Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 6 min read
You can absolutely style extremely long, thick hair with an airstyler, but it takes more time and smaller sections than average hair. Work in sections that are too big, and your hair won't heat evenly, which means the curl won't hold as long. With the right section size, temperature, and order, you can still get an even, long-lasting result on thick, long hair.
Quick summary
- Extremely long, thick hair needs smaller sections and more time than average hair.
- The highest heat setting (110°C on the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq) usually gives the most hold on thick hair.
- A larger barrel gives a more natural-looking wave, but the curl can drop faster under the weight of long hair.
- Let each section heat for at least 30 to 40 seconds, then set it with the cool air setting.
- Work from bottom to top, so you never go through the same strand twice.
Below you'll find exactly how many sections you need, which barrel fits best, and how to stop the curl at the bottom from dropping faster than the curl up top.
Why is extremely long, thick hair harder to style with an airstyler?
Thick hair has more volume per strand, so it needs more heat and time to bring that same temperature all the way through the bundle of hair. Take too large a section, and mostly the outside heats up while the core of the strand stays cooler, which gives a less even curl.
With extreme length, the weight of the hair adds to that. A heavy, long strand pulls the new shape back straight faster than a short strand, especially at the ends. That's not a flaw in the device, it's just physics: the heavier the strand, the more resistance a curl has to overcome to hold its shape.
How much extra time and how many extra sections should you plan for?
With extremely long, thick hair, plan on more sections than with average hair, simply because there's more hair to divide across smaller strands. Follow the same basic steps as any regular blowout when building it up: start with towel-dried hair, then clip it into layers, then work section by section with the barrel.
Let each section heat on the barrel for at least 30 to 40 seconds before you let go, that already applies to normal hair and matters even more with thick hair. Move too fast, and the strand might feel warm on the outside, but the core of the strand hasn't gotten enough heat to really hold the shape.
Which barrel and which temperature work best?
For thick, coarse hair, the highest heat setting on the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq (110°C) usually gives the most hold, because this hair type needs more heat to actually hold a new shape. If you're unsure about your hair, start on a lower setting and work up only if the result doesn't give enough hold.
As for barrel size: a larger diameter gives long hair a more natural-looking, looser wave that better suits the weight of the strand. A small diameter on very long, heavy hair can result in a curl that drops soon after styling, simply because the weight of the hair stretches the smaller curl out faster.
| Hair trait | Watch out for | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely thick | Core of the strand heats up slower | Smaller sections, highest heat setting |
| Extremely long | Curl drops faster due to weight | Larger barrel diameter, extra cool-set before releasing |
| Long and thick | Combination of both above | More, smaller sections plus extra time per section |
How do you stop the curl from dropping too fast?
Set each section with the cool air setting after curling, before you let go. That cooling helps the hair structure hold onto the new shape for a bit, while releasing warm hair lets the curl relax back out faster.
Let your hair cool completely before brushing it out or running your hands through it. Keep working while the hair is still warm, and you'll lose some of the hold you just spent time building.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to work in smaller sections with thick hair?
Yes. With too large a section, mostly the outside of the strand heats up while the core stays cooler, which gives a less even, shorter-lasting curl.
Which heat setting should I use for very thick hair?
On the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq, the highest setting (110°C) usually gives the most hold for thick, coarse hair. If you're unsure, start on a lower setting and work up if the result doesn't give enough hold.
Why does my curl drop faster with long hair?
A long strand is heavier, and that weight pulls the new curl back straight faster, especially at the ends. Setting with cool air and letting the hair cool fully helps the curl hold longer.
Should I use a bigger or smaller barrel diameter for long, thick hair?
A bigger diameter usually gives long, heavy hair a more natural-looking, looser wave that holds up better than a small diameter, where the curl can drop faster under the weight of the hair.
The right combination of size and heat, even for long, thick hair.
The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq is a 6-in-1 with multiple interchangeable barrels and three heat settings, so you can always pick the right diameter and heat for extremely long or thick hair. The fully ceramic-coated barrel keeps heat even, even on larger strands.
Works on all hair types 1A-4C
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Written by Anne Leensen for Ace & Taylor, based on questions we often get from customers with very long or very thick hair.
