Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.

When it comes to hair, volume is always my focus, and the right essentials make all the difference, most of which I’ve used for years and continue to pick up at Nordstrom. Even the girls reach for some of the same favorites, like the Caviar CC cream that smooths and detangles just as beautifully for them as it does for me.

For my own routine, I begin with a cleansing wash and conditioner, then work a small dollop of cream through my damp hair with a detangling brush. A light layer of foam plumping mousse adds lift before I rough-dry with my hair dryer. Once my hair is about halfway dry, I spray on a texturizer to build body, then finish with my Dyson Airwrap for smoothness and shape. Large rollers hold the style in place while I get dressed, and a quick touch-up with my curling iron and finishing spray lock in the final look. The result is soft, full hair with staying power that feels styled yet effortless.

Dyson has done it again—and by it, I mean, the tech-forward company has released another hair tool poised to level up our routines. The iconic brand’s newest launch—the Airwrap Co-anda 2x Multi-Styler and Dryer—is an upgraded take on the Airwrap we all know and love, described as Dyson’s most powerful and intelligent multi-styler and dryer to date. Well, what does that mean exactly? Ahead, we get into all the info you need to know on the tool, plus three Byrdie editors share their experiences with it.

The Tool

First things first, once you take the Airwrap Co-anda 2x out of the box, you’ll notice how much smaller and lighter it feels compared to previous Airwrap launches. However, the tech specs are the most exciting aspects to dive into, of course. The biggest change with the Airwrap Co-anda 2x is the new Hyperdymium 2 motor—it allows the tool to deliver 2x the air pressure and 30% more power for faster drying, improved curl formation, and straighter styles. Plus, the tool is equipped with smart sensors that measure temperature 1,000 times per second to prevent heat damage.

Now, let’s take a look at the attachments. This launch comes with six RFID-enabled attachments that automatically remember your preferred airflow and heat settings. The attachments included will vary depending on whether you purchase the Straight + Wavy or Curly + Coily sets. The former contains the 1.2″ Co-anda2x curling barrel, 1.6″ Co-anda2x, Fast dryer 2x, Anti-snag loop brush 2x (which was redesigned with patented bristles for improved control), AirSmooth2x (a brand-new attachment with auto-release arms), and Round volumizing brush 2x. The latter includes the 1.6” Co-anda2x curling barrel, Anti-snag loop brush 2x, Round volumizing brush 2x, Tension comb 2x, Wave+Curl diffuser 2x, and Fast dryer 2x.

To take styling to the next level, the Airwrap Co-anda 2x is also Bluetooth-compatible, meaning you can pair it with the MyDyson app. to unlock i.d. curl, a custom curling sequence based on hair type and styling preferences. 

Our Reviews

Holly Rhue, editorial director

“I have to admit, I wasn’t exactly the #1 fan of past Airwrap iterations. When people ask, I’ve always advised friends to think of it as a blowout tool, not a curling tool. For me, I could never achieve bouncy curls that would actually last, and found it faster to use a traditional curling iron (even if that was worse for my hair). But with this newest iteration, I’m walking back on everything I’ve said before! The new Airwrap is truly so much faster—and significantly more powerful. Using the barrels on full blast (and with a bit of tension), I’m able to transform my damp, naturally wavy hair into smooth, bouncy curls with a single attachment. And this time, the style actually holds up for hours and hours. If the Airwrap hasn’t worked for you in the past—and you can relate to what I’m saying here—I implore you to give it another go!”

Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

“I’ll be honest: I’ve historically avoided at-home blowouts because they take forever to do on my long, thick, curly hair—and most tools just aren’t built for the job. Some get too hot and cause damage, while others aren’t designed to smooth textured hair, especially at the roots. So when Dyson positioned this launch as its most powerful tool yet, I was curious to see if it could really streamline my styling routine. After rough-drying my roots with the Fast Dryer 2x, I reached for the Anti-Snag Loop Brush 2x to straighten my hair. I appreciated how the bristles didn’t pull or snag, and just a few passes left my hair smooth. To finish, I tried the 1.6-inch Coanda 2x Curling Barrel. It took some trial and error to figure out how to get my hair to wrap properly, but once I got the hang of it, I loved the loose curls it created. Overall, I was impressed by how glossy my hair looked post-styling. My blowout truly looked like a professional did it. And on days when I wear my hair curly, the diffuser attachment is equally impressive. Its structured design distributes airflow evenly from roots to ends, cutting down dry time and leaving me with full, fluffy curls. Now, the price tag for this Dyson tool is steep, so I can’t deem it an absolute must-have, but if you are looking to splurge, you will definitely be pleased with your purchase.”

Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer

“As someone who is terrible at using a blow dryer and a round brush to achieve an at-home blowout, the Dyson Airwrap is an MVP in my hairstyling routine. The easy-to-use attachments dry and smooth my hair without killing my wrists. This new version of the Airwrap promises faster speed and drying time, and I’ve found that, especially with the simple dryer attachment, it feels just as powerful as the OG Dyson blow dryer. It took my fine hair from super wet to completely dry in 10 minutes.”

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle are two of the most talked-about and innovative styling tools out there. The infamous brands are known for their inventive technologies that transform the way we view standard hair dryers. They offer numerous attachments that achieve salon-quality styles, allowing you to create everything from a sleek, straight blowout to big, bouncy curls from the comfort of your own home. While both multi-styling and drying systems may appear similar, there are significant differences between the two, including the price tag.

We tapped our Byrdie editors and testers to evaluate which product deserves the top spot. We put the devices to the test, assessing them on their attachments, settings, performance, and value to help you make the best purchase for your needs, texture, and budget. Below, find out how the two devices compare; the results may surprise you.