Daily Mail journalists independently select and review products featured on our site. Purchases made through links may earn us a commission, but this does not influence our editorial integrity. For years, I struggled to perfect the art of the at-home blowout, constantly searching for a practical solution that could be used regularly in a home setting.
Navigating the Market for Hair Styling Tools
With an overwhelming array of products available for various hair types, including numerous Dyson Airwrap alternatives, finding a tool that consistently delivers excellent results across different styling needs has been challenging. My reliance on volumising hair products and heatless curlers alone proved insufficient for achieving professional-looking hairstyles.
Discovering the Shark FlexStyle
The Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer began appearing frequently on my social media feeds, garnering praise for its ability to curl, straighten, volumise, smooth, and define hair all in one device. As an amateur seeking to replicate salon-quality styles at home with an easy-to-use gadget, it seemed like the ideal solution, prompting me to conduct a thorough review.
Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer: Key Features and Performance
Overall, the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer provides a salon-quality finish from the comfort of your home. It includes six attachments: Auto-Wrap Curlers, a Paddle Brush, an Oval Brush, a Styling Concentrator, and a Curl-Defining Diffuser.
What We Love About the Tool
The curlers produce tight, long-lasting curls, while the brushes are excellent for creating bouncy blowouts. My favourite attachment is the curlers, though it took several attempts to master the technique. Once you learn to twist correctly, you achieve perfect tight curls. Using the cool shot button after each curl helps lock in the pattern for extended durability.
The round brush attachment glides smoothly through hair, adding bounce and flicked ends for a quick, effortless look that can be achieved in minutes. The tool is lightweight, preventing arm fatigue during use, and features three airflow settings (low, medium, high) and three heat settings, with a cool shot button to secure styles. It measures heat 1,000 times per second to ensure consistent temperatures and minimise heat damage.
Areas for Improvement
The main drawback is the noise level, which is quite loud and may not be suitable for early morning styling when others are asleep. Additionally, as an amateur, I found that mastering the tool requires practice, though tutorial videos on the website and TikTok are helpful resources.
Testing Methodology and Results
When testing beauty products like hair tools, we use them thoroughly in real-life scenarios. For the Shark FlexStyle, I washed my hair as usual, applied a heat defence spray, and dried it to about 50% dampness before styling.
Performance Insights
I was impressed by how quickly the tool dried my hair—bone-dry in less than 10 minutes. The attachment nozzle helped achieve relatively frizz-free results that lasted for days. While it delivers bouncy blow-outs, perfecting the process takes practice. The designated left and right curling heads simplify styling, and switching to cool mode after heating helps lock curls in place when pinned.
Value for Money and Comparisons
Priced at £299.99, including a storage case, the Shark FlexStyle is not cheap but is more affordable than competitors like the Dyson Airwrap multistyler, which costs £480 or more. It comes in several colourways, including a limited-edition sparkle version in champagne and black shades, ideal for gifting.
How It Compares to Similar Products
Many online reviews highlight the Shark FlexStyle as a more affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap multistyler, offering similar versatility and power. Key differences include a more powerful but louder motor, a swivelling design for better handling, and faster drying times. The Shark's rotating body makes it easier to switch between hair dryer and wand modes.
Online Ratings and User Feedback
On the Shark website, it has a 4.3 out of 5 rating, with 83% of reviewers recommending it. One user noted, 'My Dyson Airwrap recently broke, so I tried the Shark Flexstyle. And wow! It didn't disappoint! My hair looks better than ever.' Others praised the ease of switching between attachments and heat settings.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
I recommend the Shark FlexStyle to most people, especially those considering the more expensive Dyson Airwrap. It is worth the investment for minimising heat damage, offering multiple styling options, and saving time. However, amateurs should be prepared for a learning curve. For a cheaper alternative, the Beauty Works 6-in-1 multi styler retails at £220 and is often on sale.
At the Daily Mail, our expert testers have years of experience researching and reviewing products, ensuring trustworthy insights. The Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer stands out as a versatile, effective tool for achieving professional hairstyles at home, despite its noise and practice requirements.
