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Comparison

Dyson Airwrap vs a curling iron

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Short answer

The Dyson Airwrap curls with airflow: air wraps hair around the barrel and dries it into shape, on damp hair, at controlled heat. A curling iron or wand curls dry hair with a hot metal or ceramic barrel. The Airwrap also dries and smooths, costs far more and takes practice. A curling iron is cheaper, faster on dry hair and usually gives a tighter, longer-lasting curl.

  • Dyson

    Dyson Airwrap Complete Long: V9 motor, 3 heat settings

    See price on Amazon
    See it on Amazon

  • Dyson

    Dyson Airwrap Origin: round brush, 1.2 in barrel

    See price on Amazon
    See it on Amazon

  • Dyson

    Dyson Airwrap i.d. Straight+Wavy: app-programmed curls

    See price on Amazon
    See it on Amazon

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

Verdict

Buy a Dyson Airwrap, such as the Origin to save money or the Complete Long for long hair, if you want one tool that dries and curls with softer, bouncy results. Buy a curling iron or wand if you want tighter, longer-lasting curls on dry hair for much less money.

This page is for people who want curls and are deciding between a Dyson Airwrap and a classic curling iron or wand. They reach the same goal in different ways: the Airwrap shapes curls with airflow while drying hair, and a curling iron sets curls with direct heat on dry hair. We compare the time each takes, how well curls hold, how hot each gets and how hard each is to learn. Airwrap facts come from the Amazon listings for the Airwrap Complete Long, Origin and i.d.; curling irons vary widely by brand, so they are described in general terms.

Air curling vs hot barrels

The Airwrap uses the Coanda effect: fast air leaves slots in the barrel and clings to its surface, pulling the hair section around it. The Complete Long listing describes the Dyson digital motor V9 (up to 110,000 rpm, 3.2 kPa), heat control that measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second, three heat settings, three airflow speeds and negative ions. You start on damp hair, let the air wrap and dry each section, then use the cold shot to set the curl.

A curling iron has a heated barrel and a clamp; a curling wand has no clamp and you wrap the hair by hand. Both work on fully dry hair and set the curl with direct contact heat. Most let you choose a temperature, and barrel sizes range from small for tight curls to large for loose waves. Our how the Dyson Airwrap works page explains the airflow method in more detail.

Air curl barrel seen from the end, with air leaving slots and hugging the barrel while a section of hair wraps around it1234
  1. 1Air slots along the barrel
  2. 2Airflow follows the curved surface (the Coanda effect)
  3. 3Barrel: set by air, so it runs cooler than a curling iron
  4. 4Hair: the section is drawn around the barrel and wraps itself
An air curl barrel seen from the end. Air leaving the slots follows the barrel's surface and pulls the hair around it.

Side by side

Airwrap prices are Amazon listing prices at the time of writing: Origin $549.99, Complete Long $569.99, Airwrap i.d. $649.00.

  • Starts on

    Dyson Airwrap
    Damp hair
    Curling iron or wand
    Dry hair

  • How heat reaches hair

    Dyson Airwrap
    Heated airflow
    Curling iron or wand
    Direct contact with hot barrel

  • Heat control

    Dyson Airwrap
    3 heat settings, temp checked 40+ times a second
    Curling iron or wand
    Varies by model

  • Also dries and smooths

    Dyson Airwrap
    Yes, with dryer and brush attachments
    Curling iron or wand
    No

  • Barrel sizes

    Dyson Airwrap
    30 mm and 40 mm across the range; Origin has one 1.2 in barrel
    Curling iron or wand
    Wide range by model

  • Price

    Dyson Airwrap
    $549.99 to $649.00 for the kits compared here
    Curling iron or wand
    Usually much lower
Airwrap from its listings; curling irons in general terms

Time and curl hold

Time: the Airwrap combines drying and curling, so if you start from washed hair it can replace both steps. On thick or long hair, many people rough dry first, which adds time. A curling iron is quick once hair is dry, but you need to dry your hair first, so the total morning time depends on whether you wash daily.

Hold: curling iron curls are set with higher direct heat and tend to hold longer, especially in fine or very straight hair. Airwrap curls are softer and can loosen faster on hair that resists curling. Smaller sections, holding each curl long enough to dry fully, and a full cold shot before releasing all help. The Airwrap i.d. listing describes stored wrap, style and cold shot settings for consistent curls, which takes some of the guesswork out of timing. See Dyson Airwrap not curling if curls drop.

  • Use the cold shot on every Airwrap curl before releasing it.
  • Work in smaller sections on fine or straight hair.
  • Make sure each section is dry, not just warm, before moving on.
  • A light hold product applied before styling helps either tool.

Learning curve and heat

A curling iron is simple: clamp, wrap, hold, release. A wand takes a little practice to wrap evenly. The Airwrap has a learning curve: you need to place the end of the section near the barrel at the right angle, use the right barrel direction for each side of your head, and time the cold shot. Our how to use the Dyson Airwrap page walks through the steps, and the Airwrap Origin's single barrel curls both clockwise and counterclockwise.

On heat, the Airwrap uses heated air with heat regulation rather than a hot barrel touching your hair. Curling irons press hair against a hot surface, which is why their temperature setting matters so much. With either tool, use the lowest heat that gives a curl that lasts, and use a heat protectant. Our Dyson Airwrap temperature settings page lists the Airwrap's settings.

Note.Curling irons and wands get very hot. Use a heat-resistant glove with a wand, keep the barrel away from your skin and scalp, and set the tool down on a heat-safe surface.

Which one to buy

Choose the Airwrap if you want one tool that dries, smooths and curls, prefer softer, bouncy curls and are willing to practice. The Origin is the lowest-priced kit, the Complete Long suits long hair, and the i.d. stores your curl timings. Choose a curling iron or wand if your hair is already dry most mornings, you want tight or long-lasting curls, or you want to spend much less.

Our best Dyson Airwrap guide compares all current kits. For other ways to curl with airflow, see Dyson Airwrap alternatives and best blow dryer brush.

Find the right curling tool →

Frequently asked questions

Do Airwrap curls last as long as curling iron curls? On many hair types, curling iron curls hold longer because they are set with direct heat. Good technique and a full cold shot help Airwrap curls last.

Is the Airwrap better for your hair than a curling iron? The Airwrap uses heated airflow with heat regulation instead of direct plate contact. Any tool can damage hair if used too hot or too often.

Can I use the Airwrap on dry hair? It is designed for damp hair. For second-day touch-ups, lightly mist hair first. See Dyson Airwrap on wet or dry hair.

Is an Airwrap or curling wand better for beginners? A clamp curling iron is the simplest to learn. The Airwrap i.d. stores curl settings, which makes repeat results easier once set up.

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