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Aug 16, 2023

Shark FlexStyle Air Drying & Styling System Review

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. The Shark FlexStyle is often uttered in the same breath as the

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

The Shark FlexStyle is often uttered in the same breath as the Dyson Airwrap — after all, these beauty tools have nearly identical attachments and deliver similar results. But after four months of thoroughly testing the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System with all of its attachments, we assure you that Shark’s hair styling tool is a standalone star in its own right.

Those who follow beauty trends on TikTok are likely well-aware of the wide-ranging capabilities of this popular hair styling tool, as the Shark FlexStyle has racked up 405 million views on TikTok to date. The tool has also made waves because of its reasonable $299.99 price point.

The hype for the Shark FlexStyle hair dryer is well-earned, as it allows you to choose between two attachment bundles that are uniquely-tailored to your hair type, or you can purchase one complete set with five attachments. The two main configurations to choose from include one for curly and coily hair, and another for straight and wavy hair. Each of these sets comes with four attachments that will allow you to dry and style your hair in any way you want. Of all the attachments, the Auto-Wrap Curlers are the most fawned over; these attachments create loose ringlets and waves like the best curling irons, but without the styling savvy required to work the traditional tools.

Where many multi-stylers and hair dryer brushes are only able to finish your hair (these styling tools typically work best on 80 percent dry strands), the FlexStyle also functions like a traditional hair dryer. Twist the tool’s jointed handle, and the device turns into a sleek, high-powered blow dryer. Some hair tools claim they can replace all of your straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers — the FlexStyle actually can.

Related: Shark SmoothStyle ReviewShark SpeedStyle Review

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Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Sephora

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Shark

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Sephora

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Shark

The Shark FlexStyle is a multi-tasking hair dryer with interchangeable attachments designed to replace your collection of curling irons, straighteners, and hair dryer brushes. The FlexStyle works as a standard hair dryer — it even has a jointed handle that rotates into the classic upside-down ‘L’ shape of a hair dryer. But it’s the attachments that make the FlexStyle unique and useful for all hair types and textures.

As with Dyson’s Airwrap, the curling heads are a big selling point for the tool. Touch the barrel to the end of your hair and slowly pull it up towards your head, and the airflow will coil your hair around the barrel while drying it. You’ll get soft, defined curls you can set with hairspray or brush out for textured waves. But the FlexStyle doesn’t just dry and curl your hair; depending on the configuration you choose, you can also use the device for windswept waves, defined natural curls, or a sleek finish.

Like other Shark hair styling tools, the FlexStyle minimizes heat exposure to your hair, which prevents damage and breakage. The max temperature is 203°F, a safe number for all hair textures, and it contains technology that monitors the temp 1,000 times per second to avoid flare-ups with extended use. The tool weighs 1.5 pounds, and you can toggle between three airflow and four heat settings.

The Shark FlexStyle hair dryer is compatible with a total of seven attachments. You can select between two configurations for different hair textures, as well as an ultimate set with each of the attachments. At Sharkclean.com, you can customize a FlexStyle with three attachments of your choosing.

Both the curly and straight hair FlexStyles include a concentrator, Auto-Wrap Curlers, and an Oval Brush head. The FlexStyle for curly and coily hair also includes a hair diffuser, while the straight and wavy hair configuration includes a narrow round brush. If you’re interested in additional attachments, each are available for purchase separately for $29.95.

Below, more details on the attachments and our testing tips on how to use them:

Most multi-styling hair tools take multiple uses to get the hang of, between testing out attachments, selecting the right airflow and heat settings to use with them, and navigating the device around your head of hair. By the time that’s said and done, you’ve likely found your favorite attachment, and the rest are relegated to a dusty corner in your medicine cabinet. That’s not the case with Shark’s FlexStyle.

During the four-month testing period of the Shark FlexStyle, I found myself reaching for each of the attachments for different looks and occasions. The attachments are seamless to click into place and intuitive to use. Even the most complicated of the bunch, the Auto-Wrap Curlers, took me two minutes to figure out. (Note that you have to toggle between the barrels to switch the direction of your curls, either facing away or towards your face.)

Some of the FlexStyle attachments, primarily the Oval Brush, add noticeable weight to the device. However, the tool’s powerful airflow cuts down the amount of time it takes to style your hair. Those with long, thick hair may experience some snagging where the attachment meets the FlexStyle’s nozzle, so it’s in your best interest to properly section your hair while using the hair styling tool.

