Dyson Airwrap Styler: Use It Without Damaging Hair

The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is designed to style hair using air rather than extreme heat, but improper use can still lead to dryness, breakage, or frizz. This guide explains how to use the Airwrap to achieve curls, waves, or smooth styles while keeping your hair healthy. You’ll learn the correct prep, sectioning, and technique, plus what to avoid.

What You’ll Need

• Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler and the appropriate barrels or brushes
• Towel-dried or damp hair (about 80% dry)
• Heat protectant spray or cream
• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
• Hair clips to section your hair
• Optional: lightweight styling mousse or volumizing spray

Step-by-Step

1. Prep your hair: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. The Airwrap works best on damp hair—about 80% dry. If your hair is completely dry, mist it lightly with water until it feels damp but not soaking.
2. Apply heat protectant: Spray or work a heat protectant through your hair from mid-lengths to ends. This adds a barrier against heat and helps reduce moisture loss. Comb through to distribute evenly.
3. Choose the right attachment: For curls or waves, select the barrel size that matches your desired curl tightness (smaller barrel = tighter curl). For smoothing or straightening, use the smoothing brush or round brush attachment.
4. Section your hair: Divide your hair into 4-6 sections using clips. Start at the bottom and work upward. Smaller sections (about 1-2 inches wide) style faster and hold better.
5. Set the heat and airflow: Turn on the Airwrap and select the medium heat and medium airflow settings for most hair types. Use the high heat setting only for thick, coarse hair. The cool shot button is your friend—use it to set styles.
6. Dry each section slightly: Before curling, use the dryer attachment (if included) to bring each section to about 80-90% dry. This reduces styling time and heat exposure.
7. Wrap a section around the barrel: Take a small section, hold the barrel vertically, and wrap the hair around it. The Airwrap uses air to pull hair onto the barrel—you don’t need to twist tightly. Ensure the hair is wrapped in the direction you want the curl to go.
8. Hold and heat: Keep the barrel in place for about 8-10 seconds. You’ll feel the hair warm up. Do not over-hold; the Airwrap’s intelligent heat control keeps the temperature steady, but prolonged contact can still cause damage.
9. Release and cool: Use the cool shot button for 2-3 seconds while the hair is still wrapped. This sets the curl and reduces heat damage. Then gently unwrap the hair and let it fall.
10. Continue section by section: Repeat steps 7-9 on each section. Work from the bottom up to avoid disturbing already-styled hair.
11. Finish with a cool blast: Once all sections are done, give your hair a final cool shot all over to set the style and add shine.
12. Set the style: Apply a light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray to help the style last. Avoid brushing the curls—use your fingers to separate them gently.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping heat protectant: Even with the Airwrap’s lower heat, heat protectant is essential to prevent moisture loss and breakage.
• Using on soaking wet hair: The Airwrap is not a dryer; it styles damp hair. If hair is too wet, it takes longer and exposes hair to more heat.
• Overloading sections: Taking too much hair at once leads to uneven styling and requires more passes, increasing heat exposure.
• Holding the barrel too long: Leaving the barrel in place for more than 10-15 seconds can overheat the hair shaft, leading to dryness and damage.
• Not using the cool shot: Skipping the cool shot means curls don’t set and you may need to re-style, causing extra heat exposure.
• Wrapping hair too tightly: Pulling hair taut around the barrel can cause tension and breakage. Let the airflow do the work.

Tips

• Use the lowest effective heat: Start with low heat and only increase if your hair is thick or resistant. Most hair types don’t need high heat.
• Keep the barrel moving: Don’t hold the Airwrap stationary for too long. Move it slowly along the section to distribute heat evenly.
• Deep condition regularly: Styling, even with less heat, can still stress hair. Use a weekly deep conditioning mask to maintain moisture.
• Let hair cool completely before touching: After styling, let your hair cool down for a few minutes before touching or brushing. This helps the style hold and reduces frizz.
• Clean the filter: A clogged filter reduces airflow and makes the Airwrap work harder, potentially increasing heat. Clean the filter monthly.

Troubleshooting

• Curls fall out quickly: Your hair may be too dry or too clean. Try applying a mousse before styling, and ensure hair is damp but not wet. Also, use the cool shot to set each curl.
• Hair looks frizzy after styling: You may be using too high heat or not enough heat protectant. Try lowering the heat and applying a smoothing serum after styling.
• Barrel doesn’t attract hair: Make sure the attachment is fully clicked into place and the airflow is set to medium or high. Also, hair must be damp—the airflow won’t pick up dry hair.
• Hair feels hot or smells burnt: You’re holding the barrel in one spot too long. Reduce the hold time and use the cool shot more frequently. If the smell persists, stop and let your hair cool down.
• Style doesn’t last all day: Use a strong-hold hairspray and avoid touching your hair throughout the day. Also, consider using a texture spray before styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Airwrap on fine or thin hair?

Yes, but use the lowest heat setting and avoid styling the same section more than once. Fine hair is more prone to heat damage, so always use a heat protectant and consider using the cool shot more often.

How often can I use the Airwrap without damaging my hair?

It’s safe to use a few times a week, but daily use can still cause cumulative heat stress. Give your hair rest days and use heat-free styling methods in between.

Is the Airwrap safe for color-treated hair?

Yes, the Airwrap is generally safe for color-treated hair because it uses lower heat. However, always use a heat protectant and avoid high heat settings to prevent color fading.

Do I need to use the pre-styling dryer attachment?

It’s recommended to dry hair to about 80-90% before using the styling barrels. This reduces styling time and heat exposure, making it healthier for your hair.

Can I use the Airwrap on wet hair?

No, the Airwrap is designed for damp hair, not soaking wet hair. Using it on wet hair can cause water to be pulled into the device and may not style effectively. Towel-dry or use the dryer attachment first.

How do I clean the Airwrap filter?

Turn off and unplug the device. Remove the filter cover at the base and wipe away dust with a dry cloth. Do not use water. Replace the cover and ensure it’s secure.

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