Looking for a new hair styling tool but not sure whether to splurge on the Dyson Airwrap or save some money with the Shark FlexStyle? You’re not alone. These two styling tools have been competing for attention in the beauty world, offering similar promises with different price tags.
The Shark FlexStyle offers comparable performance to the Dyson Airwrap at about $300 less, making it an excellent value alternative for most users. While the Dyson excels with better defrizzing capabilities and quieter operation, the Shark counters with superior brush attachments and stronger “suction” that efficiently grabs larger sections of hair. Both tools use similar air-styling technology to dry and style simultaneously.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific hair needs and budget. The Dyson provides a premium experience with slightly more refined features, while the Shark delivers impressive results at a more accessible price point. Many users find the performance difference doesn’t justify the Dyson’s significantly higher cost.
Shark FlexStyle vs Dyson Airwrap: Ultimate Comparison Guide 2025
Choosing between the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap can be challenging. Both are premium multi-styling tools that promise salon-quality results at home, but they differ significantly in price, features, and performance. This comprehensive guide compares these two popular hair styling tools to help you decide which one is right for your hair type, budget, and styling needs.
Quick Comparison Overview
Before diving into details, here’s what you need to know:
Dyson Airwrap:
- Premium brand with cutting-edge technology
- Price: $599 (Complete Long), $499 (Complete)
- More attachment options
- Coanda airflow technology
- Luxury experience and build quality
Shark FlexStyle:
- Budget-friendly Dyson alternative
- Price: Around $299.99
- Transforming design (dryer to styler)
- Solid performance at half the price
- Great value for money
Both tools use heated air instead of extreme heat to style hair, reducing damage while delivering professional results. We reviewed the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle comparing the features, performance, and price to find the best hair styler for smooth, frizz-free results (source: Byrdie).
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Dyson Airwrap Complete | Shark FlexStyle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499-$599 | $299.99 |
| Design | Separate styler unit | 2-in-1 transforming design |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (main unit) | 1.4 lbs |
| Technology | Coanda airflow effect | Air styling technology |
| Max Temperature | 302°F (150°C) | 360°F (182°C) |
| Heat Settings | 3 heat settings | 3 heat settings |
| Speed Settings | 3 airflow settings | 2 airflow settings |
| Cool Shot | Yes (cold shot button) | Yes (cool mode) |
| Attachments Included | 6-11 (depending on version) | 5 attachments |
| Curling Barrels | 2 sizes (30mm, 40mm) – 4 barrels total | 2 auto-wrap curlers |
| Brush Attachments | Smoothing brushes, round brush | Oval brush, paddle brush |
| Dryer Function | No (separate Supersonic needed) | Yes (built-in) |
| Cord Length | 8.2 feet (2.5m) | 8 feet |
| Swivel Cord | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Case | Included (leather or fabric) | Included |
| Voltage | Dual voltage (travel-friendly) | 120V (US only) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Hair Type Suitability | All hair types | All hair types |
| Best For | Fine to medium hair, luxury seekers | Thick hair, budget-conscious buyers |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Slightly louder |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy to moderate |
| Color Options | Multiple (varies by version) | Pink, black |
| Auto-Wrap Feature | Yes (Coanda effect) | Yes (air vents) |
| Ionic Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Cleaning | Removable filter | Removable filter |
Price Comparison: Is Dyson Worth Double the Cost?
The price difference is the most obvious distinction between these two tools.
Dyson Airwrap Pricing
Complete Long ($599):
- For hair longer than chest length
- Includes long barrels (40mm, 30mm)
- Additional attachments
- Leather storage case
- Best for long hair
Complete ($499):
- For hair chest length or shorter
- Standard length barrels
- Full attachment set
- Fabric storage case
- Most popular version
Occasional Sales:
- Rarely discounted (maybe $50-100 off)
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals
- Sephora sales events
- Dyson’s official website promotions
Shark FlexStyle Pricing
Standard Retail: $299.99
- One universal version
- Works for all hair lengths
- 5 attachments included
- Storage case included
- Frequently on sale
Common Discounts:
- Regular sales at major retailers
- $50-70 off during promotions
- Can find for $229-249 on sale
- More affordable replacement attachments
Price Verdict
Is Dyson Worth It? The Dyson Airwrap costs approximately $200-300 more than the Shark FlexStyle. Whether it’s worth it depends on:
✅ Choose Dyson If:
- You want the absolute best build quality
- Brand prestige matters to you
- You need international voltage compatibility
- You have fine to medium hair
- You want maximum attachment variety
- Budget isn’t a primary concern
- You value luxury experience
✅ Choose Shark If:
- Budget is a consideration
- You want great results at lower cost
- You need a built-in hair dryer function
- You have thick or coarse hair
- You prefer simpler attachment options
- You want better value for money
- You’re new to multi-styling tools
Value Winner: Shark FlexStyle offers better value for most users, delivering 85-90% of Dyson’s performance at 50% of the price.
