Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle

At a glance

Multi-stylers have changed how we approach home hair styling by using high-velocity airflow instead of extreme, damaging heat. The Search Amazon for Dyson Airwrap has long dominated this premium category, but the Search Amazon for Shark FlexStyle offers a remarkably similar set of features for roughly half the price [PCMag UK]. While both tools utilize the Coanda effect to automatically wrap and style hair, they differ significantly in their physical design, curling mechanics, and overall performance.

The models and what each costs

The price gap between these two systems is the most immediate point of comparison. The Shark FlexStyle typically retails starting at $279.99 in the US, £269.99 in the UK, and AU$499.99 in Australia [TechRadar]. Shark also offers "build-your-own" bundles on its website, allowing buyers to select only the specific attachments they need for their hair type [TechRadar].

In contrast, the Dyson Airwrap sits firmly in the luxury tier. The standard 2022 Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete carries a list price of $599.99 in the US, while the newer, Bluetooth-enabled Airwrap i.d. (released in 2024) carries a list price of $650 [Good Housekeeping]. While Dyson's engineering is highly regarded, spending double the price of the Shark is a significant hurdle for many buyers.

Curls: Airwrap on fine and thick hair, a tie in the middle

Both systems use the Coanda effect (an aerodynamic phenomenon that attracts hair to the barrel and wraps it automatically using air currents) [TechRadar]. However, the physical execution of this feature differs between the two brands:

• Dyson Airwrap (2022 and newer): Dyson features a single, re-engineered barrel with a rotating tip. You can switch the direction of the airflow (clockwise to counterclockwise) with a simple twist of the knob, eliminating the need to swap attachments mid-style [TechRadar].
• Shark FlexStyle: The FlexStyle uses the older method of separate left and right barrels. To change the direction of your curls, you must physically detach one barrel and click the other into place [Tom's Guide].

In performance testing, independent reviewers noted that the Airwrap's Coanda pull feels slightly stronger and more apparent during styling [PCMag UK]. For those with long hair, Dyson also offers dedicated "Long" barrels that accommodate hair past chest length, a feature not standard on the FlexStyle [PCMag UK]. Reviewers also observed that while both tools create beautiful curls, styles made with the Coanda effect generally tend to drop faster than those styled with traditional high-heat curling irons [TechRadar].

Drying: FlexStyle is a real hair dryer

Where the Shark FlexStyle gains a distinct design advantage is its physical versatility. The main wand of the FlexStyle features a hinge that allows it to swivel into an L-shape, instantly transforming the tool into a traditional hair dryer [Tom's Guide]. This makes rough-drying your hair before styling feel natural and familiar.

The Dyson Airwrap remains a rigid, straight wand. To dry hair with the Airwrap, you must attach the Coanda Smoothing Dryer accessory [TechRadar]. While highly effective at smoothing flyaways, it does not offer the traditional pistol-grip ergonomics of the Shark in its folded mode.

In terms of raw power, the Shark FlexStyle operates at 1,400W in the US (1,600W in the UK) [TechRadar], while the Dyson Airwrap runs at 1,300W [TechRadar]. However, testers noted that the FlexStyle is considerably louder during operation, producing a volume that some users may find less pleasant than the Airwrap's acoustic profile [PCMag UK].

Heat and hair health: Airwrap

Both tools are designed to style hair at lower temperatures than flat irons or traditional curling tongs, protecting hair from extreme heat damage [TechRadar]. However, the Dyson Airwrap is widely praised for leaving hair with a sleeker, more polished finish. In comparative testing on wavy hair, the Airwrap left hair with minimal frizz, allowing testers to skip a flat iron entirely, whereas the FlexStyle left hair slightly less sleek [PCMag UK].

Attachments and ecosystem: depends on the year you buy

The attachment landscape depends heavily on which generation of the tool you purchase:

Dyson's 2024 Airwrap i.d. introduces Bluetooth connectivity, linking to a companion app that automates the curling process by timing the wrap, style, and cold shot based on your hair profile [Good Housekeeping]. This helps eliminate the learning curve for beginners. Shark does not offer smart app integration, but it does include a curl-defining diffuser in several of its standard bundles, an accessory that curly-haired users must purchase separately or get in specific sets with the Dyson [Tom's Guide] [Good Housekeeping].

Quick answers

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth double the price of the Shark FlexStyle?

For most users, the Shark FlexStyle offers better overall value. However, if you have very long hair, struggle with frizz, or want the convenience of a single curling barrel that changes direction with a switch, the Dyson Airwrap's premium design may justify the investment [PCMag UK] [Tom's Guide].

Can I use the Shark FlexStyle as a regular hair dryer?

Yes. The FlexStyle's wand swivels and locks into an L-shape, allowing it to function exactly like a traditional pistol-grip hair dryer [Tom's Guide].

Do the curls last on both stylers?

Because both tools use air and lower heat levels than traditional curling irons, curls can drop faster on both devices [TechRadar]. Using the cold shot feature to set the style is essential for longevity on both the Airwrap and the FlexStyle [Good Housekeeping].

More comparisons

If you are looking to upgrade other parts of your home utility setup, check out our comparison of Dyson vs Shark Cordless Vacuums to see how these two brands compete in home cleaning.