Insights | Hair | 25 March, 2025
How to Make Curls Last Longer
All hair types can create and retain curls with styling tools. Type 1 straight hair requires slightly different styling methods to wavy or curly hair types – and knowing how to make curls last longer relies on tailoring your routine to those needs.
To protect the unique structure of different hair types, retain essential moisture and prevent breakage from extreme heat, Dyson’s engineers developed hair care tools by researching the science of hair, Dyson’s commitment to supporting hair chemistry and moisture content enables everyday versatile and sleek styles.
Dyson Corrale™ hair straightener and Dyson Airwrap™ curls are created using powerful airflow and materials in place of extreme heat. In this guide, you’ll find expert tips for how to keep curls from dropping in straight hair, as well as other hair types such as thicker or wavy hair.
First, find out what hair type you have
Hair is categorised by type and texture. Fine or thick hair relates to the diameter of each strand and thin hair refers to fewer strands on the scalp. The shape of hair is classed into 4 types, each with their own subtypes:
- Hair type 1. Straight (poker straight to slight waves)
- Hair type 2. Wavy (loose S waves to distinct S waves)
- Hair type 3. Curly (loose spiral curls to tight corkscrews)
- Hair type 4. Very curly to coily (tight coils to Z-patterned kinks)
All Dyson hair tools can achieve an array of curls – from loose, beachy S-curls to tighter, fuller ringlets. Explore Dyson’s hair styling guides to create true curls, volume and blow-out waves in different hair types and lengths.
6 tips for how to make curls last longer
Whether you use a styler or , you canstraightener to curl hair retain curls for longer by prepping hair beforehand and using recommended styling techniques. Dyson’s haircare tools create versatile hairstyles across all hair types by focusing on control instead of extreme heat. See how to make curls last longer with supportive and enhancing technology below.
1. Consider hair health
Strands require the right moisture balance to retain structural integrity, reflect light and hold shape for long periods of time. A tailored and supportive haircare routine is essential to retaining styles like curls in hair The right cleansing and conditioning products purify the scalp and strands and help to fortify hair. Paired with styling tools which protect against dehydration and frizz, healthy hair is better able to retain shapes like curls for longer.
2. Make sure the hair is prepped
To get the best results from your Dyson hair styling tool, we recommend that you start with clean hair. The tool that you choose will dictate whether you style damp or dry hair.
Using the Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi-styler and dryer
- The best technique for how to make curls hold is to use your Dyson Airwrap™ barrel attachments on damp hair. This provides some elasticity without over-stretching. Dry hair will not give the same hold.
- Pre-dry wet, freshly washed hair using the Fast dryer attachment.
Using the Dyson Corrale™ straightener
- Make sure that your hair is completely dry before curling your hair with the Dyson Corrale™ straightener.
- Pre-dry your hair with the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer, which delivers precise and powerful airflow to quickly dry hair and retain natural shine.
3. Apply a styling product
One of the most effective preparation steps for how to make curls last longer is to apply a styling product that gives the hair more grit so curled strands hold their shape. The Dyson Chitosan™ Pre-style cream gives hair 2x longer hold without crunch, while controlling unwanted frizz and preserving the hair’s natural shine.
You can choose your Dyson Chitosan™ Pre-style cream formulation based on your hair’s natural shape (straight to wavy or curly to coily) and thickness (light or rich conditioning). The pre-style cream is also formulated with heat protectant technology so you can protect your hair while styling.
4. Section the hair
Sectioning hair is the first important step in making curls last longer. As Guo Zijn, Global Styling Ambassador at Dyson explains, “Many are guilty of not sectioning the hair before styling in an effort to save time. However, this can be inefficient and also compromise the end style”.
The thicker your hair, the more sections you should create when styling. This helps to shape higher density strands without overwhelming the tool. Use a comb and hair clips to create a basic ‘hot cross bun’ sectioning pattern: down the centre of your scalp (or wherever your part falls), and from ear to ear. See how to make curls last longer with different hair tools below.
5. Use the right heat settings and technique
When looking for how to get straight hair to hold a curl, it’s important to use the right setting for your hair type. Fine, straight hair requires less heat to be conformed, whereas individuals with thicker or coarser strands can opt for higher heat settings. Technique is important in giving hold to the shape of curls you want to create. And like your temperature settings, they’re going to differ between a hair styler and a straightener.
For the Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler
- To keep Dyson Airwrap™ curls from dropping, we recommend using new Conical barrel, which is engineered for closer styling at the root.
- Use high airflow and high heat, then hold on the section of hair until completely dry.
- To set the curl, press the cold shot for 10 seconds.
For the Dyson Corrale™ hair straightener
- Set your temperature. Fine, flat hair: a lower temperature of 185°C. Thick, coarse hair: the highest temperature setting of 210°C.
- The angle you use will determine the style of curl you have at the end. The Dyson Corrale™ is cordless, giving you greater versatility and ease in the way you curl your hair.
- Work in sections, rotating the straightener at your preferred angle. For more volume, curl different sections both inwards and outwards. Move slowly through each section so you only do one pass.
6. Shake curls out instead of brushing
For how to make curls hold as long as possible, it can help to use additional support in the cooling process. The cold shot feature of theDyson Airwrap™ multi-styler sets each section. For extra hold you can fasten the curls in place using curlers, clips or bobby pins. When using the Dyson Corrale™ straightener, make sure to let each section of hair cool completely.
When ready, shake out your curls rather than brushing hair. To do this, use your fingers to gently loosen out sections, or a wide-tooth Detangling comb. The preparation and care given during your routine will determine the outcome of long-lasting curls. Finish with the Dyson Chitosan™ Post-style serum to smooth, define and enhance your end style.