dyson airwrap vs hair dryer

Shark vs Dyson Airwrap: Which to Buy?

The Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle are two of the most popular hair styling tools on the market. Both devices use a unique technology called Coanda airflow to create curls, waves, and smooth hair without the use of high heat. So, which one is the better buy? Here’s a detailed comparison of the two devices to help you decide.

Similarities between Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap

Well, they share quite a few similarities, and it’s not just a coincidence. The Airwrap first hit the scene in 2018, gaining popularity with its innovative styling technology. Then, in June 2022, Dyson upped the game with a new generation. Following suit, Shark launched its FlexStyle in September 2022, bringing some serious competition to the table.

What’s the big deal about FlexStyle? Well, it boasts the same Coanda air technology that Dyson has been known for, and if you’ve ever coveted those Airwrap curls, you don’t need to keep convincing yourself anymore. It’s all about getting those perfect curls hassle-free.

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside the box. Dyson offers a bit more in terms of tools, but Shark comes in with a lower price tag at $279.99 for a slightly scaled-down set. The cool part? You get to pick the tools you want, making it customizable to your styling needs. And if you’re willing to spend $299.99, Shark gives you the option to choose between sets for straight and wavy hair or curly and coily hair. Plus, both brands offer additional attachments for purchase, but we’ll dive into that a bit later. So, whether you’re Team Dyson or Team Shark, these multi-stylers are ready to revolutionize your hair game.

Shark vs Dyson Airwrap: Features

AttachmentDyson AirwrapShark FlexStyle
Coanda smoothing dryerYesYes
Airwrap long barrelYesYes
Airwrap round volumizing brushYesYes
Airwrap curling barrel (30mm)YesYes
Airwrap curling barrel (40mm)YesNo
Airwrap diffuserYesNo
Wide-tooth combNoYes
Detangling brushNoYes

Dryer

When it comes to drying capabilities, there’s a difference between the Airwrap and the Flexstyle. The Airwrap includes a Coanda smoothing dryer attachment as part of its package. In contrast, the Flexstyle integrates its dryer right into the device’s body, and you get to choose your dryer attachments based on your hair type. If you opt for the straight and wavy hair set, it comes with a concentrator. Meanwhile, the set for curly and coily hair includes a concentrator and a diffuser, though it doesn’t come with a smoothing brush.

Now, what really caught my attention was the drying feature of the Flexstyle. To activate its built-in hair dryer, all you have to do is rotate the top of the device and lock it in place at an angle. This feature provides you with more control during styling and, to be honest, it almost feels like you’re wielding a regular hair dryer.

On the other hand, the Coanda dryer attachment that comes with the Airwrap is a bit less straightforward. While it has a Drying mode that delivers a concentrated burst of airflow, it doesn’t quite match the level of control I’m accustomed to having with a traditional hair dryer.

Smoothing brush

The Flexstyle offers one paddle brush with both short and long bristles, while the Airwrap steps it up with two options: the Soft smoothing brush and the Firm smoothing brush. I incorporated these brushes into my routine to perfect my standard straight hairstyle, typically when my hair is about 80% dry, following the use of the dryer attachments.

Now, here’s the scoop on the Dyson’s smoothing attachments: they provide a more focused airflow thanks to their Coanda technology, which is designed to attract and style the hair. However, I must say that the Flexstyle’s dual-length bristles did an exceptional job of gripping my hair, surpassing the performance of any other smoothing attachments I’ve tried. In the end, though, the final results were quite similar across both devices — they both left my hair looking straight, sleek, and fabulous.

Round brush

For that extra dose of volume in your hairstyle, the Flexstyle comes equipped with a generously sized oval brush, while the Airwrap boasts a round volumizing brush. Now, the Flexstyle’s volumizing attachment bears a striking resemblance to the much-loved Revlon One-Step Volumizer, while the Airwrap’s brush is more akin to the classic round brush.

Once again, I put these to the test on hair that was about 80% dry. What I discovered was that the Dyson’s smaller barrel produced more defined curls, lending my hair a fuller and more bouncy appearance. In contrast, the Shark’s barrel added some volume and a gentle bend to the ends of my hair, but it didn’t quite deliver a super-defined style. Given that I have thick hair, I can imagine that the Flexstyle might make a more noticeable difference for those with finer hair textures.

