FAQs 

My child is really scared of hairdryers, where do I start?

Start by taking the pressure off. The first goal isn't to dry your child's hair, it's to help them feel comfortable.

Let them explore the AirHeads dryer while it's switched off. Hold it together and let them discover that it's friendly, lightweight and designed just for them.

When they're ready, switch on the Gentle Breeze setting from a distance so they can become familiar with the quiet sound and gentle airflow. They might prefer to feel the airflow on their hands before trying it on their hair.

Some children will be ready the very first evening. Others may take a little longer. Every child is different, so follow their lead and celebrate each small step. Confidence grows over time, and before long, hair drying can become another calm, cosy part of the bedtime routine.

What's the best way to dry curly, coily or wavy children's hair?

Curly, coily and wavy hair often benefits from a gentler approach to drying.

Rather than directing airflow straight onto the hair, a diffuser helps spread the airflow more evenly, supporting natural curl formation. Drying hair until it is around 80–90% dry, then allow the remaining moisture to air-dry naturally can help curls maintain their natural bounce and definition.

The AirHeads Flexi Diffuser was designed specifically with curly, coily and wavy hair types in mind. It can also be used to gently dry fine hair and delicate scalps. 

How do I style my child's fringe?

Kid's fringes can have a mind of their own, especially after a wriggly night's sleep.

The easiest time to style a fringe is while the hair is still slightly damp after washing. Using a gentle airflow, guide the hair into place with the AirHeads soft silicone smoothing comb, brushing the fringe from the roots towards the ends as you dry.

Avoid pulling or using excessive warmth. Instead, work slowly and gently, allowing the hair to settle naturally.

Top tip: Once the fringe is dry, let it cool in place for a few moments. This can help it hold its shape for longer.

How do I dry long hair without it taking forever?

Long hair doesn't have to mean long drying times.

Start by gently squeezing excess water from the hair with a towel after washing (rather than rubbing, which can lead to tangles and frizz!) Once most of the moisture has been removed, divide longer hair into sections. This allows the airflow to reach more of the hair, helping it dry more evenly and efficiently.

Choose the AirHeads setting that's best suited to your child's hair type and thickness. For thicker hair, the Boost setting provides maximum warmth and stronger airflow for faster drying, while still being designed with young scalps in mind.

Turning hair drying into a calm part of the bedtime routine, rather than something to rush through, can help make evenings feel easier for everyone.

Should curly hair be brushed before or after drying?

Curly, coily and wavy hair is usually easiest to brush when it's wet or damp, rather than once it's completely dry. Brushing dry curls can disrupt their natural pattern, leading to frizz and making curls appear less defined.

After washing, gently detangle the hair using a wide-tooth comb or brush that's suitable for curly hair, starting at the ends and working your way upwards. Then use the AirHeads super soft Flexi Diffuser to gently dry the hair until it's around 80–90% dry, allowing the remaining moisture to air dry naturally.

Should I towel dry my child's hair before using a hairdryer?

Yes. Gently towel drying your child's hair before using a hairdryer is a great first step.

Rather than rubbing the hair, which can cause tangles and frizz, gently squeeze or pat away as much excess water as possible with a soft towel. This helps speed up drying time and allows the hairdryer to work more efficiently.

Once most of the moisture has been removed, use the AirHeads dryer to gently dry both the hair and scalp. This helps support a healthy hair care routine while leaving hair easier to brush, style and manage.

For curly, coily and wavy hair, try drying until the hair is around 80–90% dry, then allow the remaining moisture to air dry naturally to help maintain natural curl definition.

Is AirHeads suitable for my 1 year old?

Yes. AirHeads has been thoughtfully designed for use on children from 12 months+, always with close adult attention and supervision. 

Many little ones are still becoming familiar with hair drying at this age, which is why we recommend starting slowly. The Gentle Breeze setting provides a quiet, low-sensory introduction with gentle warmth and airflow, helping children become comfortable with the experience at their own pace.

Every child is different. Some may be happy to try the dryer straight away, while others may prefer to spend a few evenings simply exploring the AirHeads dryer, listening to the sound or feeling the airflow on their hands before using it on their hair. Following your child's lead is the best way to help build confidence and create a calm, positive routine.

At what age can children start drying their own hair?

Every child develops confidence and coordination at their own pace, but many children enjoy becoming more involved in their hair care routine from around 3–5 years old with close adult supervision.

