Curling tong vs Dyson Airwrap™: what’s the difference?

What is a curling tong?

A curling tong is a heated styling tool with a smooth, cylindrical barrel and no clamp. Hair is wrapped manually around the barrel, held in place, then released to form a curl. Because the barrel stays hot throughout use, the shape and hold of the curl depends heavily on heat exposure and technique.

Curling tong are often chosen for their simplicity. One barrel delivers one curl type, making them a familiar option for those who want predictable, repeatable results.

Curling tong results: curl shape and consistency

With a curling tong, curl size is dictated almost entirely by barrel diameter. Smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger barrels produce looser waves. Timing also plays a key role – hold hair on the barrel for longer and curls become more defined, but hair can also feel less flexible.

This gives curling tongs precision, but it also means consistency relies on the user’s skill. Every section must be wrapped in the same way, at the same angle, for uniform results.

Curling tong vs Dyson Airwrap™: a different way to curl

At a glance, both tools create curls. The difference lies in how they shape hair.

A curling tong relies on sustained heat and direct contact. Dyson Airwrap™ machines use controlled airflow to draw hair around the barrel and style it as it dries, helping create curls with movement and bounce rather than a set, rigid finish.¹

Dyson Airwrap™ machines are also designed to do more than curl. With interchangeable attachments, one machine can dry, curl, wave, smooth, stretch and diffuse hair, adapting to different styles without switching tools.¹

Dyson Airwrap™ range: styling beyond curls

The Dyson Airwrap™ range is designed to support more than one look, one hair type or one routine. Each machine is built to adapt to how you style today – and how your hair changes over time – using interchangeable attachments that let you move seamlessly between drying, curling, smoothing and shaping.¹

Dyson Airwrap Origin™ multi‑styler and dryer – a streamlined way to curl, smooth and dry

The Dyson Airwrap Origin™ multi‑styler and dryer is a simplified entry point into airflow styling. With core attachments included, it allows you to dry hair from wet, create curls and waves, and smooth flyaways in a single routine.

It’s ideal if you want everyday versatility without overcomplicating your styling setup – offering flexibility beyond a curling tong, without the need for multiple tools.¹

Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi‑styler and dryer – Straight+Wavy – personalised curls, guided from start to finish

Designed specifically for straight to wavy hair types, the Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi‑styler and dryer – Straight+Wavy introduces a more guided approach to curling.

Once connected to the MyDyson™ app, it creates a personalised curling sequence that automatically manages wrapping, styling and setting – all at the touch of a button.² This removes the guesswork often associated with a curling tong, helping deliver consistent curls without counting or timing.

It also includes the Conical Airwrap™ barrel, with a tapered tip that styles closer to the root for tighter curls while maintaining volume and bounce.³

Dyson Airwrap Co‑anda2x™ multi‑styler and dryer with Diffuser – shaping curls as they dry

The Dyson Airwrap Co‑anda2x™ multi‑styler and dryer with Diffuser is designed for curly and coily hair routines that start from wet.

With a dedicated diffuser and compatible Airwrap™ attachments, it helps dry hair while shaping curls, supporting definition and volume as hair sets. Rather than re‑styling dry hair with a curling tong, this approach allows curls to be shaped during the drying process.¹

Curling tong vs 32mm curling iron

Barrel size plays a defining role in how curls look, feel and last. For many, the 32mm curling iron is considered a go‑to option, sitting comfortably between tight definition and loose movement. When comparing a curling tong to other styling approaches, this barrel size often becomes the reference point for soft, wearable curls.

Understanding how a curling tong with a 32mm barrel behaves – and how that compares to the results achieved with Dyson Airwrap™ barrels – helps clarify not just the curl shape you’ll achieve, but the overall finish, flexibility and ease of styling.

Why a 32mm curling iron is so popular

A 32mm curling iron is often seen as the sweet spot. It creates soft, loose curls that sit between defined spirals and relaxed waves, making it a popular choice for medium to long hair. This size works well for everyday styling, offering a polished look without tight curl definition.

How Dyson Airwrap™ compares to a 32mm curling iron

Dyson Airwrap™ barrels create similar loose curls and waves, but without wrapping hair around a hot surface. Instead, airflow draws hair onto the barrel and shapes it as it dries, helping curls retain movement and a natural finish.¹

For those who like the look of a 32mm curling iron but want more styling flexibility, Airwrap™ delivers comparable results with added versatility.

Curling tong vs large curling iron

Larger barrels shift the focus away from defined curls and towards shape, volume and movement. A large curling iron is typically chosen to create loose waves, soft bends and a more relaxed finish, especially through mid‑lengths and ends.

When comparing a curling tong to other tools designed to create volume and flow, it’s worth looking beyond curl size alone. How hair is shaped, how much lift is retained at the root, and how naturally the style moves all influence whether a large curling iron – or an alternative like Dyson Airwrap™ – fits best into your routine.

What is a large curling iron?

A large curling iron typically refers to barrels around 38mm or larger. These tools are often used to:

●      Add loose waves.

●      Create volume through lengths.

●      Introduce soft bends rather than full curls.

Large curling irons are popular for shaping styles rather than defining curls from root to tip.

Dyson Airwrap™ and loose waves

With larger barrels and volumising brushes, Dyson Airwrap™ machines help create loose waves while lifting hair at the root. Instead of flattening hair against heat, airflow styling supports volume as hair is shaped, making it easier to achieve soft, full‑bodied styles.¹

Ease of use: manual control vs guided styling

Curling tongs demand attention to detail. Every section must be wrapped consistently, and timing must be judged by eye and feel.

The Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi‑styler and dryer – Straight+Wavy offers a different experience. Its personalised curling sequence manages airflow and heat automatically, guiding each step so you can focus on sectioning rather than timing.²

This can make curling feel more intuitive, especially for those who want consistent results with less manual effort.

Which styling tool is right for you?

Choose a curling tong if:

●      You want one specific curl size.

●      You prefer manual styling control.

●      You don’t need additional styling functions.

Choose Dyson Airwrap™ if:

●      You want to curl, wave, smooth and dry with one machine.

●      You value adaptable styling for different looks.

●      You want options designed for your hair type.

Both approaches work – the difference is how much flexibility you want built into your routine.

Explore the Dyson Airwrap™ range

Whether you’re drawn to loose waves, defined curls or everyday smoothness, Dyson Airwrap™ machines are designed to adapt to how you style.

Explore the full Dyson Airwrap™ range, compare machines and find the right attachments for your hair.

Footnotes

¹ vs. styling with extreme heat

² Available on Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi‑styler and dryer models

³ vs. Dyson Airwrap™ 30mm barrel