Kelly Bertrand tries out the viral hair system, the Shark FlexStyle and sees if it can earn a spot in her go-to haircare arsenal – and gives her verdict on if it can measure up to the Dyson Airwrap. Here’s her Shark FlexStyle review!
I cannot TELL you how excited I was to review the Shark FlexStyle because, for me, a hair tool that can do it all – dry, straighten, blow dry, curl, diffuse – is a holy grail and in these times of both time and financial restraints, value is most absolutely king.
You’ll note that I say value here, not budget, because I’m not so delusional that in this economy, shelling out hundreds of dollars for a hair tool is a simple thing.
Rather, like I said in this story about the cost of living, if we’re going to be spending chunks of money right now, we need those dollars to go as far as they can – and there inlies the value.
So, is the Shark FlexStyle worth the $449.99 price tag? Read on and find out!
What is the Shark FlexStyle?
The Shark FlexStyle is a full hair styling system, with the aim that you won’t need any other hair tool (bold call!) and one that claims to be for all hairkind – meaning everyone and anyone who wants to tame their mane will be able to use it.
With this system, you should be able to look like you’ve stepped out of a salon – but with no special skills or talents in the hair department (so, me). You can curl, straighten, blowout, wave, dry and diffuse with this baby, eliminating the need for your hair dryer, straightener, curler and anything else you have lying around the floor of your bedroom.
It’s been going viral on TikTok for a few months now as users hail its price point, versatility and performance.
It has three heat settings and three airflow settings, as well as a cool shot button.
Before – she’s frizzy and damp!
Shark FlexStyle review: The elephant in the room
We may as well chat about this now because it’s what the majority of you, dearest gentle reader, will be willing me to answer – how does the Shark FlexStyle compare to the original Dyson Airwrap?
Look it’s an absolutely fair question, and thankfully I’m in a fabulous position to answer it as the owner of both.
Some people look at the Shark FlexStyle as a Dyson Airwrap dupe, but I don’t think that’s quite a fair comparison – I think it would need to be cheaper to be classed as a dupe, and there are some differences between the two. First, the FlexStyle does have a USP in the fact that the body of the tool ingeniously rotates, so it can turn 90 degrees and become a traditional hairdryer which is a fabulous addition (and it makes styling so much easier, as you want your hair to be about 70% dry before curling or blowwaving).
I’d say the Dyson is a bit quieter than the Shark, but the Shark is faster – make of that what you will – and Dyson have continued to innovate their products and now users only need one curling barrel that can be twisted to achieve different airflow directions for each side of your head, and the Shark still needs two separate ones that need to be interchanged out.
Otherwise? They behave, and perform, pretty much on the same level – but the Dyson Airwrap is about double the price at $849. I curled my hair in the exact same way as I use my Dyson (don’t let the curl grab your hair, the Coanda effect thing is cool when you see you hair instantly wrap around the barrel but it’s much easier if you start your curl midway up, guide the barrel back down and then wrap up again) and I achieved the same loose, bouncy hairstyle – in fact if anything, I’d say I achieved more volume with the FlexStyle.
After curling with the auto-curl barrels – volume for days!
What do you get with the Shark FlexStyle?
A paddle brush, styling concentrator, curl-defining diffuser, oval brush, auto-wrap curlers and a storage case (not to be underappreciated because there’s a lot of attachments to keep track of here!). You can get it in silver, black or a limited-edition Malibu pink.
What I love about the Shark FlexStyle
I’ve used it for simple blow-outs, more fancy blow-outs, just a quick hair dry and, of course, a head full of curls, and it delivers each time. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t get the hang of curling straight away, it’s taken me a bit of time to get used to the way the hair wraps around the barrel and it’s most definitely worth it! All of my hair styles lasted the full day (heat protectant and hairspray helps too of course).
My other tip? If you’re after volume, when you’re using it in with the oval brush attachment, pull your hair up towards the ceiling as you’re doing so (if your arms are long enough!) and over-direct your face-framing bits so you get that lovely curtain-bang vibe. Also, make sure your roots are dry before you start so you don’t battle with post-styling frizz.
I also really like straightening my hair with the Shark FlexStyle because you can get a sleek look that still has body – the stick-straight ironed look died in 2007 along with bulky eyeliner and emo checked Vans – and it makes for a very easy everyday look.
Me with my Shark FlexStyle – she can stay!
What I don’t love about the Shark FlexStyle
The button positioning needs some work – the on-off toggle, speed and heat buttons are low on the body of the tool, while the cool shot – essential when you’re setting your curls – is halfway up the body, meaning it’s a bit awkward to switch between the two and it would make more sense for all the buttons to be around the middle.
My final verdict
My FlexStyle is now my go-to hair tool, alongside my trusty Shark SmoothStyle – it’s my old faithful that I reach for when I have no idea what to do with my hair, it’s the perfect travel buddy (you can take the oval brush, styling concentrator and curling barrels and you have an entire hair system in your suitcase) and it’s so easy to use. Is it worth the money? I reckon yes, considering how much you’d have to shell out for a decent hairdryer, curling wand and straightener in their individual components, and it really does do what it says on the box!
(Disclaimer: we have a lovely little partnership with Shark Beauty however this review piece is completely editorial with no influence or approval from Shark!) 🦈