AirHeads is lightweight and designed for small hands, making it easier for children to take part in drying their own hair as they build independence and learn new self-care skills.

From around the age of 8, some children may be ready to use the AirHeads dryer more independently, provided a parent or guardian is confident they understand basic electrical safety and are familiar with their hair-drying routine. As with any electrical appliance, adult supervision and guidance should always be provided.

How do I brush my child's hair without tears?

Hair brushing doesn't have to be a daily battle. A few simple changes can make it a much more comfortable experience for both of you.

Start by brushing from the ends of the hair, gently working your way upwards in small sections rather than pulling from the roots. If your child has longer or curlier hair, using a detangling spray can also help reduce knots.

Brushing after bath time is generally easier, when the hair is clean and slightly damp. Drying the hair gently before brushing can also help make it easier to manage, while the AirHeads soft silicone smoothing comb can be used during drying to help reduce frizz and minimise tangles.

Most importantly, take your time. Turning hair care into a calm, positive routine helps kids feel more relaxed and can make brushing easier over time.

My child has sensory sensitivities. How can I introduce a hairdryer?

Take things one step at a time. Start by letting your child explore the AirHeads dryer and soft silicone stylers without turning it on. When they're ready, try using the Gentle Breeze setting from a distance so they can become familiar with the sound and airflow at their own pace.

Some children are more sensitive to new sounds and sensations than others, it may take several attempts before they're comfortable using it on their hair. That's perfectly okay. The aim is to build confidence gradually and create a positive, comfortable experience around hair drying.

Is it okay for kids to sleep with wet hair?

Drying your child's hair before bed can make bedtime more comfortable and help support a healthy hair care routine.

For many children, particularly those with longer, curly, coily or wavy hair, going to bed with wet hair can lead to tangles, knots and unruly bedhead the next morning. Damp hair can also leave pillows and pyjamas feeling cold and uncomfortable at bedtime.

Ensuring both the hair and scalp are comfortably dry before sleep can help support scalp health, keep hair more manageable, and make mornings that little bit easier.

How do I keep my child's scalp healthy?

A healthy scalp starts with a gentle hair care routine. Washing your child's hair regularly with a mild shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and ensuring both the hair and scalp are comfortably dry afterwards can all help keep the scalp clean and comfortable.

Choose products that are designed with children in mind, be gentle when brushing, and avoid scratching or rubbing the scalp if it becomes irritated. If you notice persistent flaking, redness, itching or any concerns about your child's scalp, it's always best to seek advice from your pharmacist, health visitor or GP.

Why is my child's hair so tangled in the morning?

It's completely normal for children's hair to become tangled overnight. As they sleep, their hair rubs against their pillow, and if it's still damp from bath time, it's even more likely to knot and become difficult to manage by morning.

Drying your child's hair before bed can help reduce tangles and make brushing much easier the next day. For longer, curly, coily or wavy hair, tying it back loosely can also help keep knots to a minimum.

A calm bedtime hair care routine can make all the difference, helping to keep hair healthier and mornings a little easier.

What makes the AirHeads dryer different to other hairdryers?

AirHeads wasn't created by making an adult hairdryer smaller. It was designed for childhood.  

Every detail has been considered. It's lightweight to hold, features three gentle settings to suit different hair types and confidence levels, including a low-sensory Gentle Breeze setting to help children become familiar with hair drying at their own pace.

Unlike traditional hairdryers, AirHeads also comes with two squishy, soft silicone stylers as standard. Our Flexi Diffuser helps care for curly, coily and wavy hair, while the Smoothing Comb helps guide straight hair into place, reducing frizz and flyaways as it dries.

Most importantly, AirHeads has been designed to make hair drying feel calmer, gentler and more enjoyable.

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How do I clean the AirHeads air inlet?

AirHeads has been designed to be simple to care for. The air inlet features a fixed protective cover, so there's no filter to remove or replace.

To keep your AirHeads dryer performing at its best, simply check the air inlet regularly and gently wipe to remove any dust or hair. Avoid using water or inserting sharp objects into the air inlet.

How can I tell which heat setting I’m using?

The AirHeads dryer has been designed to be simple and intuitive to use.

As you press and slide the child safety switch upwards, the illuminated indicator changes colour to show which setting is selected:

White – Gentle Breeze: low-sensory setting with gentle warmth and airflow.

Orange – Warm Glow: comfortable everyday drying for most hair types.

