Shark Flexstyle Vs Dyson Airwrap Are People Really Ditching Dyson

The styling tool market has long been dominated by Dyson’s Airwrap, praised for its innovative engineering and celebrity-backed appeal. But in recent years, a new contender has surged—Shark’s FlexStyle. With a fraction of the price and increasingly vocal fanbase, it's raising a critical question: Are people actually ditching the Dyson Airwrap for the Shark FlexStyle?

This isn’t just about cost. It’s about performance, versatility, ease of use, and whether premium branding still holds weight when a more affordable alternative delivers comparable results. To answer this, we’ve analyzed real-world feedback, tested both tools side by side, and consulted industry experts.

Performance: Heat, Suction, and Styling Power

Dyson built its reputation on powerful digital motors and intelligent heat control. The Airwrap uses Coanda airflow technology to attract hair toward the barrel without clamping, reducing frizz and heat damage. Its ceramic components help distribute heat evenly, and the device includes multiple attachments for curling, smoothing, and volumizing.

Shark FlexStyle takes a different approach. While it doesn’t use Coanda airflow, it relies on strong ionic drying and a concentrated airstream to wrap hair around barrels. Independent lab tests show that the FlexStyle reaches similar temperature ranges (up to 390°F) but lacks Dyson’s advanced heat regulation. Some users report slight overheating on fine hair types during extended use.

In direct comparisons, coarse or thick hair responds well to both tools. However, the Airwrap consistently produces tighter, longer-lasting curls with less manual manipulation. The FlexStyle requires more precision to achieve the same result, especially for beginners.

“Dyson’s motor and airflow design are still unmatched in consumer-grade tools. Shark comes close on value, but not on engineering finesse.” — Lena Torres, Professional Stylist & Salon Educator

Price and Value Comparison

The most glaring difference is price. The Dyson Airwrap Complete Long retails for $549.99. In contrast, the Shark FlexStyle Multi-Styler is priced at $179.99—less than one-third the cost.

This gap has sparked widespread discussion online. Reddit threads, TikTok reviews, and YouTube head-to-heads frequently highlight users who purchased the FlexStyle after renting or borrowing an Airwrap and found the results “surprisingly close” for their hair type.

But value isn’t just about upfront cost. Consider longevity, warranty, and replacement parts. Dyson offers a 2-year warranty and sells individual attachments (e.g., a new smoothing brush for $60). Shark provides a 1-year warranty and lower-cost replacements (curling barrels start at $25), making long-term ownership more affordable.

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Price	$549.99	$179.99
Warranty	2 years	1 year
Motor Type	Digital V9	Proprietary High-Torque
Curling Technology	Coanda Airflow	Manual Wrap + Ionic Air
Attachments Included	6 (including pre-styling dryer)	8 (includes volumizing brush, diffuser)
Weight	1.7 lbs	1.5 lbs

Tip: If you have fine or heat-sensitive hair, consider using the lowest heat setting on either device and always apply a heat protectant.

User Experience: Real Stories from Daily Stylers

Online sentiment reveals a shift—not a mass exodus, but a growing number of users switching or choosing FlexStyle as their first investment.

Take Sarah M., a 32-year-old marketing executive from Austin. She owned an Airwrap for two years but switched to FlexStyle after her sister gifted her one. “I was skeptical,” she said, “but I use it every morning now. For my shoulder-length wavy hair, it does 90% of what the Dyson did—and I saved $370.”

Conversely, salon stylist Jamal Reed sticks with Dyson for client work. “The consistency matters. When you’re doing six styles in a row, you need reliability. The Airwrap curls stay put through humidity, wind, even light rain. The FlexStyle sometimes needs touch-ups.”

Social listening data from early 2024 shows that while Dyson still dominates in professional settings and luxury beauty circles, Shark has gained traction among budget-conscious millennials and Gen Z users who prioritize versatility and value.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Tool for You

Selecting between these two depends on your routine, hair type, and expectations. Follow this decision framework:

1. Assess your hair type: Thick, curly, or resistant hair benefits from Dyson’s stronger motor and airflow. Fine or straight hair may do well with FlexStyle’s gentler wrap.
2. Evaluate your styling routine: Do you style daily? Need salon-quality hold? Dyson may be worth the investment. If you style occasionally or prefer natural waves, FlexStyle suffices.
3. Compare accessories: FlexStyle includes a diffuser and volumizer; Airwrap focuses on curling and smoothing. Decide which attachments you’ll actually use.
4. Test before buying: Many department stores offer demos. Try both if possible—don’t rely solely on videos.
5. Factor in long-term costs: Include replacement parts, potential repairs, and energy efficiency. Dyson uses more power per session due to higher suction.

Checklist: Before You Buy Either Tool

• ✅ Determine your primary styling goal (curls, volume, smoothness)
• ✅ Research your hair type’s compatibility with heat and airflow tools
• ✅ Read recent user reviews focused on durability (not just initial impressions)
• ✅ Check return policies—some retailers allow 30-day trials
• ✅ Budget for heat protectant and storage case (both brands recommend them)
• ✅ Consider gifting options—Shark is often preferred for casual users, Dyson for professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Shark FlexStyle replace the Dyson Airwrap completely?

For many users, yes—especially those with medium to fine hair and moderate styling needs. However, those seeking salon-level precision, consistent curls, or frequent high-humidity use may still prefer Dyson.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth the price?

If you value cutting-edge technology, brand reliability, and long-term durability, it can be. But if your goal is everyday polished hair without extreme frizz control, the extra cost may not justify the marginal improvement.

Does the FlexStyle cause more hair damage?

Not inherently. Both tools operate within safe heat ranges when used correctly. Damage typically results from repeated high-heat exposure or improper technique, not the device itself.

Conclusion: A Shift in Consumer Priorities

The narrative isn’t that people are abandoning Dyson en masse—it’s that they’re reevaluating what they’re willing to pay for. The Shark FlexStyle hasn’t dethroned the Airwrap, but it has disrupted the assumption that premium performance requires premium pricing.

More consumers are conducting side-by-side tests, sharing honest results, and realizing that for their specific needs, a $180 tool can deliver 80–90% of the outcome. That math is hard to ignore.

Ultimately, the right tool depends on your definition of value. Is it flawless curls that last all day? Then Dyson remains a leader. Is it versatility, affordability, and good-enough results with less financial stress? Shark FlexStyle earns its place.

🚀 Ready to make your choice? Test both tools if you can—or start with FlexStyle and upgrade later. Share your experience in the comments and help others navigate the hype.