HowToForYou.com – The Dyson Airwrap has revolutionized home hairstyling, earning its place as a premium multi-styler thanks to its innovative Coanda airflow technology and damage-free styling. But for many users, achieving salon-quality curls that last can still be a mystery. If you’ve found yourself struggling to maintain those voluminous waves beyond an hour, you’re not alone.
To demystify the process, celebrity stylist Chris Long—who serves as a GB Styling Ambassador for Dysonrecently shared his personal techniques for achieving longer-lasting curls with the Dyson Airwrap, including the newest Airwrap i.d. model. The result? A complete game plan that’s easy to follow even if you’re new to heatless styling.
Here’s a breakdown of his expert advice to help your curls stay intact and styled all day.
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1. Master the Cool Shot: It’s Non-Negotiable
According to Long, one of the most overlooked steps in using the Airwrap is the cool shot. This feature locks your curls in place by rapidly cooling the hair after it’s been styled. “Always use the cold shot button,” Long emphasizes. “It makes a world of difference.”
The newer Airwrap i.d. automates this function by cycling through hot and cool air, removing the guesswork. But if you’re using a previous model like the 2022 version, you’ll need to manually hold the cool shot for around five seconds per curl—adjust depending on your hair’s texture and responsiveness.
2. Don’t Start with Soaking Wet Hair—80% Dry is the Sweet Spot
Unlike traditional curling irons that work best on bone-dry hair, the Airwrap relies on slightly damp strands to sculpt longer-lasting curls. Chris recommends drying hair to about 80% before using the curling barrels.
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You can prep your hair using the Quick Dry attachment on the Airwrap itself, or any high-quality hair dryer. Too much moisture can cause curls to collapse under the weight of water, while completely dry hair may not respond as effectively to the Coanda effect.
3. Use a Pre-Styling Cream for Added Hold and Frizz Control
Think of this as your styling “primer.” Before applying heat, use a pre-style cream to build a base for better curl retention. Chris used Dyson’s Chitosan Pre-Style Cream, formulated with an oyster mushroom extract that helps reduce frizz and promote curl hold.
Not a fan of Dyson’s hair products? No problem—opt for a heat-protectant cream that suits your hair type. Follow up with a post-styling serum to add shine and definition, just as Chris did in his salon demo.
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4. Create Tension with a Gentle Wiggle
Once the hair wraps around the barrel via the Coanda effect, don’t just hold the Airwrap in place. For better structure and bounce, Chris suggests gently wiggling the barrel to maintain tension without dragging the hair.
This subtle motion encourages tighter curls and improves their longevity. “It’s all about keeping the curl taut without overstretching it,” he adds.
5. Avoid Common User Mistakes: Proper Technique Matters
Many first-time users instinctively hold the Airwrap upside down—barrel down, handle up—which can reduce control and curl consistency. Instead, hold the handle at the bottom with the barrel pointing upwards to maximize volume and comfort.
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Also, make sure to alternate curling directions for a natural, flowing look. The Airwrap i.d. makes this easy with its twist-to-switch directional barrel, unlike dupe devices that require physically changing barrels.
6. Leverage Attachments for Versatile Looks
The Airwrap is more than just a curling tool. To refine your style, incorporate the smoothing brush attachment for sleek, red-carpet-worthy waves. For tighter curls or precise edge work (like taming baby hairs), use the new tapered barrel, introduced with the Airwrap i.d.
Chris used this narrower wand to shape tighter curls near the roots and smooth out flyaways without overloading the hair with heat.
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Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Airwrap’s True Potential
The Dyson Airwrap’s learning curve is real, but it pays off with results that rival professional salon treatments minus the heat damage. With expert guidance from stylists like Chris Long and a little practice, even beginners can elevate their at-home hair game.
Whether you’re using the 2022 model or the newer Airwrap i.d., applying these techniques will help ensure your curls don’t just look great—they last.
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