Dreame AirStyle Era Multi-Styler Offers Versatility and Performance
The Dreame AirStyle Era emerges as the brand’s most adaptable multi-styler to date, boasting eight distinct attachments designed to cater to a wide spectrum of hair styling needs. Its auto-wrap curl barrels are particularly impressive, delivering excellent results, though they can be a touch intricate to maneuver. The inclusion of a diffuser is a long-awaited and welcome addition, enhancing its utility for various hair types. The device itself is constructed with quality materials, offering a comfortable user experience.
However, the straightening nozzle does not quite meet expectations, and the lower temperature settings may prove insufficient for individuals with longer or thicker hair. Despite these limitations, the AirStyle Era comes remarkably close to replicating the performance of the premium Dyson Airwrap, all while being offered at a more accessible price point.
Key Features and Innovations
This eight-in-one multi-styler functions as a powerful dryer and facilitates the creation of smooth, curly, bouncy, or straightened styles from a single unit. It represents an evolution from the brand’s previous seven-in-one AirStyle Pro, addressing notable omissions in its predecessor’s design. The most significant enhancements include the addition of a diffuser and the replacement of the Pro’s flyaway attachment with a U-shaped straightening nozzle.
Auto-Wrap Curl Barrels Shine
The standout feature remains the auto-wrap curl barrels. These barrels utilize 360-degree airflow to automatically draw hair in, producing voluminous, natural-looking curls without the need for manual winding. For users with fine to medium hair, the results are exceptional. Priced at $349.99 / £349 / AU$699, the Era significantly undercuts the Dyson Airwrap, offering comparable curling performance at a substantially lower cost.
The smoothing brushes also perform admirably, and the new diffuser attachment is a valuable asset for those with naturally curly or wavy hair seeking definition without disruption.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the AirStyle Era has notable drawbacks. The maximum temperature of 176°F / 80°C, unchanged from the previous model, might be a limiting factor for individuals with thicker or longer hair that requires higher heat for effective styling. While a separate, more powerful dryer could be used for the initial drying phase, this detracts from the convenience of an all-in-one tool.
Furthermore, the straightening nozzle, while an improvement over the previous flyaway attachment in concept, proves to be somewhat time-consuming and fiddly in practice. These individual issues, while not insurmountable, collectively prevent the AirStyle Era from reaching its full potential.
Design and User Experience
The Dreame AirStyle Era maintains a familiar tube-shaped dryer design onto which various styling heads are attached. Available in an appealing pink colorway with bronze accents, it features a comfortable, pebbled leather-texture grip. Weighing just 0.64lbs (0.29kg) without the cord, it is lightweight and easy to handle during extended styling sessions.
Controls are intuitively placed on the handle, offering easy access to heat settings and fan speeds. The cool shot function is integrated into the on/off slider. The device includes a removable dual intake filter for motor protection and a 9.2ft (2.8m) cord with a 360-degree swivel to prevent tangling.
Attachment Mechanism and Inclusions
The eight attachments utilize a twist-on mechanism that has been improved for security, now featuring magnetic locking as well as the twist-on system, addressing a previous concern. The attachment lineup includes:
- Fast dryer nozzle
- U-shaped straightening nozzle
- Detachable diffuser
- Two 32mm auto-wrap curl barrels (left and right)
- Soft smoothing brush
- Hard smoothing brush
- Round volumizing brush
The inclusion of the straightening nozzle and diffuser addresses significant gaps in the AirStyle Pro’s functionality, making the Era a more comprehensive styling solution. The device is presented in a stylish storage box, complete with a travel bag.
Performance Analysis
The fast dryer attachment effectively dries fine to medium hair to the recommended 80% dryness, though it may require more time for thicker or longer hair types. The auto-wrap curl barrels deliver impressive, long-lasting curls. However, switching between left and right curl directions necessitates swapping the barrels, which can interrupt the styling flow, especially as the barrel is hot.
The straightening nozzle, while designed to smooth without heat plates, requires small sections of hair and can be time-consuming. The diffuser performs as expected, distributing air evenly for natural curl definition. The smoothing brushes are effective, with the soft brush being gentle for fine hair and the hard brush tackling coarser textures.
In terms of noise, the device operates at approximately 79dB on its highest setting, which is within the typical range for such appliances and allows for conversation.
Value and Considerations
The Dreame AirStyle Era presents a compelling value proposition, positioning itself as a strong alternative to more expensive high-end stylers. Its comprehensive set of attachments makes it a versatile tool for various styling needs.
Who Should Buy It?
- Individuals seeking Dyson Airwrap-level results without the premium price tag.
- Those who desire a single tool capable of drying, curling, straightening, smoothing, volumizing, and diffusing.
- Users with fine or medium hair who can benefit from the device’s temperature range.
Who Should Avoid It?
- Individuals with thick or long hair who may require higher heat settings for effective styling.
- Those who prioritize quick and effortless frizz control and flyaway taming, as the straightening nozzle is less efficient than previous attachments.
- Users who want seamless switching between directional curls without manual barrel changes.
Technical Specifications
- Weight (styler only, no cord): 0.64lbs / 0.29kg
- Dimensions (styler only): 1.76 x 1.76 x 10.2in / 4.5 x 4.5 x 26cm
- Cord Length: 9.2ft / 2.8m
- Temperatures (US): 2 settings (122°F / 50°C and 176°F / 80°C) + cool shot
- Speeds (US): 3 settings (50m/s, 55m/s, 60m/s)
- Wattage: 1,300W
- Attachments: Fast dryer, straightening nozzle, diffuser, 32mm auto-wrap barrels (L+R), hard smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, round volumizing brush
