Quick Verdict
The Dyson Airwrap Complete Long can work for curling thick, coarse hair, but it requires patience, technique, and often supplemental products to hold curls. It excels at reducing heat damage and creating voluminous waves, but falls short for those seeking tight, long-lasting curls. Recommended for health-focused users willing to adapt their routine.
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long
$599.99
✓ Key Strengths
- •Reduces heat damage with intelligent heat control, staying below 302°F.
- •Longer barrels in the Complete Long version accommodate thick hair sections efficiently.
- •Versatile multi-styler with attachments for curls, waves, and smoothing.
- •Creates voluminous, bouncy curls with a natural finish.
- •Works on damp hair, reducing overall drying and styling time.
- •Relatively easy to use once the technique is mastered (wrapping hair direction matters).
- •Minimal noise and pleasant user experience compared to some traditional irons.
✗ Key Weaknesses
- •Curls may not last as long on thick, coarse hair without strong-hold products.
- •Maximum heat of 302°F may be insufficient for stubborn hair types.
- •Significant learning curve to achieve consistent results.
- •Expensive at around $599, with no guarantee of satisfactory results for coarse hair.
- •Requires hair to be at least 80% dry for best results, adding time.
- •Not ideal for very short hair or tight curly styles like ringlets.
What is Dyson Airwrap Complete Long?
What is curling thick, coarse hair?
Detailed Analysis
👍 Perfect For
- ✓Users with thick, coarse hair who prioritize hair health and want to minimize heat damage.
- ✓Individuals willing to experiment with styling techniques and product combinations (mousse, sea salt spray) to improve curl hold.
- ✓Those who prefer loose, voluminous waves rather than tight, defined curls.
- ✓People with long, thick hair who can benefit from the longer barrels for faster styling.
- ✓Salon-goers looking for a professional-grade tool to recreate blowout-like results at home.
👎 Not Ideal For
- ✗Users who need long-lasting, defined curls without heavy product use (e.g., for events or all-day wear).
- ✗People with short, coarse hair (the barrels may be too long to handle small sections effectively).
- ✗Those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss styling tool with a short learning curve.
- ✗Budget-conscious shoppers who may find better value in traditional curling irons with high heat.
Use Case Scenarios
Daily Wear for Volume and Waves
A user with thick, coarse hair wants to add loose waves for daily volume without subjecting hair to high heat every day.
✓ Strengths
- Minimal heat damage allows for daily use.
- Creates natural-looking volume and movement.
- Quick for adding waves to already dry hair.
✗ Weaknesses
- Waves may not hold past a few hours for very coarse hair.
- Need to use cool shot to set style, which can be tedious.
💡 Workarounds
- Apply a heat protectant with hold, like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray.
- Finish with a flexible hold hairspray, such as L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray.
For daily volume and loose waves, the Airwrap is a solid choice due to its health benefits and ease of use, though hold may be a concern for some.
Special Occasion Long-Lasting Curls
A user needs tight, defined curls that last through a wedding or party without touch-ups.
✓ Strengths
- Creates defined curls initially with the 30mm barrel.
- Less risk of heat damage, so you can repeat styling if needed.
✗ Weaknesses
- Curls often drop within an hour without heavy products.
- Small section styling is required, which takes much longer.
💡 Workarounds
- Pre-style hair with a strong-hold mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17.
- Use a curling iron for key sections, then touch up with Airwrap.
- Set curls with pin curls and cool shot for several minutes.
For tight, long-lasting curls, the Airwrap is not the best option; you can make it work with extensive effort, but alternatives are more efficient.
Related Products You Should Consider
Dyson Airwrap Long Barrel Attachment Set
$49.99
Why recommend: Expand your styling options and ensure you have the right size barrels for different curl types.
Best for: Those who want to experiment with different curl sizes or need backup barrels.
T3 CurlWrap Professional Curling Iron
$199.99
Why recommend: Provides the high heat needed for long-lasting curls in coarse hair, and has a lower price point.
Best for: Users seeking strong, defined curls with a traditional iron and who don't mind some heat damage.
GHD Classic Curl Iron 1.25-inch
$199.99
Why recommend: Simpler, more consistent results for curling coarse hair, and GHD’s heat control is excellent.
