Since Dyson launched its iconic Airwrap in 2018, it took years for alternative haircare brands to catch up. It's no secret that the Airwrap still dominates the industry, especially due to its premium look and stunning results. However, times have changed, and the quality of affordable alternatives out there is only getting better and better.
In my search for the best Dyson Airwrap dupes, I recently came across the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler, and was instantly impressed by the amount of attachments it had. Once I'd gotten over this (and its gorgeous colour), I couldn't wait to start using it.
Keep reading to find out what my testing experience was like, and how this premium multi-styler lives up the big boys.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: price and availability
The Italia Prodigy Air Styler has an RRP of £249.99 and can be purchased from Bellissima and other selected retailers, including Boots, John Lewis and Argos. It's not yet available in the US.
It just comes in the one colourway, but it's a stylish deep golden brown that I absolutely love.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: unboxing and set up
Unboxing the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler was a simple process, especially as I came across the styler and attachments right away. Each part was packed securely and wrapped in a plastic cover to ensure they're free from scratches or damage during shipping.
As well as the styler, attachments and instruction manual, there's also a really handy storage bag. Whilst it's hard not to love the look of the Dyson Airwrap beauty case, it's no secret that it can be a pain to travel with. The Bellissima storage bag is a great way to keep everything neat and tidy, and can fit easily in a suitcase. It's also made from a lovely soft material that will prevent any unwanted scratches.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: design and features
Design wise, the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler isn't just a stylish hair tool. It has a a bunch of impressive features that set it apart from competitors, and its array of attachments make it extremely versatile.
The styler itself is lightweight and finished with a ceramic-coated matte texture, giving it a professional, high-end look. Its buttons are well placed, and it's great to see a couple of strategically placed airflow vents that help distribute heat evenly.
One of my pet peeves about styling tools is when the power cord is too short, but the Italia Prodigy Air Styler's nearly two-metre cable is more than enough.
First up is the concentrator nozzle and the Coanda curlers. The nozzle is designed to be used on damp hair before styling takes place, and is perfect for creating a bit of volume before going in with a different attachment.
The Coanda curlers use Coanda Technology to generate 200 micro-flows of air, allowing the hair to wrap around the cylinders for defined waves and curls. This is the same technology that a lot of higher end models use, so it's great to see more affordable stylers adopt it as well. Unfortunately, there are separate curlers for different sides of the head, but Dyson is one of the only brands to combine them together, so watch this space.
The Coanda curlers are ceramic-coated, which works to maintain the right styling temperature without overheating sections of the hair. This therefore reduced the risk of breakage or dryness, whilst looking great at the same time!
We've then got a detangling brush, oval volumising brush and a 38 mm round brush, two of which are also ceramic-coated. These are great if you want to add volume, create a smooth look or go for a blow dry. Each attachment is designed to be easily interchangeable, which is great if you're using more than one in your styling routine.
The Italia Prodigy Air Styler is also equipped with ionic technology, designed to release negative ions to reduce frizz and enhance shine. This helps smooth the hair during the styling process, which is perfect if flyaways are a common occurrence for you.
Users also have the choice between multiple heat and speed settings with each attachment, allowing you to control the intensity of the styling process. Depending on which setting you choose, the styler's temperature ranges between 60°C to 190°C, which is ideal if you're aware of the exact temperature you should style your hair.
Finally, a cool shot feature allows you to lock in your style with a blast of cool air, which is particularly useful for setting curls or adding lasting volume.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: performance
I've found the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler to be an extremely versatile device, especially when it comes to the amount of attachments it has. I was also pleased to see my hair remain healthy throughout use, something I've put down to the ceramic-coated attachments.
When using the styler, the concentrator nozzle, detangling brush and Coanda curlers were the attachments I used the most. The nozzle provided a quick rough dry that prepped by hair for styling, and the detangling brush ensured there weren't any knots before I got started. I also loved the waves that the Coanda curlers achieved, and when using the right styling products, they stayed in for most of the day.
I did use the oval volumising brush and a 38 mm round brush, but usually when I wanted my hair to look styled without putting in the work. Either way, it was great to have the choice between the two sizes.
The only thing that disappointed me was the Ionic technology...well, lack of. I didn't notice my hair looking smoother or less frizzy than usual, despite using the styler in a multitude of different ways. It obviously depends on your hair type, but as someone with wavy to straight hair, the Ionic technology wasn't as apparent as I'd have liked it to be.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: verdict
I'm really impressed with the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler, and have found it to be an extremely versatile hair styling tool. Its six attachments, innovative features and premium design sets it apart from competitors, especially as a more affordable model. I was able to create a multitude of different looks, with each one lasting throughout the day. It's a shame that there are separate curlers for different sides of the head, and I didn't really notice the Ionic technology, but apart from that, I think it's a great choice.
Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler review: alternatives to consider
One multi-styler I'd recommend has to be the Shark FlexStyle. It's a little more expensive, coming in at £299.99, but has even more impressive features. The handle is split into two parts that swivel and click into place so you can easily switch from a dryer to a styler, and it comes with a Curl-Defining Diffuser, something the Bellissima doesn’t offer.
If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend the Parwin Pro Beauty 4-in-1 Air Styler. It can be used as a hairdryer, hair curler, hair dryer brush, round hair brush, blow dry hair brush and straightening brush, and its intelligent heat control feature ensures your hair remains healthy. Oh, and it's just under £70!
