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
| Attachment | Dyson Airwrap | Shark FlexStyle |
| Coanda smoothing dryer | Yes | Yes |
| Airwrap long barrel | Yes | Yes |
| Airwrap round volumizing brush | Yes | Yes |
| Airwrap curling barrel (30mm) | Yes | Yes |
| Airwrap curling barrel (40mm) | Yes | No |
| Airwrap diffuser | Yes | No |
| Wide-tooth comb | No | Yes |
| Detangling brush | No | Yes |
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.