Best for: Users who want a straightforward curling iron that works every time without a learning curve.
Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
$22.99
Why recommend: Essential for improving curl longevity with the Airwrap on coarse hair.
Best for: Anyone using the Airwrap for curls who needs extra hold without sticky feel.
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold
$7.99
Why recommend: Affordable, effective finishing spray to extend curl life.
Best for: All users wanting to set curls without stiffness.
Drybar The Brush Crush Volumizing Round Brush
$32.00
Why recommend: Enhances the pre-styling step for better curl results.
Best for: Users who want to add extra volume and smoothness before curling.
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron 1-inch
$34.99
Why recommend: Great low-cost option for thick, coarse hair that needs high heat for lasting curls.
Best for: Budget-conscious users or those who want to test a different method.
Kitsch Heatless Curling Rod Headband
$9.99
Why recommend: No heat option for curls that actually last on coarse hair; perfect complement to Airwrap for days you don't want heat.
Best for: Users wanting healthy styling and willing to plan ahead.
Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Hair Spray
$25.00
Why recommend: Helps maintain curls in challenging weather, extending their life.
Best for: Those living in humid areas or with naturally frizzy hair.
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long Storage Case
$39.99
Why recommend: Protects your investment and keeps all pieces together, especially useful if you travel.
Best for: All Airwrap owners who want a tidy, safe storage solution.
Bottom Line
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dyson Airwrap Complete Long good for curling thick, coarse hair?
It can be, but results vary. The lower heat may not hold curls as long as traditional irons, but with proper technique and products like mousse and strong-hold hairspray, you can achieve lasting waves and curls. Many users report success for loose styles, while tight curls may require more effort.
Can you use Dyson Airwrap Complete Long for curling thick, coarse hair?
Yes, you can use it. The Airwrap's Coanda effect works on all hair types. However, you may need to work in smaller sections and use the cool shot extensively to set curls. It's more suitable for creating voluminous waves than tight ringlets.
Is Dyson Airwrap Complete Long suitable for curling thick, coarse hair?
It is somewhat suitable. The long barrels help with larger sections, but the maximum heat of 302°F may not be enough for very coarse, stubborn hair. If you prioritize hair health over maximum hold, it's a viable option.
What's better than Dyson Airwrap Complete Long for curling thick, coarse hair?
Traditional curling irons with higher heat capabilities, such as the T3 CurlWrap or GHD Classic Curl Iron, often produce more durable curls on coarse hair. Alternatively, heatless methods like the Kitsch Heatless Curling Rod can give long-lasting curls without damage.
Does Dyson Airwrap Complete Long work for curling thick, coarse hair?
It works but requires practice and the right products. User reviews are mixed; some love the gentle, voluminous curls, while others find they don't last. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution for this hair type.
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long vs T3 CurlWrap for curling thick, coarse hair
For tight, long-lasting curls, the T3 CurlWrap is better due to higher heat (up to 410°F) and consistent results. The Airwrap is better for minimizing damage and creating soft waves. Choose based on your priority: health vs. hold.
Best accessories for Dyson Airwrap Complete Long for curling thick, coarse hair
Accessories like the long barrel attachment set, a strong-hold mousse (e.g., Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17), and a finishing spray (e.g., L'Oréal Elnett) are highly recommended to improve curl longevity. Also consider a heat protectant with hold.
How to use Dyson Airwrap Complete Long for curling thick, coarse hair
Start with hair that's 80% dry and lightly misted with heat protectant. Work in small sections, hold the barrel vertically, and wrap hair around the barrel using the airflow. Use the cool shot for 5-10 seconds per curl. Apply mousse before styling and finish with hairspray.
Does Dyson Airwrap Complete Long damage thick, coarse hair?
It causes significantly less heat damage than traditional curling irons because it regulates temperature to a maximum of 302°F. This is gentle on coarse hair, which can be prone to dryness. However, any heat styling can still cause some damage over time.
Is Dyson Airwrap Complete Long worth it for thick, coarse hair?
It depends on your styling goals. If you want to reduce heat damage and are okay with looser curls, it's worth it. If you need tight, all-day curls, you may be disappointed. Consider the price and whether you're willing to adapt your technique.