I already told you in my Airwrap vs. Airstrait comparison that this is the tool I’d keep if I could only keep one, especially living somewhere humid. Here’s the actual routine, and the part that still surprises people: this straightener is how I get my best waves, not my curling tool.
Same timing rule as always
Late afternoon, no plans to go out, same as my Airwrap routine. It looks better the next day than it does right after styling, every time.
Prep
This part doesn’t change based on which tool I’m using. Olaplex shampoo and conditioner as the base, the BOÉ Cosmetics Mayoliva mask as a pre-shampoo treatment when my hair needs it, or the Davines Love Smoothing Instant Mask as my regular mask. Then Olaplex No.9 and No.6 with either Olaplex No.7 or Kérastase Elixir Ultime oil.
Sectioning
Same 4 sections, same alligator clips. I have a lot of hair, and skipping this step means uneven results no matter which tool I’m using.
Styling with the Airstrait
I use wet mode, going section by section. Sometimes I’ll run the Airwrap’s wide-tooth comb brush through each section first, just to speed things up. I have a lot of hair, and I find the Airstrait more tiring to get through than the Airwrap. It’s worth it to me because the results last so much longer.
Once I’ve gone through every section, I set it to dry boost mode over my entire head. Then a few more drops of the Kérastase Elixir Ultime oil, another cool shot, and here’s the part that matters: I bend the tips slightly instead of leaving them pin straight, and I lower the fan speed a bit toward the end. Straight down to the tip reads a little too severe on my hair. This softens it.
The overnight trick
Once I’m done styling, I put my hair up with a satin tie and a satin bonnet, same as with the Airwrap. But this is where the Airstrait does something the Airwrap doesn’t: by morning, my hair isn’t just smooth and shiny, it has soft, effortless shape to it. Bouncier and more natural-looking than anything I’ve gotten from the Airwrap’s actual curling barrels.
If you have textured or humidity-prone hair and assumed a straightener couldn’t give you curl, this is the routine that will change your mind.
The result
Shiny, holds its shape, and it’s the routine I reach for when I want it to genuinely last, not just look good for a few hours. If you want the lower-effort version of a good hair day instead, my Airwrap routine is the one to check out.
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