# Dyson Airwrap heat and airflow settings explained

Source: https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-temperature-settings
Published: 2026-10-10
Publisher: Air & Barrel

**Short answer:** Yes, the Dyson Airwrap uses heated air. Dyson lists three heat settings, three airflow speeds and a cold shot, with intelligent heat control that checks air temperature over 40 times a second. As a typical starting point, use low to medium heat for fine or color-treated hair, medium for most hair, and medium to high for thick hair, then finish each curl with the cold shot.

The Airwrap has fewer buttons than many dryers, but the combination of heat, airflow and cold shot still confuses a lot of new owners. Too much airflow can make hair hard to control on the barrel, too little heat can mean curls that drop, and many people never use the cold shot at all. This page is for owners of the Complete Long, Origin and i.d. who want to know what each setting does, where to start for their hair type, and how the newer app-connected models choose settings for you. The guidance is typical stylist and maker advice, not a fixed rule.

## What the controls do

On the Complete Long, Dyson lists three precise airflow speeds and three precise heat settings. Heat controls how warm the air is. Airflow controls how fast it moves, which affects drying speed and how strongly the barrel pulls hair. The cold shot switches to unheated air so a curl or section can set as it cools.

Dyson also lists intelligent heat control, which measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second and controls the heating element. That keeps the selected setting steady rather than letting it creep up as you style. For the Airwrap, Dyson states that the air never exceeds 150 C (302 F). The Airwrap has three heat settings plus cold; Dyson does not commonly publish a degree figure for each step, so think in terms of low, medium and high and check Dyson's specs for your model.

## Typical settings by hair type

Start with the lowest heat that gets your hair styled in a reasonable time and step up only if curls do not hold. Color-treated or lightened hair usually starts one step lower. Our [heat setting guide](https://airandbarrel.com/tools/heat-setting-guide) gives a band for your hair type.

| Hair type | Heat | Airflow | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fine or thin | Low to medium | Low to medium | Lower airflow keeps sections on the barrel |
| Medium | Medium | Medium to high | Good default for most hair |
| Thick or coarse | Medium to high | High | Smaller sections help |
| Curly, diffusing | Low to medium | Low | Do not touch curls while drying |
| Coily, stretching | Medium | Low to medium | Use the comb attachment |
| Color treated | One step lower | Medium | Use cold shot to set |

Typical Airwrap starting settings

## Settings for each attachment

The [Airwrap attachments explained](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-attachments-explained) page covers what each attachment is for, and [how to use the Dyson Airwrap](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/how-to-use-dyson-airwrap) walks through a full style.

- Coanda smoothing dryer: high airflow and medium heat for rough drying, then lower heat to finish.
- Curl barrels: medium airflow and medium heat as a start. Very high airflow can make sections flutter.
- Smoothing brushes and round brush: medium heat and medium to high airflow, slower passes for a smoother finish.
- Diffuser: low airflow and low to medium heat to keep curls defined.
- Wide-tooth comb: medium heat and low to medium airflow while stretching.

## How to use the cold shot with the barrels

Skipping the cold shot is a common reason curls fall out quickly. Hair holds its shape better once it cools in that shape. See [cool shot button explained](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/cool-shot-button-explained) and [Dyson Airwrap not curling](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-not-curling).

1. Let the barrel wrap a damp section fully.
2. Hold it on heat for several seconds, until the section feels dry.
3. Press the cold shot and hold for about five seconds while the hair is still wrapped.
4. Release the cold shot, then slide or gently pull the barrel away and let the curl drop.
5. Leave curls to cool before brushing or touching them.

## How the Airwrap i.d. and newer models set heat

The Airwrap i.d. connects to the MyDyson app by Bluetooth. According to the listing, you answer six questions about hair type and length, and the app creates a styling profile. The tool then stores your wrap, style and cold shot settings. The 2026 Airwrap Co-anda2x listing describes an advanced i.d. curl sequence that senses movement and adapts heat, airflow and timings to your hair type.

These features remove the guesswork but do the same job as choosing settings by hand. If you own an older Airwrap, the table above gets you to a similar starting point. Compare editions in [best Dyson Airwrap](https://airandbarrel.com/best/best-dyson-airwrap) and [Airwrap i.d. vs Airwrap](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-id-vs-airwrap).

[Compare Airwrap models](https://airandbarrel.com/best/best-dyson-airwrap)

## Wet or dry hair and heat

Barrels work best on damp hair, not soaking wet and not fully dry. Rough dry with the smoothing dryer first, then curl. Very wet hair takes longer on the barrel at higher heat, and fully dry hair does not take a new shape as easily. See [Dyson Airwrap on wet or dry hair](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-wet-or-dry-hair).

## Frequently asked questions

**Does the Dyson Airwrap use heat?** Yes. It styles with heated air, with three heat settings plus a cold shot. It does not use hot plates or a heated barrel surface like a curling iron.

**What is the best Airwrap temperature setting?** There is no single best. Start with low to medium heat for fine hair, medium for most hair, and medium to high for thick hair, then adjust.

**Why does my Airwrap feel cold?** The cold shot may be on, or the heat may be on the lowest step. A clogged filter can also reduce heat. See [Dyson Airwrap not working](https://airandbarrel.com/blog/dyson-airwrap-not-working).

**Should I use high airflow with the barrels?** Medium is a better start. High airflow dries faster but can make sections hard to control, especially on fine or short hair.

## Buying guides for this topic

- https://airandbarrel.com/best/best-dyson-airwrap
- https://airandbarrel.com/best/best-dyson-hair-dryer

## Sources

- [Dyson](https://www.dyson.com)