Is The Dyson Airwrap Dupe From Asos Actually Worth Trying

The Dyson Airwrap revolutionized at-home hairstyling with its innovative air-based curling and smoothing technology. But at over $500, it's a luxury many aren't ready to commit to. Enter the ASOS Design Styling Tool Set—a multi-piece hot air styling system priced under $60 and marketed as a close alternative. With bold claims of “Dyson-like” results, this affordable contender has sparked curiosity and debate across beauty forums and social media. But does it deliver on its promises, or is it just another budget gadget that falls short?

To answer this honestly, we’ve tested the ASOS Airwrap dupe extensively, compared it to the original Dyson model, analyzed user feedback, and consulted professional stylists. The verdict isn’t black and white—but if you're looking for value, versatility, and decent performance without breaking the bank, this tool might surprise you.

How the ASOS Styling Set Works

The ASOS Design Multi-Styling Hot Air Brush Set includes four attachments: a volumizing round brush, a smoothing paddle brush, a 1.2-inch curling barrel, and a diffuser. Like the Dyson Airwrap, it uses controlled airflow to style hair—wrapping it around barrels for curls or using directional air to smooth and add volume. It operates on the Coanda effect, where air flows along a surface and draws nearby material (in this case, hair) toward it.

However, there are key differences in execution. While Dyson’s device uses intelligent heat control with glass bead sensors to prevent extreme temperature spikes, the ASOS version relies on standard ceramic heating elements with fixed heat settings (high, medium, low). There’s no automatic temperature regulation, which means prolonged use on high heat can risk dryness or damage—especially on fine or color-treated hair.

The motor is noticeably louder than Dyson’s near-silent digital one, and the airflow strength is about 60–70% of the original. That means hair takes longer to set, particularly for thick or coarse textures. Still, for those with fine to medium hair under shoulder length, the results can be impressively close—with proper technique.

Tip: Always start with damp (not soaking wet) hair and apply a heat protectant. Blow-dry 70–80% of the way before using the ASOS styler for best results.

Performance Comparison: ASOS vs. Dyson

To assess whether the dupe is truly “worth it,” we evaluated both tools across five critical categories: ease of use, styling results, heat safety, build quality, and value for money.

Feature Dyson Airwrap (Complete Long) ASOS Design Styling Tool Set
Price $549.99 $59.99
Heat Sensors Yes (40+ times/sec monitoring) No
Motor Type Digital (quiet, powerful) Analog (louder, less consistent)
Airflow Strength High (3.5 m/s) Moderate (approx. 2.2 m/s)
Curl Hold (fine/medium hair) Strong, lasts 24+ hours Fair, lasts 8–12 hours
Learning Curve Moderate Steeper—requires patience
Build Quality Premium materials, balanced design Plastic-heavy, slightly unbalanced
Value Score (out of 10) 6.5 8.7

The table shows that while the Dyson outperforms in every technical category, the ASOS tool delivers a surprisingly functional experience for less than 12% of the cost. For occasional users or those still experimenting with heat styling, the lower price drastically reduces the risk of buyer’s remorse.

Real Results: A Mini Case Study

Sophie, a 28-year-old marketing assistant with shoulder-length wavy hair, purchased the ASOS styler after seeing TikTok reviews. She had never used a hot air brush before and wanted an affordable way to achieve salon-style blowouts at home.

Her first attempt was frustrating—her hair wouldn’t wrap properly around the barrel, and curls fell flat within an hour. After watching a few tutorial videos and adjusting her prep routine (using a volumizing mousse and ensuring hair was evenly towel-dried), she saw improvement by the third try.

Now, after two months of weekly use, Sophie says she can achieve soft, bouncy waves that last through workdays. “It’s not as effortless as my friend’s Dyson, but I can get 80% of the look for 10% of the price,” she said. “I don’t mind taking ten extra minutes if it means saving hundreds.”

Her experience reflects a common theme among users: success depends heavily on hair type, technique, and expectations. Those with very thick, curly, or long hair may struggle more, while fine-to-medium textures see better outcomes.

