Curling wand vs Dyson Airwrap

How each one curls

With a curling wand you take a dry section, wrap it around the barrel away from your face while wearing the heat glove, hold for a few seconds and slide it off. The barrel's heat reshapes the hair, and the curl sets as it cools. The ghd Chronos Curve Wand is a cone that tapers from 28 mm to 23 mm, which gives curls that are slightly tighter at the ends. Our guide on how to use a curling wand covers technique.

With the Airwrap, you pre-dry hair to damp or nearly dry, hold the barrel near the section and airflow draws the hair around it. After a few seconds of heat you press the cold shot to set the curl, then release. The Airwrap Origin's 40 mm long barrel styles in both directions, so you do not need to swap barrels for each side of the head.

Listing facts side by side

Both tools sit in the premium bracket but do different amounts of work. The Airwrap is also a dryer and a smoothing brush; the wand only curls.

Curl shape and how long it lasts

Hot barrels generally give firmer, longer lasting curls because the hair reaches a higher temperature and sets more strongly as it cools. That makes a wand a safer bet for fine, slippery hair that drops curls, and for very long, heavy hair. The cone shape gives natural looking curls that are fuller at the root.

Airwrap curls are bouncy and smooth, often with more shine, but they can relax faster, especially on fine hair or in damp weather. Using the cold shot properly, working with smaller sections and letting curls cool before brushing helps. Thick hair that holds a curl well usually does fine with either tool.

• Curls that need to last all day or night: wand.
• Soft, bouncy curls with a gentler routine: Airwrap.
• Fine or slippery hair: usually a wand.
• Want to dry and style with one tool: Airwrap.

Heat, learning curve and safety

The Airwrap's lower air temperature is its main appeal. Lower peak heat is gentler than a 185 °C barrel, although any regular heat styling can dry hair out. A wand puts a very hot barrel close to your fingers, so the glove matters; see our guide to using a curling wand without burning yourself.

Wands take practice to wrap evenly, especially at the back of the head. The Airwrap's auto-wrap is easier at first, though timing the cold shot and choosing the direction also take a few sessions to learn. If you are still choosing a barrel size for a wand, see what size curling wand to get.

Note:Curling wands reach temperatures that can burn skin instantly. Wear the heat glove, keep the barrel away from your face and neck, rest it on its stand and keep it away from children.

Who should choose which

Choose a curling wand if you want strong curls that last, already dry your hair with a standalone dryer and are happy to learn the wrap. It is also the simpler, lighter tool for travel. Compare options in our best curling wands and tongs guide.

Choose the Airwrap if you want one tool that dries, smooths and curls, prefer lower heat and like a bouncy, glossy finish. If you are torn between Dyson's tools, see our Dyson Airstrait vs Airwrap comparison.

See the best curling wands and tongs →

Frequently asked questions

Do Airwrap curls last as long as wand curls? Often not on fine or heavy hair, because the air is cooler than a hot barrel. On hair that holds curls well, the difference is smaller.

Is the Airwrap better for your hair than a curling wand? It styles at lower temperatures, which is gentler, but regular heat styling of any kind can still dry hair.

Can you use a curling wand on damp hair? No. Use wands and tongs only on fully dry hair.

Is the Airwrap easier for beginners? The automatic wrap helps, but timing and direction take practice. Many beginners find clamped tongs easiest of all.