There's one part about my GRWM process that I don't have nailed like I do with my solid makeup routine: the whole *frantically waves hands in the air* styling hair part. Even after nearly 30 years on this earth, I still feel like a lost cause when it comes to perfecting any sort of hairdo. Anybody else? I mean, how does one achieve a salon-worthy blowout without having to, ya know, go to the salon?
For me, at least, straighteners, curling irons, hair rollers, and even some hot brushes weren't cutting it. But after hearing so many people talk about the Shark FlexStyle and realizing I could potentially fake the look of a professional blowout—and other styles, of course—with this one, easy-to-use gadget, I knew I had to try it.
Aaaand, now we’re here, with this full, in-depth Shark FlexStyle review. I tested the device and all of its attachments for a full month. In fact, it was the only tool I used during that time. (What can I say? When I test something I go all in.) Did it completely change my hair routine for the better? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out.
But first things first, let’s learn a little more about the styling tool, shall we?
What is the Shark FlexStyle?
This game-changing tool is a blow dryer, curler, straightener, and hot brush all in one tool. The Shark FlexStyle uses powerful airflow and less direct heat, making it much less damaging to hair compared to regular curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers.
P.S. I’d be a bad editor/friend if I didn’t say this… Even though the Shark FlexStyle claims to be less damaging than other heat tools, you should know that using any amount of heat on your hair isn’t the healthiest, so make sure to apply heat protectant!
What does the Shark FlexStyle come with?
The original Shark FlexStyle set includes the main drying device and five attachments: Two 1.25" auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush, a paddle brush, and a styling concentrator.
If you'd rather choose the exact attachments you want for your hair type, you can also build your bundle (exclusively on Shark's website) and pick up to three attachments. Other attachments you can purchase separately for the FlexStyle include the Curl-Defining Diffuser, Round Brush, Frizz-Fighting Finishing Tool, 0.95" Auto-Wrap Curlers, and Wide-Tooth Comb.
Shark FlexStyle 1.25" Auto-Wrap Curlers
Shark FlexStyle Round Brush
Shark FlexStyle 0.95" Auto-Wrap Curlers
Shark Shark FlexStyle Oval Brush
Shark FlexStyle FrizzFighter Finishing Tool
My thoughts on the Shark FlexStyle
For one month, two editors tried out every Shark FlexStyle attachment and judged the tool based on how easy each one was to use, as well as the overall results.
Here's a quick bio on our hair. Associate shopping editor Meg Uy has naturally wavy (she’d categorize it as 2b), that’s thick, coarse, textured, super long, and pretty good at holding a curl. Contributing editor Mary Honkus also has naturally wavy 2b hair, but it’s extremely fine and frizzes easily, although it is great at holding a curl.
Auto-Wrap Curlers
The Shark FlexStyle Auto-Wrap Curlers use Coanda technology—AKA automatic airflow to wrap hair around the barrel. (No hot plates to burn yourself here!) One curler spins clockwise, while the other spins counterclockwise depending on which side you’re curling. Overall, it took about 30 minutes to curl my whole head—and that's with a learning curve, so I can imagine how quick it’ll be once I master the skill. I separated my hair into five parts (I have lots of hair) and curled inch-long sections. I held the curl for about 10 seconds, held the Cool Shot button for another 10 seconds to “set” the curl, turned off the device, and unraveled my hair. The results were incredibly bouncy, shiny, and soft curls. I was most impressed by how silky smooth it transformed my dry-looking hair!
Before using the Shark FlexStyle’s Auto-Wrap Curlers, Honkus had tried both the Dyson AirWrap and T3 Aire360. Compared to the curling attachments on the other devices, the Shark’s had the most long-lasting results that stayed put through a hot and humid New York City summer day. “I was still getting compliments on my hair after 12 hours, and usually by that time my hair has fallen,” she says.
Cosmo’s beauty editor, Beth Gillette, also used the Auto-Wrap Curlers for her straight and fine hair. "Ever since I cut my hair into a short lil French bob, I've been infatuated with my Shark FlexStyle, specifically the curling attachments. They're on the smaller side, compared to other similar tools I've tried. This gives me a tighter curl, which majorly helps with the longevity of my style," she said.
Oval Brush
With the Oval Brush, I also separated my hair into five parts and brushed out two-inch-long sections under the hair starting from the root. Because I have very thick hair, I had the styler on its highest heat level so it could really work its magic. I prefer loose waves/curls when styling my hair with a brush, so I twisted the attachment off of my hair when removing it. Overall, in just 11 minutes, I accomplished the look where my hair was transformed into a voluminous and soft blowout with soft curls at the ends. I love how the brush isn't too big and is easy to maneuver, unlike some I've used before. Though, as someone with naturally voluminous hair (which I am very thankful for!), it did make my hair look extra poofy.
But if your hair tends to fall flat—all fine hair girls, rise!—this attachment will become your best friend. Honkus says this is incredible for creating natural-looking bounce, especially at the root. “I hung out with a hairstylist friend the first day I used this and he asked me where I got my blowout. No joke! I apply a mousse before blowing it dry for extra hold, then I’m able to dry my hair into smooth salon-worthy waves that last all day in under 10 minutes.”
Paddle Brush
I gotta say, I was pretty amazed at how the Paddle Brush was able to make my hair so sleek for not being a flat iron. In eight minutes—after parting my hair into five parts and brushing out two-inch-long sections—my wavy, damp hair was glossy and straight because of this attachment. I made sure that for each section, I started the brush off as close to the root as possible, and that every strand of hair was perfectly gripped by the brush. It might not leave your hair looking as sleek as a straightener would, but for a tool with little to no heat damage, it’s pretty good!
