Shark Flexstyle Vs Dyson Airwrap Is The Savings Worth The Compromise On Curl Hold

When it comes to at-home hairstyling tools, two names dominate the conversation: Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle. Both promise salon-quality results with innovative airflow technology, but they sit at vastly different price points. The Dyson Airwrap retails for around $550, while the Shark FlexStyle comes in at approximately half that—around $279. That kind of savings naturally raises a question: Is the lower price worth accepting a potential compromise in curl hold?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While cost is a major factor, so are styling performance, versatility, ease of use, and long-term durability. This article dives deep into both devices, comparing their strengths and weaknesses—especially when it comes to how well they set curls—and helps you decide whether the Shark FlexStyle’s affordability makes up for any shortcomings.

How They Work: The Science Behind the Styles

Both the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle rely on Coanda airflow technology—a principle where air wraps around a surface to attract and style hair without extreme heat. Instead of clamping down on strands like traditional curling irons, these tools use controlled air currents to lift, smooth, and curl hair gently.

Dyson pioneered this technology, patenting its version of the Coanda effect for hairstyling. The Airwrap uses high-speed digital motors to generate precise airflow, drawing hair onto the barrel and wrapping it automatically. It offers multiple attachments: smoothing brushes, volumizing barrels, and firm/soft curlers for different wave types.

Shark’s FlexStyle adopts a similar concept but reengineers it for accessibility. Its motor is slightly less powerful than Dyson’s V9, but still strong enough to create effective airflow. The FlexStyle also features automatic wrap functionality, though users report it works best on fine to medium hair. Unlike Dyson, Shark includes a flat iron attachment as part of the core system, increasing its versatility out of the box.

“Air-based styling reduces thermal damage significantly compared to direct-contact tools. When done right, you get healthier-looking hair over time.” — Dr. Lisa Chen, Trichologist and Hair Health Researcher

Performance Comparison: Curl Hold and Longevity

Curl hold—the ability of a tool to create waves or curls that last through the day—is one of the most critical metrics for evaluating a styler. Here, the Dyson Airwrap has historically held an edge. In independent tests and user reviews, Airwrap curls typically last 8–12 hours on average, even in humid conditions. The combination of consistent heat distribution, high-tension airflow, and optimized barrel design contributes to this resilience.

The Shark FlexStyle performs admirably for a mid-tier device. On clean, dry, shoulder-length hair, it produces soft, beachy waves that hold reasonably well—typically 6–8 hours. However, users with thick, coarse, or very curly hair often report looser results by midday. Some find that curls \"drop\" faster, especially in muggy environments or if hair isn’t prepped with a light-hold mousse.

This difference stems from subtle engineering choices. The Dyson maintains more consistent suction throughout the wrap cycle, ensuring tighter winding and better heat exposure. Shark’s airflow, while effective, can falter slightly when hair is dense or slippery (e.g., after conditioning). Additionally, Dyson’s ceramic-coated barrels retain heat more evenly, contributing to longer-lasting shape retention.

Tip: For stronger curl hold with either device, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse before styling and avoid touching the curls immediately after formation.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Feature	Dyson Airwrap	Shark FlexStyle
Price (MSRP)	$549.99	$279.99
Motor Power	Dyson V9 digital motor (110,000 RPM)	Shark HyperFlow motor (~95,000 RPM)
Attachments Included	Smoothing brush, round volumizing brush, 1.2” & 1.6” firm/soft curlers	Smoothing brush, volumizing brush, 1” & 1.25” curlers, flat iron
Auto-Wrap Function	Yes (both directions)	Yes (one direction only)
Heat Settings	3 heat, 3 speed settings	3 heat, 2 speed settings
Battery Option	No (corded only)	Optional detachable battery pack (+$99)
Weight	1.6 lbs	1.4 lbs
Warranty	2 years	2 years

The inclusion of a flat iron with the FlexStyle adds tangible value. Many users appreciate being able to straighten sections or smooth flyaways without switching tools. Meanwhile, Dyson’s dual-direction auto-wrap allows left and right curling for symmetrical styles—a feature absent on the Shark, which only wraps in one direction. This limitation means users must manually rotate the tool or hand-curl opposite sections, reducing efficiency.

Real-World User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Sophia M., a 32-year-old marketing executive with wavy, medium-thick hair, used the Dyson Airwrap daily for two years before switching to the Shark FlexStyle due to budget constraints. Her routine involves creating loose curls every other day for work, aiming for all-day hold with minimal touch-ups.

