Guide
Is the Shark FlexStyle worth it?
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In short
The Shark FlexStyle is worth it if you want a dryer and air styler in one at a lower cost than the Dyson Airwrap. Its rotating handle makes it a proper dryer as well as a styler, and Shark lists a 2-year guarantee on registration. It trails the Airwrap on refinement and attachment range, so choose the bundle that matches your hair rather than the biggest box.
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The Shark FlexStyle arrived as the main challenger to the Dyson Airwrap, and it has become a popular choice in the UK. It uses the same Coanda principle to wrap hair around its curlers, but adds a hinge that turns it from a straight styler into a dryer shape. This guide covers what the FlexStyle does well, where it falls short of the Airwrap and how to pick the right bundle.
What the FlexStyle does well
The standout feature is the rotating handle. In styler mode the FlexStyle is a straight wand that takes curlers and brushes; twist it and it becomes a conventional dryer shape. That makes the drying stage feel like using a normal dryer, which many people prefer to the Airwrap's dryer attachment.
Shark says the FlexStyle measures heat 1,000 times a second to keep temperatures consistent. Its auto-wrap curlers use Coanda airflow, and the newer IonCurl adds what Shark calls CoandaBoost for a stronger wrap, plus 200 million negative ions and a Scalp Shield mode. Shark lists a 2-year guarantee upon registration for UK models.
Where it trails the Airwrap
The Airwrap generally feels more refined, with a larger range of attachments and editions for different hair types and lengths. Dyson's newer barrels can curl in both directions; on many FlexStyle bundles you use left and right curlers. Some people also find the Airwrap's curls hold slightly better, though technique has a big effect on both.
The FlexStyle can also feel slightly heavier in styler mode, and the hinge adds a moving part. For a detailed comparison, read our Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle article.
| Factor | Shark FlexStyle | Dyson Airwrap |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer mode | Rotates into a dryer shape | Separate dryer attachment |
| Curling | Coanda auto-wrap curlers | Coanda barrels, newer ones switch direction |
| Attachment range | Good, varies by bundle | Wider, more editions |
| Guarantee (UK) | 2 years on registration (Shark) | Check Dyson's terms |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which bundle to buy
Shark sells the FlexStyle in several bundles. The 3-in-1 typically includes curlers and an oval brush. The 5-in-1 adds a paddle brush, concentrator and diffuser. The IonCurl edition includes two 32 mm Coanda curlers, a FrizzFighter polisher, oval and paddle brushes and a curl-defining diffuser. Bundles change, so always check the listing.
Choose based on what you will use. For curls and waves on straight hair, the curlers and oval brush matter most. For curly hair, a diffuser is essential. For smooth blow-dries, a paddle brush and concentrator. Our Shark hair stylers compared guide sets the bundles side by side.
| Bundle | Power | Key attachments |
|---|---|---|
| FlexStyle 3-in-1 | 1,400 W | Auto-wrap curlers, oval brush |
| FlexStyle 5-in-1 | 1,650 W | 2 curlers, paddle and oval brush, concentrator, diffuser |
| FlexStyle IonCurl | 1,750 W | 2 x 32 mm curlers, FrizzFighter, oval and paddle brush, diffuser |
Who it suits
The FlexStyle suits people who want one tool for drying and styling and do not want to pay Airwrap money. It is a good fit if you dry your hair most days but only curl it some of the time, because the dryer mode is genuinely useful on its own.
It is less of a fit if you only ever rough-dry, in which case a dryer is simpler, or if you want the widest choice of barrels and editions, in which case the Airwrap may be worth the extra. For other options, see our best Dyson Airwrap alternatives.
Living with it
Like any airflow styler, the FlexStyle relies on a clean filter. A clogged filter reduces the wrap and can make it pause or flash a warning. Clean it regularly; our guide on cleaning the FlexStyle filter shows how, and FlexStyle troubleshooting covers common faults.
Expect a short learning curve with the curlers. Pre-dry until damp, use narrow sections and cool each curl. Our guide on how to use the Shark FlexStyle walks through it.
The verdict
For most people who want an Airwrap-style tool, the FlexStyle is the sensible middle ground: it dries well, curls well with practice and costs less. Pick the bundle that matches your hair, register it for the guarantee and keep the filter clean.
If you are still deciding, our best Airwrap-style multi-stylers guide compares the FlexStyle with Dyson, Dreame and others, and is the Dyson Airwrap worth it gives the other side of the argument.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shark FlexStyle as good as the Dyson Airwrap? It covers much of the same ground for less and has a better dryer mode. The Airwrap is more refined, with more attachments and editions.
How many watts is the Shark FlexStyle? UK listings show 1,400 W for the 3-in-1, 1,650 W for the 5-in-1 and 1,750 W for the IonCurl.
Which Shark FlexStyle is best? The one whose attachments match your hair. Curly hair needs a diffuser bundle; curls and waves need the curlers and oval brush.
Does the Shark FlexStyle damage hair? It uses heated air with temperature monitoring rather than a hot barrel. Use sensible heat settings and avoid going over the same section repeatedly.
What you need
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