The Shark FlexStyle promises salon-level blowouts, curling, smoothing, and diffusing with one tool that twists from dryer to wand. Here’s how it actually performs on different hair types, how to use it well, and whether it’s worth your money.
If you have ever wished your hair dryer could also curl, smooth, and boost volume without switching to a hot curling iron, the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System makes a strong case. It is a convertible high-velocity dryer that turns into a multi-styler with snap-on attachments designed to harness the Coanda effect for curling and smoothing, plus brushes for blowouts and a diffuser for curls. After weeks of daily use across fine, thick, wavy, curly, and coily hair, here is what stands out, where it falls short, and the simple techniques that make the most of it.
Overview
The Shark FlexStyle is a modular system that functions as both a fast hair dryer and a versatile styler. The handle twists from a straight wand into an L-shaped dryer, which immediately makes each mode feel more natural. Attachments lock in with a quick click and release easily with a button. Typical bundles include two 1.25 inch Auto-Wrap curlers for left and right curl direction, a round or oval brush for bouncy blowouts, a paddle brush for sleek straight styles, a concentrator nozzle for precise drying, and a diffuser for curls and coils. The exact mix depends on the set you choose, and Shark sells additional attachments separately.
Controls are simple: separate heat and airflow buttons with multiple levels, plus a cool shot to set styles. The motor delivers the kind of airflow you expect from a dedicated dryer, so it is effective for rough-drying before you style. Intelligent heat regulation aims to minimize heat damage by keeping temperatures in a safer range. In practice, the FlexStyle consistently feels hot enough to shape hair yet avoids the scorching heat of some traditional dryers and irons.
Build quality is solid for the price. The handle has a soft, grippy texture, attachments feel sturdy, and the swivel design locks in place without wobble. The system is light enough to maneuver for a full blowout without wrist strain, though the long handle may feel substantial in very small hands. Noise sits in the typical high-velocity whoosh category, with a pitch that is tolerable on low and medium and more noticeable on high. It is not the quietest dryer out there, but it is not the shrillest either.
Pricing varies by bundle and retailer, but you are generally paying far less than the most premium competitors while getting a similar set of functions. The value here is strong if you want one device that can replace a dryer, a round brush, and at least one curling tool.
Who it's for
The FlexStyle suits a wide range of hair types if you match your technique and attachment to your texture and length.
- Fine to medium straight or wavy hair: Ideal for quick blowouts with the round or oval brush, and for soft waves or loose curls with the Auto-Wrap curlers. Use lower heat and medium airflow to avoid flyaways.
- Thick or coarse hair: The dryer-level airflow helps reduce dry time. Pre-stretch with the paddle brush or concentrator before curling, or finish sleek with the paddle brush and a touch of tension.
- Curly and coily hair: The diffuser provides lift and definition without intense heat. You can also smooth and stretch curls with the paddle brush first, then diffuse to revive curl pattern if desired.
- Short hair and bobs: The concentrator and round brush make shaping quick. Curling barrels work best on hair that reaches the barrel length, so very short styles may lean more on the brushes.
- Long, layered hair: The combination of rough-drying, round brushing for volume at the crown, and curlers for face-framing sections gives polished results that last, especially if you set with a cool shot and a light hold spray.
If you travel internationally often, note that the FlexStyle is not dual voltage. For domestic travel, the compact handle and attachments fit in a medium-sized toiletry bag, but you may want a small organizer to keep pieces tidy.
How it feels and performs
As a dryer, the FlexStyle is legitimately fast. On medium to long hair, rough-drying to about 70 percent before switching to a styling attachment knocks minutes off the process. Airflow is focused yet broad enough that you are not chasing hot spots around your head. On the highest heat and airflow, it will move a lot of water quickly, though that setting can increase frizz on fine or high-porosity hair. Most users will get their best results with medium heat and airflow, then finish with a cool shot.
