Tried & Tested
On trial: Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer
A straightener, volumiser, curler, hair dryer and diffuser — all in one, and for all hair types. Yes, really
Traditionally, all-in-one products receive a lot of hate. You’re sacrificing quality for convenience! One product can’t do it all! Unless maybe, it can.
Enter Shark. A technology brand that creates award-winning vacuum cleaners, fans and beauty tools.
They’ve created the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer with the intention to become the only hair tool you need. A hairdryer to a multi-styler, it’s designed for any hair type, and even better, any skill set. And I’m told it works in perfect harmony with Living Proof’s Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo and Curl Product Curl Defining Gel.
I have highlighted, shoulder-length hair with a natural wave. It’s really thick and takes forever to dry, so I was really interested to see how the Flexstyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer performed – on its own and with Living Proof’s hair styling products.
How does it work?
The FlexStyle's Coanda Technology uses a directed flow of air to dry and style your hair. These powerful gusts of air mean you’re drying your hair with no heat damage, and you get a healthier, shinier and glossier finish. Amazing.
With a single twist, the tool rotates from multi-styler to hair dryer (the handle forms a 90° angle and resembles a regular hair dryer when you attach the slim styling concentrator). Cool? Very. And it's still incredible powerful, delivering a super-fast drying performance.
There are an additional four styling attachments to curl, straighten, volumise and define, as well as three heat settings, three speeds and a cool shot button. On first glance, I thought the attachments were going to take all of my brain power to, well, attach (my nickname is "captain common sense"), but fortunately, they click in with ease. I promise you really can’t get it wrong.
What does it come with?
The Coanda Technology automatically wraps, curls and sets the hair, using air power to wrap hair around the barrel and create curls in seconds. One curler attachment makes your hair flip out, the other turns it in. It took me a few tries to master the curling barrels because it felt unnatural to not move my hand, but you need to let it do the hard part.
What makes it so special?
1. The FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer styles your hair while you dry it, saving time and eliminating the need for further heat.
2. You genuinely get salon results at home. I’m talking about smoothness and shine, less frizz and fly-aways. And don’t get me started on the cost of a blowdry. £40 is ludicrous and now, unnecessary.
3. This high-tech tool allows you to dry, straighten and style your hair with one gadget. I’m honestly so impressed.
Select your set
There are three different FlexStyles to take home. The full set, equipped with five styling attachments, or a smaller set with four attachments that are specifically selected for curly hair or straight and wavy hair types.
And for a limited time, when you buy a Shark FlexStyle you receive a complimentary full-size Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry shampoo for Straight and Wavy hair or a Living Proof Curl Product Curl Defining Gel for Curly and Coily hair.
The verdict: is it worth it?
Every part of this hair tool feels carefully considered – from the lightweight design that’s comfortable to hold (and very travel friendly at just under 700g), to the fast drying power and chic storage case for the attachment accessories.
I will say that with great power comes great noise. But that’s to be expected when it’s using an innovative airflow to style and shape damp hair. A small niggle when you are quite literally saving your hair from being sandwiched between two burning hot plates.
Priced at £269.99, I think you get a lot for your money (five hair types, to be precise). In all honesty, I thought I’d be overwhelmed by the attachments, but I’ve surprised myself by reaching for this tool every time I wash my hair because it's so versatile. Some days I want straight hair, other days I fancy creating waves or a voluminous finish.
I genuinely feel it’s impossible to be disappointed with this product, which went viral on social media yonks ago. I may be late to the party, but I’m so glad I’m here.
★★★★★
