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How to use the Shark FlexStyle

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In short

Towel-dry your hair, then use the FlexStyle in dryer mode with the concentrator to rough-dry until damp. Twist the handle straight, fit an Auto-Wrap curler, hold a small section's end near the barrel and let the air wrap it. Hold on heat for a few seconds, then use the cool shot to set it. Use the oval brush for volume and the paddle brush for smoothing. Check your manual, as controls vary by bundle.

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The Shark FlexStyle is two tools in one: a hair dryer and an air styler. Getting good results depends on using each mode at the right moment. This guide walks through switching modes, drying, curling and brushing, with tips for short hair. Shark sells several FlexStyle bundles, from the 3-in-1 to 5-in-1 sets and gift editions with 32 mm and 24 mm curlers. Button layouts and attachment lists differ slightly, so treat these steps as a general guide and keep the Shark manual to hand.

Switching between dryer and wand mode

Do not force the hinge. If it will not turn, check the manual for the release method on your model.

A good habit is to switch the FlexStyle off before twisting or changing attachments. Attachments can be warm after use, so hold them by the base rather than the barrel. Most bundles come with a storage case or bag; keeping the curlers in it stops the air slots getting knocked or clogged with dust.

  1. 1

    Hold the handle in one hand and the head in the other.

  2. 2

    Press the release button on the hinge, if your model has one, and twist the head until it locks.

  3. 3

    Angled is dryer mode: use it with the concentrator or diffuser.

  4. 4

    Straight is wand mode: use it with the curlers and brushes.

  5. 5

    Attachments click on and off; press the release button to change them.

Step 1: rough-dry in dryer mode

If you have curly hair and want to keep your pattern, use the diffuser instead; see how to use a diffuser.

ConcentratorNarrow slot, airspeed highbrush sectionDiffuserWide bowl, airspeed lowcurls
A concentrator focuses a fast jet onto one section; a diffuser spreads slower air over curls.
  1. 1

    Towel-dry hair and detangle with a wide-tooth comb.

  2. 2

    Fit the concentrator with the FlexStyle in dryer mode.

  3. 3

    Dry on high speed and medium heat, pointing the airflow down the hair shaft.

  4. 4

    Stop when hair is damp but not wet, roughly 80% dry.

Step 2: curl with the Auto-Wrap curlers

Curl away from your face for an open, natural look. Larger 32 mm curlers give looser waves; 24 mm curlers in some bundles give tighter curls.

Work round the head in a set order, such as back, sides and then top, so you do not miss sections. Leave the curls alone until they have cooled completely, then loosen them with your fingers.

  1. 1

    Twist into wand mode and fit a curler.

  2. 2

    Check the direction arrow on the curler. Shark's curlers are designed so you can change direction; your manual shows how.

  3. 3

    Take a section about 2 to 3 cm wide.

  4. 4

    Hold the curler vertically, place the end of the section near it and switch on. The Coanda airflow wraps the hair.

  5. 5

    Hold for a few seconds on heat until the section feels dry.

  6. 6

    Press the cool shot and hold briefly to set the curl.

  7. 7

    Pull the curler down and away, leaving the curl intact.

Step 3: brush for volume or smoothness

Oval brush: place it at the root of a damp section, lift upward and roll slowly to the ends. This gives volume and a soft bend.

Paddle brush: brush down through damp sections with steady tension for a smoother, straighter finish. Finish with a cool pass.

FrizzFighter tool (some bundles): Shark describes it as a finishing tool for dry, straight or straightened hair to smooth flyaways.

Whichever brush you use, work in small sections and move slowly. The brush needs time to dry each section fully, as hair left damp tends to frizz once it cools. Finish the whole head with a pass of cool air to set the shape.

Tips for short hair

Our guide to multi-stylers for short hair compares FlexStyle bundles with rivals. For longer hair, see multi-stylers for long hair.

If the FlexStyle stops mid-style or the lights flash, clean the filter first: see cleaning the FlexStyle filter and FlexStyle troubleshooting.

  • Use smaller sections so the hair wraps at least once around the curler.
  • Try the 24 mm curler if your bundle has one.
  • The oval brush is often more useful than curlers on bobs and pixie cuts.
  • Keep the curler near the root briefly for lift rather than full curls.

Note:The FlexStyle is a mains appliance. Use it with dry hands, keep it away from baths and basins, do not block the rear air intake and unplug it before cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the FlexStyle curlers on wet hair? Shark recommends drying first. Curls set better on damp hair than on soaking wet hair.

Why won't the FlexStyle curl? Usually the section is too big or the hair too wet. Use smaller sections and a longer cool shot.

Which speed should I use for curling? Start on a lower speed so you can guide the hair, then increase as you get used to it.

How do I stop frizz? Point airflow down the hair, finish each section with cool air and avoid brushing curls while warm.

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