For years, the air-styling market in the UK was dominated by one very expensive brand (we all know who). But recently, a challenger has entered the ring, promising the same salon-quality results without the eye-watering price tag.
Enter the Shark FlexStyle Air Drying and Styling System. It claims to be a powerful hair dryer and a multi-styler all in one, transforming from a practical dryer to a curling wand with a simple twist. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed Shark FlexStyle review, we test the attachments, the “Coanda” curling technology, and the overall performance to see if it is the ultimate tool for British hair.
What Makes the FlexStyle Unique?
The clue is in the name: Flex. Unlike its competitors, the Shark FlexStyle features a unique hinged design. With a click and a twist, the top of the dryer rotates 90 degrees.
- Mode 1: It looks like a traditional hair dryer (perfect for rough drying).
- Mode 2: It transforms into a styling wand (for curling and volumising).
This 2-in-1 versatility is a game-changer for travel. Instead of packing a heavy dryer and a separate tong for your holiday, you just pack this one sleek device in its Storage Bag.
The Attachments: A Full Salon Kit
The set comes packed with tools designed for every hair need. Let’s break them down:
1. The Self-Wrap Curlers (Coanda Technology)
This is the feature everyone talks about. The Self-Wrap Curlers use airflow to automatically attract and wrap your hair around the barrel. There is no clamping and no manual winding.
- Does it work? Yes. It creates soft, bouncy curls that look effortless. The heat is less intense than traditional tongs, meaning less damage, but you do need to use the “Cool Shot” button to set the curl, or it might drop in the damp UK weather.
2. The Oval Brush & Paddle Brush
If you prefer a smooth, “Chelsea Blow Dry” look, these brushes are key. The Oval Brush is amazing for creating volume at the roots, smoothing out frizz while adding bounce. The Paddle Brush is excellent for straightening and sleeking out textured hair as it dries.
3. The Concentrator Nozzle
This attachment snaps on when the device is in “Dryer Mode.” It focuses the airflow, allowing for precise rough drying before you start styling.
Performance: No Heat Damage?
One of the biggest selling points of the Shark FlexStyle is its approach to hair health. It measures the heat 1,000 times per second to ensure consistent air temperature.
It avoids extreme heat, which is the main cause of split ends and breakage. After using it, hair feels softer and retains more shine compared to using scorching hot ceramic plates. For those with bleached or fine hair, this heat regulation is a massive benefit.
Usability: Weight and Sound
Is it heavy? Surprisingly, no. Weighing just under 700g, it is exceptionally lightweight. You can style the back of your head without your arm aching, which is a common complaint with other bulky air stylers.
Is it loud? It is powerful, so it isn’t silent. The pitch is slightly higher than a standard salon dryer, which some users might find piercing at first, but it is a small trade-off for the speed at which it dries hair.
Pros and Cons
To give you an honest buying guide, here is a transparent breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Versatile Design: The rotating head transforms it from a powerful dryer to a styling wand instantly.
- No Heat Damage: Uses airflow rather than extreme heat, protecting hair health.
- Self-Wrapping Curls: The Coanda airflow makes curling easy, even for beginners.
- Price Point: Significantly more affordable than its main competitor (Dyson) while offering similar results.
- Attachments Included: Comes with brushes, curlers, and a concentrator in the box.
- Travel Friendly: Lightweight and comes with a tidy storage case.
Cons
- Loudness: The motor can be quite noisy and high-pitched on the highest setting.
- Button Placement: The buttons are located at the bottom of the handle, which can be awkward to reach mid-style.
- Cool Shot Hold: You have to hold the cool shot button down manually (it doesn’t click on), which can be tiring for your thumb.
Final Verdict
Our Shark FlexStyle review verdict is simple: This is the best value-for-money air styler on the UK market today.
It bridges the gap between a standard hair dryer and a luxury styling tool perfectly. While the curling technique takes a few tries to master, the results are undeniable—bouncy, shiny, salon-worthy hair at home.
The fact that it protects your hair from heat damage while styling is the cherry on top. If you have been eyeing up expensive air stylers but couldn’t justify the cost, the Shark FlexStyle is the solution you have been waiting for.
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