Beauty editors have tested countless gadgets promising salon-worthy hair, but few deliver. For Zoe Cripps, Head of Beauty, Fashion and Shopping, the Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Brush has proven to be a rare exception, now available for a compelling £139.99 as part of Black Friday week.
After trialling a vast array of hot brushes and blow-dry tools, Cripps found most left her fine, straight hair limp. Tools relying solely on airflow failed to provide lasting volume, while complex round brushes were impractical for a quick morning routine.
The 'Hello' Moment: A Styling Breakthrough
Approaching the Shark Glossi with cautious optimism, Cripps was prepared for another letdown. However, the first use on dry mode delivered a shock. "I looked in the mirror and genuinely thought, 'hello'," she reports. The tool achieved what others could not: curved ends that didn't collapse, lifted roots without fluffiness, and tidy hair that lasted for hours.
The secret, she suspects, lies in the innovative 2-in-1 design. The brush barrel smooths hair while the integrated ceramic plates provide just enough grip and heat to lock the style in place. The result is not poker-straight, but a swishy, expensive-looking finish.
Hair Health and Practical Performance
For the health-conscious, the Glossi features built-in technology that monitors hair temperature, preventing it from exceeding 150°C. This places it well within a safe zone, as significant damage typically occurs around 185°C, especially on compromised hair. Cripps still advises using a heat protectant spray.
The wet-to-dry mode required some learning. Using it on very damp hair caused some tangling, but switching to hair that was roughly 80% dry solved the issue. For Cripps, the dry mode is where the tool truly excels, offering fast, easy styling with sleek results. She notes that those with thicker, curlier hair may find the wet mode ideal for stretching and smoothing damp lengths.
The Final Verdict: Pros and Cons
After extensive testing, the Shark Glossi earned a permanent spot in her routine, a rarity among beauty tools. Here is the straightforward breakdown:
Pros:
- Gives fine, lifeless hair a convincing salon-style finish.
- Ceramic plates provide gentle heat for long-lasting shape.
- Dry mode produces sleek results in minutes.
- Puts real movement into hair that normally refuses to hold it.
- Leaves hair smooth, glossy, and noticeably neater.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- More affordable than other high-end airflow tools.
Cons:
- Wet mode works best on mostly dry hair to avoid tangles.
- Can tug at overly damp strands if used too soon.
- Features a bulky ALCI-type plug.
In conclusion, the Shark Glossi is the first styling brush to coax volume and shape from fine hair without excessive effort, heat damage, or reliance on perfect weather. For Zoe Cripps, it's the closest one can get to a professional blow-dry from their own bathroom.
