L’Oreal Professionnel AirLight Pro review: Faster, lighter and repairable

AirLight compatible with iOS 13.0 or later (including iPad), Android 8.0 Oreo or later, and Bluetooth 5.0. It offers 12 presets adjusted for four different modes: Standard, Sleek, Curly, and Coil. Each preset is adjustable and can be saved for future use, so when you lock in your settings, they’re always ready. There’s also a fully customizable mode. Another small but welcome feature is the app’s usage tracker, which records the time you spend using the dryer. It may sound trivial, but knowing when to clean the filter can prolong the life of the 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 how much better it could be with features like heat styling tips from the experts, quick how-to videos, or even curated inspiration boards for different hairstyles. L’Oréal has laid the foundation here and I’m curious to see how they will develop that foundation in the future.

Hair shown after drying with concentrated product (no comb)

In an industry where many devices end up in landfills, the AirLight Pro is an exception. L’Oréal claims the AirLight Pro motor is built to last, with a lifespan that can last up to 10 years of professional-level use—that’s about two hours a day, five days a week. For anyone faced with cheap hair dryers that only last a season, this alone is a promising proposition.

What really sets the AirLight Pro apart, however, is its repair capabilities. L’Oréal will offer replacement parts starting in early 2025. AirLight Pro also has a built-in filter cleaning alert when cleaning is needed. Frequency varies depending on air quality, daily dust and other particles (e.g. hairspray). If the filter reaches a critical condition, the dryer will shut off until you clean the filter to prevent motor damage. I haven’t gotten to that point yet so I can’t vouch for how well it works, but I appreciate the idea of ​​a hair dryer that focuses on its longevity.

At $475, the AirLight Pro isn’t cheap. But it’s only $45 more than the Dyson SuperSonic and has a lot of advantages — it’s quieter than the Dyson, dries hair faster, and is more customizable with the app. And most importantly, you can repair it if it breaks after the warranty expires. If I’m going to spend nearly $500 on a hair dryer, I want to make sure I only do it once. The fit experience of AirLight Pro is worth it.