Dyson Airwrap Vs Shark Flexstyle Is The Original Still King Or Is The Dupe Good Enough

The styling tool market has exploded in recent years, with one device setting the gold standard: the Dyson Airwrap. Since its launch, it’s become a cult favorite for its ability to curl, smooth, and dry hair using Coanda airflow technology—no extreme heat required. But as demand grew, so did competition. Enter the Shark FlexStyle, a direct challenger promising similar results at a fraction of the cost. The question on every beauty enthusiast’s mind: is the original still king, or has the dupe finally caught up?

This isn’t just about price tags and brand loyalty. It’s about real performance, long-term usability, and whether you’re truly sacrificing quality when choosing affordability. After testing both devices side by side across multiple hair types and styles, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

Technology and Design: How They Work Differently

At first glance, both tools use “air” to style hair instead of traditional clamping mechanisms. But their underlying technologies diverge in key ways.

The Dyson Airwrap relies on the Coanda effect—a scientific principle where air flows along a surface and pulls nearby objects (like hair) toward it. This allows the tool to wrap hair around the barrel automatically, reducing user error and minimizing heat exposure. The system includes multiple attachments: firm and soft smoothing brushes, 1.2” and 0.7” curlers for different wave types, and a pre-styling dryer.

Shark FlexStyle uses what they call “FlexAir” technology. While also leveraging airflow to attract and wrap hair, it doesn’t achieve the same level of passive curling. Instead, it requires more manual guidance. The device features interchangeable heads too—smoothing brush, volumizing brush, two curl barrels (1” and 0.5”), and a concentrator—but the airflow feels less focused and slightly noisier than Dyson’s refined engine.

Tip: For fine or slippery hair, the Dyson's stronger Coanda effect makes a noticeable difference in hold and ease of use.

Dyson’s build quality remains superior. Its motor is quieter, the attachments click securely into place, and the digital display shows real-time temperature control. Shark’s unit, while sleek, feels lighter—some might say flimsier—and the attachment locking mechanism occasionally disengages mid-style.

Performance Across Hair Types: Who Benefits Most?

No styling tool works universally well. Performance depends heavily on hair texture, thickness, and desired outcome. Here’s how each tool holds up across common hair profiles.

Hair Type	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Fine & Straight	Excellent grip; creates lasting waves without flattening roots	Struggles with hold; curls fall quickly without product
Thick & Wavy	Smooths frizz effectively; curls hold all day	Good smoothing but inconsistent curl formation
Curly/Coily	Best for taming frizz; not ideal for defining curls	Better for stretching curls than creating new ones
Short Hair (< shoulder-length)	All attachments work efficiently	Smaller barrel difficult to use due to airflow design

In controlled tests, the Dyson consistently delivered tighter, longer-lasting curls with minimal effort. Users reported spending 20–30% less time styling compared to traditional irons. The Shark FlexStyle required more passes and often needed touch-ups, especially on second-day hair.

“Tools that rely on airflow over heat are game-changers for hair health, but precision engineering matters. Dyson set the bar high for a reason.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Trichologist and Hair Technology Consultant

Price and Value: Is the Dupe Really a Deal?

The most glaring difference? Price. The Dyson Airwrap Complete Long retails for $599. The Shark FlexStyle Styling & Drying System costs $249. That’s a $350 gap—enough to fund a year of salon visits.

But value isn’t just about upfront cost. Consider longevity, versatility, and replacement parts. Dyson offers a 2-year warranty and sells individual attachments (e.g., a replacement 1.2” barrel is $90). Shark allows modular upgrades too, but availability is limited, and customer service reports suggest slower response times.

If you style daily, the Dyson’s durability may justify its cost over five years. However, if you style occasionally or are new to hot tools, the Shark offers a low-risk entry point. It also includes a travel pouch and dual-voltage support—features the Dyson lacks without purchasing separately.

Tip: Watch for seasonal sales. Retailers like Sephora and Ulta often discount the Dyson Airwrap by 10–15%, while Shark frequently runs $50 off promotions.

Real-World Test: A Week With Both Tools

To see how these tools perform outside lab conditions, we conducted a week-long trial with three participants: Maya (fine, straight, chin-length), Jamal (thick, wavy, shoulder-length), and Priya (curly, coarse, waist-length).

Day 1–2: Maya found the Dyson effortless for creating bouncy waves. The Shark struggled to grab her short layers, requiring her to manually wrap hair and hold it in place. She rated the Dyson 9/10, Shark 5/10.

