Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle showdown: My review of both

In the golden age of beauty-tech, few tools have captivated the attention of hairstyling enthusiasts quite like the Dyson Airwrap.

Since its debut, the Dyson Airwrap has held court as the crown jewel of high-end hair tools, its sleek, futuristic design and technology-forward styling options making it a staple in influencer bathrooms and luxury vanities alike. But as the hair-tool market continues to grow, a new-ish contender has emerged: the Shark FlexStyle, an ambitious challenger promising similar performance at a noticeably more accessible price point.

Suddenly, the hot airbrush throne doesn’t look so secure.

Jump to the review

At first glance, the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle seem to be cut from the same cloth — or more precisely, molded from the same aerodynamic aspirations. Both devices boast a host of interchangeable attachments, heat-free curling options and intelligent airflow technologies designed to style while preserving hair health. They cater to an audience that’s tired of heat damage and craves salon-quality results without the learning curve (or the arm strain).

But the real question remains: Is the Shark FlexStyle a worthy dupe, or is the Dyson Airwrap still leagues ahead?

This comparison review isn’t just about specs and features. Sure, as a full-time beauty product tester and commerce journalist, I’ll give you those facts in spades. Whichever one you choose is based on your lifestyle, priorities and how much you’re willing to pay for polish. Because, let’s be honest: the Airwrap isn’t just a hair tool; it’s a status symbol.

Meanwhile, the FlexStyle seems to be courting a more practical buyer, someone who wants performance without the premium. Can Shark truly match Dyson’s reputation and innovation, or is this more of a David-and-Goliath moment — with less triumph and more compromise?

My beauty expertise

After months of reviewing, I put both tools through side-by-side testing, but by living with them. Morning rush routines, post-gym refreshes, full blowouts before events — all real uses in real life. The performance on different hair types, ease of use, attachment versatility, and even how they feel in your hand all matter.

And, in the spirit of full transparency, I looked at everything from drying time and frizz control to packaging design and cord length.

Before I tested the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle ad nauseam, I’ve been rotating some of the top beauty tools, from the amika Blow Dryer Brush to Moroccanoil and the Dyson Supersonic, so there are years of learning about frizz reduction, heat retention and all other things hair-related under my belt. This Dyson versus Shark showdown had to happen, obviously.

What I discovered surprised me. While the Airwrap is still undeniably impressive, the FlexStyle refuses to play the understudy. Shark has made a tool that doesn’t copy but competes. And for many users, it might even win. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t trade-offs.

The devil, as they say, is in the diffuser (and the smoothing brush, and the price tag).

Ultimately, this comparison isn’t about declaring a universal winner. It’s about which tool makes the most sense for you. Are you drawn to the prestige and polish of Dyson, or are you intrigued by the value and versatility of Shark? What are you willing to compromise on, and what’s non-negotiable?

Before you invest in the future of your hair routine, read on. I break down the details, demystify the marketing and deliver the verdict on one of the most buzzed-about beauty battles of the decade.

Shark FlexStyle vs. Dyson Airwrap review

Let’s talk about the Dyson Airwrap first. Think of it like the luxury car of hair tools: sleek, powerful and definitely a status symbol.

Dyson Airwrap

It’s beautifully designed and uses innovative airflow tech to curl and smooth your hair without high heat, which is great for keeping damage to a minimum. When it works, it really works, giving me that bouncy, just-walked-out-of-a-blowout-bar look. But with a $600+ price tag, it’s definitely a splurge. And while it looks super fancy, it can be a bit tricky to figure out at first. It’s not exactly plug-and-play, especially if you’re not already good at styling your hair.

It doesn’t pull on my hair like some other models, namely the Airwrap I.D., which I appreciate. It’s simple to navigate once you get the hang of it, too, and you’ll know which attachments are best for you with some trial and error.

Number of attachments: 6 | Wattage: 1300 watts

Now, the Shark FlexStyle is kind of like Dyson’s down-to-earth younger sibling. It may not have the same prestige, but it does almost everything the Airwrap does — for about half the price.

It dries, smooths and curls using similar airflow tech, but what really stands out is its thoughtful design. The handle twists into different shapes, so it’s more compact and easier to store. It’s lightweight, easier to handle and Shark offers sets tailored for different hair textures, which is a big deal if your hair doesn’t fit the “one size fits all” mold. For beginners or anyone who wants something intuitive, the FlexStyle feels more user-friendly from the start.

Number of attachments: 5 | Wattage: 1300 watts

Both tools can seriously upgrade your at-home hair game. Depending on your hair type and routine, you can go from wet to styled in under 30 minutes with either. The Dyson might give curls a bit more hold and polish, but the Shark often dries hair faster and is less awkward to maneuver. If you’re someone who styles daily and loves premium everything, Dyson might be worth it. But if you’re more practical and want solid performance without the luxury tax, the FlexStyle delivers.

Realistically, the performance gap between the two is smaller than the price difference suggests. You’re paying extra with Dyson for the brand name, design polish and slightly stronger motor—but not necessarily better results across the board. That’s why so many people are switching to Shark; it feels like a smart, stylish compromise without much compromise at all.

So if you’re stuck choosing between the two, ask yourself this: Do you want a statement piece or a solid all-rounder? If budget isn’t a concern and you want the very best, Dyson might be your pick. But if you’re looking for great hair days without the guilt of spending half your rent, the Shark FlexStyle is the one to beat.

