Why it’s worth it and performs well

That’s where the Shark FlexStyle comes in to save your hair and your wallet. With the right Shark FlexStyle attachments (hello, oval brush and concentrator nozzle), you can recreate that salon-finish look right at home, minus the awkward small talk and the tip math. It gives you the bouncy, glossy, “I have my life together” vibe of a professional blowout without having to leave your house or put on real pants. Honestly? The FlexStyle might just be the most economical beauty hack of the year.

I tested the Shark FlexStyle diffuser on my natural wavy curls (hello, volume!), tried every attachment like my life depended on it, and even looked up how to clean the Shark FlexStyle so it doesn’t turn into a lint graveyard. And don’t worry, I’ll spill everything you need to know, from pros and cons to tips for getting the best results, and yes, even if it qualifies as a true Shark FlexStyle dupe for the Dyson.

So grab a coffee (or maybe your deep conditioner) and settle in. I’m about to give you the full scoop on the Shark FlexStyle.

What makes the Shark Flexstyle different?

First things first: this isn’t just a Shark FlexStyle hair dryer. It’s a full-blown transformation station for your hair. Think: blow dryer meets curling wand meets round brush meets diffuser…and then they all go to therapy and get along.

The Shark FlexStyle attachments are designed to tackle everything from flat roots to frizzy curls to that one stubborn section that never wants to cooperate. Whether you’re going full glam or just trying to fake a good hair day before a Zoom call, this little tool comes locked and loaded.

And can we talk about the packaging for a sec? The Shark FlexStyle case is chic, functional and not just something I immediately throw under the sink. It’s giving luxury, without the guilt. Plus, I snagged mine during an Amazon sale, which made unboxing it feel even sweeter. Because let’s be honest: no one hates a deal, especially when you’re getting salon-worthy results at a fraction of the price of that other Brand.

Attachments: 2 Auto-Wrap Curlers (left and right), 1 Curl-Defining Diffuser, 1 Styling Concentrator (rotatable), 1 Oval Brush, 1 Paddle Brush, Storage/Carry Case | Wattage: 1,300 watts | Number of Settings: 3 adjustable levels | Cool Shot Button: Yes

My Review

When I first got my hands on the Shark FlexStyle, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I do. I originally bought it as a more affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap, which I’d been using but, truthfully, wanted to compare both in a final verdict showdown.

Shark’s version is still an investment, don’t get me wrong, but it comes in at almost half the cost of Dyson’s and — surprisingly — doesn’t feel like a compromise. From unboxing to the first styling session, it felt sleek, intuitive and powerful without being overwhelming.

One of the things I really appreciate is the design. It’s got a smart twist feature that lets you go from a traditional hair dryer to a styling wand with just a click. That flexibility (hence the name “FlexStyle”) means you can switch between drying and styling without juggling multiple tools. It’s lightweight (around 1.5 pounds) and the controls are simple: three heat settings, three airflow settings and a cool shot. I also like that it doesn’t get so hot that it fries your hair, which was a problem I had with older hair tools.

Let’s talk attachments because that’s where the FlexStyle really shines. Mine came with five: two auto-wrap curlers (one for each direction), a paddle brush, an oval brush and a concentrator nozzle. If you have curly or coily hair, there’s also a diffuser option in other bundles. The curlers are super similar to Dyson’s; they use that same Coanda effect to attract and wrap hair around the barrel without clamping or burning. And they work well, especially on slightly damp hair. I found the paddle brush great for smoothing, and the oval brush gives some legit volume at the roots, kind of like a blowout.

Now, how does it compare to the Dyson Airwrap? I’ve used both, and while the Dyson might win slightly on luxury feel and airflow smoothness, the Shark FlexStyle holds its own. The curls lasted just as long for me with both tools, and Shark even lets you manually change curl direction with two barrels — something Dyson didn’t do until its newer model. Also, the Shark has more customizable bundles, so you can choose what fits your hair type instead of buying extra attachments you’ll never use.

Where I really noticed the difference was in the drying speed. The Shark is powerful and dries hair fast without getting too hot. If your hair is thick or takes ages to dry, you’ll appreciate that. And even though it’s powerful, it doesn’t feel like a jet engine blasting your face, which is a plus. I also noticed my hair had noticeably less frizz and felt smoother after using the Shark, especially with the paddle brush.

How to Clean the Shark FlexStyle

With so many household chores, cleaning your hair tools may be the last item on your radar. However, it’s part of maintenance (and good for your hair), and I find it incredibly easy to care for.

To clean my Shark FlexStyle, I always start by unplugging it and letting it cool down completely. Safety first. Once it’s cool, I detach all the attachments — whether I’ve used the styling concentrator, diffuser or round brush. I wipe down each piece with a soft, damp cloth to remove any product buildup or dust. If there’s hair caught in the bristles of the brushes, I carefully pull it out using my fingers or a small comb. For the main body of the device, I use a dry microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface, making sure not to get any moisture near the electrical components.

One thing I never forget is checking the filter. At the base of the handle, there’s a filter cover that easily twists off. I remove it and gently tap out any lint or dust, then use a soft brush (sometimes even an old toothbrush) to clean the filter mesh. If it’s really dirty, I’ll rinse it with cool water and let it dry completely before putting it back. Once everything’s clean and dry, I reassemble the device and store it in a safe, dry place. Keeping it clean not only makes it last longer, but it also helps maintain airflow and styling performance.

The Final Verdict

As someone with Goldilocks-level hair that’s not too fine, nor too thick, the FlexStyle has become my go-to tool. But I’ve seen friends with thick, curly hair use it with the diffuser and paddle brush and get great results too. It’s especially great if you want salon-style looks at home without spending a fortune or exposing your hair to extreme heat. Plus, for travelers, it’s compact enough to throw in a carry-on, which I totally did on my last trip.

Overall, I’d recommend the Shark FlexStyle to anyone who wants a versatile, high-performing hair tool without the Dyson price tag. It’s not just a lookalike; it’s a solid contender in its own right. Curling, smoothing, volumizing — it shows up, and shows up well. Even if I just need a fast, gentle blow-dry, this little multitasker really delivers.

Honestly, I reach for it almost every time I do my hair now, and my old flat iron and curling wand are officially collecting dust.

How I Tested

Here’s an overview of how I tested the Shark FlexStyle:

• Performance: I evaluated how effectively the Shark FlexStyle dried and styled hair compared to other hair tools that have been in my rotation.
• Heat Control: I tested the consistency and safety of temperature settings to prevent hair damage.
• Ergonomics: I assessed the weight, grip and ease of handling during use.
• Noise Level: I measured the sound output to determine if the device operated quietly.
• Durability: I checked the build quality and longevity after repeated use.

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.