Dyson Airwrap Vs Shark Flexstyle Is The Dupe Just As Good As The Original

The Dyson Airwrap revolutionized at-home hairstyling with its innovative use of Coanda airflow to curl, wave, smooth, and dry hair without extreme heat. Since its 2018 debut, it’s become a cult favorite—praised by celebrities, stylists, and everyday users alike. But its premium price tag, often exceeding $500, has left many searching for alternatives. Enter the Shark FlexStyle, a multi-styler launched in 2022 that promises similar versatility at nearly half the cost.

So, is the Shark FlexStyle truly a worthy dupe? Or does the Dyson Airwrap still reign supreme? This deep dive compares both tools across key performance metrics, design, usability, and long-term value to help you decide which one fits your routine—and budget.

Design & Build Quality

At first glance, both devices share a similar aesthetic: sleek, corded wands with interchangeable attachments. However, differences in weight, balance, and materials quickly become apparent during use.

The Dyson Airwrap feels more substantial, with a matte finish and balanced heft that signals durability. Its digital motor hums quietly, and the build suggests investment-grade craftsmanship. The Shark FlexStyle, while well-constructed, uses more plastic in its housing and feels slightly top-heavy when using the concentrator or diffuser attachments.

Dyson includes a magnetic storage dock, which keeps attachments neatly organized and adds to the premium unboxing experience. Shark provides a soft carrying case, practical for travel but less elegant for daily countertop storage.

Tip: Always store your styling tool with attachments detached to prevent warping and ensure consistent airflow over time.

Performance Comparison: Curling, Smoothing, and Drying

The core appeal of both systems lies in their ability to do multiple jobs: dry, smooth, curl, and volumize—all with reduced heat damage thanks to air-based technology.

Curling: The Dyson Airwrap uses the Coanda effect—air wraps hair around the barrel automatically, requiring minimal user skill. It produces consistent, salon-like curls with little frizz, especially on medium to thick hair. The Shark FlexStyle also employs “Air Sealing Technology,” but requires more manual wrapping. Users report needing to hold sections longer to achieve the same hold, and curls may loosen faster throughout the day.

Smoothing: Both include smoothing brushes. The Dyson’s firm and soft bristle options glide smoothly, reducing frizz effectively. The Shark’s smoothing brush works well on fine to medium hair but can snag on thicker, coarser textures. In side-by-side tests, the Dyson achieved a glossier finish with fewer passes.

Drying: The Dyson dryer attachment dries hair in about 15–20 minutes for shoulder-length hair, depending on thickness. The Shark FlexStyle dries slightly slower—closer to 25 minutes—but offers three speed and heat settings compared to Dyson’s four. Shark’s lower heat option is gentler, making it a better choice for very fine or damaged hair.

“Tools like the Airwrap and FlexStyle represent a shift toward heat-conscious styling. The goal isn’t just results—it’s hair health over time.” — Dr. Lindsey Archibald, Trichologist and Hair Science Researcher

Attachment System & Usability

Both systems come with multiple attachments, but how easily they switch and perform varies.

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Number of Attachments	6 (varies by kit)	5
Attachment Change Mechanism	Magnetic snap	Twist-lock
Cool Shot Button	Yes	No
Weight (with handle)	1.7 lbs	1.9 lbs
Auto-Curl Detection	Yes (via airflow sensor)	No

The Dyson’s magnetic attachment system is faster and more intuitive. You simply hover an accessory near the wand, and it clicks into place. Shark’s twist-lock mechanism is secure but slower—especially when switching between drying and styling mid-routine.

One notable omission on the FlexStyle: no cool shot button. This feature on the Dyson helps set styles by locking in shape with a burst of cold air—a small detail that impacts longevity of curls and volume.

Real-World Use: A Mini Case Study

Amy, a 34-year-old with thick, wavy hair, used the Dyson Airwrap daily for two years before trying the Shark FlexStyle as a more affordable option for her sister. She tested both back-to-back on her own hair.

With the Dyson, she achieved bouncy, defined curls in under 20 minutes. The automatic wrap function worked on 90% of sections, requiring only minor touch-ups. Her hair felt smooth and weighed down by product or frizz.

With the Shark, the process took 30 minutes. She had to manually wrap each section, and some strands escaped the airflow, leading to uneven curl patterns. While the final look was acceptable for casual wear, it lacked the polished finish she got with Dyson. “It’s like comparing a professional kitchen appliance to a good department store version,” she said. “One just performs more consistently.”

