Shark FlexStyle Hair Styling System
The Shark FlexStyle Hair Styling System is a lightweight, multi-functional hair tool that dries, curls, straightens, and volumizes using controlled airflow and low heat. Featuring six interchangeable attachments—including Coanda auto-wrap curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, diffuser, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle—it positions itself as a Dyson Airwrap alternative at nearly half the cost
Specifications
- Fast Drying with High Airflow – Cuts drying time in half for thick or frizz-prone hair, rivaling salon dryers.
- Coanda Auto-Wrap Curlers – Airflow-driven curlers wrap hair without extreme heat for bouncy curls and waves.
- Twist-to-Transform Handle – Rotates between blow-dryer and styling wand for ergonomic use.
- 6-in-1 Multi-Styling Kit – Includes curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, diffuser, wide-tooth comb, and concentrator nozzle.
- Temperature Control System – Constantly monitors heat to minimize hair damage and maintain shine.
- Compact and Travel-Friendly – Lightweight design replaces multiple bulky hair tools in one kit.
- Customizable Kits – Choose attachments based on hair type (build-your-own bundle option).
- Cuts drying and styling time dramatically
- Strong performance across fine, straight, and wavy hair
- Affordable compared to Dyson Airwrap (saves ~$200+)
- Lightweight and ergonomic twist design reduces wrist strain
- Six versatile attachments for different styles
- Gentle low-heat technology reduces risk of hair damage
- Travel-friendly all-in-one styling solution
- Louder than Dyson—many users report “deafening” noise levels
- Curl longevity is weak on heavy or silky hair (drops within hours)
- Brushes can snag/pull hair if sections are too large
- Durability issues: power button and controls sometimes fail within a year
- Requires frequent filter and attachment cleaning to avoid overheating
- Diffuser is too small for thick/coily hair needing extra volume
- Customer service and warranty response can be inconsistent
Expert Review
6 min readIntroduction
The Shark FlexStyle Hair Styling System has become one of the most talked-about multi-stylers in 2025, mainly because it challenges the Dyson Airwrap at nearly half the price. Promising quick drying, frizz control, bouncy curls, and straightening—all without heat damage—it targets everyday users who want salon-quality results at home. But how well does it actually perform? Based on verified Amazon reviews, Reddit feedback, Quora discussions, and beauty forums, this review uncovers what the FlexStyle gets right, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Design & Build Quality
Out of the box, the Shark FlexStyle feels premium for its price range. Attachments snap in securely, and the rotating handle design makes switching between drying and styling effortless. At just 1.5 lbs, it’s portable and far lighter than carrying a separate dryer, curler, and straightener.
However, build quality is not flawless. Some long-term owners report power button breakages and attachment jams after a year of use. While the plastic finish is sturdy, it lacks the high-end polish of Dyson’s aluminum casing.
Performance & Daily Use
Drying Power
The FlexStyle shines in drying efficiency. Many Amazon users note it dries thick, frizz-prone hair in half the time of budget dryers. Even coarse curls reach 80% dryness within minutes, prepping hair for styling.
Curling (Auto-Wrap Curlers)
Curls look great immediately, but longevity varies:
- Fine/medium hair → curls hold 4–6 hours with product.
- Heavy/long hair → curls drop within 1–2 hours.
- Coarse hair → curlers sometimes fail to “catch” strands properly.
The cool shot button placement is awkward, making curl setting harder during fast-paced routines.
Brush Styling (Oval & Paddle)
- Oval brush: Ideal for volume, adds body at the roots.
- Paddle brush: Smooths straight/wavy hair, reduces frizz gently.
But both can pull and snag hair if used on wet sections, a frequent user complaint.
Diffuser & Comb
- Diffuser: Works well for 2B–3C curls but too small for thick/coily textures.
- Wide-tooth comb: Helps elongate curls but is less effective on very dense hair.
Noise & Overheating Issues
Noise is the #1 complaint—FlexStyle is louder than Dyson, sometimes compared to a “jet engine.” At ~82–85 dB, long sessions can be tiring for noise-sensitive users.