Without attachments, the FlexStyle performs better than any top travel hair dryer — it’s petite to pack in a weekend bag or carry-on suitcase, and doesn’t compromise on dry time. I love the feel and power of the tool so much that it’s replaced my standard at-home hair dryer, too.

Similar multi-stylers that promise to not cause heat damage tend to leave my hair a little puffier than traditional dryers, with frizz creeping up throughout the day. The FlexStyle, on the other hand, has just the right amount of heat to seemingly smooth the cuticles of my hair, resulting in a frizz-free finish that doesn’t require a touch up with a travel flat iron. This is a major bonus for those with coarse, thick hair.

The Shark FlexStyle functions as well as stylers I’ve tried that cost nearly double the price. It also has a more luxurious look than other multi-stylers I’ve used — I’m partial to the champagne color I tested, but the FlexStyle is also available in black and other limited-edition colorways, like copper.

WWD Shop Editor Claire Sullivan testing the Shark FlexStyle Oval Brush attachment for review in our New York office.

WWD

If you’re deciding between the Dyson and the Shark FlexStyle, know that the biggest difference boils down to price. At $599.99, Dyson’s tool comes with sticker shock. Shark’s tool, on the other hand, is $299.99, with options to purchase a diffuser or wide tooth comb attachment separately ($29.95 each). The other difference between the two: The FlexStyle’s handle can bend into an upside-down ‘L’ shape, which might feel more comfortable in the hand for those who are used to a standard hair dryer.

Shark FlexStyle’s attachments are nearly identical to the Dyson Airwrap’s. You’ll get two Coanda curling barrels, an oval brush attachment, a concentrator, and either a diffuser attachment or paddle brush attachment, depending on the set you choose.

Both stylers include three heat and airflow settings, as well as a cool shot button. We found that the Shark FlexStyle dries and styles hair as quickly as the Dyson Airwrap Complete with a less frizzy result. Lastly, the Shark FlexStyle also has a similar feel to the Dyson Airwrap in the hand: The Shark FlexStyle weighs 1.54 pounds without attachments, while the Dyson Airwrap Complete weighs 1.46 pounds.

WWD Shop Editor Claire Sullivan demonstrates the Shark FlexStyle’s jointed handle, which is one of the tool’s key differentiators from similar devices.

WWD

The Shark FlexStyle is available to shop directly at Sharkclean.com and select retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. Earlier this year, Shark’s FlexStyle launched at Sephora, too.

Shopping direct through Sharkclean.com has added benefits of access to Shark’s full suite of accessories, including the Round Brush and Wide-Tooth Comb attachment that are exclusive to the site. The site also has the option to build your own FlexStyle with three attachments of your choosing, and you’ll get free ground shipping on your order (purchases above $99 are shipped free via Shark).

Amazon has the benefit of free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members. Just be sure you’re purchasing a verified FlexStyle (a quick way to be sure is looking for “Visit the Shark Store” under the product name). Best Buy also offers free shipping, plus same-day store pickup in certain locations. Note that Best Buy has the shortest return policy (15 days) of all FlexStyle retailers.

As with Amazon and Best Buy, Sephora also offers free shipping on Shark FlexStyle orders. Sephora shoppers also earn points from every single purchase that are redeemable for further discounts and gifts throughout the year.

Shark’s FlexStyle is in a league of its own — there’s no other hair styling tool on the market that works as well as a multipurpose styler as it does a classic hair dryer. The only downside to this tool is potential snagging of hair where the attachments meet the nozzle, and the weight that some of the attachments add to the device.

The FlexStyle is also a standout for its attachment configurations; alternative stylers are more geared toward straight and wavy hair types, while this one has a curly hair dryer configuration option. Both the FlexStyle tool and its attachments are thoughtfully designed with high-quality bristles, cool touch points, and adjustable features for more customized styling. We found ourselves using all of the attachments equally, as each delivers a uniquely nice result.

Priced at $299.99, the Shark FlexStyle is more costly than drugstore hair tools, however, its multiple functions more than justify the price. And compared to similar devices, it’s the least expensive you’ll find for its quality.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Sephora

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Straight & Wavy $299.99 Buy Now at Shark

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Sephora

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System — Curly & Coily $299.99 Buy Now at Shark

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System Ultimate Accessories Pack $349.99 Buy Now at Sephora

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System Ultimate Accessories Pack $349.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System Ultimate Accessories Pack $319.99 Buy Now at Shark

Shark FlexStyle Storage Case $49.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Shark FlexStyle Storage Case $49.99 Buy Now at Shark

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Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan tested the FlexStyle for four months to write this review.

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