TL;DR
Shark's new Glam Multistyler builds on the FlexStyle but adds heated ceramic plates for a "glass-like" finish and better frizz control. It's heavier and pricier, with some design trade-offs like a less premium storage bag. Its biggest drawback is the inability to use air and heat independently, which can lead to either unnecessary heat exposure or disrupted styling. While it excels at smoothing thick, curly hair, it might reduce volume on finer hair. If you need serious frizz management and smoothing, it's a strong contender, but existing FlexStyle users might not find it a necessary upgrade. Curious to see if the Glam's advanced features are worth the hefty price tag and a few quirks? Read the full review for the details.
Approximately a year ago, we reviewed the Shark FlexStyle, a device we then described as a versatile hair styling tool that effectively competed with Dyson, yet at half the cost. It garnered significant praise in our assessment. Now, Shark introduces its successor, or rather, the premium addition to its product line: the Shark Glam Multistyler.
While the FlexStyle operates solely on airflow, the Glam introduces a novel approach. It integrates airflow with heated ceramic plates. This design aims to deliver a lustrous, “glass-like” hair finish and more effectively manage frizz than air-only styling can achieve. However, advancements in technology often entail a higher price point and increased weight. We will explore whether these enhancements justify the upgrade.
Design and Build Quality
Upon unboxing the Shark Glam, its design lineage with the FlexStyle is immediately apparent, though it presents a more refined and luxurious aesthetic. The device exudes a premium feel; our test model features a sophisticated metallic French Gold finish. Consistent with its predecessor, the styler head rotates 90 degrees, transforming it into a conventional hairdryer – a convenient feature we previously lauded, which remains equally practical here.
A notable concern, however, pertains to the storage solution. The FlexStyle was accompanied by a robust, hard artificial leather case that conveyed a sense of luxury and protection, despite its considerable size. In contrast, the Glam, a more premium offering, includes a soft storage bag. While this bag provides functional compartments for accessories, the material choice represents a clear downgrade, imparting a less premium impression. This is an unfortunate oversight for a product otherwise positioned as premium.
The initial impression upon handling the unit is its significant weight. It measures approximately 740 grams with the cord, a noticeable increase compared to the FlexStyle. While this contributes to a robust and solid feel, extended styling sessions, particularly when holding the device overhead, may lead to user fatigue.
A striking detail is the unusually large power plug. Its considerable size and weight can obstruct adjacent outlets. However, this design choice serves a crucial purpose: it integrates a built-in residual current device (RCD).
Given that this product is frequently used in bathrooms, the RCD is an essential safety feature that instantaneously interrupts power upon water contact. This provides significant reassurance and offers an advantage over competitors who position this safety module inline on the cord. Nevertheless, its size inherently diminishes the unit’s portability when stored in the soft bag.
Technology and Usage
The defining feature of the Glam is Shark’s proprietary “Heat Sense Technology.” This system meticulously monitors temperature 1,000 times per second to ensure consistent heat output. Diverging from conventional air stylers, certain Glam accessories, including the “Silki” straightening iron and the “Glossi” round brush, incorporate integrated ceramic heating elements.
This represents a hybrid styling solution, offering both the airflow characteristic of a hairdryer and the direct contact heat of a straightening iron. The design philosophy aims to facilitate styling from wet to finished hair while minimizing heat damage, as the “Wet Mode” maintains temperatures below 150 degrees.
However, a significant limitation arises concerning operational flexibility. It is notably impossible to utilize air and heat independently. For instance, users cannot simply dry their hair with airflow alone without the ceramic plates heating up, even in “Wet Mode,” posing a potential heat exposure risk. Conversely, when styling already dry hair with the heated plates, users must contend with continuous airflow, which can disrupt the intended hairstyle, as the air cannot be disengaged. This ‘always-on’ integration of air and heat constitutes a notable design flaw, leading to a reduction in precise styling control.
A characteristic that persists from its predecessor is the substantial noise level. While not entirely deafening, it approaches a high threshold. As observed in our FlexStyle review, the operational tone at higher speeds can be perceived as piercing.
Results and Styling
For individuals with thick, curly, or frizzy hair, the Shark Glam proves to be an exceptionally effective solution. The “Silki” straightening iron excels at smoothing curls and delivering a sleek, glossy finish with notable longevity. Similarly, the “Glossi” brush imparts exceptional shine and significantly reduces frizz compared to air-drying alone.
Conversely, users with very fine or thin hair may experience different results. The weight of the attachments and the direct ceramic heat can contribute to a significant reduction in hair volume. The natural volume often sought, and which the FlexStyle effectively achieves with its air-based technology, is less pronounced with the Glam. While the hair attains a straight and shiny appearance, it can feel somewhat lifeless if not carefully styled.
The integrated curling barrels utilize the established Coanda technology for automatic hair attraction. This produces attractive curls, though their retention duration is highly dependent on individual hair type and the application of styling products.
Conclusion
Considering its position against the more affordable FlexStyle, how does the Glam perform? The FlexStyle offers a lighter, more maneuverable design, excelling at generating volume and an airy aesthetic. The Glam, while heavier and more expensive, demonstrates superior performance in managing frizz and achieving ultra-smooth, straight hairstyles.
For existing FlexStyle owners who are satisfied with their device, an upgrade is likely unwarranted. However, for potential buyers considering a purchase, particularly those with difficult-to-manage hair, the Glam presents a more specialized and effective option.
Despite its strengths, the product is not without its imperfections. Its weight is substantial, the noise level is noticeable, and the included storage bag appears to be a cost-saving compromise compared to its predecessor. The most significant drawback, however, is the inability to control air and heat independently. This design choice introduces a dilemma: either risk unnecessary heat exposure on wet hair or contend with disrupted styling due to continuous airflow on dry hair.
The pricing positions the Glam at a premium level, significantly exceeding the FlexStyle’s cost, yet remaining below the price point of a complete Dyson set. For users prioritizing maximum shine and seeking a comprehensive styling tool, the Shark Glam stands as a compelling contender.
Shark supplied review samples for this evaluation. The material providers exert no editorial influence on our tests; our reviews are always conducted independently, with a primary focus on our readers and consumers.
