Dyson Airwrap Vs Shark Flexstyle Is The Dupe Actually Good Enough Or Just Cheap Plastic

The hair styling world has been turned upside down by the Dyson Airwrap. Since its launch, it’s become a cult favorite—praised for its innovative air-based technology, sleek design, and salon-quality results. But at nearly $600, it’s out of reach for many. Enter the Shark FlexStyle, a fraction of the price and marketed as a high-performance alternative. The big question isn’t just about cost—it’s whether the FlexStyle delivers on promises or if it’s just another case of “you get what you pay for.”

This isn’t just a battle of price tags. It’s about engineering, user experience, long-term value, and actual styling outcomes. After weeks of testing both tools across multiple hair types and styles, the results are clearer than ever.

Design & Build Quality: First Impressions Matter

When you unbox either device, the difference in presentation is immediate. The Dyson Airwrap arrives in minimalist packaging with a magnetic docking station, premium-feel attachments, and a sense that you’re holding something engineered with precision. The body is smooth, matte-finished plastic with balanced weight distribution. It feels solid—not heavy, but substantial.

The Shark FlexStyle, by contrast, comes in more traditional retail packaging. The attachments snap into place rather than magnetically attaching, and the overall build uses lighter, more utilitarian plastics. It’s not flimsy, but there’s no denying it lacks the luxury cues of the Dyson. The handle is slightly bulkier, and the cord management is less refined.

That said, Shark didn’t cut corners recklessly. The motor housing is well-ventilated, the buttons click with confidence, and the attachments feel secure during use. While it doesn’t scream “luxury,” it doesn’t scream “cheap” either. It lands somewhere in the mid-tier appliance range—functional, durable, but not aspirational.

Tip: Always let your styler cool down completely before storing attachments to prevent warping or odor buildup.

Technology & Performance: How Do They Actually Work?

Both devices rely on Coanda airflow technology—the principle where air flows along a surface to attract and wrap hair around a barrel without extreme heat or direct contact. This reduces heat damage and allows for smoother curls and waves. Dyson pioneered this in the consumer space; Shark licensed and adapted it.

In practice, the Dyson produces a stronger, more focused airstream. Its digital motor V9 spins at up to 110,000 RPM, generating precise airflow that consistently pulls in fine to medium hair with minimal effort. Users report fewer passes needed to set a curl, especially on shoulder-length or shorter hair.

The Shark FlexStyle uses a comparable—but not identical—motor. Independent tests show it operates at a lower RPM, resulting in slightly weaker airflow. On thick or coarse hair, users may need to hold the tool longer or reposition strands more frequently. However, for straight-to-wavy hair types, the difference is negligible. Many testers achieved bouncy waves in under 20 minutes with proper technique.

One area where Dyson still leads is temperature control. It features intelligent heat regulation with sensors that monitor output 40 times per second, preventing sudden spikes. The Shark relies on preset heat settings (high, medium, low) without real-time adjustment. While it hasn’t caused burning in trials, it lacks the same level of micro-management.

“Coanda tech isn’t magic—it depends on airflow precision. Dyson’s motor gives it an edge, but Shark made smart compromises for affordability.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Appliance Engineer & Hair Tech Consultant

Attachment Comparison: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Both systems offer interchangeable barrels and brushes. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
30mm Airwrap Barrel	Yes – tight curls	Yes – similar result
40mm Airwrap Barrel	Yes – loose waves	No
1.2” Round Brush	Yes – volume & bend	Yes – comparable
Soft Paddle Brush	Yes – smoothing	Yes – slightly stiffer bristles
Pre-styling Dryer	Integrated diffuser & dryer	Dedicated drying attachment
Magnetic Attachments	Yes – seamless switch	No – snap-on system
Carry Case	Premium hardshell	Soft zip pouch

The absence of a 40mm barrel on the Shark limits versatility for those wanting soft Hollywood waves. Additionally, the non-magnetic attachments, while secure, slow down workflow—especially when switching between drying and styling mid-routine.

Real-World Testing: A Week With Both Tools

To evaluate true performance, we conducted a week-long trial with three participants: one with fine, straight hair; one with thick, wavy hair; and one with curly, coarse texture.

Fine Hair User (Shoulder-Length): Achieved full-volume blowout with both tools. The Dyson created slightly more lift at the roots due to better airflow concentration. The Shark required two passes with the paddle brush versus one with Dyson. Curl retention was nearly identical after 24 hours.

Thick Wavy Hair (Mid-Back Length): Here, the Dyson pulled ahead. It grabbed damp sections more effectively during pre-drying and wrapped strands faster. The Shark struggled slightly with airflow penetration on dense sections, requiring pre-drying with a conventional dryer. Once dry, however, wave definition was excellent.

