I've tried almost all of Dyson's hair devices; This is the one I would recommend for a variety of different hair care goals.

In recent years, Dyson has become one of the biggest names in hair styling. No wonder, too, that it has created some genuinely innovative products in areas that would otherwise have started to become obsolete (hair dryers; curling irons) and has prompted many other brands to up their game too.

There is currently a solid range of styling options in Dyson's line-up, with tools for different hair types and styling needs. I've tried most of them myself, so I know how they work, where they shine, and what limitations I should be aware of.

None of these stylers are cheap, so it's worth finding out which one is best for you before investing. The good news is that right now some of them are discounted in the Presidents' Day sales, making them significantly more affordable than usual, so if you're thinking about investing in your hair care, now is a good time to buy them.

Dyson Airwrap ID

(Image credit: future)

This is the penultimate version of Dyson's ultra-popular multi-styler, sitting between the Airwrap Origin (which can be hard to find these days) and the Airwrap Co-anda 2x. It improves on its predecessor by adding an automated curl sequence that is programmed for your specific hair type and started with the flip of a switch. A wide range of accessories are available and you can create clockwise and counterclockwise curls on the same barrel.

I rate it as the best multi-styler on the market right now. It feels premium, works exactly as it should, and makes creating curls incredibly easy.

The best for…

Although it can be used for a variety of blow-dry styles (or simply blow-dried on its own), the USP here is its curling capabilities. There are versions with accessories for straight/wavy hair and curly/coiled hair.

Read more: Dyson Airwrap ID Review

Alternatives

If you're not going to use the curling barrels, I'd opt for one of Dyson's hair dryers, either the Supersonic or the Supersonic Nural. Both have similar accessory options (except the curling barrels) and offer more drying power. If you want to splurge, there's also the Co-anda 2x Airwrap, which is lighter and more powerful.

Dyson Supersonic Nural

Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer

(Image credit: future)

What is it?

A supercharged version of Dyson's original Supersonic hair dryer. The USP is a 'Scalp Protection' mode, which automatically adjusts the temperature depending on how close the dryer is to the user's head. It also has accessory memory, so the dryer will return to the last setting used for each accessory and automatically stop when the dryer detects that it has been placed on a surface.

I loved this dryer when I tried it – it just eliminates all those little weak spots you get with regular hair dryers. The special features aren't strictly necessary, but if you're a style enthusiast and want to splurge, it's worth it.

The best for…

Dry hair and create a variety of blow-dry styles. It is suitable for any type of hair.

Read more: Dyson Supersonic Nural Review

Alternatives

If drying is your priority, there's also the Supersonic r, which is lighter and offers more precision, but lacks the Scalp Protect mode. If you just want to create straight styles, you might consider the Airstrait wet to straight, while the Airwrap id and Co-anda 2x offer automatic curling as well as drying.

Dyson air strait

(Image credit: future)

What is it?

Dyson's pioneering wet-to-straight straightener, which uses air blades to straighten hair while drying it. I didn't try it myself, but my teammate was impressed with the innovation on display here and the potential to save time and prevent heat damage. But don't expect very smooth results: it offers a more natural appearance. It is also significantly more voluminous than normal hair straighteners.

The best for…

In theory, it's suitable for any hair type, but I probably wouldn't recommend it for people with very curly or kinky hair. Its shape means you can't get very close to the roots, and I suspect that air alone won't have the flattening power needed to create long-lasting straight styles on frizzy hair.

Read more: Dyson Airstrait Review

Alternatives

The Corrale is Dyson's exclusive hair straightener with hot plates and, unlike the Airstrait, it's cordless. The Dyson Co-anda 2x has a compatible 'AirSmooth2x' accessory, included with the Straight+Wavy package, which appears to be based on a similar idea. It also uses air to straighten hair, although in this case it is designed to be used on dry hair.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x multi-styler

(Image credit: Dyson)

What is it?

The latest and greatest version of the Dyson multi-styler. It is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, but otherwise very similar. You'll get the all-important auto-wrap curl cylinders and an automated curl sequence that times everything for you. There is a wide range of other accessories, with options for different hair types; The unique addition here is a straightening attachment that uses only air to straighten dry hair.

I haven't had a chance to test it properly, but I did have a brief hands-on time at a product show. It felt lightweight and certainly wrapped the hair efficiently, but I'm not sure if it would be worth the extra expense compared to the id version for me.

The best for…

The unique feature here is the self-wrapping curl barrels, but you can use this device to dry your hair and create a wide range of blow-dry styles.

Read more: What is Dyson Co-anda 2x?

Alternatives

The Airwrap id is very similar, except it is heavier and less powerful. If you don't want to create curls, you also have the option of the Supersonic ry and Supersonic Nural hair dryers, which come with a similar selection of drying attachment options.

Dyson Supersonic r

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer in the reviewer's hand

(Image credit: future)

What is it?

The consumer version of Dyson's ultra-slim professional hair dryer. A wide range of compatible accessories are available for different styles and hair types, and the dryer will automatically return to its preferred setting for each. When I tried it out, I found that its odd shape was great for precise styling. It's also lightweight and packs plenty of power in its compact form.

The best for…

Dry hair and create different blow-dry styles, including complex and precise styles. Suitable for any type of hair.

Read more: Dyson Supersonic r review

Alternatives

The other hair dryer in the line is the Dyson Supersonic Nural, which has a bulkier build but adds a “scalp protection” feature. If you want a dryer that can also create curls, there's the Airwrap Co-anda 2x or Airwrap id, or just for soft styles, there's the Dyson Airstrait wet to straight.

Dyson Corrale

(Image credit: Future/Vicky Woollaston)

Dyson's cordless straightener with flexible hot plates, which flex around hair to effectively straighten hair with less heat damage. In my testing, I really liked the fact that it could be used cordless (still very rare in the hair straightener market), but I found it a bit bulky and heavy. I liked the potential of the flex plates to prevent excess heat, but found that they could snag slightly.

The best for…

Straighten your hair or, with a little skill, create curls. Suitable for all hair types.

Alternatives

Within the Dyson range, your other option is the corded Airstrait, which uses directed air instead of hot plates and will create a more natural look. That one also has cable. Otherwise, you can choose from the best irons from any other brand, although cordless options are rare and the flex plate design is unique to Dyson.