If you have been scrolling TikTok lately, you have likely seen the “battle of the blowouts.” For years, the Dyson Airwrap reigned supreme—an untouchable, albeit exorbitantly expensive, queen of hair tools. But recently, Bondi Boost threw their hat in the ring with the Everlast Airstyler, a tool that looks suspiciously similar but costs a fraction of the price.
As someone who has treated their Dyson Airwrap like a firstborn child for years, I was skeptical. Can a tool that costs nearly $400 less really compete with the engineering giant that is Dyson? Or is it just another loud hair dryer in a fancy box? I tested both side-by-side to see if you can truly get champagne curls on a lemonade budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dyson Airwrap (Multi-Styler) | Bondi Boost Everlast Airstyler |
| Primary Tech | Coanda airflow (aerodynamic styling) | Air styling (heat & airflow) |
| Price Point | Luxury Investment (~$600) | Mid-Range Affordable (~$188) |
| Heat Control | Intelligent control (measures 40x/sec), max ~150°C | 3 settings, runs noticeably hotter |
| Curling Barrels | Bi-directional (one barrel for both directions) | Separate Left & Right barrels |
| Weight | Lightweight, balanced | Slightly bulkier, plastic feel |
| Noise Level | High-pitched but “smooth” motor sound | Louder, more “traditional dryer” sound |
| Finish | Shinier, softer, less frizz | Good volume, but can feel drier |
| Best For | Hair health enthusiasts, daily stylers | Budget-conscious, occasional blowouts |
My Experience With Dyson Airwrap
Using the Dyson Airwrap is a “trust the process” experience.
The first few times I used it, I looked like a poodle. But once I mastered the Coanda effect—the aerodynamic phenomenon that attracts hair to the barrel without clamping—it changed my hair game forever.
The magic of the Dyson is how gentle it feels. It doesn’t sizzle; it just uses warm air to wrap the hair for you.
I use the round volumizing brush for my roots and the barrels for my lengths.
The result is that specific “rich girl hair” look: bouncy, shiny, and expensive-looking.
The newer models have a bi-directional barrel, meaning I don’t have to switch attachments when I move from the left side of my head to the right; I just twist the cool tip.
It’s seamless. However, the hold can be tricky. Because it uses less heat, my curls tend to drop faster unless I use a lot of mousse and the “cool shot” button religiously.
Pros Of Dyson Airwrap
- Unmatched Hair Health: This is the main reason you pay the premium. The Airwrap is obsessive about temperature. It never gets hot enough to break the chemical bonds of your hair aggressively. If you bleach your hair or have fine, fragile strands, this is the safest tool on the market.
- The Coanda Effect is Superior: Dyson’s motor is a beast. The way it grabs the hair feels magnetic and controlled. You don’t have to work hard; the tool does 90% of the wrapping. Other tools try to mimic this, but Dyson’s airflow is smoother and less chaotic, leading to fewer tangles.
- Bi-Directional Barrels: The convenience of not having to swap hot attachments mid-style is a luxury you don’t realize you need until you lose it. Being able to switch curl direction with a simple twist of the tip speeds up the routine significantly.
- Resale Value: A Dyson holds its value. If you decide to sell it in two years, you can likely get a decent amount of money back. It is an asset as much as a tool.
Read more: My Thoughts on Meidu Hair Dye Shampoo
Cons Of Dyson Airwrap
- The Learning Curve: It is not intuitive. You will hate it for the first week. You have to learn moisture balance (hair must be 80% dry), tension, and cool shots. It is not a “plug and play” device like a straightener.
- Curls Can Drop: Because it uses lower heat, “Airwrap curls” are notorious for falling out within a few hours if you have heavy or slippery hair. You need to use product (mousse, texture spray) to make the style last.
- The Price: It is astronomically expensive. For the price of an Airwrap, you could buy a Bondi Boost, a high-end straightener, and a nice dinner.
Maintenance Tips For Dyson Airwrap
- Clean the Filter Cage: I cannot stress this enough. The magnetic filter cover at the bottom fills with dust and hairspray. If it clogs, the machine will overheat and shut off. Clean it with the little circular brush provided once a month.
- attachment Care: If you use a lot of mousse, the barrels can get sticky. Wipe them down with a damp cloth to ensure the air slots aren’t blocked.
