For those interested in hair styling, the Dyson Airwrap is often considered a coveted tool, garnering consistent praise. However, its premium price point places it outside the reach of many consumers. Our team investigated the Shark Flexstyle 5-in-1, a new product positioned as a competitor to the Dyson Airwrap, offered at a more accessible price. We rigorously tested all of the FlexStyle’s functionalities and attachments throughout the holiday season, including Christmas parties, dinners, and New Year’s celebrations, to determine if it delivers comparable performance at a lower cost.
What is the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1?
The FlexStyle is a versatile hair styling system integrating a hot air brush, curling iron, and adjustable hair dryer into a single device. It aims to consolidate multiple tools, streamlining your hair care routine. We initially approached the FlexStyle with some skepticism, as “all-in-one” solutions often compromise on dedicated performance. While specialized tools are typically preferred, we were open to evaluating its capabilities.
First Impression
Upon receiving the FlexStyle, the packaging’s size was immediately noticeable. The unit is supplied with a substantial carrying case, providing dedicated compartments for all accessories. While the case offers excellent organization and protection, its size might be impractical for shorter trips. A smaller, more portable bag for the main unit and essential attachments would be a welcome addition.
Beyond the case, the FlexStyle itself exudes a premium feel with its robust construction, refined details, and aesthetic design.
Using FlexStyle
While aesthetics are important, performance and usability are paramount. Users new to similar hair styling tools may experience a learning curve with the FlexStyle. Its weight can become noticeable during self-styling, particularly when working above the head. Furthermore, the physical buttons share a similar design, requiring memorization or visual confirmation of their functions. This becomes particularly relevant when using the automatic curling attachments, where quick adjustments, such as switching to a cool setting to set the curl, are desired.
Additionally, the FlexStyle emits a relatively high-pitched sound at higher speeds that some users may find irritating. While the volume is not excessive, the tone was noted by several members of our team. This was also a concern for a younger test participant (3 years old) who found the noise levels to be too high.
However, these initial observations should not overshadow the overall positive experience. After the initial familiarization period, the FlexStyle proved to be a user-friendly and effective tool. Our initial concern that the all-in-one design would lead to compromised performance was unfounded. All attachments performed above expectations. The round brush nozzles functioned as expected, performing comparably to dedicated hair dryer brushes. The adjustable temperature and airflow settings further enhance their utility. The 90-degree rotation of the FlexStyle in hair dryer mode improves ergonomics. A notable feature is the temperature monitoring system, which, according to Shark, measures the temperature 1000 times per second to minimize potential heat damage to the hair.
Shark has also addressed smaller, yet crucial, details. The inclusion of a plastic knob on each accessory prevents overheating, allowing for quick and easy switching between attachments without needing to wait for cool-down. The generously long power cord is another appreciated feature, providing flexibility in positioning the device relative to power outlets.
Conclusion
Our evaluation focused on determining if the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 offers comparable performance at a significantly lower price point than the Dyson Airwrap. Our findings indicate that it does. The Shark FlexStyle presents a compelling alternative, delivering a feature-rich styling experience at approximately half the cost. Dyson should take note of this competitive offering.
Shark provided review units for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently, prioritizing the interests of our readers and consumers.