Red – Boost: maximum warmth and stronger airflow for thicker or longer hair that needs a little extra drying power.

The coloured light makes it easy to see which setting you're using at a glance, so you can choose the one that's right for your child's hair type, comfort and confidence.

How do the soft silicone stylers attach to the AirHeads dryer?

Each soft silicone styler simply snaps into place using a built-in magnetic ring, making it quick and easy to switch between Flexi Diffuser and the Smoothing Comb.

The magnetic connection is designed to hold the styler securely during use while allowing parents to change or remove attachments in just a few seconds.

Important: The stylers may become warm during use, so always allow them to cool before removing or changing them.  Always check the magnetic rings on the styling tools before use and discontinue use if any part becomes damaged or loose.

Why is it recommended to always use a soft silicone styler attachment?

Unlike traditional hard plastic attachments, our stylers are made from soft, flexible silicone, creating a more comfortable experience for young scalps while helping reduce heat transfer from the styler itself. Whether you're using the Flexi Diffuser or the Smoothing Comb, each one has been thoughtfully designed to feel gentle while helping you care for your kid's hair.

The result is a softer, more comfortable hair-drying routine that's designed around little heads, not grown-up ones.

My child finds adult hairdryers too hot. Will AirHeads help?

Many parents tell us that traditional hairdryers can feel too hot or too intense for their kids.

That's why AirHeads has been designed with three gentle settings, allowing you to choose the level that's right for your child's age, hair type and comfort. The Gentle Breeze setting combines gentle warmth with a soft airflow, making it an ideal place to start for children who are less comfortable with conventional hairdryers.

AirHeads is designed to be used with our soft, silicone stylers. Unlike traditional hard plastic attachments, the soft silicone is designed to help reduce heat transfer from the styler itself.

Every child experiences warmth differently, so we recommend introducing the AirHeads dryer gradually and always checking that the airflow feels comfortable before drying. By following your child's lead, you can build confidence and create a calmer, more positive hair-drying routine.

Is it quieter than a normal hairdryer?

Yes. AirHeads has been designed to operate at a lower noise level to help make hair drying feel calmer and more comfortable. The quieter operation, combined with gentle airflow, helps create a more relaxed experience for kids and a more peaceful bedtime routine for the whole family.

Why is AirHeads lightweight?

Hair drying little heads can sometimes take longer than we'd like.

Whether you're drying long curls, thick hair or simply waiting for a wriggly toddler to stay still for five minutes. Holding a heavy hairdryer can quickly become uncomfortable.

That's why AirHeads weighs just 250g. Lightweight enough to make bedtime routines feel easier for everyone. It's a small detail that makes a big difference at the end of a long day. 

Does AirHeads replace our standard adult hair dryer?

For your children—yes.

AirHeads has been specifically designed to become your child's everyday hairdryer, with gentle settings, soft silicone stylers and a lightweight design that's built around little heads rather than grown-up ones.

Many adults enjoy using AirHeads too, particularly for shorter hair or quick touch-ups. For longer or thicker adult hair, a conventional hairdryer for faster drying is sometimes preferred.

Can I use the AirHeads dryer on my own hair?

Absolutely! While AirHeads has been thoughtfully designed specifically for children, there's nothing to stop grown-ups using it too.

Many parents enjoy using AirHeads on shorter hairstyles, fringes, or for quick touch-ups. Its lightweight design and gentle settings also make it a great choice for anyone who prefers a softer, more comfortable drying experience.

For longer or thicker adult hair, you may find a conventional adult hairdryer dries hair more quickly due to its higher heat and airflow. AirHeads has been designed with children's hair, comfort and confidence in mind, so its gentle approach is what makes it special.

What plug does it come with?

AirHeads 2026 models are available in a UK plug only, with US and EU plugs coming in 2027.

What is your warranty? 

Your AirHeads dryer is covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights under UK consumer law. Please retain your proof of purchase.

Extended Warranty (Registration Required)

You can extend your warranty to 2 years (total) by registering your product within 30 days of purchase at: www.airheadshair.com 

The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or improper handling, including damage to the Soft Silicone Stylers. Following the care and maintenance instructions will help keep your

AirHeads dryer performing at its best for longer.

This product is for household use and it is not intended for business purposes. Using the AirHeads dryer for professional or commercial purposes will invalidate the guarantee.

I’ve lost my instruction manual, what do I do?

You can download a digital copy here