How does the Dyson Airwrap work? The Coanda effect explained

What is the Coanda effect?

The Coanda effect describes the tendency of a fast-moving jet of air or liquid to follow a nearby curved surface rather than travelling in a straight line. You can see a similar effect when water from a tap bends around the back of a spoon held under it.

On the Airwrap's curling barrels, air leaves through narrow slots along the length of the barrel. Because it is moving quickly, it hugs the curved surface and flows around it. The moving air creates lower pressure close to the barrel, which draws in the surrounding air and with it the hair section you hold nearby. The hair is pulled onto the barrel and wraps itself around in the direction of the airflow.

Why airflow speed matters

The effect only works with fast, controlled air. Dyson says the Airwrap Origin's Dyson Digital Motor V9 spins at up to 110,000 rpm, producing the pressure needed to dry, curl and shape. A conventional dryer motor would not produce a strong enough jet to wrap hair reliably.

Airflow speed is also why technique matters. Hair that is soaking wet is heavier and harder to wrap, so Dyson's own instructions start with pre-drying until hair is damp. Sections need to be narrow enough for the air to lift them. Our guide on using the Airwrap on wet or dry hair goes into this in detail.

Heat control and the 150°C limit

Traditional curling tongs heat the barrel itself, and many run well above 150°C. The Airwrap heats the air instead. Dyson says a glass bead thermistor measures the exit temperature 40 times a second and controls the heating element to keep it under 150°C.

The curl forms because warm air softens the hair's shape, and then cool air sets it. That is why Airwrap routines usually end each curl with the cold shot. The trade-off is that curls made with air may not last as long as tong curls on some hair types, particularly very straight or heavy hair.

What each attachment does

Curling barrels use the Coanda effect to wrap hair. Newer Airwraps use barrels that can curl in both directions by switching the airflow, rather than needing a separate left and right barrel. Smoothing brushes and round volumising brushes use airflow through the bristles to dry and shape at the same time.

The pre-styling dryer attachment turns the Airwrap into a dryer for the first stage, and on newer models it can also use the Coanda effect to smooth. Exact attachment sets vary by edition; our Dyson Airwrap models compared guide sets out what comes with each.

Compare Airwrap models →

Do other stylers use the same idea?

Yes. The Shark FlexStyle, the Dreame AirStyle range and several others use Coanda-style barrels that wrap hair with air. Shark says its FlexStyle IonCurl uses CoandaBoost technology for a stronger wrap. The principle is the same; the differences lie in motor power, barrel design, temperature control and the attachments in the box.

Our best Dyson Airwrap alternatives guide compares these stylers, and our Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle article goes head to head.

Getting the most from the Coanda effect

Work with damp, not wet, hair. Use sections roughly the width of the barrel. Hold the ends near the barrel and let the air take them; there is no need to twist. Count a few seconds on warm, then switch to cool before releasing.

Clean the filter regularly, as reduced airflow weakens the wrap and can make the styler overheat. Our guide on cleaning the Airwrap filter explains how, and how to use the Dyson Airwrap covers technique step by step.

1. 1

   Rough-dry hair with the dryer attachment until damp.

2. 2

   Take a section about as wide as the barrel.

3. 3

   Hold the barrel near the ends and let the airflow wrap the hair.

4. 4

   Hold on warm for a few seconds, then use the cold shot.

5. 5

   Slide the barrel out and leave the curl to set.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Airwrap curl hair without heat damage? It uses heated air rather than a hot barrel, and Dyson says the air is kept under 150°C. Heat is still involved, so use sensible settings.

Why will my Airwrap not pick up hair? Usually hair is too wet, the section is too big or the filter is clogged. Pre-dry until damp, use smaller sections and clean the filter.

What is a Dyson Airwrap? It is a multi-styler and dryer that uses airflow and the Coanda effect to curl, wave, smooth and dry hair with interchangeable attachments.

Do Airwrap curls last? It depends on hair type. Cooling each curl with the cold shot and letting it set before brushing out helps curls last longer.