Contributing editor Daisy Maldonado also used the Paddle Brush for her wavy and thin hair. "This is the attachment I use the most on fresh-out-of-the-shower damp hair. After I towel dry my hair, I like to straighten it out with this, which leaves it very smooth and silky. The perf attachment for easy no-fuss styling!" she says.
Styling Concentrator
First off, I wanna say that I am no expert at doing my hair, let alone doing my hair with a styler in one hand and a brush in another. So, you can assume that when it came to using the Styling Concentrator attachment—which is recommended by the brand to use with a separate round brush—it wasn't easy for me. It was difficult to hold the device up with my non-dominant hand and move it with the brush. When using it, similarly to the Oval Brush, I used a round brush to give myself soft curls at the ends of my hair and had the concentrator on the round brush at all times. I finished styling my hair in approximately 15 minutes and was left with semi-curled and wavy hair with some flat stranglers. TBH, I blame the fact that I’m not particularly skilled with styling my hair with two things at once, especially if one hand is twirling a brush and the other is following it. Side note: My hair was still quite shiny and soft after!
Maldonado also used the Styling Concentrator for her wavy and thin hair. "This is great for smoothing out any last-minute static or areas that need just a little bit of help. I don’t use it too often, but it’s a great tool for when you need to re-do those specific strands (a pain, truly) or use as a way to section your hair as you dry," she said.
Is the Shark FlexStyle as good as the Dyson Airwrap?
Short answer: Absolutely yes. I determined this by trying the Shark FlexStyle curlers on one side of my hair and the Dyson Airwrap curler on the other side. Personally, I loved both for various reasons. The Shark FlexStyle can easily transform into a hair dryer with no extra attachment necessary (just twist and voilà!). It also leaves my hair ultra shiny and static-free, gives me super bouncy curls that last up to 8 hours, and is quite affordable compared to the Dyson Airwrap.
The Dyson Airwrap, in my experience, is more lightweight and has buttons that are more easily accessible. It’s also overall quieter, its longer barrel allows it to grip and hold more hair than the Shark FlexStyle’s, and the CoolShot feature gets cooler faster.
Overall, they both gave me different types of curls: The Shark FlexStyle curls were tighter and with more body, while the Dyson Airwrap curls were looser and gave me that Hollywood bombshell wave look.
If you’re stuck between which product to buy (especially if price is a major factor in your buying decision), you’ll be happy with the Shark FlexStyle. At $300—compared to the Dyson Airwrap’s $600 price tag—it comes with just as many attachments and it automatically swivels into a hair dryer, meaning less fuss.
The FlexStyle also uses the same advanced Coanda technology as the Dyson. So no need to worry if you’re missing out on that! Now I know dropping $300 is no willy-nilly decision, but it'll truly take the place of most, if not all, your other hair stylers and dryers. I see it as an investment purchase that'll last me years and years (and will save me the trouble/money of going out to get my hair done). I’ll say it: This multi-styler hair tool that uses airflow instead of direct heat exposure will be replacing my hot tools.
Which Shark FlexStyle model is best?
Looking at the Shark website, the sheer amount of FlexStyle options is a bit overwhelming. Don’t freak, though! They all function similarly, some are just better for certain hair types or styles. For example, if you think you’ll mainly use the tool to curl your hair, opt for the FlexStyle IonCurl, which has boosted airflow for tighter, more long-lasting curls. For the most customizable option, we recommend the Build Your Own FlexStyle option. This allows you to select three attachments that you know you’ll use the most—which is much better than purchasing the original and letting one of the attachments gather dust.
Can you use the Shark FlexStyle on dry hair?
The brand recommends that you use the Shark FlexStyle on damp hair as that's what it was created to simultaneously dry and style your hair all in one go. Although you can use the FlexStyle on dry hair, be aware that you may not get the same results if you were to use it on damp hair.
If you do want to use it on dry hair, I recommend using it on the lowest speed level so that your dry hair doesn’t get blasted by heavy airflow, which can result in too much volume or static. Another tip? Keep a tiny spray bottle of water handy and lightly spritz each section of hair before applying heat. That way, you won’t have to wet your entire scalp just to do your hair.
The bottom line
Everyone on the Cosmo team 100 percent recommends this product. With this one tool, you're able to create bouncy curls and waves as well as silky-smooth straight hair. I'm particularly obsessed with the fact that it not only dries and styles my hair (with minimal heat damage btw) but it also leaves my hair so immensely soft, shiny, and smooth. Mind you, I’ve only seen results like this after leaving a salon!
It truly does exactly what the Dyson can do except at a more affordable price point. However, I’ve found that when it comes to the curling attachments, the Shark FlexStyle provides dense curls, while the Dyson Airwrap provides more relaxed ones. Because I have super thick and textured hair, I prefer a tight curl because it’ll last me longer.
As someone who has always been intimidated by hair styling, the Shark FlexStyle has shown me that I can whip up gorgeous blowouts on my own in just mere minutes.
Why trust Cosmo?
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She is an authority in all hair categories but has a special interest in styling tools, thanks to years of trying out new products in an effort to accomplish professional blowouts at home. She regularly tests and analyzes hair products for efficacy while working with the industry’s top hairstylists to assess new formulas and brands.
Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She's an authority in all beauty categories, and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she tested the Shark FlexStyle for a month to bring you her honest thoughts. (FYI, it’s her go-to styling tool now.)
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