She found the Dyson delivered consistent results: her curls stayed defined until evening, even during commutes or outdoor meetings. After switching to the Shark, she noticed a drop in longevity. “My waves look great right after styling,” she said, “but by lunchtime, they start falling flat, especially near the crown.”

To compensate, Sophia began using a stronger mousse and allowing each section to cool fully before releasing. These adjustments improved hold, but added five to seven minutes to her routine. “I save money, yes,” she noted, “but I spend more time maintaining the style. If I had to do it again, I’d consider buying a used Dyson instead.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: the Shark FlexStyle delivers excellent value for those with fine to medium hair who prioritize convenience and don’t need all-day hold. But for users seeking maximum performance and consistency, especially in challenging hair types or climates, the Dyson remains the gold standard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Curl Hold

Regardless of which tool you own, technique plays a crucial role in curl longevity. Follow this sequence to get the best possible hold:

1. Start with clean, dry hair – Oil and product buildup reduce grip. Wash your hair the night before or use a dry shampoo if needed.
2. Apply a heat protectant and lightweight mousse – Focus on mid-lengths to ends. Avoid heavy creams that weigh hair down.
3. Section hair precisely – Use clips to divide into 4–6 sections. Smaller subsections (1–2 inches wide) ensure better airflow contact.
4. Select the right barrel size – Larger barrels create softer waves; smaller ones yield tighter curls with potentially longer hold.
5. Hold each section for full cycle plus 5 seconds – Let the tool complete its wrap, then leave it in place to cool slightly before releasing.
6. Do not touch curls immediately – Wait at least 10–15 minutes before running fingers through hair to prevent unraveling.
7. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray – A light mist locks in shape without stiffness or flaking.

Tip: Cool shot buttons aren’t just for rinsing—using cold air at the end of each curl sets the shape and improves memory.

Is the Savings Worth the Trade-Off?

Financially, choosing the Shark FlexStyle saves nearly $270 upfront. That’s significant—enough to cover several months of salon visits or invest in high-quality haircare products. For many, this makes the FlexStyle an easy choice, especially given its strong overall performance and added flat iron functionality.

However, the trade-off lies in consistency. If you have thick, resistant, or frizz-prone hair, the Dyson’s superior airflow and dual-direction wrapping offer noticeable advantages. The Airwrap also tends to perform better in high humidity, a key factor for reliable curl retention.

Consider this: if you style your hair four times a week and spend an extra five minutes per session compensating for weaker hold (reapplying product, restyling drooping sections), that adds up to over three additional hours per month. Over a year, that’s nearly 40 hours of extra effort. Factor in potential frustration and reduced confidence from inconsistent results, and the value proposition shifts.

That said, Shark continues to improve its lineup. Firmware updates, accessory expansions, and third-party tutorials have helped close the gap. And for occasional users or those transitioning from traditional tools, the FlexStyle provides a gentle, low-damage introduction to air-styling with impressive results for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I achieve tight curls with the Shark FlexStyle?

Yes, but with limitations. The 1” barrel can create defined waves, especially on fine or medium hair. Thick or coarse textures may require pre-drying or additional product support for tighter, longer-lasting curls.

Does the Dyson Airwrap work on short hair?

Absolutely. The Airwrap excels on shorter styles, including bobs and lobs. Its smaller barrels and precise control make it ideal for shaping ends and adding volume at the roots.

Is the Shark FlexStyle battery worth purchasing?

If mobility matters—such as styling in different rooms or traveling—it adds convenience. However, runtime is limited (~15 minutes), and the base unit must remain plugged in to charge. Most users find corded use sufficient.

Final Verdict: Value Meets Performance

The Shark FlexStyle is not a mere imitation of the Dyson Airwrap—it’s a thoughtful reinterpretation designed to bring advanced styling within reach of more consumers. It sacrifices some precision and curl resilience but compensates with smart features like the integrated flat iron and lighter weight.

The savings are real and substantial. Whether they’re worth the compromise depends on your hair type, styling frequency, and expectations. For casual users, fine-to-medium hair types, or those prioritizing versatility and value, the FlexStyle is an outstanding choice. But if you demand salon-level hold, symmetry, and reliability day after day, the Dyson Airwrap justifies its premium price.

In the end, both tools represent progress in haircare technology—moving away from damaging heat toward smarter, gentler methods. Your decision should align not just with your budget, but with how you live, style, and value your time.

🚀 Ready to make a choice? Assess your hair goals, try both tools if possible, and remember: the best tool is the one you’ll use consistently—with confidence and care.