Overheating and auto-shutoff issues are also common if the filter isn’t cleaned regularly. Some buyers report shutdowns within months despite routine maintenance, suggesting possible flaws in temperature regulation.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability concerns appear in Amazon 1–3 star reviews:
- Power buttons breaking within months.
- Attachments becoming hard to detach when hot.
- Airflow weakening after extended use.
Maintenance is non-negotiable:
- Filter cleaning (bottom handle) must be done weekly.
- Attachments should be cleared of hair after every session.
Skipping maintenance often leads to overheating and reduced performance.
Shark FlexStyle vs Dyson Airwrap
- Price: Dyson $599 vs Shark $369 ($299–$349 on sale).
- Noise: Dyson quieter, Shark much louder.
- Curl Hold: Dyson curls last slightly longer, but both struggle vs hot irons.
- Ergonomics: Dyson has smoother controls; Shark’s twist-handle is more versatile.
- Value: Shark is better for budget-conscious buyers, Dyson for premium seekers.
Value & Pricing
At $369 retail, the FlexStyle offers significant value—especially when discounted to ~$299. For users seeking salon-style blowouts, waves, and straightening at home, it’s a cost-effective Dyson alternative. However, durability concerns mean heavy users may not get years of use without warranty claims.
Target Audience & Use Cases
Best For:
- Fine, straight, and wavy hair needing volume and smooth blowouts.
- Budget-conscious users wanting Dyson-style performance under $400.
- Frequent travelers looking for one compact styling system.
Not Ideal For:
- Very thick, coarse, or coily hair needing large diffusers.
- Noise-sensitive users.
- People who skip cleaning/maintenance routines.
- Anyone wanting long-lasting curls (hot irons outperform air stylers).
Alternatives
Dyson Airwrap: The Dyson Airwrap is the luxury competitor to the Shark FlexStyle. It’s noticeably quieter, with noise levels closer to a standard dryer, which makes it more comfortable for long styling sessions. Curls from the Airwrap tend to last longer, especially on medium to thick hair, because of its smoother airflow and advanced engineering. Compared to the FlexStyle, Dyson offers a more premium finish and durability, but at nearly double the price. If budget isn’t a concern and you want quieter, longer-lasting curls, Dyson edges ahead—but the FlexStyle delivers nearly 80% of the performance for half the cost.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer: The Revlon One-Step Volumizer is the go-to budget option. It’s a single-step blow-dry brush that quickly adds volume and body, especially useful for fine or straight hair. However, it doesn’t have the curling barrels or multi-attachment versatility of the Shark FlexStyle. In direct comparison, Revlon is cheaper (under $70) and simpler, but it can’t fully replace the FlexStyle for people who want curls, waves, or multiple styling options. Great for quick blowouts, but not a complete multi-styler.
Hot Tools Pro Styler: The Hot Tools Pro Styler is a stronger heat-based alternative, designed for coarse or very thick hair that doesn’t respond well to air stylers. It applies more direct heat than the Shark FlexStyle, which means it can tame stubborn strands more effectively. The downside is a higher risk of heat damage with regular use. Compared to Shark, Hot Tools is more powerful but less protective. The FlexStyle focuses on healthier styling, while Hot Tools delivers faster, more salon-like results for resistant hair types.
Shark SpeedStyle: The Shark SpeedStyle is Shark’s lighter, travel-friendly option. It dries hair faster than the FlexStyle thanks to a smaller, more focused motor, but it comes with fewer attachments. That means less versatility for curling and smoothing. Compared directly, the SpeedStyle is better for users who just want a quick, efficient blow-dry, while the FlexStyle remains the better all-in-one tool for people who want both drying and multiple styling effects in one device.
Conclusion: Is the Shark FlexStyle Worth It?
Yes—with conditions. The Shark FlexStyle Hair Styling System is an excellent all-in-one tool for users with fine-to-medium hair who want faster styling without extreme heat. It delivers strong blowouts, smooth finishes, and versatile styles at a competitive price.
But it’s not perfect. Noise, curl longevity, and durability remain its weak points. For those who prioritize silence, stronger curls, or premium finishes, the Dyson Airwrap may still be worth the splurge.
For everyone else—especially buyers who catch it on sale—the Shark FlexStyle is one of the best-value multi-stylers in 2025.