Dyson Airstrait vs ghd Duet Style

Air only against air plus plates

The Airstrait has no hot plates. Its Hyperdymium motor spins at up to 106,000 rpm and pushes two jets of heated air downwards through the section, and glass bead thermistors check the air temperature up to 500 times a second. Dyson says the downward angle creates tension that straightens as the hair dries.

The Duet Style uses what ghd calls Air-fusion technology: air passes through the styler while warm plates smooth the section, with smart sensors that ghd says keep the heat low. It has a wet mode for drying and styling and a shine shot for dry hair only, which ghd says gives instant frizz free hair. Both makers state no heat damage, based on their own testing.

Spec comparison from the listings

Both are corded tools. Listings for the Duet Style show different maximum temperature figures across editions, so check the manual for your unit's settings rather than relying on a single number.

Finish and versatility

Because the Airstrait never presses hair between plates, the result tends to be smooth and straight with natural movement, similar to a salon blow dry. Dyson offers styling guidance for straight, wavy, curly and coily hair. It is not designed for curling.

The Duet Style's plates make the finish a little closer to a straightener, and the dry hair shine shot gives you a way to refresh hair on non wash days. Neither replaces a dedicated straightener for very sleek, pin straight looks or for curls. If you want curls too, keep a wand or straightener for that; see the best curling wands.

Handling and routine

Both tools work best on towel dried hair that is not dripping, combed through and sectioned. Work in sections about the width of the arms, starting at the back. Glide slowly so the air has time to dry the section; if a section is still damp, pass again rather than pressing harder. Both are heavier than a standard straightener because they contain a motor, so take breaks on long hair if your arm tires.

Our Airstrait how to guide covers section sizes and speed. For other wet to dry choices, including Shark and Dreame, see the best wet to dry straighteners.

See all wet to dry straighteners →

Who should choose which

Both suit people who currently blow dry and then straighten. If your hair is already dry most days, a standard plate straightener may suit you better; see the best hair straighteners.

• Want a pure air styler with no hot plates: Dyson Airstrait.
• Want a soft, natural blow dry finish: Dyson Airstrait.
• Want a finish closer to a straightener and a dry hair shine shot: ghd Duet Style.
• Already use ghd products and like the brand's styling: ghd Duet Style.

Electrical safety on wet hair

These tools are designed for damp hair, but they are still mains appliances. Towel dry first so hair is not dripping, keep away from running water and filled basins, and never use them in the bath or shower. Keep air vents clear of hair and dust as the manual describes, and do not wrap the cable tightly around the tool.

Note:Do not use any styler near water in a bath or basin. Stop using it if the cable or casing is damaged, and contact the maker.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ghd Duet Style the same as the Dyson Airstrait? No. The Airstrait uses air only, while the Duet Style combines warm plates with airflow.

Can you use the ghd Duet Style on dry hair? Yes, ghd provides a shine shot for dry hair only, as well as wet mode for drying and styling.

Which is better for curly hair? Both can straighten curly hair from wet. Work in small sections and glide slowly. Dyson publishes guidance for curly and coily hair.

Do wet to dry stylers replace straighteners? For a smooth, natural straight look, often yes. For pin straight finishes or curls, many people keep a plate straightener as well.