Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 6 min read
Yes, you can get sleek, smooth hair without the traditional two-step routine of blow-drying first and then straightening separately with a flat iron. A wet-to-dry device like the AirStraight dries and straightens hair in a single motion starting from wet or towel-dry hair, so you skip the separate flat iron step on already-dried hair.
Quick summary
- A wet-to-dry device combines blow-drying and straightening into one step, starting from wet hair.
- Wet Mode (120°C-160°C) is for wet to towel-dry hair, Dry Mode (80°C-140°C) is for touching up dry hair.
- You skip the separate flat iron step on already-dry hair.
- Work in small, flat sections for the sleekest result, section size matters at least as much as the device itself.
- A Cool Shot function at the end locks in the sleek shape.
Below you'll find the exact steps for the sleekest result, and what actually sets this apart from a traditional flat iron.
What do we mean by "without a flat iron" if the AirStraight has plates too?
The AirStraight, like a classic flat iron, has heated plates that smooth hair as they pull through it. The difference isn't the plates themselves, it's that you no longer need a separate, standalone flat iron step on already-dried hair.
With a traditional flat iron, you first have to fully blow-dry your hair, and only then start straightening as a second, separate device and separate step. With a wet-to-dry device like the AirStraight, you combine those two steps into one motion starting from wet or towel-dry hair. In that sense, you skip "the flat iron" as a separate device and separate action, even though you're technically still using heated plates.
Step by step: sleek hair with the AirStraight
- Wash your hair and towel-dry it, until it feels damp but isn't dripping anymore.
- Apply a heat serum or smoothing cream, worked through the lengths.
- Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections and secure them with clips.
- Set the AirStraight to Wet Mode (120°C-160°C).
- Work section by section from root to tip, in one smooth motion, don't linger in one spot.
- Repeat a section 1 to 2 times if it doesn't feel fully smooth or dry yet.
- At the end of each section, activate the Cool Shot function to lock in the shape.
- Afterward, touch up loose strands or regrowth with Dry Mode (80°C-140°C).
Is the result just as smooth as with a traditional flat iron?
Used correctly, the result is comparable, but section size and how many times you pass through a section matter at least as much as the type of device. Larger sections give a less even, less sleek result with either device.
The practical advantage of the AirStraight is mainly time: you don't have to fully blow-dry first before you can start straightening, which shortens the total styling time compared to the traditional two-step routine.
Frequently asked questions
Can the AirStraight get my hair just as smooth as a salon flat iron?
With the right technique (small sections, smooth motions), the result is comparable. The biggest difference is convenience: you don't need to blow-dry separately first before you can start.
Do I need to fully blow-dry my hair before using the AirStraight?
No, that's exactly the point of Wet Mode: you start from wet to towel-dry hair and the device dries and straightens at the same time. Fully blow-drying beforehand isn't necessary.
What if my hair still shows some wave after styling?
Go over that section again on Dry Mode, often one extra pass on a smaller section is enough to smooth out any remaining wave.
Can I use the AirStraight without a heat serum beforehand?
You can, but a heat serum or smoothing cream helps hair glide more easily between the plates and protects against heat exposure, which usually makes the result smoother.
From wet hair to a sleek result, no extra step needed.
The AirStraight switches between Wet Mode (120°C-160°C) and Dry Mode (80°C-140°C), with sensors that adjust the temperature up to 30 times per second for a consistent, smooth result.
2 year warranty
30 days to try at home
Works on all hair types
Free shipping
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A&T
Written by Anne Leensen, based on questions customers ask about sleek styling with the AirStraight.
