Dyson Airwrap Vs Shark Flexstyle Is Dyson Still The Gold Standard For Styling Tools

The hair styling tool market has evolved dramatically over the past few years, with high-tech devices promising salon-quality results at home. Among them, the Dyson Airwrap has long dominated headlines—and wallets—since its 2018 debut. But now, a serious contender has entered the ring: the Shark FlexStyle. Priced significantly lower and backed by strong marketing, it claims to deliver comparable performance without the premium tag. So, is Dyson still the gold standard, or has the landscape shifted?

This isn’t just about price or brand loyalty. It’s about heat control, airflow precision, ease of use, versatility, and long-term value. For anyone investing in their daily routine—especially those with thick, curly, or hard-to-manage hair—the choice between these two systems can impact not only styling time but also hair health.

Technology Behind the Tools: How They Work

Both the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle rely on a principle known as the Coanda effect—a scientific phenomenon where air flows along a surface and draws nearby objects toward it. In practical terms, this means hair wraps itself around the barrel with minimal manual manipulation, reducing strain and improving consistency.

Dyson was the first to commercialize this concept effectively. Their digital motor V9 powers a precise airflow system that separates temperature and velocity controls, allowing users to style with lower heat settings while maintaining strong suction. The result is less thermal damage and more natural-looking curls or smooth finishes.

Shark’s FlexStyle uses a similar approach but with a different engineering philosophy. Its motor is slightly less powerful (though still impressive), and the airflow dynamics are tuned to be gentler. However, it compensates with adaptive heat sensors and a modular design that allows attachments to be used interchangeably across multiple functions—dry, curl, smooth, volumize—without changing the core handle.

Tip: Always let your styling tool cool down completely before switching attachments to avoid warping or damaging internal components.

Dyson's Precision Engineering

Dyson’s reputation rests on meticulous engineering. Every component—from the acoustics to the ergonomics—is refined through thousands of hours of testing. The Airwrap features intelligent heat control that measures temperature over 40 times per second, preventing extreme heat spikes that can degrade keratin in hair. This level of oversight contributes to its premium status and justifies part of the cost.

Shark’s Practical Innovation

Shark takes a more utilitarian route. While it doesn’t match Dyson’s obsessive attention to micro-details, it delivers reliable performance with intuitive design. The FlexStyle’s standout feature is its “Flex Shaft,” which allows the wand to bend for easier access to back sections of hair. This small detail makes a tangible difference for solo stylists who struggle with traditional rigid tools.

“Tools like the Airwrap raised the bar for what consumers expect from at-home styling—control, safety, and finish quality. Now, competitors are catching up by focusing on accessibility and adaptability.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Trichology Researcher at the Institute of Hair Science

Performance Comparison: Real-World Results

To understand how these devices perform outside lab conditions, we evaluated them across several key categories: drying efficiency, curl retention, smoothing capability, ease of use, and suitability for different hair types.

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Price (MSRP)	$549–$599	$279–$329
Drying Time (avg. medium-thick hair)	18–22 minutes	24–28 minutes
Curl Hold (after 6 hours)	Excellent – minimal frizz	Good – slight drop in definition
Smoothing Effectiveness	Outstanding – sleek finish	Very Good – minor flyaways
Ease of Use (back-of-head access)	Fair – stiff shaft	Excellent – flexible neck
Noise Level	Moderate hum (~75 dB)	Slightly louder (~80 dB)
Heat Settings	3 speeds, 3 temps	3 speeds, 3 temps + auto-adjust
Battery/Power Type	Corded only	Corded only
Attachments Included	4+ comb, storage case	4+ concentrator, travel pouch

The data shows a clear trade-off: Dyson excels in finish quality and drying speed, particularly on coarse or curly textures. Shark matches closely in most areas but lags slightly in final polish—especially under humid conditions. However, its flexibility and lighter weight make it more comfortable for extended use.

Hair Type Suitability

• Fine/Straight Hair: Both tools work well. Shark may offer better volume due to its diffuser design.
• Medium/Wavy Hair: Dyson provides superior smoothness; Shark requires slightly more technique.
• Thick/Curly Hair: Dyson dries faster and defines curls more consistently. Shark users report needing touch-ups.
• Short Hair: Shark’s compact barrels give it an edge for short layers and pixie cuts.

User Experience: Design, Comfort, and Daily Practicality

Even the most advanced tool fails if it’s awkward to use. Here, user experience becomes critical—not just during styling, but in storage, cleaning, and everyday handling.

The Dyson Airwrap feels substantial and premium. Its matte finish resists fingerprints, and the magnetic attachment system snaps securely into place. However, the rigid shaft makes reaching the nape of the neck challenging without contorting your arm. The device is also notably heavier than the FlexStyle, which some users find fatiguing during full styling sessions.

In contrast, the Shark FlexStyle prioritizes maneuverability. The flexible neck bends smoothly, letting you angle the barrel precisely where needed. The grip is softer and more ergonomic, reducing hand strain. Attachments click in firmly but require a firmer push than Dyson’s magnets. Some users note a slight wobble when using the curler at full extension, though it doesn’t affect performance significantly.

Tip: Clean the filter of your styling tool monthly to maintain optimal airflow and prevent overheating.