The brushes deliver different finishes. The paddle brush glides through hair with minimal snagging and creates smooth, straight looks with some natural body. It is a favorite for thick or wavy hair when you want a sleek, quick style. The round or oval brush adds curve at the ends and volume at the roots. It grips hair well without tangling, especially if you work in sections an inch or two wide. Compared with one-step dryer brushes, the FlexStyle’s brush attachments feel lighter and easier to maneuver, since the motor sits in the handle and the brush head is smaller.
The Auto-Wrap curlers use airflow to attract and wind hair around the barrel. You get one barrel that winds clockwise and one that winds counterclockwise. It is an extra step to swap them for different sides of your head, but the payoff is that each side wraps cleanly away from your face. On shoulder-length and longer hair, the 1.25 inch barrel creates large, soft curls or big waves. Fine hair can see impressive volume and bounce. Thicker hair often benefits from a quick pass with the paddle brush first to smooth the cuticle, then the curlers lock in shape more predictably. For staying power, hold for 10 to 15 seconds, then cool shot for 5 to 10 seconds before releasing, and clip the curl while it cools if your hair resists holding.
Curly and coily hair users will likely spend the most time with the diffuser. The cup shape cradles curls without blasting them apart, and the prongs reach the roots to lift without disturbing curl clumps. Use low heat and low airflow, hover at the roots for lift, then scrunch the mid-lengths and ends with the diffuser bell. Expect a soft, defined finish with less frizz than air-drying on humid days.
Frizz control is generally good, especially if you use the paddle brush on slightly damp hair with medium heat and finish with the cool shot. The system’s heat control helps avoid the crispy ends that come from prolonged high heat. Noise is present, as with any high-velocity dryer, and conversation is fine on low but difficult on high. The unit stays comfortable to the touch during use, though the barrels and concentrator get hot at the tip, so use the cool edges and included guards when swapping attachments.
Durability appears solid. Attachments still click firmly after repeated use and the swivel hinge has not loosened. Plan to clean the filter regularly to maintain airflow. Twist off the filter cover at the base and brush out lint about once a month, more often if you have a lot of shed hair or use heavy styling products.
How to use for best results
Good prep and a simple sequence make a big difference. Here is a reliable routine that works for most hair types, with small tweaks by texture.
- Towel-dry well, then apply a heat protectant. Fine hair can add a light volumizing mousse at the roots. Coarse or curly hair often benefits from a leave-in conditioner or curl cream on mid-lengths and ends.
- Rough-dry with the dryer or concentrator until hair is about 70 to 80 percent dry. Keep the airflow moving and point it down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle.
- Choose your attachment by goal. For smooth volume, use the round or oval brush. For sleek and straight, use the paddle brush. For curls or waves, use the Auto-Wrap curlers. For defined natural curls, switch to the diffuser.
- Work in sections no wider than the brush head or barrel. For blowouts, lift sections at the roots for a beat before pulling through the mid-lengths and ends with steady tension. Use medium heat and airflow. Finish each section with a cool shot to lock in shine and shape.
- For Auto-Wrap curls, take 1 inch sections. Hold the barrel near the mid-lengths and let the airflow catch the ends, then slide toward the scalp as the hair wraps. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds, hit the cool shot, then release. Swap barrels for the opposite side so curls fall away from the face.
- For diffusing curls, flip to low heat and low airflow. Dry the roots first by hovering, then bring the diffuser up to cup the ends. Resist touching curls as they set. When about 90 percent dry, switch to the cool shot to finish.
- Seal the style based on your hair type. Fine hair usually prefers a light flexible-hold spray. Thick or coarse hair can handle a touch of smoothing serum on the ends. Curly hair often looks best if you scrunch out any cast with a drop of oil once fully cool.
Common fixes if results are not quite there yet:
- Ends look dry or frizzy: Lower the heat and use the paddle brush first to smooth, then finish with the round brush or curlers.
- Curls not holding: Use smaller sections, add a lightweight mousse, let curls cool completely before touching, and clip to set while they cool.
