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How to use a Dyson Airwrap: a beginner's guide

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In short

Wash and towel-dry your hair, then pre-dry it with the fast dryer until it is damp but not wet. Split hair into small sections, hold the end of each section near the barrel and let the airflow wrap it. Hold for a few seconds on heat, then use the cold shot for a similar time to set the curl. Start with low speed and small sections, and check your model's manual for its exact settings.

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Profile view of a woman with styled hair in a casual indoor setting
Photo: Rene Terp on Pexels

The Airwrap looks simple, but most people find their first few sessions slower than expected. The good news is that the technique is the same across models, and once you have the basics, it gets quicker. This guide covers prep, section sizes, curl direction and the cold shot, then runs through each type of attachment. Dyson has released several generations, from the Origin to the i.d. and Co-anda 2x, so button layouts and attachment names differ. Use this as a general guide and follow the instructions for your model.

Before you start: prep your hair

Curls set better on damp hair than on wet hair. If hair is too wet, the barrel spends its time drying rather than shaping, and curls drop quickly. Dyson's own instructions for the Origin say to pre-dry until damp. See can you use an Airwrap on wet hair for more.

  1. 1

    Wash and condition as normal, then towel-dry gently to remove excess water.

  2. 2

    Detangle with a wide-tooth comb so sections wrap cleanly.

  3. 3

    Apply any styling product you normally use, such as a mousse for hold, following the product's directions.

  4. 4

    Fit the fast dryer or smoothing dryer and pre-dry until hair is about 80% dry: damp, not dripping.

  5. 5

    Clip the top layers out of the way so you can start underneath.

Using the curling barrels

Barrels wrap in one direction at a time. Older Airwraps came with pairs of barrels, one for each direction. Newer barrels have a collar or switch you turn to change direction. Check your manual for how yours works.

Air slotsAirflow follows the curveHair strandBarrelDirection of wrap: the air pulls the strand round the barrel.
The Coanda effect: fast air leaving the slots clings to the curved barrel and pulls the hair round with it.
  1. 1

    Fit a barrel and choose a medium heat and a low or medium speed to start.

  2. 2

    Take a section about 2 to 3 cm wide. Smaller sections give tighter, longer-lasting curls.

  3. 3

    Hold the end of the section near the barrel, pointing the barrel down, and switch on. The airflow pulls the hair round.

  4. 4

    Keep the barrel still and let it wrap up towards the root, guiding gently if needed.

  5. 5

    Hold on heat for about 5 to 10 seconds, depending on thickness.

  6. 6

    Press the cold shot and hold for a similar time to set the curl.

  7. 7

    Slide the barrel out downwards and let the curl drop. Do not brush it yet.

Choosing curl direction

For a natural look, curl the hair away from your face on both sides. On the left side that means one direction, and on the right the other, which is why reversible barrels are useful. For a more tousled, beachy result, alternate the direction on each section.

Arrows on the barrel or collar show which way the air wraps. If you are not sure, test with a small section at the back before doing the front.

Using the brushes and smoothing tools

Round volumising brush: place it under a damp section at the root, lift and roll slowly towards the ends. This adds lift and a bend at the ends, like a round-brush blow-dry.

Firm or soft smoothing brush, or anti-snag loop brush: brush through damp hair from root to tip, keeping tension on the section. Use the cold shot on a final pass to set the smoothness.

Smoothing dryer or air straightener (newer models): follow the specific steps in your manual, as these differ by generation. Dyson describes the Co-anda 2x air straightener as working from wet to dry.

Getting curls to last

If the airflow seems weak or the tool keeps stopping, clean the filter. A clogged filter is the most common cause; see how to clean the Airwrap filter and Airwrap not working.

Still deciding which model to buy? Our Airwrap models compared guide sets out the differences, and Airwrap-style multi-stylers covers the alternatives.

  • Use smaller sections and hold longer on the cold shot.
  • Let curls cool fully before touching them.
  • Finish by running fingers through, not a brush, unless you want soft waves.
  • A light hold spray can help on fine or slippery hair.
  • Use the app routines on the i.d. or Co-anda 2x if you are new to it; see Airwrap id vs Co-anda 2x.

Note:The Airwrap is a mains appliance. Use it with dry hands, keep it away from water, do not cover the air intake, and unplug it before cleaning or changing attachments if your manual advises.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my Airwrap curl my hair? The usual causes are sections too large, hair too wet, or not enough time on the cold shot. Try smaller sections on damp hair.

Can I use an Airwrap on short hair? Yes, if hair is long enough to wrap at least once round the barrel. The conical barrel helps on shorter lengths.

Which heat setting should I use? Start in the middle. Use lower heat for fine hair and higher for thick hair, within Dyson's guidance.

How long does it take? Expect longer at first. Most people get faster after a few sessions as they learn the timing.

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