Dyson Airwrap Vs Shark Flexstyle Does The Shark Actually Hold A Curl On Fine Hair

For anyone with fine hair, achieving long-lasting curls without damage or flatness has long been a challenge. The Dyson Airwrap revolutionized at-home styling when it launched, promising salon-quality curls using air instead of extreme heat. But with the introduction of the Shark FlexStyle, a more affordable alternative boasting similar technology, many are asking: does the Shark actually hold a curl on fine hair? And how does it truly stack up against the Dyson?

This comparison isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, durability, ease of use, and most importantly, whether both tools deliver on their promises for one of the most difficult hair types to style: fine, thin strands that lack volume and tend to fall flat within hours.

Understanding Fine Hair: Why Curl Hold Is So Challenging

Fine hair is defined not by length or texture, but by the diameter of individual strands. These thinner strands have less structural integrity, meaning they don’t retain shape as easily as coarse or thick hair. Additionally, fine hair often lacks natural volume and can be prone to oiliness, which further reduces curl longevity.

When styling fine hair, two critical factors determine success:

• Heat + Tension Balance: Enough heat to set the curl, but not so much that it damages delicate strands.
• Airflow Control: Consistent, focused airflow helps wrap and cool the hair quickly, locking in the shape before it drops.

Dyson built its reputation on Coanda airflow technology—using air to attract and wrap hair around barrels automatically. Shark FlexStyle replicates this concept, claiming comparable results at nearly half the price. But theory doesn’t always translate to reality, especially for fine-haired users who need every advantage they can get.

Direct Comparison: Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Price (Full Kit)	$599	$299
Weight	1.7 lbs	1.6 lbs
Motor Speed	110,000 RPM	100,000 RPM
Heat Settings	3 speeds, 4 heat levels	3 speeds, 3 heat levels
Cool Shot Button	Yes	Yes
Attachments Included	4 styling barrels, 1 smoothing brush, 1 volumizing brush, pre-styling dryer	3 styling barrels, 1 oval brush, 1 round brush, concentrator, diffuser
Battery (Cordless Option)	No (corded only)	Yes (up to 30 min runtime)
Auto-Wrap Technology	Strong Coanda effect; wraps hair reliably	Moderate Coanda effect; works best on shorter sections
Curl Longevity (Fine Hair Test)	6–8 hours with prep	4–6 hours with prep

The numbers tell part of the story: the Dyson offers more precision, additional attachments, and a stronger motor. But what matters most to fine-haired users is how well each tool sets and holds a curl—and that comes down to technique, heat consistency, and cooling time.

Testing Curl Hold on Fine Hair: Real-World Performance

To evaluate both devices objectively, we conducted a week-long trial with three participants who have straight to slightly wavy fine hair, all averaging shoulder-length strands. Each used the same heat protectant (Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray) and light-hold mousse (Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse). Curls were assessed after 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours.

Day 3 Results: Mid-Length Fine Hair, Slight Layering

Participant Sarah, 32, reported that the Dyson created tighter, more uniform spirals that resisted flattening near the roots. By contrast, the Shark FlexStyle produced softer waves initially, but noticeable slippage occurred at the crown after five hours. “The Dyson curls stayed springy even when I wore a hat,” she noted. “With the Shark, I had to touch up the top layers by mid-afternoon.”

However, Sarah also found the Shark easier to maneuver due to its slightly lighter weight and rotating cord—a small detail that reduced wrist strain during longer styling sessions.

Tip: For fine hair, always apply mousse before drying and use the lowest effective heat setting to prevent weakening the cuticle.

Expert Insight: What Stylists Say About Heat and Hold

“Fine hair responds better to consistent, lower heat over time than sudden high temperatures. The Dyson’s intelligent heat control gives it an edge because it prevents hotspots that can cause frizz and weaken the curl pattern.” — Lena Torres, Celebrity Colorist & Texture Specialist, NYC

Torres emphasizes that while both tools use air-based styling, the Dyson’s higher motor speed allows faster wrapping and more efficient cooling, which contributes significantly to curl memory. She adds, “If you’re using the Shark, take smaller sections and hold the cool shot for five seconds longer per curl. That extra step makes a difference.”

Step-by-Step: Maximizing Curl Hold on Fine Hair

Regardless of which tool you use, technique plays a major role in longevity. Follow this sequence to maximize curl retention:

1. Prep Clean, Damp Hair: Towel-dry after washing. Apply a lightweight mousse or foam from roots to ends. Avoid heavy creams—they weigh down fine strands.
2. Section Strategically: Divide hair into four quadrants. Clip away the top two sections. Work bottom layers first.
3. Use Proper Barrel Size: For fine hair, 1” barrels create the most natural-looking hold. Smaller barrels may kink; larger ones won’t grip well.
4. Wrap Against the Face: Wrap hair around the barrel in a direction that flips ends outward (toward your face). This creates volume at the root.
5. Hold for Full Cycle: Let the tool fully wrap the section (about 15–20 seconds), then activate the cool shot for 10 seconds to lock the shape.
6. Let Cool Naturally: Do not touch or brush curls immediately. Allow them to cool completely before releasing.
7. Finish with Light Hairspray: Use a flexible-hold aerosol spray (like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray) and mist from 12 inches away.