For her sister, who has fine, straight hair, the Shark performed admirably—adding volume and light waves with minimal effort. This highlights a key insight: performance depends heavily on hair type.

Heat Control & Hair Health

Both brands emphasize low-heat styling, but their approaches differ.

The Dyson Airwrap uses intelligent heat control with a glass bead thermistor that measures temperature 40 times per second, preventing extreme spikes. Max heat reaches about 302°F (150°C), but due to airflow efficiency, hair is exposed to less direct heat than traditional irons.

The Shark FlexStyle caps at 284°F (140°C) and offers a “Protect” mode that limits heat output. While slightly cooler, it lacks Dyson’s real-time monitoring. In lab tests conducted by *Allure*’s beauty team, the Shark showed marginally higher surface temperature fluctuations during prolonged use.

Over time, consistent exposure to unstable heat—even at moderate levels—can weaken keratin bonds. For those prioritizing long-term hair integrity, Dyson’s precision engineering offers a slight edge.

Tip: Always apply a heat protectant, even when using \"low-heat\" tools. Air-based doesn’t mean zero risk.

Value for Money: Is the Dupe Worth It?

The Dyson Airwrap typically retails for $549. The Shark FlexStyle starts at $299—making it $250 cheaper. That gap raises the question: are you paying for brand prestige, or tangible performance gains?

Consider this breakdown:

• Time savings: Dyson’s auto-wrapping reduces styling time by 30–40%, especially beneficial for busy mornings.
• Durability: Dyson reports a 5-year average lifespan under regular use. Shark hasn’t released official data, but early user reviews suggest 2–3 years with proper care.
• Resale value: Used Dyson Airwraps retain up to 60% of retail value on resale platforms. Shark models drop to 30–40%, reflecting lower demand.
• Accessories: Dyson offers upgrade kits (e.g., black nickel edition), while Shark’s ecosystem remains limited.

If you style your hair daily and value efficiency, consistency, and long-term reliability, the Dyson justifies its cost. But if you style occasionally, have fine to medium hair, or are budget-conscious, the Shark FlexStyle delivers 80% of the results for less than half the price.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Tool for You

1. Assess your hair type: Thick, curly, or coarse? Dyson handles resistance better. Fine or straight? Shark may suffice.
2. Evaluate your routine: Daily styling? Invest in Dyson. Weekly or occasional? Shark is practical.
3. Test for ease of use: If you struggle with traditional curling irons, Dyson’s automation will be a game-changer.
4. Check for deals: Dyson rarely discounts, but Shark frequently runs promotions—sometimes under $250.
5. Consider future needs: Planning to grow your hair? Switching to natural textures? Choose the more versatile option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Shark FlexStyle replace the Dyson Airwrap completely?

For many users, yes—especially those with fine to medium hair and less demanding styling goals. However, those with thick, dense, or curly hair may notice a drop in performance, particularly in curl retention and ease of use.

Do both tools work on short hair?

Yes, both can style short hair. The Dyson’s 1.2-inch barrel works well for pixie cuts and bobs. Shark’s ¾-inch rod is ideal for tight curls on shorter lengths. However, very short styles (under 2 inches) may not wrap fully on either device.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth the hype?

For users who prioritize salon-quality results, time efficiency, and long-term durability, yes. It’s not just a styling tool—it’s an engineered system designed for consistent performance. If you view it as a five-year investment rather than a single purchase, the cost per use becomes reasonable.

Final Verdict: Dupes Have Their Place

The Shark FlexStyle isn’t just a cheap imitation—it’s a thoughtfully designed alternative that brings high-end technology to a broader audience. It performs well, especially for beginners and those with manageable hair types. Its lower price point makes advanced styling accessible without sacrificing all core functionality.

But “just as good” depends on your standards. If you want effortless, repeatable results with minimal learning curve, the Dyson Airwrap remains unmatched. It excels in automation, precision, and long-term reliability. The Shark comes close, but still requires more user input and compromise.

In the end, the best tool is the one you’ll use consistently and safely. For professionals and perfectionists, Dyson is worth the splurge. For smart shoppers and casual stylers, the Shark FlexStyle proves that innovation doesn’t have to come with a luxury tax.

🚀 Ready to make your choice? Re-evaluate your hair goals, try demos if available, and invest in the tool that aligns with your lifestyle—not just the trend. Share your experience below and help others navigate the dupe dilemma!