Is the Shark FlexStyle Worth It? Honest Review & Comparison
Shark FlexStyle Review
The world of hair styling tools is constantly evolving, with new devices promising faster, safer, and more versatile results. One of the most talked-about contenders is the Shark FlexStyle. This multi-styler has generated significant buzz for its innovative design and multi-functional capabilities, often drawing comparisons to high-end competitors. This review will take a deep dive into the FlexStyle, exploring its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your hair care routine.
What Is the Shark FlexStyle?
The Shark FlexStyle is a powerful hair dryer that transforms into a multi-styling tool. At its core is a sleek, wand-like unit that functions as a dryer. With a simple twist, the handle pivots from a straight position to a 90-degree angle, mimicking the form of a traditional hair dryer.
Its main appeal lies in its versatility, which comes from a set of interchangeable attachments. These accessories click onto the end of the wand, allowing you to dry, curl, smooth, and volumize your hair with a single device. The system uses a combination of powerful airflow and controlled heat to style hair, a technique that aims to reduce reliance on extreme temperatures.
Specifications & Design
The FlexStyle is built around a powerful digital motor that delivers fast drying speeds without excessive heat. It offers three heat settings and three airflow settings, giving you granular control over your styling process. A cool shot button is also included to help lock styles in place.
In terms of build quality, the device feels solid and well-constructed. It has a modern, premium aesthetic that holds its own against other high-end tools. The unit weighs around 1.54 pounds, which is comparable to many traditional hair dryers. Its ergonomic design, especially the rotating handle, makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver during long styling sessions. The cord is a generous length, providing ample freedom of movement without keeping you tethered to the outlet.
Attachments Breakdown
The genius of the FlexStyle is its collection of attachments. Each one is engineered for a specific styling goal.
- Auto-Wrap Curlers: Two 1.25-inch barrels are included—one for curling clockwise and one for counter-clockwise. These use Coanda technology, where a jet of air wraps the hair around the barrel to create curls with minimal effort.
- Round Brush: This attachment is perfect for adding volume and creating soft, bouncy blowouts. It combines boar and nylon bristles to grip the hair while adding shine.
- Paddle Brush: Designed for creating straight, smooth styles, the paddle brush also uses a mix of bristle types to detangle and smooth hair as it dries.
- Diffuser: For those with curly and coily hair, the diffuser helps to dry hair gently while enhancing natural curl patterns and reducing frizz. Its prongs are often adjustable for different hair lengths.
- Styling Concentrator: This nozzle focuses the airflow for precise drying and styling, much like a traditional hair dryer. It’s ideal for quickly rough-drying hair or for use with a separate round brush.
Performance & Styling Results
The FlexStyle delivers impressive performance across the board. As a dryer, it is fast and efficient, significantly cutting down on drying time for many users. The focused airflow from the concentrator attachment provides a powerful, controlled drying experience.
When it comes to styling, the results are equally notable. The auto-wrap curlers create lasting curls and waves, though it may take some practice to master the technique. The paddle brush effectively smooths hair, leaving it sleek and reducing frizz. For those seeking volume, the oval brush lifts hair at the root and creates a full, salon-quality blowout. The attachments work together to provide a comprehensive styling toolkit in one device.
Heat Damage & Hair Health
A major selling point of the FlexStyle is its focus on hair health. The device measures and regulates its temperature 1,000 times per second to prevent extreme heat damage. By relying more on powerful airflow (the Coanda effect) and less on high temperatures, it offers a safer alternative to traditional curling irons or straighteners that use direct, intense heat.
While no heat styling is completely damage-free, the FlexStyle minimizes the risk. To further protect your hair, it is always recommended to apply a quality heat protectant spray before styling and to use the lowest effective heat setting for your hair type.
Noise Level / Sound Analysis
One of the most common points of discussion regarding the FlexStyle is its noise level. The powerful motor, while effective, produces a high-pitched sound that some users find to be quite loud. It’s noticeably different from the lower-frequency hum of many conventional hair dryers.
While the noise can be intense, many users find it manageable, especially given the reduced styling time. Using the device in a well-ventilated space rather than a small, enclosed bathroom can help dissipate the sound. For those sensitive to noise, it’s a factor worth considering.