Design and Build Quality
Both tools feature premium construction, but with different design philosophies.
Dyson Airwrap Design
Build Quality:
- Premium materials throughout
- Sleek, modern aesthetic
- Magnetic attachment system
- Lightweight ergonomic handle
- Feels luxurious in hand
- Durable construction
- Attention to detail
Design Features:
- Separate styling attachments
- Each attachment slides onto main barrel
- Magnetic snap-on connection
- Quick attachment changes
- Cool-touch tips on all attachments
- LED indicators for heat/speed settings
- Sophisticated color options
Attachments Storage:
- Comes with leather case (Complete Long) or fabric case (Complete)
- Organized compartments for each attachment
- Travel-friendly
- Protects attachments
- Professional presentation
User Experience:
- Feels premium and high-end
- Smooth, refined operation
- Quiet operation (relatively)
- Balanced weight distribution
- Comfortable for extended use
Shark FlexStyle Design
Build Quality:
- Solid, durable construction
- Good quality plastics
- Well-engineered mechanism
- Slightly bulkier than Dyson
- Professional-grade feel
- Built to last
Innovative Design Feature:
- Transforming mechanism: Main unit rotates and locks
- Functions as straight blow dryer
- Twists 90 degrees to become multi-styler
- “FlexStyle” refers to this flexibility
- Eliminates need for separate blow dryer
- Two tools in one
How the Transformation Works:
- Start with straight dryer configuration
- Press release buttons on sides
- Rotate handle 90 degrees
- Locks into styling position
- Attach styling tools
- Reverse to return to dryer mode
Attachments Storage:
- Includes storage case
- Mesh compartments
- Less luxurious than Dyson
- Functional and practical
- Takes up less space
User Experience:
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to transform
- Slightly heavier feel
- More “tool-like” aesthetic
- Practical and functional
Design Winner
Dyson Airwrap wins for premium feel, aesthetics, and luxury experience. The magnetic attachments, refined design, and attention to detail justify its premium positioning.
Shark FlexStyle wins for innovation and practicality. The 2-in-1 transforming design eliminates the need for a separate blow dryer, saving money and storage space.
Verdict: Tie – depends on whether you value luxury aesthetics (Dyson) or practical versatility (Shark).
Technology and Performance
Both tools use air-styling technology, but with different approaches.
Dyson Airwrap Technology
Coanda Effect:
- Core technology behind Dyson Airwrap
- Uses aerodynamics to attract and wrap hair
- High-velocity airflow creates effect
- Hair automatically wraps around barrel
- Requires minimal manual effort
- Physics-based styling
How Coanda Works:
- Fast-moving air exits barrel slots
- Creates low-pressure zone
- Hair is attracted to barrel surface
- Wraps around barrel automatically
- Heat sets the style
- Cool shot locks it in
Digital Motor V9:
- Compact, powerful motor
- Spins up to 110,000 rpm
- Generates powerful airflow
- Enables Coanda effect
- Dyson’s proprietary technology
- Efficient and reliable
Intelligent Heat Control:
- Measures air temperature 40 times per second
- Prevents extreme heat damage
- Maintains optimal temperature
- Protects hair from heat damage
- Maximum 302°F (150°C)
- Consistent performance
Performance Results:
- Excellent curl formation
- Smooth, shiny finish
- Reduces frizz effectively
- Long-lasting styles
- Works best on fine to medium hair
- May struggle with very thick hair
Shark FlexStyle Technology
Air Styling Technology:
- Similar concept to Coanda
- Uses powerful airflow
- Auto-wrap functionality
- Shark’s proprietary approach
- Effective hair attraction
- Comparable results to Dyson
Styling Airflow:
- High-velocity heated air
- Multiple vents direct airflow
- Creates wrapping effect
- Powerful enough for thick hair
- Higher max temperature (360°F)
- More heat for difficult hair types
Ion Generator:
- Reduces frizz and static
- Enhances shine
- Smoother results
- Gentler on hair
- Ionic technology included
- Improves overall finish
Performance Results:
- Strong curl hold
- Smooth, polished look
- Effective frizz control
- Durable styles
- Excellent for thick, coarse hair
- Powerful enough for all hair types
Technology Comparison
Our Beauty Lab experts tested the Shark Flexstyle and Dyson Airwrap multi-stylers to determine the major differences between both hair tools (source: Good Housekeeping).
