How to use the Dyson Airstrait

Before you start: what the Airstrait does differently

A flat iron presses hair between hot plates and is meant for dry hair. The Airstrait pushes heated air down through the hair held between its arms, so it dries and straightens at the same time. Dyson's Amazon listing describes it as a wet to dry straightener and says the machine senses when hair is between the arms and drops to low airflow when it is not.

The result is usually a smooth, straight finish with some movement rather than a pressed, glassy look. If you want very flat, sleek hair, a plate iron may still suit you better; see Dyson Airstrait vs a flat iron.

Prep your hair

Wash and condition as usual. Towel dry until the hair is damp, not dripping. Detangle completely with a wide tooth comb; the arms glide best through hair with no knots. Apply your usual leave in or heat protectant if you use one, and follow the product's directions.

Divide your hair into a bottom layer and a top layer and clip up the top. Thick or long hair may need three or four layers. Working in tidy layers matters more with the Airstrait than with a flat iron because each section needs several passes to dry.

• Wide tooth comb
• Sectioning clips
• Towel
• Your usual leave in or heat protectant (optional)

Step by step in wet mode

1. 1

   Turn the Airstrait on and select the wet mode. Choose a heat and airflow setting per Dyson's guidance for your hair; start lower if your hair is fine.

2. 2

   Take a section about as wide as the arms and not too deep, so air can pass through all of it.

3. 3

   Close the arms around the section near the root, keeping them away from the scalp.

4. 4

   Glide down slowly and steadily to the ends. Moving slowly lets the airflow reach every strand.

5. 5

   Repeat on the same section until it feels dry and smooth. Thicker sections need more passes.

6. 6

   Move to the next section and work up through the layers.

7. 7

   Finish the top layer last, then check for damp spots at the nape and behind the ears and give them another pass.

Note.Keep the arms clear of your ears, eyes and skin, and keep loose clothing and jewelry away from the air inlet. Follow the safety instructions in Dyson's manual for your model.

Using the dry mode

The dry mode is meant for hair that is already dry, such as a second day touch up or smoothing a few pieces after air drying. Dyson qualifies its heat damage claim on the listing as applying when the machine is used in wet to dry mode, so read the manual before using dry mode often.

For dry hair, take small sections and make one or two slow passes. If your hair is very curly or coarse and you want a sleek finish on dry hair, a flat iron with adjustable heat may be the more practical tool. The flat iron temperature guide covers typical ranges.

Settings, timing and what to expect

The Airstrait has separate wet and dry modes and a choice of heat and airflow levels, plus a cool option on many units. Dyson publishes the exact figures, so check Dyson's specs for your model before relying on any number you see quoted. Our Airstrait heat and airflow settings page explains how to read them.

Timing depends on length, density and how wet your hair is when you start. Thick, long hair takes noticeably longer than a fine bob. Most people get faster after a few sessions once they find the right section size.

Cleaning and care

Like other Dyson hair tools, the Airstrait has an air intake filter that collects lint and dust. A clogged filter reduces airflow and can make the machine run hot or stop. Unplug it and clean the filter as Dyson's manual describes, and wipe the arms with a dry cloth when cool. If the machine stops or shows an error, see Dyson Airstrait errors and reset.

If you are still deciding whether the routine suits you, read is the Dyson Airstrait worth it or compare it with other options in the best hair straighteners guide.

Compare hair straighteners →

Frequently asked questions

Can you use the Dyson Airstrait on dry hair? Yes, it has a dry mode for already dry hair, typically for touch ups. Dyson designed it mainly for wet to dry use, and its heat damage claim is tied to wet to dry mode, so check the manual.

How wet should hair be for the Airstrait? Towel dried and damp, not dripping. Very wet hair takes longer to dry and may need more passes per section.

Why is my hair still damp after using the Airstrait? Usually the sections are too thick or the passes are too fast. Take narrower sections, glide more slowly and repeat until each section feels dry.

Where is the Dyson Airstrait user manual? Dyson provides manuals and support on its website for each model. Use the manual for your specific machine, since settings can differ.