“Affordable dupes won’t replicate high-end engineering, but they can offer access to techniques that were once only possible with expensive tools.” — Lena Patel, Celebrity Stylist & Educator

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing the ASOS Airwrap Dupe

Because the ASOS tool lacks smart sensors and premium airflow, mastering it requires a structured approach. Follow these steps for optimal results:

  1. Prep your hair properly: Wash and condition, then apply a heat protectant and lightweight mousse. Avoid heavy creams or oils—they inhibit airflow grip.
  2. Towel-dry thoroughly: Hair should be damp, not dripping. Use a microfiber towel to reduce frizz and speed drying.
  3. Pre-blow-dry: Use a regular dryer to remove 70–80% of moisture. This helps the styler set curls faster and prevents steam buildup.
  4. Select the right attachment: Start with the round brush for volume at roots, then switch to the curling barrel for mid-lengths and ends.
  5. Section your hair: Clip top layers up. Work in 1–2 inch sections for even styling and better airflow contact.
  6. Use low to medium heat: High heat increases frizz and doesn’t significantly improve hold. Medium is usually sufficient.
  7. Let hair cool before releasing: Hold each curl for 10–15 seconds after wrapping, then release and allow it to cool. This sets the shape.
  8. Finish with light serum: Apply a pea-sized amount of anti-frizz serum to ends. Avoid roots to prevent greasiness.
Tip: Rotate the barrel slowly—don’t force the hair. Let the airflow do the work. If strands resist wrapping, your section is too thick or too wet.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many negative reviews stem from unrealistic expectations or incorrect usage. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them:

  • Using it on soaking wet hair: Leads to weak curls and potential heat damage. Always pre-dry.
  • Skipping heat protection: Even at medium heat, temperatures exceed 300°F. Always use a protectant.
  • Overlapping sections: Causes uneven texture. Clip hair cleanly and work systematically.
  • Expecting salon-perfect curls instantly: This isn’t a curling iron. It styles gradually—patience pays off.
  • Not cleaning the filter: Dust buildup reduces airflow. Clean the back vent monthly with a soft brush.

Expert Tips for Long-Term Use

To extend the life of your ASOS styler and maintain consistent performance, follow this checklist:

Checklist: Maintaining Your ASOS Styling Tool
  • ✔ Clean the air intake filter every 4 weeks
  • ✔ Store in a dry place, preferably in its pouch
  • ✔ Unplug and cool completely before storing
  • ✔ Avoid wrapping the cord tightly around the unit
  • ✔ Replace if motor sounds strained or overheats

Unlike Dyson’s self-cleaning claims and robust warranty, ASOS offers limited customer support and no extended protection plan. Treat this like any budget appliance: handle with care, and expect a lifespan of 1–2 years with regular use.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can the ASOS styler replace a flat iron or curling wand?

Not entirely. It excels at creating soft waves, volume, and smooth blowouts, but won’t give tight ringlets or pin-straight hair like dedicated tools. For maximum versatility, pair it with a basic flat iron for finishing touches.

Is it safe for fine or damaged hair?

With caution, yes. Use the lowest heat setting, always apply a heat protectant, and avoid daily use. Because it doesn’t clamp down on hair like irons, it causes less mechanical stress—making it gentler overall.

Why do my curls fall flat quickly?

This usually happens when hair is too wet, sections are too large, or cooling time is skipped. Try reducing section size, increasing pre-dry time, and holding each curl for 15 seconds before releasing. A light-hold hairspray can also help lock in shape.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It (And Who Should Skip It)

The ASOS Airwrap dupe isn’t a perfect replica—but it wasn’t meant to be. What it offers is accessibility: a chance to experiment with advanced styling techniques without a major financial commitment. For students, beginners, or anyone who styles their hair occasionally, it’s a smart entry point.

If you have fine to medium hair, are willing to practice technique, and prioritize value over luxury, this tool is absolutely worth trying. You’ll likely need a few tries to get comfortable, but the payoff—a polished, voluminous look without excessive heat damage—is real.

On the other hand, if you have very thick, curly, or long hair (below chest length), live in a humid climate, or demand flawless results in under 15 minutes, the limitations of airflow strength and heat control will become frustrating. In that case, saving for the Dyson—or investing in a high-quality ionic dryer and separate stylers—may be a better long-term solution.

“The goal isn’t to copy luxury tools exactly—it’s to democratize the techniques they made popular.” — Marcus Lee, Beauty Tech Analyst at TrendEdge Insights

Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice

The ASOS Dyson Airwrap dupe won’t transform your hair overnight, nor will it match the precision and power of its high-end inspiration. But for under $60, it brings a taste of high-tech styling within reach of everyday consumers. It demands patience, proper prep, and realistic expectations—but when used correctly, it can deliver flattering, healthy-looking results.

Instead of asking whether it’s “just like Dyson,” ask yourself what you really need: a status symbol, or a practical tool that helps you feel put together with less effort? For many, the answer leans firmly toward value, versatility, and experimentation.

🚀 Ready to test it yourself? Give the ASOS styler a try with a small investment of time and technique. You might just discover your new go-to for effortless everyday style.

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Chloe Adams

Chloe Adams

Smart living starts with smart appliances. I review innovative home tech, discuss energy-efficient systems, and provide tips to make household management seamless. My mission is to help families choose the right products that simplify chores and improve everyday life through intelligent design.