It’s safe to say that there are few beauty launches that have made the sort of impact that the Dyson AirWrap (was $550, now $400) has since it first came out in 2018. Positioned as an all-in-one hair styling tool with various functions and a super-sleek design, it held a complete monopoly on the styling category with very few competitors that could hold a candle to it...until the Shark FlexStyle (was $350, now $330) came to market. With many of the same features as the Dyson AirWrap (including, most notably, its Coanda airflow technology that makes your hair wrap around the barrel of the curler), and interchangeable attachments that straighten, smooth, curl and even diffuse your hair. I decided to embark on the ultimate clash of the titans: Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle.
I Tested the Dyson Airwrap Against the Shark FlexStyle—Here's My Review
Does the winner surprise you?
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The Biggest Difference Between the Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle
Price aside (the Dyson AirWrap originally costs $550, whereas the Shark FlexStyle costs $350), the most obvious difference between the two stylers is Shark’s rotating barrel design, which bends at a 90-degree angle to transform into a blow dryer. The Dyson AirWrap can also be used as a blow dryer, but you need to lock in the attachment for best results.
The feature I most appreciate about the FlexStyle is the diffuser attachment it comes with, which—as you can see above—helped coax out soft beach waves from my freshly washed hair with minimal effort.
Which Styler Is Easier to Use?
The two tools are fairly comparable with what’s included in their key features—including four heat and three airflow settings, a cold shot button and Coanda technology to curl hair. Where the Shark FlexStyle has an edge is the aforementioned rotating barrel design and diffuser attachment; however, the Dyson AirWrap earns points for efficiency in curling your hair.
In the case of the latest AirWrap model, you can now create clockwise and counterclockwise curls using one barrel, which switches up the direction of your curls. For the FlexStyle, you have to switch out the barrel to curl your left side and right side separately.
That said, both stylers yielded similarly smooth and bouncy results, though the AirWrap’s curls—pictured above at day two—lasted slightly longer for me.
Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle: The Final Verdict
And the winner is...the Shark FlexStyle. Regularly $350, now $245, the Shark FlexStyle is more in line with the price of a fancy blow dryer or flat iron, but with way more bells and whistles. For me, it wins by an (ahem) hair, because I liked its additional features and customizability. Based on your hair type and styling needs, you can build your own system, choosing from three out of six available attachments to customize your FlexStyle, giving you the most bang for your buck.
Winner
Shark FlexStyle
What I Like
- more affordable
- base kit has more attachments
- rotating barrel makes drying hair easier
What I Don't Like
- curls don't last as long
Shark
Runner Up
Dyson Airwrap
What I Like
- curls last longer
- more efficiently curls hair with a single barrel
What I Don't Like
- pricey
Dyson