Dyson Advantages:
- More refined Coanda effect
- Lower maximum heat (gentler)
- More precise temperature control
- Better for fine/delicate hair
- Quieter operation
- More sophisticated engineering
Shark Advantages:
- Higher maximum heat (better for thick hair)
- More powerful for stubborn hair
- Built-in dryer function
- Faster drying time
- Better for coarse hair types
- More heat options for styling
Performance Winner: Depends on hair type
- Fine to medium hair: Dyson Airwrap
- Thick to coarse hair: Shark FlexStyle
- Overall versatility: Shark FlexStyle (includes dryer)
Attachments and Versatility
The attachments determine what styles you can create.
Dyson Airwrap Attachments
Complete Set Includes (may vary by version):
1. Coanda Smoothing Dryer:
- Hides flyaways
- Smooths hair while drying
- Pre-styling attachment
- Prepares hair for styling
- Two directions of airflow
2. Barrels for Curls (4 total):
- 30mm barrel (clockwise rotation)
- 30mm barrel (counterclockwise rotation)
- 40mm barrel (clockwise)
- 40mm barrel (counterclockwise)
- Long versions available for Complete Long
- Create voluminous curls
3. Firm Smoothing Brush:
- Tension for straightening
- Controls frizz
- Polished finish
- Works on longer
Key Takeaways
- The Shark FlexStyle performs similarly to the Dyson Airwrap but costs approximately $300 less.
- Dyson offers better defrizzing tools and quieter operation, while Shark provides superior brush attachments and stronger air flow.
- Your choice should depend on your specific hair needs, styling preferences, and budget considerations.
Comparative Overview of Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap
Both the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap have revolutionized hair styling with their multifunctional capabilities, but they differ significantly in design, technology, and attachments offered.
Design and Ergonomics
The Shark FlexStyle features a unique 90-degree rotating design that transforms from a hair dryer to a styling tool. This innovative feature allows users to style their hair at different angles with greater comfort.
The Dyson Airwrap has a sleeker, more premium appearance with its distinctive barrel design. It feels lighter in hand compared to the Shark, making it comfortable for extended styling sessions.
Weight is an important consideration – the Shark FlexStyle is slightly heavier but some users find its ergonomic grip more comfortable for certain styling techniques.
Noise levels also differ between the two. According to user feedback, the Dyson operates more quietly, which can be a significant advantage for early morning styling or those sensitive to noise.
Technology and Innovation
Both tools utilize Coanda technology, which creates an air vortex to wrap hair around the barrel without extreme heat. However, their implementation differs slightly.
The Shark FlexStyle’s Coanda effect appears stronger, grabbing larger sections of hair more efficiently. This can reduce styling time for those with thicker hair.
Dyson’s technology focuses on precision, with more controlled airflow that may result in longer-lasting styles. Many users report that curls created with the Dyson Airwrap hold shape better throughout the day.
Heat distribution is excellent in both tools, but the Dyson offers more precise temperature control with intelligent heat monitoring that measures temperature 40 times per second.
Range of Attachments and Accessories
The Shark FlexStyle typically includes:
- Auto-wrap curlers (two directions)
- Oval brush for smoothing
- Paddle brush for straightening
- Concentrated styling attachment
- Hair dryer attachment
Dyson’s attachment lineup features:
- Multiple barrel sizes for different curl types
- Smoothing brushes (hard and soft bristle options)
- Round volumizing brush
- Flyaway tamer
- Drying attachment
Both systems offer attachments that click on and off easily. The Shark’s brushes generally grab more hair per pass, while Dyson’s attachments are engineered for more precise styling.
The Shark FlexStyle’s ability to transform into a traditional hair dryer gives it added versatility that some users find particularly convenient for travel.
Performance and User Experience
Both the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap offer impressive styling capabilities, but they differ notably in performance across various hair types, ease of use, durability, and overall value.
Effectiveness for Different Hair Types
The Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle both perform well across different hair textures, but with some variations. For straight hair, both tools create smooth blowouts with good volume. The Airwrap often produces bouncier curls that many users find last longer, especially on fine to medium hair.
For curly and coily hair, the Shark FlexStyle’s stronger airflow provides better results. Its diffuser attachment works efficiently to enhance natural curl patterns while reducing frizz.
The Shark’s oval brush creates impressive volume and seems to grip hair better with stronger “suction” compared to the Dyson. This makes it particularly effective for thicker hair types.
Both tools offer multiple heat settings to prevent heat damage, which is crucial for maintaining hair health. The Dyson runs quieter during operation, while the Shark produces more noise despite comparable airflow power.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
The learning curve differs between these styling tools. The Dyson Airwrap has a reputation for requiring more practice to master, especially when using the auto-wrap curlers that utilize the Coanda effect to wrap hair automatically.
The Shark FlexStyle’s design includes a 90-degree rotation feature that transforms it into a traditional blow dryer. This versatility simplifies the styling process for beginners. Many users find the Shark’s attachments easier to switch between.