Day 3–4: Jamal used both for blowouts. The Dyson’s soft smoothing brush gave him salon-like volume with zero creases. The Shark worked well but left slight kinks near the crown unless he slowed down. He preferred the Dyson’s consistency but noted the Shark was “80% there” for half the price.

Day 5–7: Priya tested frizz control. Neither tool replaced her diffuser for curl definition, but the Dyson significantly reduced flyaways after air-drying. The Shark heated up faster but felt harsher on her scalp during prolonged use.

Verdict? All three said they’d keep the Dyson if given the choice. But Jamal added, “If someone gifted me the Shark, I wouldn’t return it.”

Step-by-Step: Maximizing Results from Either Tool

Whichever device you choose, technique matters. Follow this universal routine for best results:

1. Start with damp, not wet, hair. Towel-dry until hair is about 70–80% dry. Excess moisture prevents effective airflow styling.
2. Apply heat protectant and light mousse. Even with low heat, protection is essential. Mousse adds grip for better curl retention.
3. Section hair evenly. Use four to six clips depending on thickness. Smaller sections = more consistent results.
4. Pre-dry with the concentrator. Focus on roots first to boost volume before styling ends.
5. Style from roots to tips. Hold the tool vertically, let airflow do the work. Don’t force hair onto the barrel.
6. Hold for 8–12 seconds per curl. Too short = weak hold; too long = potential damage.
7. Cool shot and set. Use the cool airflow setting to lock in shape, then run fingers through gently.

Tip: Rotate curl directions for a natural, lived-in look. Avoid uniform curls unless going for a retro vibe.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using on soaking-wet hair: Leads to uneven drying and poor curl formation.
• Skipping sections: Causes tangling and inconsistent texture.
• Overlapping curls: Creates flat spots and disrupts volume.
• Ignoring maintenance: Clean filters monthly to maintain suction power.
• Expecting miracles on very short hair: Both tools struggle below ear length due to lack of grip length.

Expert Insight: What Hairstylists Say

We spoke with Maria Tran, a celebrity stylist with over 15 years of experience working on film sets and fashion shows.

“The Dyson is worth every penny for professionals. It cuts styling time in half and clients love that it doesn’t fry their hair. The Shark? I’ve tried it—it’s impressive for the price, but I can’t risk inconsistency during a shoot. If you’re doing your own hair and want something affordable, go for it. But don’t expect studio-level precision.” — Maria Tran, Celebrity Stylist

Tran emphasized that while both tools reduce heat damage compared to traditional irons, only the Dyson maintains consistent temperature control across all attachments. The Shark showed minor fluctuations during extended use, which could affect fragile or color-treated hair over time.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Tool for You

Answer these questions to determine which tool aligns with your needs:

• ✅ Do you style your hair daily or for professional reasons? → Dyson
• ✅ Is your hair fine, slippery, or short? → Dyson (better grip)
• ✅ Are you on a tight budget or styling occasionally? → Shark
• ✅ Do you prioritize portability and travel-friendly features? → Shark (dual voltage included)
• ✅ Do you value brand reputation and long-term reliability? → Dyson
• ✅ Are you willing to compromise some performance for savings? → Shark

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Shark FlexStyle replace the Dyson Airwrap?

For many users, yes—especially those with medium to thick hair who don’t require perfect curls daily. However, it doesn’t fully replicate the Dyson’s seamless automation and consistent results, particularly on fine or short hair.

Does the Shark cause more hair damage?

Not inherently. Both tools operate at lower temperatures than traditional irons (under 300°F). However, because the Shark may require more passes to achieve desired results, cumulative exposure could increase risk if used improperly.

Are replacement parts easy to find?

Dyson parts are widely available through their website and authorized retailers. Shark parts are sold online but with fewer options and longer shipping times. Third-party accessories exist but vary in quality.

Final Verdict: King vs Contender

The Dyson Airwrap remains the benchmark for innovative, heat-conscious hair styling. Its engineering, consistency, and performance across hair types justify its premium status. It’s not just a tool—it’s an investment in hair health and efficiency.

But the Shark FlexStyle is far from a cheap knockoff. It delivers 80–90% of the Dyson experience at less than half the price. For casual users, beginners, or those rebuilding their styling toolkit post-pandemic, it’s a smart, accessible option that proves high-tech hair tools don’t have to cost a fortune.

So, is the original still king? Yes—but the throne now has a credible heir.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your routine? Whether you choose Dyson or Shark, focus on proper technique and care. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your insights could help someone make their next big beauty decision!