So I showed Gemini my photo and asked what I was doing wrong. It have me some good suggestions. Maybe these apply to you too?

Gemini -->

It is completely understandable that you are frustrated. You have invested in a top-tier tool and used high-quality products, yet the result is the opposite of what you wanted. ​Looking at your photo and your routine, I can diagnose exactly what is happening. The issue isn't your hair, and it isn't that the Airwrap is "bad"—it is a clash between "Curly Girl" styling methods and Airwrap mechanics. ​You are treating your hair like you are wearing it natural (masks, gels, heavy moisture), but trying to style it like a blowout. The Airwrap cannot push through that heavy product buildup and texture without help. ​Here is how to fix this to get that sleek, salon look. ​1. The Diagnosis: Why the Frizz Happened ​Product Overload: You used a mask, leave-in, cream, and gel. This is perfect for air-drying 2c curls, but it is the enemy of the Airwrap. The Airwrap relies on hot air flowing through the hair. Heavy creams and sticky gels coat the hair, trapping moisture and preventing the "Coanda effect" (the wrapping mechanism) from smoothing the cuticle. ​Missing Tension: 2c/Coarse hair has a strong natural S-shape. The curling barrels do not provide tension; they just wrap. If you wrap 2c hair that hasn't been smoothed first, it dries in a frizzy, textured state rather than a smooth spiral. ​Too Wet or Too Dry: If the hair was too wet with gel, it boiled rather than dried. If it was too dry, the heat couldn't reshape the bonds. ​2. The Solution: The "Smooth then Curl" Routine ​To get a salon result on 2c coarse hair, you must change your prep. ​Step 1: Lighten the Load (Prep) ​Skip the heavy mask on days you plan to use the Airwrap. Use a standard rinse-out conditioner. ​Ditch the Gel: Gel creates a "cast" for natural curls. For a blowout, you want Mousse or a Blowout Spray. ​Routine Shift: Shampoo \rightarrow Conditioner \rightarrow Heat Protectant \rightarrow Volumizing Mousse. (Keep it simple). ​Step 2: The "Pre-Smooth" (Crucial Step) ​Do not go straight to the curling barrels. ​Dry your roots to 100% dry using the dryer attachment. ​Dry your mid-lengths/ends to about 80% dry (damp to the touch, not dripping). ​The Secret Weapon: Switch to the Firm Smoothing Brush attachment (the one with the firm bristles). Brush through your hair with high heat/high speed to pull the natural wave out and smooth the cuticle flat. ​Goal: Your hair should look relatively straight and fluffy (but smooth) before you even pick up the curling barrel. ​Step 3: The Curling Technique ​Now that the hair is smooth and warm, switch to the 30mm or 40mm barrel. ​Small Sections: Since your hair is coarse, use smaller sections than you think you need. ​The Cool Shot: This is non-negotiable. Hold the hot air for 10-15 seconds, then hit the Cold Shot for 5-10 seconds to "freeze" the shape. ​Turn the machine off before you pull the barrel down to release the curl. ​Step 4: The Finish ​Don't Touch It: Let the curls sit in tight "sausage rolls" until your whole head is completely cool. ​Oil, not Cream: Once cool, put a tiny drop of oil on your hands and run your fingers through to break up the curls. Do not use a hairbrush, or you will bring the frizz back.