than offering multiple barrel sizes and several brush options, the origin model is designed to deliver the core styling experience in a simpler format – making it feel like a more accessible entry point into the airwrap range.
How does the Dyson airwrap origin compare with the original?
In terms of appearance, weight and feel, there are very few differences between the origin and the earlier airwrap models. The styling experience itself remains familiar, especially if – like me – you’ve used the tool before.
I noticed that drying time felt slightly quicker than with the original airwrap, and being able to switch airflow direction on the curling barrel made styling feel more straightforward than earlier versions that required changing attachments mid-way through curling.
The fast dryer attachment is particularly useful here. Despite looking technical at first glance, it proved simple to use and made it easy to take my hair from wet to ready-to-style quickly, without needing a separate hairdryer beforehand.
The loop smoothing brush is another great attachment choice. It helped create a sleek finish through the lengths while keeping movement in the hair, making it a practical option for everyday styling rather than more structured blow-dry looks.
While the origin doesn’t include the wider attachment selection found in earlier ‘complete’ kits, I still found it covered the styles I reach for most often – particularly loose waves, smoothing and quick everyday finishes. Plus, I have taken the body and the fast dryer attachment away on UK breaks with me to use as a standalone hair dryer (but be warned, UK Dyson tools don’t work abroad).
Key specifications
Buy now £399.99, Boots.com
Is the Dyson airwrap origin worth it?
The Dyson airwrap origin strips things back to the essentials, but it still delivers the styling experience the tool has become known for. The coanda airflow technology remains just as effective for creating soft waves and smoothing the hair, while the fast dryer attachment makes it easy to go from wet to styled, without needing to reach for a separate hairdryer.
Compared with earlier ‘complete’ airwrap kits, the origin comes with fewer attachments, so it won’t suit those who like to switch between lots of styling finishes. However, if your routine mostly centres around rough-drying, smoothing and creating loose curls or movement through the lengths, the streamlined edit makes sense and feels easier to get to grips with day to day. Plus, it’s a great option for those who know they won’t use every attachment that comes with other, more comprehensive models.
However – and most importantly – the styling performance itself hasn’t been scaled back. You’re still getting the same airflow-led approach that makes the airwrap gentler on hair than traditional hot tools, just in a much simpler bundle that serves as the entry point into Dyson’s current styling range, alongside the app-connected airwrap i.d. and newer co-anda 2x.
It’s worth noting that, of course, it’s still undeniably an investment purchase, but for anyone curious about trying the airwrap for the first time – or who maybe wants to replace an older model – the origin feels like the most straightforward, and most affordable, place to start.
How I tested the Dyson airwrap origin
I have been using various Dyson tools for several years and regularly style my shoulder-length hair with a grown-out fringe, making this a good opportunity to compare the updated airwrap origin with an earlier version of the tool.
The airwrap origin was used as part of my regular wash-and-style routine over multiple styling sessions, and the same shampoo, conditioner and styling routine remained the same as usual, allowing for comparison with the performance of other Dyson tools. I took particular note of the following:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
With almost 15 years of experience under her belt, Lucy Partington is a well-versed and respected editor in the beauty industry. She’s tested her fair share of beauty tech, including Dyson, ghd and Shark hair tools. In her reviews, she offers her honest opinions and will only recommend products she believes are worth parting with your money.
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