The new Shark SilkiPro Straight, priced at £249.99, is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Dyson's Airstrait (£450) and ghd's Duet Style (£379). The tool promises to dry and straighten hair in one go, using a combination of airflow and ceramic heat plates, with the aim of reducing heat damage.
In testing on fine, straight hair, the SilkiPro delivered smooth, glossy results with noticeably less static than traditional straighteners. However, it required several passes and did not produce a dramatic transformation for already-straight hair. The reviewer noted that thicker, wavier, or frizz-prone hair might see more benefit from the tool's comb tension and airflow features.
Compared to Dyson's Airstrait, which uses only airflow and no ceramic plates, the Shark was trickier to master due to its three-phase styling process. Against ghd's Duet Style, the Shark felt heavier but offered better control with its comb attachments, though ghd provided a superior glass-like shine.
The tool's ability to create waves was less successful, as it struggled to clamp hair firmly for twisting. The reviewer also found the airflow direction confusing when the tool was angled upside down. For fine hair, the gentle comb caused some pinching and hair loss, so it was omitted during the dry styling phase.
Overall, the Shark SilkiPro is recommended for those with thicker or textured hair looking to streamline their routine. For fine, straight hair, it is effective but perhaps more tool than necessary. The reviewer admitted a preference for the Dyson Airwrap with a round brush attachment.