Does the Shark FlexStyle Actually Hold a Curl on Fine Hair?

The short answer: yes—but with caveats.

In ideal conditions (clean, prepped hair; proper technique; humidity under 50%), the Shark FlexStyle can produce soft, bouncy waves that last up to six hours on fine hair. However, it struggles in high-humidity environments and tends to lose definition at the roots faster than the Dyson.

Where the Shark falls short is in consistent airflow strength. Users report needing to manually guide the hair onto the barrel more frequently, especially near the crown where tension is lower. This increases styling time and reduces efficiency. On the plus side, the inclusion of a cordless battery option offers unmatched convenience for travel or quick touch-ups.

One unexpected benefit: the Shark’s oval styling brush excels at adding root lift without frizz—something the Dyson’s smoothing brush sometimes over-smooths into flatness.

Tip: Flip your head upside down when cooling curls with the cool shot. Gravity helps maintain volume at the roots, where fine hair needs it most.

Mini Case Study: Office Worker with Fine, Straight Hair

Jamie, 28, works in a climate-controlled office but commutes via bike in humid summer weather. She tested both tools over two weeks, alternating days.

With the Dyson, her curls held strong until 6 PM, even after biking 20 minutes each way. With the Shark, curls began loosening by 3 PM, and she noticed increased frizz at the nape of her neck. “I love that the Shark is cheaper and has a battery,” she said, “but if I’m going out in the evening, I reach for the Dyson. It just lasts longer.”

Her compromise? She now uses the Shark for everyday waves and reserves the Dyson for events or days when she knows she’ll be out late.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Fine Hair

• ✅ Prioritize curl longevity? → Lean toward Dyson Airwrap
• ✅ On a budget or want cordless flexibility? → Shark FlexStyle is viable
• ✅ Need maximum attachments and customization? → Dyson offers broader versatility
• ✅ Prefer lightweight design and rotating cord? → Shark has ergonomic advantages
• ✅ Live in a humid climate? → Dyson performs more consistently
• ✅ Style daily? → Consider long-term durability—Dyson builds last longer based on user reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Shark FlexStyle on very fine, limp hair?

Yes, but technique is crucial. Use the 1” barrel, apply volumizing mousse before styling, and avoid overloading with product. Take smaller sections and allow each curl to cool fully before moving on. While it won’t match the Dyson’s hold, it can produce acceptable results with practice.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth double the price for fine hair?

For users who value reliability, consistent curl retention, and professional-grade results, yes. The Dyson’s superior motor, heat regulation, and attachment variety justify the cost if you style regularly. However, if you only style occasionally or prioritize portability, the Shark offers compelling value.

Why do my curls fall flat within an hour?

This is common with fine hair and usually stems from one of four issues: (1) styling on soaking-wet hair, (2) skipping heat protectant or mousse, (3) not cooling curls sufficiently, or (4) touching curls too soon after styling. Ensure your hair is about 80% dry before wrapping, and never run fingers through curls until they’ve cooled completely.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The Dyson Airwrap remains the gold standard for curl hold on fine hair. Its powerful motor, precise temperature control, and reliable auto-wrap function deliver consistent, long-lasting results that the Shark FlexStyle hasn’t quite matched—especially in challenging conditions.

That said, the Shark FlexStyle is not a poor performer. For the price, it delivers impressive technology and genuine innovation, particularly with its cordless capability and comfortable ergonomics. It won’t replace the Dyson for high-stakes styling, but it serves as a capable, budget-friendly alternative for casual wear and weekly use.

If you have fine hair and want the best possible curl retention without daily re-styling, the Dyson is still the smarter investment. But if you're looking for a solid middle ground between performance and affordability, the Shark FlexStyle proves that you don’t need to spend $600 to achieve decent, bouncy waves.

“Technology has made great strides, but no tool replaces good prep. The right base products and patience matter more than the brand in your hand.” — Adrian Kim, Master Stylist & Educator

Take Action Today

Whether you choose the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark FlexStyle, the key to success lies in preparation, technique, and realistic expectations. Fine hair demands attention to detail—but with the right tool and method, lasting curls are absolutely achievable.

💬 Have experience with either tool on fine hair? Share your tips, tricks, or favorite settings in the comments below. Your insights could help someone finally find their perfect curl solution.