My Experience With Bondi Boost Everlast Airstyler
Unboxing the Bondi Boost Everlast felt surprisingly premium for the price, though you can instantly feel the difference in build quality. It feels lighter and a bit more “plasticky” than the dense, metallic feel of the Dyson. But when I turned it on? It has power.
The Bondi Boost is loud—definitely louder than the Dyson. When I tried the curling barrels, I had to swap them manually (one for the left side, one for the right), which is a bit old-school compared to the new Dyson, but it works.2 The biggest difference I felt was the heat. The Bondi Boost gets hot. While Dyson caps its heat to prevent damage, the Bondi Boost feels more like a traditional hot tool. Paradoxically, this meant my curls actually held better and formed faster because of that higher heat. However, after styling, my ends felt a bit crispier than they do with the Dyson. It gave me massive volume—honestly, more volume than the Dyson—but it lacked that silky, glass-like shine I get from the Airwrap.
Pros Of Bondi Boost Everlast Airstyler
- Incredible Value for Money: You get 90% of the functionality for 30% of the price. You get the drying, the smoothing, and the curling.3 For most people, the subtle difference in finish is not worth the extra $400.
- Better Hold for Thick Hair: Because it runs hotter, it “bakes” the curl in more effectively than the Dyson. If you have thick, coarse hair that laughs at the gentle breeze of an Airwrap, the Bondi Boost might actually work better for you.
- Volume King: The oval volumizing brush attachment on the Bondi Boost is fantastic.4 It creates massive root lift. If you just want a 90s blowout look and aren’t fussed about the curling barrels, this tool excels at that big, fluffy aesthetic.
- Lightweight: It is very light in the hand, which makes it easy to hold above your head for long periods without arm fatigue.
Cons Of Bondi Boost Everlast Airstyler
- Heat Damage Risk: It lacks the sophisticated heat sensor technology of the Dyson. You need to be disciplined with using heat protectant, as it can get quite hot on the high setting.
- Clunkier Workflow: Having to physically remove a hot barrel and click in the other one to change curl direction is annoying and slows down your routine.5 The attachment mechanism can also feel a bit stiff compared to Dyson’s smooth click-in system.
- Noise: It has that high-pitched whine of a powerful DC motor. It’s not deafening, but it’s definitely not the “engineered hum” of the Dyson.
Maintenance Tips For Bondi Boost
- Cool Down Before Swapping: Since the attachments get hotter than the Dyson’s, be careful when swapping them mid-style. Let them cool for a minute or use a towel to grab them to avoid burning your fingers.
- Bristle Check: The bristles on the round brush attachment are softer than Dyson’s. Check them regularly to remove trapped hair, as they can mat down if not cleaned, reducing their volumizing ability.
Also read: My Thoughts on Just Nutritive Shampoo For Gray Hair
Comparison with other brands
- vs. Shark FlexStyle: The Shark is the true middle ground. It bends in half to become a regular hair dryer (which neither Dyson nor Bondi Boost do effectively). The Shark is louder than Dyson but feels higher quality than Bondi Boost. If you can stretch your budget to ~$300, the Shark is a better “dupe” than the Bondi Boost.
- vs. Revlon One-Step: The Bondi Boost is significantly better than the Revlon. The Revlon is a brush only; it cannot curl. The Bondi Boost gives you the versatility of the system (curls + brush) for a price not too far off the higher-end Revlon models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it is a functional dupe. It uses the same air-wrapping principle to curl hair.6 However, it is not a quality dupe; the materials and motor sophistication are lower. You are getting the same style, but not the same experience.
Likely, yes. The Dyson’s primary selling point is intelligent heat control that prevents extreme heat damage. The Bondi Boost relies on higher heat to style, so you must use a good heat protectant.
No. The locking mechanisms are different sizes and shapes. They are not interchangeable.
Conclusion
This decision comes down to your budget and your hair’s fragility.
I would recommend the Dyson Airwrap if you are a daily styler with bleached, fine, or damaged hair. The investment pays off in hair health.7 If you are the type of person who loves tech, appreciates premium build quality, and wants the absolute easiest workflow (bi-directional barrels), bite the bullet and get the Dyson. It is the luxury choice that keeps your hair pristine.
I would recommend the Bondi Boost Everlast Airstyler if you want the “blowout look” for weekend events but don’t style your hair every single day. If you have healthy, medium-to-thick hair that can withstand a bit more heat, this tool will give you long-lasting curls and massive volume without destroying your bank account. It is the smart, budget-savvy choice that delivers the results, even if it lacks the finesse.