We Tried Dyson’s First-Ever Styling Products on 4 Different Hair Types

If you ask us, Dyson is the caviar of hair styling tools. It doesn’t get any more luxurious than the sleek and oh-so-viral Airwrap, which has been backed by hundreds of reviewers, editors, and content creators. The hefty price tag is the only thing between me and my future bouncy blowout, but maybe not for long. The brand just released its first ever styling products that promise all-day hold and shine (even in high humidity).

Fancy packaging and tough-to-beat claims only scratch the surface as to why the new products have our attention. Often, in hair products, the hero ingredient might be a peptide complex or an interesting humectant, but of course, Dyson’s new Chitosan Pre-Style Cream and the Chitosan Post-Style Serum stand out thanks to the brand’s high-end engineered technology. It’s anchored by chitosan, a macromolecule derived from oyster mushrooms, and Dyson Triodetic technology, which all sound expensive and effective in the best way.

Ahead, we unpack the new Dyson launches, and a team of Byrdie editors put the styling products to the test amid the August humidity.

The Products

2024 is the summer of new hair launches (hello, Blake Brown, Commence, and Fenty Hair), but Dyson entering the styling product world is big news. Having products to pair with the Airwrap or Supersonic Hair Dryer makes sense, but best of all, the new Chitosan line can be used with or without the brand’s styling tools. It’s a great introductory route to the brand, and if its pricey products deterred you from trying, the pre-and post-styling serums are under $60—which is still expensive, but it is a fraction of the Airwrap cost. What’s more, the Pre-Styling Hair Cream comes in four variants from light to rich conditioning, tailored from straight to curly hair types.

The Formulas

Dyson’s Triodetic Technology works with the chitosan ingredient to comfortably lock styles in place without leaving a crunchy or stiff texture behind. James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer said in the press release, “Whilst some other styling products use simple polymers that stick the strands of hair together like glue, Dyson’s formulas work differently. When used in Dyson Chitosan formulas, the complex macromolecule helps create flexible bonds that support hair strand by strand, for 2x the hold, with movement and shine.”

The Pre-Style Cream melts into a lightweight serum that conditions and primes the hair before being styled to refine natural shine while adding moisturize to detract frizz. It also helps the hair hold its style for longer. The Post-Style Cream has a similar serum feel that holds, hydrates, and defines the shape of the hair claiming up to 12 hours of hold. It’s also safe to use on colored and treated hair.

As mentioned, there are four variants of the Pre-Style Cream for specific hair types: Straight to Wavy Hair, Light Conditioning; Straight to Wavy Hair, Rich Conditioning; Curly to Coily Hair, Light Conditioning; and Curly to Coily Hair, Rich Conditioning.

The Reviews

Olivia Hancock, editor

“As a fan of Dyson tools like the Supersonic Nural, I was intrigued by the brand’s styling products. I used the Curly to Coily Light Conditioning Pre-Style Cream and Post-Style Serum on my most recent wash day. After soaking up excess water with a microfiber towel, I applied a generous amount of the Pre-Style Cream throughout my curls. The formula has a lightweight creamy texture, and it absorbs effortlessly into my hair. Immediately after application, I noticed that my curls looked smoother and shinier. Most importantly, they looked and felt conditioned. To ensure my curls lasted several days, I applied a light layer of gel to my hair before using my Supersonic Nural and diffuser attachment. The next day, I used the Post-Style Serum to touch up my curls. The silky serum makes a noticeable difference as I could tell it reduced frizz, boosted shine, and further enhanced the definition of my curls.” 

Adelaide Giesey, editor

“I chose the Straight to Wavy Rich Conditioning Pre-Style Cream formula for my thick straight hair. After playing with a few iterations, I found that about 4-5 pumps of the product were enough to coat my strands mid-length through the ends. Over the past year, I have habitually applied a style cream on my damp hair post-shower. However, some products left my hair crunchy, greasy or weighed down. This product had none of those side effects. I love how the packaging ensures that you get a precise dosing with each use! I find that super helpful especially for first-time users. While this was designed to be a pre-style treatment, I did use it before letting my hair air dry and found that it still gave my strands extra shine and reduced frizz. 

“You really can’t go wrong with the Post-Style Cream. My preferred method is massaging one pump into my palms, then raking my hands through my hair (focusing on mid-length through ends) then smoothing my roots with whatever product is left over. It was a great finishing touch to solidify a blowout or a loose curl. There is some forgiveness to this cream, so you don’t have to worry about applying too much and ruining your style. I also went in with 2-3 pumps on days I wanted a slicked-back look. This formula definitely helps extend the life of styles, but doesn’t replace something like hairspray, for those of us who need extreme hold.”

Jasmine Phillips, social editor

“When it comes to my wash-and-gos, I pretty much stick to the same styling routine. After cleansing and conditioning, I apply a gel and mousse to my hair before sitting under my hooded dryer or using my diffuser. Incorporating a new product is always a risk but I was pleasantly surprised by Dyson’s Pre-Style cream. I used it as a leave-in conditioner and it made my hair feel extra soft and hydrated. I did add my other styling products on top for a stronger hold and definition. The Post-Style Serum is great for touching up any curls that need a little extra shine and to reduce frizz.”

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

“I love a bouncy blowout, but I’m usually left with a small halo of frizz that takes away from the total look. However, after applying about four dollops of the Pre-Styling Cream, I noticed that my blowout looked overall sleeker and smoother. Also, my hair felt amazing—somehow it was smoother and way softer than when I didn’t use heat on it. I went with the Light Conditioning for straight and wavy hair, and it added moisture and shine without weighing my hair down or adding any crunch. I noticed less of a difference after using the Post-Styling Cream, but it did feel nice and light, and helped smooth my hair back out on the second day.”