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The Dyson Airwrap Vs The Shark FlexStyle

BY JENNY JUNG

We’ve test-driven both tools to give you the lowdown on this hot debate.

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14 JUL - 2024

It’s the battle of the blowouts!

In the world of hair styling, innovation is the name of the game. Enter the Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle, two groundbreaking tools that promise salon-quality results at home. But which one truly delivers, and which one offers the best bang for your buck?

First, let's talk numbers. The Dyson Airwrap, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and sleek design, comes with a hefty price tag of NZD $799. On the other hand, the Shark FlexStyle, a newer contender making waves in the beauty world, is available at a more accessible NZD $550.

With such a significant price difference, it begs the question: is the Dyson Airwrap worth the splurge, or can the Shark FlexStyle provide similar results without breaking the bank? In this article, we'll dive into the features, performance and overall value of both tools, helping you decide which one deserves a spot on your vanity. As someone who’s been in the beauty trenches for years, I’ve got the lowdown on these two hot tools.

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Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $550 NZD.

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Airwrap™ Multi-Styler & Dryer Complete Long Ceramic Pop, $849 NZD.

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The Technology

Dyson is globally acclaimed for their innovation and commitment to technology. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, for example, took 50 months and the expertise of 103 engineers to perfect. Today, it stands out as one of the top-performing hair dryers on the market, celebrated for this sleek design and remarkably quiet operation. Two years and 500 prototypes later, Dyson dropped the Airwrap and it quickly became a sensation.

Incorporating interchangeable parts to enhance its functionality, the Airwrap is known for its versatility. One feature that particularly captivated the beauty community is the barrel, which uses a spinning vortex of air to attract hair through its airflow, wrapping it around for luscious blow-wave curls. Additionally, it is loaded with heat detecting technology to protect your hair from unnecessary damage.

When you purchase the Airwrap, you’re investing in innovation and unparalleled technological advancement. On the other hand, Shark offers a more affordable option with similar capabilities and its own set of unique features. The FlexStyle is known for utilising similar air-styling technology, delivering nearly identical results and hold. In fact, we found that the Shark FlexStyle produced longer lasting results, likely due to its more rigid heat settings. This allows it to achieve higher temperatures than the Dyson which some users may prefer. On the other hand, we did notice that the Airwrap could pick up hair more effectively without causing any tangles.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shark FlexStyle is its innovative bending head. This ingenious design allows the nozzle to flex 90 degrees, transforming it from a styling tool into a full-fledged hairdryer. With this attachment, you can experience easier drying and targeted airflow, perfect for anyone who prefers the traditional blowout method. Its ergonomic shape also provides a sense of familiarity and comfort, making your styling routine more intuitive and enjoyable.

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Airwrap™ Multi-Styler & Dryer Complete Long Ceramic Pop, $849 NZD.

The Attachments

With the Dyson Airwrap, you have the ability to wrap your hair in two different directions using a single barrel attachment with a simple rotation at the end. This design makes it incredibly convenient for users to change between clockwise and anticlockwise curls without having to swap anything out. It’s a small detail, but it significantly streamlines the styling process and adds to the overall user experience. The Shark FlexStyle, on the other hand, uses two separate attachments to achieve curls in different directions – this is how the Airwrap was designed for its initial launch which has since been optimised. While this means a bit more juggling during your styling routine, it’s a minor inconvenience considering the FlexStyle’s overall performance and price point.

Furthermore, the Shark FlexStyle really shines in its inclusion of a diffuser attachment. This addition makes it a more inclusive tool for those with curly or textured hair. The diffuser is designed to enhance and define natural curls, providing gentle, even heat distribution to reduce frizz and promote curl formation. This makes the FlexStyle a fantastic option for those who often find traditional styling tools lacking in support for a curly hair type. Plus, I found that the oval boar bristle attachment of the FlexStyle to be more superior as I have longer hair and a preference for loose waves.

However, the Dyson Airwrap includes a round brush, smoothing tool and different barrel sizes for creating various curl shapes. These attachments are designed to cater to a wide range of styling needs, making the Airwrap a versatile tool for those who love to switch up their look frequently. Plus, the Airwrap includes a simple paddle brush attachment that may be better suited for shorter hair lengths. With this being said, the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer is $350 and has a rotating round brush amongst its attachments if the blowdry effect is solely what you’re after.

One major thing to note is that when you purchase the Dyson Airwrap, you’re able to curate your very own comprehensive system tailored to meet your specific hair needs. One of the standout features of the Airwrap is the wide range of attachments available, allowing for unparalleled customisation. This means you can handpick the perfect combination of barrels, brushes and other accessories to suit your unique hair type and styling preferences. This level of customisation might actually be more cost effective despite the higher price tag. Instead of purchasing a bundle of attachments, some of which might go untouched, the Dyson Airwrap allows you to select only the attachments that you'll actually use. This not only ensures that you're getting the most value out of your purchase but also keeps your styling routine efficient and clutter-free.

On the other hand, if your interest lies primarily in barrel attachments, the Shark FlexStyle offers a great alternative at a much lower price. This budget-friendly option comes with a variety of attachments that you can experiment with. The FlexStyle’s user-friendly design and effective performance make it a strong competitor in the hair styling market.

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Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $550 NZD.

Ultimately, both the Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle have their unique strengths. At the end of the day, each person decides the value of a product based on their individual needs and preferences, and opinions will naturally vary. While the Dyson Airwrap’s customisation and premium features might justify its higher price for some, others might find the Shark FlexStyle’s affordability and functionality more appealing. It really comes down to what you are looking for in a hair styling tool and how you prioritise features versus cost.

I’m a 25 year old pursuing my MUA dreams so considering my budget and my love for the oval brush, I would personally opt for the Shark FlexStyle. However, if I had the cash to spare or my parents decided to give me one for my upcoming birthday, I would probably ask for the Dyson and purchase the Shark® SmoothStyle™ Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother for $200 for the oval brush.

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Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $550 NZD.

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