Dyson Corrale vs Airwrap

What the Corrale does

The Corrale looks like a conventional straightener but has flexing plates made from a copper alloy that shape around a section of hair. Dyson says this gathers hair and holds tension with less heat. It works on dry hair, has three heat settings, and can be used cordless on battery or plugged in with its magnetic charging cable. Like most straighteners, it can also bend and curl hair with some practice.

Because it is cordless, the Corrale suits quick touch-ups, travel within the rules for lithium batteries and getting ready away from a mirror near a socket. Our guide on how to charge the Dyson Corrale covers charging, and our Corrale worth it explainer looks at value.

What the Airwrap does

The Airwrap uses Coanda airflow: air moving along the barrel draws hair onto it and wraps it automatically. You use it on damp or nearly dry hair, apply warm air and finish with a cold shot. Swap the barrel for a brush to smooth and add volume, or for a dryer attachment to rough dry. The Airwrap Origin listing on Amazon UK includes a 40 mm long barrel, an Anti-snag loop brush and a Fast dryer, keeps the air under 150 °C and runs at 1300 W.

The Airwrap is corded, so it stays at the dressing table. It covers drying and styling in one routine, which is its main appeal.

The trade-off is technique. You need to choose the right curl direction for each side of the head, keep sections a sensible size and remember the cold shot. Most people get there after a few sessions, but expect your first attempts to take longer than your usual routine.

Side by side

The table compares the two tools in general terms. Dyson updates bundles and colours, so check the listing for what is in the box.

Heat, results and hair types

The Corrale's plates still reach straightening temperatures, but Dyson's flexing design aims to need less heat than rigid plates for the same result. Results are sleek and straight, with good control near the root. It suits straight to curly hair that you want smoothed, and it is handy for fringes and touch-ups.

The Airwrap gives bouncy, voluminous styles at lower temperatures. It suits people who wash and style often and like movement in their hair. Curls may drop faster on fine hair than they would from a hot barrel, so a cold shot and cooling time matter. For very tight curls you want straight, plates or the Airstrait do more.

• Sleek, straight hair on dry days: Corrale.
• Curls and bounce from damp hair: Airwrap.
• Styling away from a socket or on the go: Corrale.
• Replacing a dryer, round brush and wand: Airwrap.

Note:The Corrale contains a lithium-ion battery. Follow airline rules when flying, store it on its dock or a heat proof surface and do not charge it with a damaged cable.

Who should buy which

Choose the Corrale if you want straight hair, value cordless use and already have a hair dryer you like. Our Dyson Corrale vs ghd comparison shows how it stacks up against corded premium plates, and the best hair straighteners guide covers alternatives.

Choose the Airwrap if you want curls, waves and volume, prefer air styling and want one tool from wet to finished. If you want straight hair from wet instead, look at the best wet-to-dry straighteners, which include the Dyson Airstrait.

Compare wet-to-dry stylers →

Frequently asked questions

Can the Dyson Corrale curl hair? Yes, with a twist-and-glide technique like other straighteners, though it is designed mainly for straightening.

Can the Airwrap straighten hair? It smooths with its brush attachments for a sleek blow-dry, but it does not flatten hair like plates.

Is the Airwrap cordless? No. The Airwrap is mains powered. The Corrale is Dyson's cordless styler.

Which is gentler on hair? The Airwrap styles with cooler air. The Corrale uses plates but aims to need less heat than rigid plates. Use heat protection with both.