Using the Dyson Airwrap on curly and coily hair

Which Airwrap edition fits curly and coily hair

Dyson sells editions aimed at different hair types. The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long Diffuse is listed for curly and coily hair and includes a diffuser. The Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily is listed as engineered for curly and coily hair, with styling modes that Dyson describes as dry, curl, wave, shape, stretch and diffuse. The standard Airwrap i.d. and the Complete Long Straight to Wavy edition are aimed at straight and wavy hair.

If you already own a straight-to-wavy edition, Dyson sells many attachments separately, so you can usually add a diffuser or wide-tooth comb. Check that the attachment lists your model generation, since attachments changed between the original and later Airwraps. Our Dyson Airwrap models explained page covers the generations.

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Three ways to use the Airwrap on curls

Pick the method by the result you want. Many people combine them, for example stretching the roots and diffusing the ends.

Note.Settings are typical starting points. Curly and coily hair varies a lot, so start lower and turn up only if drying takes too long.

How to diffuse with the Airwrap

Touching curls while they dry is the most common cause of frizz. Let the diffuser do the work. Our how to diffuse curly hair guide covers more detail.

1. 1

   Apply your usual leave-in and styling products to soaking wet hair, then gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or T-shirt.

2. 2

   Attach the diffuser and set airflow low and heat low or medium.

3. 3

   Cup a section of curls in the diffuser bowl and slowly lift it toward the scalp.

4. 4

   Hold for several seconds, then lower and move to the next section. Do not move the diffuser around constantly.

5. 5

   Dry to around 80 to 90 percent, then let the rest air dry or finish with the cool setting.

6. 6

   Once fully dry, scrunch out any product cast.

Stretching coily hair with the wide-tooth comb

For coily hair, the wide-tooth comb lets you stretch hair while drying without the pulling of a brush. Work in small sections, starting at the ends to detangle, then moving up to the root. Comb downward slowly while the air flows through the teeth. Keep the attachment moving and avoid holding it in one spot.

Stretched hair is a good base for twist-outs, braid-outs or a blown-out look. If you want definition at the ends, switch to the diffuser for the last few inches of each section.

Using the curl barrels on curly hair

The curl barrels work best on hair that is damp, not wet, and that has been detangled or stretched first. Take a section about 1 inch wide, hold the barrel near the ends, and let the airflow wrap the hair around it. Hold for several seconds, then use the cold shot for a few seconds before sliding the curl off. On curly hair the barrels are most useful for refreshing a few pieces around the face or reshaping uneven curls on day two.

If curls from the barrels fall flat, see Dyson Airwrap not curling for the common fixes.

Common problems on curly hair

If you are still deciding whether a multi-styler is right for your hair, compare it with a dryer and diffuser in our best hair dryers for curly hair guide, or use the styler finder.

• Frizz: usually from moving the diffuser too much, touching curls while drying, or too much airflow. Lower the airflow and hold still.
• Lost definition: hair may have been too dry before diffusing. Start on soaking wet hair with product.
• Long drying time: squeeze out more water first, or rough dry the roots with the comb before diffusing.
• Hair wraps but tangles at the barrel: sections are too large. Use smaller sections and detangle first.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dyson Airwrap good for curly hair? It can be, if you use the diffuser and wide-tooth comb rather than relying only on the curl barrels. Dyson sells editions with those attachments for curly and coily hair.

Can you use the Airwrap on 4C hair? Many people with coily hair use the wide-tooth comb to stretch and the diffuser to dry. Work in small sections and keep heat low to medium.

Should I diffuse curls on wet or damp hair? Start diffusing on wet hair with product already applied. Letting curls air dry partway first can reduce frizz for some people, so experiment.

Which Airwrap is for curly hair? The Airwrap Complete Long Diffuse and the Airwrap i.d. Curly+Coily are the editions Dyson lists for curly and coily hair.