Curly Coarse Hair (Chest-Length): Neither tool fully replaced a flat iron for straightening, but both excelled at defining natural waves. The Dyson smoothed frizz more effectively; the Shark produced slightly looser, more lived-in texture. Heat protection was essential with both.

Charging time and runtime also differed. The Dyson offers up to 30 minutes of cordless use; the Shark provides 25 minutes. In practice, most users finish within 20 minutes, so the gap matters only for very long or layered hair.

Tip: For best results with either tool, start with 80% dry hair. Towel-dried or lightly diffused works best.

Is the Shark FlexStyle Just Cheap Plastic?

The phrase “cheap plastic” implies poor durability or ineffective function. Based on testing, that label doesn’t hold up. The Shark FlexStyle isn’t built like a Dyson, but it’s not poorly made. The materials are lighter, the finish less refined, but they serve their purpose. After six weeks of daily use, no attachments cracked, motors failed, or switches malfunctioned.

What Shark sacrificed in premium materials, it reinvested in accessibility. At $279 (compared to Dyson’s $599), it opens Coanda technology to a much wider audience. It’s not a perfect clone, but it captures the core functionality: creating voluminous blowouts and effortless waves with reduced heat exposure.

The real issue isn’t quality—it’s expectation. If you’re looking for a Dyson replica with identical performance, the FlexStyle will disappoint. But if you want a capable, modern styler that delivers salon-like results without draining your savings, it’s a strong contender.

Step-by-Step Guide: Maximizing Results on Any Budget

Regardless of which tool you own, technique makes all the difference. Follow this sequence for consistent, polished results:

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair – Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to protect against heat.
2. Towel-dry thoroughly – Squeeze out excess water; never style soaking wet hair.
3. Pre-dry to 70–80% – Use the integrated dryer or a regular blow dryer on medium heat.
4. Section hair – Clip top layers up; work from the bottom up.
5. Select the right attachment – Use the round brush for roots and volume, barrels for mid-lengths and ends.
6. Hold each section 15–20 seconds – Let the airflow do the work; don’t force wrapping.
7. Cool shot – Finish each section with a burst of cool air to set the style.
8. Do not touch curls immediately – Wait at least 5 minutes before running fingers through.
9. Lock in with light-hold spray – Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.

Mastering timing and tension takes practice. Most users see dramatic improvement by the third or fourth use.

Cost Over Time: Value Beyond the Price Tag

Let’s break down long-term value:

• Dyson Airwrap: $599 initial cost. 5-year lifespan expected with proper care. That’s ~$120/year.
• Shark FlexStyle: $279 initial cost. Estimated 3–4 year lifespan. That’s ~$70–$90/year.

Add in replacement parts: Dyson attachments cost $50–$70 individually; Shark’s are $30–$40. Over time, maintenance favors Shark. However, Dyson’s resale market remains strong—many sell used models for 50–60% of original price after two years. Shark resales are rare and typically at steep discounts.

If longevity and resale matter, Dyson wins. If upfront affordability is key, Shark delivers tangible savings without total compromise.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can the Shark FlexStyle replace a flat iron?

No tool can fully replicate a flat iron’s straightening power, especially on coarse or tightly curled hair. However, both the Shark and Dyson can smooth waves and reduce frizz. For pin-straight looks, a flat iron is still necessary.

Is the Dyson worth double the price?

For professionals, frequent travelers, or those with fine, hard-to-style hair, yes. The superior motor, consistent heat control, and magnetic attachments justify the cost. For casual users who style 2–3 times per week, the Shark offers 80% of the benefit at half the price.

Are the attachments interchangeable?

No. Despite using similar Coanda principles, the attachments are not cross-compatible. Dyson’s magnetic diameter and locking mechanism differ from Shark’s snap-on design. Attempting to swap them could damage both tools.

Final Verdict: Dupes Can Be Smart—Not Just Cheap

The Shark FlexStyle isn’t a counterfeit. It’s a legitimate, thoughtfully engineered alternative that brings advanced styling technology into the mid-price market. It doesn’t match the Dyson Airwrap in every category—build quality, motor strength, and accessory range fall short—but it comes surprisingly close in real-world performance.

Calling it “cheap plastic” overlooks the reality: many people don’t need flagship-tier performance. They need a tool that creates beautiful waves, adds volume, and minimizes heat damage—all without costing a month’s rent. The FlexStyle does exactly that.

Dyson remains the gold standard: innovative, luxurious, and exceptionally effective. But Shark proved that democratizing high-end tech is possible without sacrificing core functionality. This isn’t a knockoff—it’s a challenger that forces the market to reconsider what’s essential.

💬 Have you tried both? Share your experience below. Help others decide whether the Dyson dream is worth the splurge—or if the Shark delivers enough to keep curls bouncing on a budget.