Both devices include styling concentrators for precise blowouts. The Shark’s curling barrels seem to grab hair more efficiently, though they may feel somewhat bulkier to handle.
First-time users often achieve better immediate results with the Shark, making it less frustrating for those new to multi-styling tools. The Airwrap tends to reward persistence with superior results once techniques are mastered.
Maintenance and Durability
Both tools feature washable filters that require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. The Dyson’s filter system is slightly easier to access and clean, which can extend the device’s lifespan.
The Shark FlexStyle’s attachments feel somewhat less premium than the Dyson’s but still display good durability. Some users report that the Shark’s locking mechanism for attachments may wear down over time.
Dyson offers a two-year warranty compared to Shark’s one-year coverage, suggesting greater manufacturer confidence in long-term performance. The Airwrap has been on the market longer, establishing a track record for durability.
Heat settings on both devices remain consistent over time, which helps prevent unexpected heat damage. The motors in both tools are engineered for extended use, though the Dyson typically maintains its performance longer without deterioration.
Price and Value for Money
The price difference between these tools is substantial. The Dyson Airwrap retails for approximately $599, while the Shark FlexStyle costs around $279 at most retailers including Ulta.
The Shark offers remarkable value with similar functionality at less than half the Dyson’s price. For budget-conscious shoppers, the FlexStyle provides an excellent entry point into multi-styling tools.
Both include multiple attachments in their standard packages. The Shark particularly impresses with its comprehensive attachment selection at its price point.
Performance-to-price ratio clearly favors the Shark for most users. However, those seeking premium build quality and slightly more refined styling results may find the Dyson worth the investment.
Professional stylists often prefer the Dyson for its consistency and longevity, while home users frequently report the Shark meets their needs perfectly. The decision ultimately depends on budget constraints versus desire for luxury features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap offer impressive styling capabilities, but they differ in key areas including price, attachments, and performance. Users often have specific questions about how these tools compare in various situations.
What are the primary differences in functionality between the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap?
The Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap differ in several functional aspects. The Dyson Airwrap features better defrizzing tools and makes it easier to switch sides with the curling barrels.
The Shark FlexStyle, however, offers superior brush attachments and transforms into a traditional hair dryer. The Shark is also notably louder than the Dyson, though its airflow feels equally powerful.
Price is another significant difference, with the Shark FlexStyle being substantially more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap.
How do the results for styling curly hair compare when using the Shark FlexStyle versus the Dyson Airwrap?
For curly hair styling, both tools provide effective results but with slight variations. The Shark FlexStyle tends to grab larger sections of hair more efficiently, and its Coanda technology appears stronger.
The Dyson Airwrap may offer more gentle styling for delicate curly hair types. Its precision attachments can create defined curls with less frizz.
Both tools use air rather than extreme heat to form curls, making them healthier options for curly hair compared to traditional curling irons.
Is there a discernible difference in heat damage when using Shark FlexStyle as opposed to the Dyson Airwrap?
Both styling tools are designed to minimize heat damage through air-based styling technology. The Dyson Airwrap features intelligent heat control that measures airflow temperature over 40 times per second.
The Shark FlexStyle also emphasizes heat protection with similar air-based styling methods. Users report minimal heat damage with both devices when used properly.
Neither tool reaches the extreme temperatures of traditional hot tools, making them safer options for regular use.
In terms of user reviews, how does the Shark FlexStyle stack up against the Dyson Airwrap?
User reviews indicate the Shark FlexStyle performs comparably to the Dyson Airwrap, with some users even reporting it outperforms the Airwrap in certain aspects. Many reviewers appreciate the Shark’s value proposition.
The Dyson still maintains an edge in brand prestige and refinement. Users note the Dyson operates more quietly and has a more premium feel.
The Shark receives particularly positive feedback for its brush attachments and versatility, while the Dyson gets praise for its ease of use and defrizzing capabilities.
Can the Shark FlexStyle be considered a comparable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap?
The Shark FlexStyle is widely considered a comparable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap. Performance testing shows the Shark achieves similar styling results at a significantly lower price point.
While the Dyson offers some refinements in user experience, many reviewers find the Shark’s performance difference negligible for everyday use. The Shark’s versatility as both styler and traditional hair dryer adds value.
For budget-conscious shoppers seeking Airwrap-like results, the FlexStyle represents a compelling option without major performance compromises.
What advantages does the Shark hair dryer offer over the Dyson Airwrap?
The Shark FlexStyle offers several advantages over the Dyson Airwrap, including its ability to convert into a traditional hair dryer. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate styling tools.
The Shark also features superior brush attachments according to many reviews. Its stronger “suction” and tension allow it to grab larger sections of hair more efficiently.
Perhaps the most significant advantage is price – the Shark FlexStyle costs substantially less than the Dyson Airwrap while delivering comparable styling results for most users.