- Style looks puffy: Reduce airflow, increase tension with the brush, and be sure to finish every section with the cool shot.
- Roots feel flat: Lift with the round brush and hold for a few seconds at the root zone before pulling through. Dry the opposite direction, then flip back for extra lift.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Genuinely replaces a dryer, round brush, and at least one curling tool in most routines.
- Strong airflow shortens dry times without scorching heat.
- Convertible handle makes both dryer and wand modes feel natural and ergonomic.
- Auto-Wrap curlers create soft curls and waves with less heat than a curling iron.
- Brush attachments produce smooth, shiny finishes with good control.
- Excellent value compared with premium competitors, especially for multi-user households.
- Cons
- Not dual voltage, so it is not ideal for international travel.
- Requires swapping curl barrels for left and right sides, which adds a small step.
- Louder on high, as with most high-velocity dryers.
- There is a learning curve, particularly for the curlers and round brush.
- Attachments take up space in a bathroom drawer without a dedicated organizer.
Final verdict
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System earns its place on the counter by doing two jobs well. As a dryer, it is fast and effective. As a multi-styler, it delivers polished blowouts, soft curls and waves, and curl-friendly diffusing without extreme heat. It is not silent and you will need a little practice, but the payoff is consistent, salon-adjacent results with fewer tools and less time.
Choose it if you want one device to dry quickly, smooth reliably, and create curls or waves without a hot iron. It is especially compelling for families or roommates with different hair types since attachments cover a wide range. Skip it only if you travel internationally often or if you prefer the feel and results of traditional hot tools. For everyone else, this is one of the best values in modern multi-stylers, and a realistic way to cut your routine down while upgrading the finish.
See also
If you are deciding between bundles, our focused take on the exact kit many shoppers buy is in the Shark FlexStyle HD430 Review, and if you want a head-to-head with the category’s icon, see our full impressions in the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Review.
Leaning more dryer-first or budget-first instead of multi-styler? Check out the sensor-packed upgrade in our Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Review, compare a wallet-friendly one-step option in our REVLON One-Step Volumizer Plus Hair Dryer and Styler Review, and round out your routine with the finishing advice in Best Hair Brushes & Hairsprays by Hair Type and Style.
FAQ
Does the Shark FlexStyle work on fine hair without causing damage?
Yes, if you keep heat and airflow moderate and use the cool shot to set. Fine hair responds well to the round or oval brush on medium heat with a light volumizing mousse at the roots. Avoid blasting on high the entire time, and finish each section with the cool shot to reduce frizz and keep ends smooth.
How does the FlexStyle’s curl hold compare to a curling iron?
The Auto-Wrap curlers use lower heat than a traditional iron, so curls are softer and more touchable rather than crisp. Hold will be similar or better if you work in smaller sections, set with the cool shot, and let curls cool completely before brushing out. A light flexible-hold spray helps fine or very smooth hair keep shape through the day.
Which FlexStyle attachment set should I buy for naturally curly or coily hair?
Look for a bundle that includes the diffuser and paddle brush. Use the paddle brush to stretch and smooth if you want a sleek finish, or go straight to the diffuser on low heat and low airflow for definition and lift. You can still use the Auto-Wrap curlers to add a few face-framing pieces after diffusing, as long as hair is mostly dry.
What is the best way to prevent frizz with the FlexStyle?
Keep airflow moving down the hair shaft, use medium heat, and do not overwork each section. A quick rough-dry to 70 or 80 percent before brushing reduces the time hair spends under heat. Finish with the cool shot and, if needed, a pea-sized amount of smoothing serum on the ends once the style is fully cool.
Can I use the Shark FlexStyle overseas?
The FlexStyle is not dual voltage, so it is designed for regions with the same voltage as the unit you buy. Using it with a voltage converter is not recommended. For international travel, bring a dual-voltage travel dryer or plan to use tools provided at your destination.
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