Curlers

The Flexstyle comes equipped with two 1.25-inch barrels, each capable of directing curls either clockwise or counterclockwise. In contrast, the earlier version of the Airwrap had separate barrels to achieve this directional switch, but the current model has the nifty ability to alter the curl direction within a single barrel. All you need to do is twist a knob at the top to make your choice. 

Additionally, the Airwrap offers two barrel sizes, measuring 1.2 inches and 1.6 inches, both featuring this handy rotating tip. Dyson even provides curling barrels in two different lengths, with one specifically designed for long hair. For the purposes of this review, I put the Airwrap’s 1.2-inch barrel head-to-head with the Flexstyle’s curling barrel, as they are the closest in size.

Recommended

If you’re looking for the best hair styling tool for creating curls and waves, the Dyson Airwrap is recommended. Its Coanda effect is more pronounced, resulting in more defined curls. Additionally, it produces less noise and uses lower heat than the Shark FlexStyle.

However, if you’re on a budget and want a hair styling tool that can do more than create curls and waves, the Shark FlexStyle is a good choice. It has more attachments, making it more versatile when it comes to styling options.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Ultimately, the choice between these two hair styling tools depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re willing to spend more money for better results and gentler styling, the Dyson Airwrap is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a cheaper option that still offers great versatility, the Shark FlexStyle is a solid choice.

No matter which device you choose, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair. Using a heat protectant product before using either device can also help minimize any potential damage.

So, whether you’re team Shark or team Dyson Airwrap, both devices have their place in the world of hair styling, and can help you achieve the perfect look you’re after.

Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It? An Expert Review

Is shelling out $400 justified for a hair dryer? That’s a question many find themselves pondering when considering the Dyson Supersonic. With a price tag comparable to a month’s rent for some, this hair dryer boasts remarkable claims: increasing smoothness by 75%, boosting shine by up to 132%, and reducing frizz and flyaways by up to 61%. Notably, it also promises to safeguard hair from damage while achieving faster drying times than its competitors.

As an individual with the type of curly hair that can take a substantial two days to air dry fully, I know the struggle. Humid days become my hair’s nemesis, extending my blowout times and testing the patience of hair stylists. Naturally, the allure of achieving glossy, sleek, frizz-free locks is too enticing to ignore. However, as a seasoned product reviewer, I’m accustomed to raising an eyebrow at grandiose claims.

Anticipating the Dyson Supersonic’s performance, we subjected it to rigorous tests in our Beauty Lab, evaluating criteria like drying speed, air volume flow, weight, noise level, air and surface temperatures, and cord length. Furthermore, we enlisted a panel of consumer testers to trial the hair dryer in real-world scenarios outside the controlled lab environment. Read on to answer the question: Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It?

How the Dyson Supersonic Works?

The attachments

the flyaway one stands out as a game-changer. Its effectiveness in taming frizz, reminiscent of the Airwrap’s Coanda smoothing dryer, was remarkable. While the other attachments didn’t feel groundbreaking, the gentle air attachment managed airflow well, suitable for finer hair types, while the diffuser worked decently, though I missed the flexibility of the Shark FlexStyle diffuser’s prongs. The styling concentrator was straightforward and practical, with its magnetic connection offering both stability and adjustability while styling.

For those interested in keeping all these attachments organized, the special edition Supersonic with a storage case is recommended. However, it’s worth noting that the standard Supersonic surprisingly lacks storage options beyond its original box.

The heat and air settings

In terms of settings, the Supersonic offers three heat levels (140, 176, and 212 degrees Fahrenheit) and an 82-degree cold shot button. It also provides three air speeds, catering to different drying and styling needs.

Personally, I preferred the low to medium heat settings coupled with low to medium airflow. Even when not maxing out the settings, I could achieve fully dried hair from lightly towel-dried hair in under 15 minutes, and even closer to 10 minutes on the highest settings.

