Dyson Airwrap Curls Last Longer: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to get long-lasting curls with the Dyson Airwrap, from prepping your hair to the final cool shot. You’ll learn the exact steps to make your curls hold their shape for hours, even in humidity. We cover what to do before, during, and after styling, plus common mistakes and quick fixes when curls fall flat.

What You’ll Need

• Dyson Airwrap (with 1.2-inch or 1.6-inch barrels)
• Heat protectant spray or cream
• Lightweight mousse or volumizing spray (optional but helpful)
• Hair clips (sectioning clips)
• Hairspray (flexible hold, not stiff)
• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
• Towel or microfiber towel for damp hair

Step-by-Step

1. Start with slightly damp, not wet, hair. Towel-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. If it’s too wet, the Airwrap will take forever and curls won’t set. If it’s too dry, the curl won’t form properly. Spritz with water if needed.
2. Apply heat protectant and a light styling product. Spray a heat protectant all over, then work a small amount of mousse or volumizing spray through your hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. This gives grip and helps curls hold.
3. Brush through to remove tangles. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure your hair is completely knot-free. Tangles cause frizz and uneven curls that fall out faster.
4. Section your hair into four parts. Clip the top half up, then divide the bottom half into two sections (left and right). This keeps hair manageable and ensures every strand gets styled.
5. Take a small subsection (about 1-2 inches wide). Smaller sections create tighter, longer-lasting curls. If you take too much hair, the curl won’t wrap properly and will fall out quickly.
6. Wrap the hair around the barrel, away from your face. Hold the Airwrap so the barrel is horizontal, and let the airflow pull the hair in. Wrap the ends around your finger to ensure they’re smooth, then let the barrel pick up the rest.
7. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then use the cool shot. Keep the barrel in place for a full 10-15 seconds. Then, press and hold the cold shot button for 5-8 seconds. This sets the curl in place. Do not release the curl before it’s cool.
8. Release the curl gently and pin it up. Let the curl spring out of the barrel, then immediately roll it up and secure it to your scalp with a clip. This lets the curl cool completely in its curled shape, which locks in the hold.
9. Repeat on all sections. Continue with small subsections, working from the bottom up. Keep the pinned curls in place while you style the rest of your hair.
10. Let all curls cool completely (5-10 minutes). Do not touch or brush them while they’re still warm. This is the most critical step – warm curls will fall flat if disturbed.
11. Remove the pins and gently shake out the curls. Use your fingers to gently separate the curls. Do not brush them, as this will loosen the curl pattern. For a more relaxed look, you can use a wide-tooth comb, but for maximum longevity, just finger-comb.
12. Finish with hairspray. Hold the hairspray about 10-12 inches away and mist lightly all over. A flexible-hold hairspray will keep curls in place without making them stiff or crunchy.

Common Mistakes

• Using hair that’s too wet or too dry. Too wet: curls won’t set and take forever. Too dry: curls won’t form and will look frizzy.
• Skipping the cool shot. The cool shot is what sets the curl. Without it, your curls will fall out within an hour.
• Taking sections that are too large. Bigger sections mean the heat and airflow don’t penetrate evenly, so the curl doesn’t hold.
• Releasing the curl before it’s cool. If you let go while the hair is still warm, the curl will relax and lose its shape.
• Brushing out the curls. Brushing breaks up the curl pattern and makes them fall out faster. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb only.
• Using too much product. Heavy creams or oils weigh hair down and make curls droop. Stick to lightweight products.

Tips

• Prep with a clarifying shampoo once a week. Product buildup can make hair slippery, so curls don’t hold. A clean scalp gives better grip.
• Use a texture spray before styling. A sea-salt or texturizing spray adds grit, which helps the Airwrap grip the hair and hold the curl longer.
• Alternate the direction of the curls. Curl some sections away from your face and others toward your face. This creates a more natural look and prevents all curls from falling in the same direction.
• Sleep with a loose braid or pineapple. To keep curls overnight, gather your hair into a high, loose ponytail on top of your head (like a pineapple) or braid it loosely. This prevents friction and preserves the curl.
• Refresh with a little water and re-curl. If curls start to droop, spritz with water and use the Airwrap to re-curl just the straggly pieces.

Troubleshooting

Curls fall out within 30 minutes. This usually means your hair wasn’t dry enough or you didn’t use the cool shot long enough. Re-wet your hair slightly, re-curl with smaller sections, and hold the cool shot for at least 8 seconds. Also, make sure you’re not using heavy products.

Curls are frizzy. Frizz happens when hair is too dry or you’re using too high a heat setting. Try styling on a lower heat setting, and apply a small amount of hair oil to your ends before styling (but not too much). Also, ensure your hair is completely tangle-free before wrapping.

Curls are too tight or too loose. The size of the barrel determines the curl size. For tighter curls, use the 1.2-inch barrel; for looser waves, use the 1.6-inch. Also, the amount of hair you take matters – smaller sections give tighter curls.

Airwrap won’t wrap the hair. This happens when hair is too wet or too dry. The airflow needs a certain amount of moisture to grip. Try drying your hair a bit more, or spritz with water to add moisture. Also, make sure the barrel is clean and free of product buildup.

My curls look great but fall out when I brush them. Don’t brush! Use your fingers to gently separate curls. If you must brush, wait until your hair is completely cool and use a wide-tooth comb, but know that brushing will loosen the curl.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Airwrap curls typically last? With proper prep and technique, Airwrap curls can last 1-3 days, depending on your hair type and humidity. Fine hair may need more product, while thick hair holds longer.

Can I use the Airwrap on dry hair? Yes, but it works best on slightly damp hair. If you’re using it on dry hair, spritz with water first or use a heat protectant that adds moisture. Dry hair may not wrap as easily and can get frizzy.

What’s the best heat setting for long-lasting curls? Use the highest heat setting that your hair can tolerate, but always follow with the cool shot. For fine or damaged hair, use a lower heat to avoid damage, but know that it may not hold as long.

Should I use hairspray before or after curling? Use a light styling product (like mousse) before, and hairspray after. Hairspray before can make hair stiff and harder to wrap, while hairspray after sets the curl.

Why do my curls fall out when I sleep? Friction from your pillow can loosen curls. Use a silk or satin pillowcase, and try pinning your hair in a loose bun or braid before bed. You can also use a silk scarf to wrap your hair.

Can I use the Airwrap on wet hair? No, the Airwrap is designed for damp to dry hair. Using it on soaking wet hair will not style effectively and may cause damage. Always towel-dry first.

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