Hair drying power

Above: Testing the Dyson Airwrap.

When I first tried the Shark FlexStyle, I was genuinely surprised by how powerful the airflow felt. It dries hair fast, like salon-blowout-in-half-the-time fast. Compared to the Dyson Airwrap, which is quieter and a bit more gentle, the FlexStyle brings a stronger drying force that feels more focused. It’s like that difference between a hair dryer and a styling tool; Shark leans a little more into the “drying” side, while Dyson plays it safe with airflow that feels luxurious but not quite as aggressive.

If you’re someone who needs to dry thick or long hair quickly, the FlexStyle doesn’t mess around.

That said, the Dyson Airwrap has this kind of whisper-quiet elegance to it. It’s noticeably lighter in how it moves air, which makes it great if you want to protect fragile hair or avoid heat damage. But honestly? I sometimes find myself impatient with it. The Airwrap takes a little longer to fully dry, especially at the roots. It’s almost like it’s being too gentle when all I want is for my hair to just be dry already. Don’t get me wrong — it’s still an incredible tool — but when you’re in a rush and your hair is dripping wet, it doesn’t have that same turbo-dry power that the Shark brings to the table.

At the end of the day, it depends on what kind of hair day you want. If you’re looking for speed, the Shark FlexStyle feels like it gets in, gets the job done and still gives you decent styling perks. The Dyson Airwrap is more of a slow burn, pampering my hair while it dries and styles, but you’ll need a little more patience. I actually find myself reaching for both depending on my mood or schedule: Shark when I’m late and need power, Dyson when I want to feel like I’m in a spa.

Curling power

I’ve had the chance to use both the Shark FlexStyle and the Dyson Airwrap, and let me tell you, when it comes to curling power, the difference is subtle but surprisingly personal. The Dyson feels like a sleek, futuristic wand that effortlessly pulls your hair into a curl with its Coanda airflow. It’s almost magical. The first time I used it, I had that “wait, is it doing all the work for me?” moment.

But while it’s elegant, the curls it creates tend to be softer, more of that loose, lived-in look — perfect for days when I want to feel like I just stepped off a beach or a magazine shoot.

Now, the Shark FlexStyle? It may not have Dyson’s price tag or prestige, but wow, it holds its own so well. The curling power on this thing really surprised me. The barrels grip the hair just right, and I’ve noticed it actually gives me a slightly tighter curl that holds longer throughout the day. Especially if I skip the heavy creams and use a lightweight mousse, I get these bouncy, voluminous waves that somehow feel a bit more polished than the Dyson’s. It’s like the FlexStyle has this quiet determination to prove it can glam you up just as well, if not better, depending on your hair type.

Personally, I love how the FlexStyle feels more intuitive and down-to-earth. There’s less of a learning curve. I didn’t feel like I had to YouTube a dozen tutorials to figure it out. If I’m rushing to get ready for dinner plans, I find myself reaching for the Shark more often because it just works. But I still love the Dyson for those slow, indulgent hair days. Honestly, choosing between them isn’t about which is better— it’s about what kind of vibe I’m going for. They each have their own kind of magic, and that’s what makes them both worth talking about.

The final verdict

So, what’s the final verdict between the Shark FlexStyle and the Dyson Airwrap? Honestly, it comes down to what you value most. If you’re after luxe design, whisper-quiet operation and that ultra-gentle, barely-there styling experience, the Dyson Airwrap absolutely delivers.

It’s an investment, but it feels like you’re treating yourself every time you use it. It’s perfect for those who prioritize a softer finish and have the time (and patience) to finesse their style just right. It’s truly an experience.

But if you’re looking for performance without the steep price tag, the Shark FlexStyle might be the smarter choice. It curls faster, holds styles longer (especially for thicker or more stubborn hair), and feels incredibly practical without skimping on results. It may not carry the same luxury vibe as the Dyson, but honestly? It works just as hard — maybe harder?! For me, it’s the FlexStyle I end up reaching for day-to-day, while the Airwrap sits pretty for special moments. Either way, you’re winning —but the FlexStyle quietly steals the show where it counts.

How I tested

Here are five key testing criteria we used to compare the Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap in a fair, real-world review:

• Curl Hold & Longevity: I tested how well each styler created curls that lasted throughout the day— and into the next. Hair was styled in the morning without touch-ups or extra product, and I noted how much bounce and shape remained after 8+ hours.
• Ease of Use & Learning Curve: I evaluated how intuitive each tool felt, especially as a first-time user to the Shark tool, at least. This included setup time, how easily the attachments clicked into place and how quickly I could achieve a full head of curls without watching tutorials.
• Styling Time: I timed how long it took to create a complete curled look from damp hair to finished style.
• Curl Definition & Finish: I looked at the quality of the curls — tightness, smoothness and frizz control. Did the curls look polished and intentional, or soft and barely there? I also noted how my hair felt afterward: soft and healthy or dry and overworked.
• Comfort & Ergonomics: I paid close attention to how each tool felt in hand. Was it lightweight or heavy after a full styling session? Did the airflow get too hot or noisy? I also considered cord length, handle grip and overall styling comfort for long-term use.

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.