Can you use a Dyson Airwrap on wet or dry hair?

Why moisture matters

Hair changes shape most easily as it moves from damp to dry. As water leaves the hair, it sets in whatever shape it is held in, which is why a curl wrapped around a barrel while the hair dries holds its form once cooled.

Soaking wet hair is heavy, and the Coanda airflow struggles to lift and wrap heavy sections. It also takes a long time to dry on the barrel. Completely dry hair, on the other hand, has less to set, so curls made from dry hair tend to be looser and drop sooner. Damp hair sits in the middle.

How damp for each attachment

Dyson's instructions for the Airwrap Origin start with towel-drying and then using the fast dryer to pre-dry hair until damp before fitting the barrel. The table below sums up the general guidance; check your manual for model-specific advice.

A simple wet-to-curls routine

This routine works for most hair types. Adjust the timings for thick or very fine hair.

If curls drop quickly, the hair was probably too wet when you curled it, or you skipped the cool step. Our guide on how to use the Dyson Airwrap covers sectioning and barrel direction.

1. 1

   Towel-dry hair gently and apply heat protection if you use it.

2. 2

   Use the dryer attachment on medium heat and high speed until hair is damp, not wet.

3. 3

   Section hair and fit the curling barrel.

4. 4

   Wrap a narrow section, hold on warm for a few seconds, then use the cold shot.

5. 5

   Release and let each curl cool before brushing or touching it.

Using the Airwrap on dry hair

You can use the Airwrap on dry hair, most often to refresh curls on the second or third day. Lightly mist each section with water so it is slightly damp, then wrap as normal and finish with cool air. A styling spray designed for heat tools can help hold.

Smoothing brushes also work on dry hair to tame frizz and fly-aways, but the effect is milder than on damp hair. Do not keep going over the same section on dry hair: the aim is a quick touch-up, not a full restyle.

Note:Never spray water onto the Airwrap itself or use it in a wet bathroom near a bath or shower. Unplug it before cleaning, and keep the intake filter clear.

The Shark FlexStyle and other multi-stylers

The same principles apply to the Shark FlexStyle, the Dreame AirStyle and other Coanda stylers. Use the dryer mode on wet hair, then switch to the curlers or brushes once hair is damp. The FlexStyle rotates into a conventional dryer shape for the first stage, which some people find easier for rough-drying.

See how to use the Shark FlexStyle for its specific steps, and our best Airwrap-style multi-stylers for how the alternatives compare.

Compare multi-stylers →

Troubleshooting curls that will not form

If hair will not wrap, it is usually too wet, the section is too wide or the filter is clogged and reducing airflow. Dry a little more, take smaller sections and clean the filter. Our guide on cleaning the Airwrap filter shows how.

If curls wrap but fall out, try curling at a slightly damper stage, hold longer on warm and always finish with cool air. Very straight, heavy hair may need a long-barrel or a smaller-diameter barrel; our Airwrap models compared guide explains the options. For more on how airflow creates the curl, read how the Dyson Airwrap works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Airwrap barrels on wet hair? Not on soaking wet hair. It is too heavy to wrap and takes too long to dry. Pre-dry with the dryer attachment until damp first.

Can you use a Dyson Airwrap on dry hair? Yes, mainly to refresh curls. Mist each section lightly with water, wrap, then finish with the cold shot.

Can you use the Shark FlexStyle on wet hair? Use the dryer mode on wet hair, then switch to the curlers or brushes once hair is damp, as with the Airwrap.

How dry should hair be before using the Airwrap curlers? Roughly 80 to 90 percent dry: damp to the touch but not dripping or heavy.