How it performs on other claims

Regarding the Supersonic’s performance claims, it suggests increasing smoothness by 75 percent, shine by up to 132 percent, and reducing frizz and flyaways by up to 61 percent compared to naturally dried hair. While I did observe improvements compared to air-drying, the differences weren’t overly distinct from other blow dryers I’ve used. The flyaway attachment did notably mitigate frizz, though some styling products were still necessary. Overall, the Supersonic did deliver good results, with its user-friendly design being a major plus. However, for many, opting for a more classic blow dryer at a significantly lower cost might be a reasonable alternative, even if it involves a bit of a learning curve.

Is Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It?

Yes, Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer is actually worth it for these reasons:

  • Powerful Motor: The Dyson hair dryer has a powerful digital motor that can spin up to 110,000 times per minute, making it one of the fastest hair dryers in the market.
  • Heat Control: The heat control feature ensures that the hair is not exposed to excessive heat, which can cause damage and dryness. This technology measures the temperature of the air 20 times per second, ensuring that the hair is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: The Dyson hair dryer is lightweight and easy to handle due to its ergonomic design. It also comes with magnetic attachments, which make it easy to switch between different styling tools.
  • Quiet Operation: The Dyson hair dryer is quieter than most hair dryers in the market, thanks to its innovative motor design.
  • Advanced Technology: The Dyson hair dryer uses advanced technology to ensure that the hair is not damaged during the drying process. Its intelligent heat control feature monitors the temperature of the air and adjusts it accordingly, preventing heat damage.

Dyson Hair Dryer Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Dyson hair dryer has its pros and cons. Here are some of the major pros and cons of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer:

Pros

  • Dry your hair in a fraction of the time compared to other hair dryers.
  • Intelligent heat control ensures that the air temperature stays within safe limits, which means less damage to your hair.
  • Operates quietly, which makes it more pleasant to use than other hair dryers.
  • The magnetic attachments provided with the hair dryer make it easy to switch between different styling tools, giving you more versatility in styling your hair.
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

Cons

  • More expensive than other hair dryers in the market.
  • The magnetic attachments can be difficult to attach and detach from the hair dryer, which can be frustrating.
  • Only comes in a limited range of colors, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
  • Can be heavy, which can cause hand fatigue if used for an extended period.
  • Can still be quite loud, which may be a problem for some users.

Dyson Hair Dryer Vs. Other Hair Dryers

The Dyson hair dryer is undoubtedly more expensive than most hair dryers in the market. However, it is also more advanced and offers several benefits that other hair dryers do not. Here are some of the reasons why the Dyson hair dryer is superior to other hair dryers:

  • Faster Drying: The Dyson hair dryer is faster at drying hair than most other hair dryers in the market, thanks to its powerful motor.
  • Less Damage: It causes less damage to the hair than other hair dryers in the market due to its intelligent heat control feature.
  • Quieter Operation: The Dyson operates quietly, making it more pleasant to use than other hair dryers in the market.
  • Ergonomic Design: This hair dryer has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle and use, reducing the risk of hand fatigue.
  • Versatile Styling: Magnetic attachments of Dyson make it easy to switch between different styling tools, giving you more versatility when it comes to styling your hair.

FAQs 

  1. How much does the Dyson hair dryer cost? The Dyson hair dryer usually costs around $400to $500, depending on where you purchase it from and any current sales or promotions.
  2. Can the Dyson hair dryer be used on all hair types? Yes, the Dyson hair dryer is suitable for all hair types. Its intelligent heat control feature ensures that the air temperature stays within safe limits, which means less damage to your hair, regardless of its type or texture.
  3. How long does the Dyson hair dryer last? The Dyson hair dryer is built to last and comes with a two-year warranty. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can last for much longer than that.
  4. Is the Dyson hair dryer easy to clean? Yes, the Dyson hair dryer is easy to clean. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the hair dryer and remove any dust or debris. The magnetic attachments can also be easily detached and cleaned.

Conclusion

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is an innovative product that offers several benefits over other hair dryers in the market. Its advanced technology, fast drying time, and less damage to the hair make it worth the investment for those looking for a high-end hair dryer. However, the high price tag, heavy weight, and limited color options may not be for everyone.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the Dyson hair dryer is worth it depends on your individual hair care needs and budget. If you have the means to invest in a high-quality hair dryer and want the best technology and features available, the Dyson hair dryer is definitely worth considering.