Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 6 min read
You combine root volume and curl in the lengths in one routine by first lifting at the root while styling each section, and then, without letting go, moving straight on to the lengths for the curl. If you do this for your whole head in two separate rounds (all the roots first, then all the curls), the root volume is often already flat by the time you get to the curls.
Quick summary
- Work section by section: root volume first, immediately followed by the curl in the length, before moving to the next section.
- Lift the hair at the root against the direction of growth, before moving toward the ends.
- Let each section (root and curl) cool completely before releasing it.
- A volumizing mousse at the root and a light serum in the lengths combine well without weighing hair down.
- Start at the bottom layers and work upward, just like a regular blowout.
Below you'll find the exact order per section, and which products and temperature work best together.
Why doesn't combining the two often work out in practice?
A common mistake is treating your hair as two separate projects: first adding root volume everywhere, and then starting over for the curls in the length. The problem is that the lifted hair at the root can sink back down while you're working on the rest of your hair, especially if it takes a while before you get back to that section.
The solution is simple but does require a different order: treat each section in one continuous motion, from root to length, instead of going over your whole head twice.
Step by step: root volume and curl in one routine
- Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections, from bottom to top.
- Take the bottom section and lift it at the root, against the natural direction of growth.
- Bring the barrel or the warm airflow close to the root and hold for a few seconds.
- Without letting go, keep moving down toward the length and wrap it around the barrel for the curl.
- Let the whole section, from root to curl, cool down before you release it.
- Repeat the same combination for each following section, working steadily from bottom to top.
- Once everything's cooled down, gently brush it loose with your fingers for a more natural end result.
Which products and temperature work best for this combination?
Apply a volumizing mousse at the root, and save a light serum or heat protector for the lengths: that way, each part of your hair gets the product suited to its function, without weighing the root down with product meant for the lengths.
The same rule of thumb applies to temperature for both parts of the section: 35°C or 70°C for fine to normal hair, 110°C for thick or coarse hair that needs more heat to hold both the volume and the curl well.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the same temperature setting for root volume and curl?
Yes, within the same section you usually work with one setting, chosen based on your hair type. For most people, that's the same setting you'd use for a regular blowout.
Can I do this routine with a hairdryer instead of an airstyler?
You can, for the root volume part, with a hairdryer and a round brush. For the curl in the lengths, a barrel or curling iron is more practical, since a hairdryer alone doesn't create a curl shape.
Why does my root volume fall flat if I lift every section first and then curl afterward?
Because the lifted hair at the root isn't immediately locked in by cooling or further styling down the length, it can sink back down while you're working on other sections. Work each section from root to curl in one motion to avoid this.
How much time does this combined routine take roughly?
That depends on hair length and thickness, but since you handle each section in one go instead of two separate rounds, the combined routine is usually faster than doing root volume and curl separately.
One device for both root and length, in the same motion.
The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq combines airflow and interchangeable barrels, so you can work from root to tip without switching devices between volume and curl.
Works on all hair types 1A-4C
2 year warranty
30 days to try at home
Trustpilot 4.7/5
Shop the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq
A&T
Written by Lena A., based on questions about why root volume and curl often don't both last until the end of the day when done separately.