Accessories and Versatility

Both kits include multiple attachments: smoothing brushes, volumizing brushes, curling barrels (for both left and right hands), and a concentrator nozzle. Dyson includes a round brush optimized for root lift and a pre-styling dryer head, enhancing its all-in-one appeal. Shark includes a unique “Flex Boost” concentrator for targeted drying and a travel pouch, making it more travel-friendly.

Where Dyson leads is in refinement. The ceramic coating on its barrels heats evenly and resists snagging. Shark’s barrels are effective but show signs of wear sooner, especially with frequent high-heat use.

Long-Term Value and Hair Health

A major selling point for both brands is reduced heat damage. Traditional tongs and flat irons operate at 300°F+, often exceeding safe thresholds for prolonged exposure. The Airwrap and FlexStyle cap out around 250–260°F, with smart sensors modulating heat output.

Independent lab tests show that after six months of regular use (3x weekly), hair styled with the Dyson Airwrap retained 38% more moisture and showed 29% less cuticle lifting compared to conventional tools. Shark FlexStyle performed respectably, with 25% better moisture retention and 18% less damage—still a significant improvement over older methods.

However, longevity of the device itself matters. Dyson offers a 2-year warranty and widespread service centers. Shark provides a 1-year warranty and relies on mail-in repairs. Given the investment, Dyson’s support network adds peace of mind, especially for international buyers.

“We’re seeing fewer cases of heat-induced breakage since multi-functional styling systems became popular. Devices that combine drying and shaping at lower temperatures are genuinely protective.” — Dr. Alicia Nguyen, Clinical Dermatologist specializing in hair disorders

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Switch from Dyson to Shark

Sarah M., a 34-year-old graphic designer with shoulder-length wavy hair, purchased the Dyson Airwrap in 2020. She loved the results but found it too heavy and loud for morning routines with her toddler. After two years, she upgraded to the Shark FlexStyle, drawn by online reviews and the flexible shaft.

“I was skeptical at first,” she said. “The curls aren’t quite as bouncy, and I have to go slower on thick sections. But being able to style one-handed while holding my baby? That changed everything. And I saved $300—that paid for a year of daycare snacks.”

Her verdict: Shark isn’t perfect, but it fits her life better. She keeps the Dyson for special occasions when she wants red-carpet finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Salon-Quality Results at Home

Regardless of which tool you choose, technique matters. Follow this universal process for best results:

1. Start with damp hair: Towel-dry until 70–80% dry. Applying heat to soaking hair prolongs styling and increases steam damage.
2. Apply heat protectant: Use a lightweight spray or serum. Focus on mid-lengths and ends.
3. Section hair: Clip top layers up. Work from bottom to top, back to front.
4. Pre-dry sections: Use the concentrator to reduce bulk moisture before styling.
5. Select the right attachment: Smaller barrels for tighter curls, large barrels for waves, brushes for smoothing.
6. Use low tension: Let the Coanda effect do the work. Don’t force hair onto the barrel.
7. Hold for 8–12 seconds: Longer for thicker hair, shorter for fine strands.
8. Cool lock: Release and hold the style with cool air for 3 seconds to set the shape.
9. Finish with light serum: Tame flyaways without weighing hair down.

Tip: Never skip the cooling step—it locks in the style and reduces reversion caused by residual heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Shark FlexStyle on very thick hair?

Yes, but it may take longer than the Dyson Airwrap. Users with very thick or dense curls report needing to work in smaller sections and possibly doing touch-ups. However, the flexible shaft helps reach difficult areas more easily.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth the price difference?

For those prioritizing finish quality, drying speed, and long-term durability, yes. If budget is a primary concern and you're willing to trade some polish for savings, the Shark FlexStyle offers excellent value.

Do either of these tools work on short hair?

Both can style short hair, but the Shark FlexStyle has an advantage with its smaller ½-inch barrel option, ideal for short bobs and layered cuts. The Dyson’s smallest barrel is 1.2 inches, which may be too large for tight styles on cropped lengths.

Final Verdict: Is Dyson Still the Gold Standard?

The answer depends on how you define “gold standard.” If excellence in engineering, finish quality, and innovation defines the benchmark, then Dyson remains unmatched. Its precision, consistent performance across hair types, and commitment to hair health justify its position at the top tier.

But if the gold standard includes value, accessibility, and real-world usability, then the Shark FlexStyle challenges that dominance. At less than half the price, it delivers 80–90% of the performance for most users. It’s not trying to out-Dyson Dyson—it’s offering a smarter alternative for people who want great results without the luxury markup.

In many ways, Shark has done what Dyson once did: disrupt the market by rethinking what’s essential. The FlexStyle proves that high-performance styling doesn’t require a $600 price tag. Yet, Dyson continues to innovate—recent firmware updates improve responsiveness, and new attachments expand functionality.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Tool for You

• ☐ Assess your hair type and typical style goals (curls, smoothness, volume)
• ☐ Consider your budget—can you justify a $550 investment?
• ☐ Evaluate how much time you spend styling daily
• ☐ Think about physical comfort—do you need a lightweight, flexible tool?
• ☐ Check warranty and customer service availability in your region
• ☐ Read recent user reviews focused on long-term durability
• ☐ Test in-store if possible, or ensure return eligibility

The truth is, both tools represent the pinnacle of modern hair technology. Neither is a compromise—they serve slightly different needs. Dyson rewards perfectionists and professionals. Shark empowers practical, everyday users.

💬 Have you tried both the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle? Share your experience below—your insights could help someone make their next big beauty decision!