AirLight is compatible with iOS 13.0 and above (including iPad), Android 8.0 Oreo and above, and Bluetooth 5.0. It offers 12 presets for four different modes: Standard, Sleek, Curly, and Coilly. Each preset is adjustable and can be saved for future use, so once you lock a setting, it’s always available. There’s also a fully customizable mode. Another small but welcome feature is the app’s usage tracker, which records how long you use the dryer. It sounds like a small thing, but knowing when to clean your filters can extend the life of your product (more on this later).
The app is clearly in its early stages, but it works well and has plenty of room for updates. I can’t help but imagine that it would be even better with features like heat styling tips from the pros, easy video tutorials, and even hand-picked inspiration boards for different hairstyles. L’Oréal has laid the foundation here, and I’m interested to see how they build on it going forward.
In an industry where many gadgets are destined for landfill, AirLight Pro is an outlier. L’Oréal claims the AirLight Pro engine is designed for long-term use, with a lifespan extending up to 10 years of professional-level use (approximately 2 hours per day, 5 days per week). I’m doing it. If you’ve ever used a cheap hair dryer that only lasted one season, this alone is a promising proposition.
But what really sets AirLight Pro apart is its repairability. L’Oréal will start offering spare parts from early 2025. AirLight Pro also has a built-in filter cleaning alert when cleaning is required. The frequency varies depending on air quality, everyday dust, and other particles (such as hairspray). If the filter reaches a critical condition, the dryer will stop until you clean the filter to avoid damaging the motor. I haven’t gotten to that point yet so I can’t vouch for how well it will work, but I appreciate the idea of considering the lifespan of the dryer.
At $475, the AirLight Pro isn’t cheap. But for only $45 more than the much-talked-about Dyson SuperSonic, it has many benefits, including being quieter than the Dyson, drying your hair faster, and being more customizable with an app. And most importantly, if it breaks down after the warranty period, it can be repaired. If I’m going to spend about $500 on a hair dryer, I want to only use it once. AirLight Pro’s customized experience is worth it.