Usability & Ergonomics
The Shark FlexStyle is designed with the user in mind. The rotating handle makes it easy to switch between drying and styling modes, and the attachments click on and off with a simple and secure mechanism. The buttons for heat and airflow are intuitively placed and easy to adjust mid-use.
There is, however, a learning curve. Mastering the auto-wrap curlers, in particular, requires some practice to get the section size and hair dampness just right. Once you get the hang of it, the process becomes quick and second nature. For storage, many kits come with a case that neatly organizes the main unit and all its attachments, though it is still a bulky kit for travel.
Value for Money
Priced significantly lower than its main competitor, the Dyson Airwrap, the Shark FlexStyle presents a compelling value proposition. It offers similar multi-styling functionality and technology for a fraction of the cost.
The tool is an excellent investment for individuals who regularly use multiple styling tools (dryer, curling iron, straightener) and want to consolidate their collection into one device. If you are looking to achieve salon-style blowouts, curls, and straight looks at home while minimizing heat damage, the FlexStyle is highly cost-effective.
Common Drawbacks / Criticisms
No product is perfect, and the FlexStyle has a few common criticisms. The most frequent complaint is the noise level, as mentioned earlier. Some users also find the learning curve for the curling barrels to be steep. A few have reported issues with the paddle brush attachment, noting that it can pull on hair if not used carefully on properly detangled sections. Finally, as with any complex electronic device, long-term durability is a consideration for potential buyers.
Maintenance & Care
To keep your Shark FlexStyle performing at its best, regular maintenance is essential. The primary task is cleaning the filter at the bottom of the unit. Lint and dust can accumulate here, restricting airflow and potentially causing the device to overheat. Shark provides a small brush to help with this. The attachments should also be wiped down regularly to remove any product buildup. Storing the unit and its accessories in the provided case will help protect them from damage.
Real User Experiences & Tips
Across forums and reviews, users offer valuable insights. Many with fine hair praise the FlexStyle for creating volume and curls that hold. Users with thick hair are often impressed with the dramatically reduced drying time.
A top tip for using the auto-wrap curlers is to start with hair that is about 80-90% dry—damp, but not wet. For smoothing with the brush attachments, working in small, manageable sections yields the best results. Experimenting with the different heat and flow settings is key to finding what works best for your specific hair type and desired style.
Conclusion: Is the Shark FlexStyle Worth It?
The Shark FlexStyle is a powerful, versatile, and innovative styling tool that largely delivers on its promises. It effectively combines a fast hair dryer with a multi-functional styler, allowing you to create a wide range of looks with a single device.
Pros:
- Versatile all-in-one dryer and styler
- Powerful performance and fast drying time
- Less heat-intensive than traditional tools
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- Loud, high-pitched motor
- Learning curve for some attachments
- Bulky for travel
For those who want the functionality of a premium multi-styler without the premium price tag, the Shark FlexStyle is an outstanding choice. It successfully bridges the gap between professional-grade tools and consumer accessibility, making it a worthy addition to almost any hair care arsenal.
FAQ
How hot does the Shark FlexStyle get?
The Shark FlexStyle has three heat settings but is designed to prevent extreme heat damage by regulating its temperature over 1,000 times per second. It relies more on airflow than high heat.
Is it better than the Dyson Airwrap?
“Better” is subjective. The FlexStyle offers very similar functionality and results to the Dyson Airwrap but at a significantly lower price point. The primary differences lie in design aesthetics, noise profile, and brand prestige.
Does it damage hair?
Compared to traditional styling tools that use direct, high heat, the FlexStyle is designed to be less damaging. However, any heat styling carries some risk. Using a heat protectant is always recommended.
How loud is it?
It is generally considered to be loud, producing a high-pitched noise from its powerful motor that some users may find intense.
What attachments come with it?
Standard kits typically include auto-wrap curlers, a round brush, a paddle brush, a diffuser, and a styling concentrator nozzle.
Can you use it on curly hair?
Yes, the diffuser attachment is specifically designed to dry and define natural curls and coils while minimizing frizz.
Is it travel-friendly?
While it consolidates multiple tools into one, the unit and its attachments are still somewhat bulky, making it less ideal for light travel compared to a single-purpose tool.
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