Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle: what the price gap buys

How each styler works

The Dyson Airwrap uses the Coanda effect: fast air leaves slots in the barrel, clings to its surface and pulls the hair section around it. The Airwrap Complete Long listing describes the Dyson digital motor V9 with a 13-blade impeller spinning up to 110,000 rpm and generating 3.2 kPa, enough air pressure to create that effect. It also lists intelligent heat control that measures airflow temperature more than 40 times a second, negative ions to reduce static, three airflow speeds and three heat settings. Our how the Dyson Airwrap works page goes into the airflow in more detail.

The Shark FlexStyle is also an air styler. Shark publishes it as an air styling and drying system whose handle has a hinge, so you can twist it from a straight styler into the shape of a regular hair dryer. Shark's curling attachments are called auto-wrap curlers and also rely on airflow to wrap hair. Shark does not publish motor speed or air pressure figures in the same way Dyson does, so those are not confirmed here.

Side by side specs

Prices are the Amazon listing prices at the time of writing and change often. The Airwrap Origin listing describes a simplified kit with three styling attachments: one 1.2 in barrel that curls clockwise and counterclockwise, a round brush and a flyaway attachment, plus the Coanda smoothing dryer. For a full rundown of what each Dyson piece does, see Dyson Airwrap attachments explained.

Barrels and curling

Dyson uses 30 mm and 40 mm curl barrels across the Airwrap range; the Origin listing names a single 1.2 in barrel, which is the 30 mm size. Smaller barrels give tighter curls and work on shorter hair, while the larger barrel gives looser waves on long hair. The Complete Long kit is aimed at long hair, as its name says.

Shark sells the FlexStyle in several kits, and the curler sizes and number of curlers vary by kit. We could not confirm one barrel diameter that applies to every FlexStyle bundle, so check the box contents on Shark's product page for the kit you are looking at. With either tool, curl results depend a lot on section size, how long you hold the barrel and whether you finish each curl with the cool shot.

• Short hair: both tools need enough length to wrap at least one or two turns around the barrel.
• Long hair: the bigger barrel or the long-barrel kit is easier to wrap.
• Fine hair: smaller sections and a cool shot finish help curls hold.
• Curly or coily hair: look at the Airwrap Curly and Coily kits or a diffuser attachment.

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Drying and attachments

Most people use an air styler on damp hair, so drying matters. The Airwrap Origin listing describes a Coanda smoothing dryer that takes hair from wet to damp in pre-style mode and then smooths in a second mode. Dyson's newest model, the Airwrap Coanda 2x, is listed with full hair dryer performance, but that is a separate, pricier machine.

The FlexStyle's main selling point is that the same handle bends into a dryer shape, so it can stand in for a basic hair dryer without a separate attachment. Shark sells kits that include brushes, a concentrator and, in some bundles, a diffuser. Exact attachment lists vary by kit and region, so compare the box contents directly. If you already own a good dryer, this twisting design matters less.

Weight, warranty and what the price gap buys

Neither of the Dyson listings we use gives a weight for the handle, and Shark's weight figures are not confirmed here, so we do not compare weight in numbers. Hold both in a store if weight is a concern, especially for long hair where you style for longer. Our hair dryer weight explained page covers why a few ounces matter.

Warranty terms also differ by maker and by where you buy. Check the warranty page on each maker's site and keep your receipt; our Dyson Airwrap warranty page covers Dyson's terms in general. The extra money for the Airwrap mainly buys published motor and heat control specs, a wider choice of kits for different hair types, and the option of app-enabled i.d. models. The FlexStyle buys a similar idea at a lower price, with fewer published specs.

Note.Prices on both brands change often and sale prices can narrow the gap. Compare the exact kit, not just the brand name.

Which one fits your routine

Choose the Airwrap Complete Long if you have long, straight to wavy hair and want several barrels and brushes in one box. Choose the Airwrap Origin if you want the Dyson motor and heat control with a smaller kit and mostly do one barrel size and a blowout. Choose the Shark FlexStyle if price is the deciding factor and you like the idea of one handle that also works as a dryer.

If you are still unsure whether you need an air styler at all, read is the Dyson Airwrap worth it and Dyson Airwrap alternatives. Our best Dyson Airwrap guide lists every current Airwrap kit we cover, and best blow dryer brush covers cheaper single-brush options.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Shark FlexStyle as good as the Dyson Airwrap? They do the same job with airflow. Dyson publishes more detail on its motor and heat control, and offers more kits. Shark publishes fewer specs, so a direct performance comparison is not confirmed.

Does the Shark FlexStyle work as a hair dryer? Shark says the handle twists into a dryer shape so it can dry hair like a regular dryer. The Airwrap uses a separate dryer attachment instead.

Which is better for short hair? Both need enough length to wrap around the barrel. The Airwrap Origin's 1.2 in barrel is the smaller Dyson size; for very short hair a small round brush may suit better.

Can I use either on wet hair? Both are designed to dry and style. Most people rough dry first, then curl on damp hair for better hold. See Dyson Airwrap on wet or dry hair.