How to Create Volume, Smoothness and Curls with a Hot Air Styler

A hot air styler is most useful when you treat it as a flexible styling system rather than a single brush. The nozzle removes excess moisture, the smoothing brush guides the hair, the round brush adds lift and shape, and the air-curling barrels create curls or waves.

Here is a practical routine for using those attachments together to create volume, a smoother-looking finish and soft curls at home.

Prepare your hair for styling

1. Blot excess water with a towel. Hair should be damp, not dripping.
2. Detangle gently from the ends upwards.
3. Apply any heat-protection or styling product according to its label.
4. Divide the hair into sections you can control comfortably.
5. Fit the required attachment securely before switching the styler on.

Small, even sections are easier to shape than one large section. They also make it easier to keep the airflow moving rather than concentrating heat in one place.

How to add volume with a hot air brush

Lift the roots

Fit the round hot-air brush and place it underneath a section near the crown. Lift the hair away from the scalp while directing the brush through the first part of the section. Keep the hot surface away from the scalp and avoid stopping in one place.

Shape the lengths

Guide the brush slowly from roots to ends with light tension. For more movement, turn the brush slightly as it travels through the section. Do not wrap too much hair around the barrel at once.

Curve the ends

Roll the ends around the brush briefly, then unwind them carefully. Turn the brush towards the face for an inward curve or away from the face for a more open shape.

How to create a smoother-looking finish

Use the soft smoothing brush on damp, detangled hair. Position it close to the roots without pressing against the scalp, then guide it steadily towards the ends. Keep the section lightly tensioned with your free hand while keeping fingers away from the hot attachment.

For a neater finish, work in a consistent direction and complete the lower layers before moving to the crown. Use smaller sections around the hairline where you may want more control.

How to create air-wrapped curls

1. Start with hair that is mostly dry and divide it into small sections.
2. Fit the curling barrel for the direction you want the curl to travel.
3. Hold the styler vertically and bring the ends of one section close to the barrel.
4. Allow the airflow to draw the hair around the barrel rather than twisting the whole tool.
5. Move closer to the head while keeping the hot attachment clear of the face, neck and scalp.
6. Hold for approximately 10 to 30 seconds according to your hair and preferred result.
7. Release gently and allow the curl to cool before separating it.

Use the second barrel when you want the curls on the other side to travel in the opposite direction. Alternating directions through the back sections can create a looser, less uniform appearance.

A complete styling order for one finished look

1. Pre-dry: Use the nozzle to take hair from wet to damp.
2. Smooth: Use the soft brush through the lower layers and any sections where you want a straighter shape.
3. Add lift: Use the round brush at the crown, fringe and front pieces.
4. Create curls: Use the barrels through selected lengths or around the face.
5. Let the shape cool: Give each section time to settle before brushing or separating it.

You do not need to use every head on every wash day. This order simply shows how the attachments can work together when you want a more complete style.

Choose the right heat level

• Level 1, approximately 61 to 63°C: Start here when you want lighter heat or are learning a technique.
• Level 2, approximately 96 to 98°C: Use as a middle setting for general shaping.
• Level 3, approximately 136 to 140°C: Reserve the highest setting for sections that need more heat and airflow.

Hair responds differently depending on its condition, thickness, moisture level and section size. Start lower, keep the styler moving and increase only when needed.

Tips for a more polished result

• Keep section sizes consistent so the result looks more balanced.
• Direct the front sections away from the face for an open shape.
• Use gentle tension with brush attachments rather than pulling firmly.
• Let curls cool before running fingers or a brush through them.
• Store cooled attachments in the case so the full set is ready for the next use.

Frequently asked questions

Can a hot air brush add volume to fine-looking hair?

The round brush can lift sections at the root and curve the lengths, which can make the finished style appear fuller. The amount of hold depends on your hair and the styling products you choose.

Why are there two curling barrels?

The two barrels help direct curls in different directions. This makes it easier to style each side away from the face or alternate directions through the back.

Should I smooth or curl first?

Prepare and smooth the roots or lower layers first, then use the curling barrels on the sections where you want waves or curls. This reduces the need to brush through finished curls.

Create your own styling routine

Choose the 5-in-1 hot air styler with black case or the 5-in-1 hot air styler with brown case, then build a routine around the finish you wear most often.

For attachment basics, read how to use a 5-in-1 hot air styler. If you are deciding between tools, compare a hot air styler, hair dryer and straightener.

Safety reminder: Keep hot surfaces away from the face, neck and skin. Allow attachments to cool before handling and keep the tool out of reach of children.