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Dyson has been crowned the king of styling tools since the Airwrap hit cult status. However, whenever there’s a BIG name in the game, the challenger brands emerge, and the Shark FlexStyle is starting to make a name for itself as a more affordable alternative.
So when it comes to the Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle, is the Dyson dupe a total bust, or a worthy (and cheaper) opponent?
Styler | Styler | Price range | Key specs | Rating | Retailers | |
| Dyson Airwrap |  |
$849
|
Temperature range: 90°C - 150°C | 
| $747 from Dyson | $699 from Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark FlexStyle |  |
$499
|
Temperature range: 55°C - 95°C | 
| $369 from Bing Lee | $399 from Shark |
Hair dryers range from as little as $20 all the way up to the $700-$800 mark, but it can be difficult to figure out which devices are actually worth the higher price tag. When you're looking to buy a hair dryer there are three main specs to consider; wattage, max temperature, and hair protection features.
Nothing will ruin a bouncy blowout like damaged hair. Hair dryers with ionic and ceramic heating elements add an additional layer of protection between the heat and the hair, which helps to minimise hair damage.
We all know that heat can damage hair, but any heat above 60 degrees C can cause some level of hair damage. Look for hair dryers with lower maximum temperatures to extend the health of your hair.
The higher the wattage, the more power the hair tool has which means it can dry your hair faster. The downside to high wattage however means that the power and heat from the hair dryer can cause more damage to your hair if it isn't harnessed properly. For dryers with more than 1600W, check the air flow directionality and make sure it blows concentrated, and straight on.
Both the Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle use a technology called the Coanda effect. This is when flowing air or water sticks to a curved surface and creates lift. Basically, the tools direct flowing air at your hair, and the hair follows the lead, wrapping itself around the tool ready for styling. Because it uses this method, rather than heat, it’s deemed better for your luscious locks.
The consensus is that this method feels more powerful on the Airwrap, so the final result feels more salon-worthy with minimal frizz.
The Airwrap barrels also create better curls as they are longer than the FlexStyle, so you can curl higher on your head, giving your hair more volume and bounce.
As for how long your styled hair will last, the FlexStyle and Airwrap are pretty much on par with each other - expect your curls (or straight hair) to stick around for a couple of days, depending on your hair type that is.
One category where the Dyson Airwrap comes out ahead is volume - no, not hair volume. The actual sound your hair styler will make. The FlexStyle is much louder, and while that may not be a dealbreaker for most, it is worth noting that Dyson-styled waves will not be as noisy.
And for when you step out of the shower and need to dry your hair - it’s the Shark FlexStyle that comes out on top. The Dyson Airwrap isn’t designed to replace your hair dryer, rather it prefers your hair damp, ready to style into curls or to straighten it, depending on which attachment you choose. The Shark FlexStyle is suitable for simply drying your hair though, if you don't feel like styling it.
While both devices are better for your hair than flat irons that use extreme heat, the Shark FlexStyle is just that little bit gentler on your locks.
One of the main selling points of the Dyson Airwrap is that it uses air, rather than extreme heat to dry and style your hair. It has three temperature settings (plus a cool shot) and constantly monitors the temp to ensure it stays under 150 degrees C.
On the other hand, the FlexStyle has three temperature settings; 55 degree C (low), 75 degrees C (medium) and 95 degrees C (high), so in terms of damaging temperatures, the Shark FlexStyle is better for your hair health as it doesn’t go above 100 C.
In a rare event, both the FlexStyle and the Airwrap are about on par when it comes to design and ergonomics. Of course the FlexStyle can bend and become somewhat easier to work with, but when it comes to the weight and general ergonomics the two are matched.
The main difference between the two is that the design of the Dyson Airwrap makes it easier to switch between sides when you’re using the curling barrels, and the result is that you end up with tighter, better curls - though only marginally. Many users have said that despite the Airwrap having a more intuitive and easy-to-use design, the end result between the Airwrap and the FlexStyle is pretty much the same.
Well, there’s one clear winner here. The Dyson Airwrap will set you back $749 in exchange for bouncy locks. That’s the stock-standard Dyson Airwrap Origin multi-styler and dryer with three attachments, and for an extra $100, you can get three additional attachments.
The Shark FlexStyle is just $499 (and the email pop up box when I visit the site tells me I can also get 10% off my first order when I sign up. Dyson has not attempted to entice me further with promises of sweet, sweet discounts).
That’s a difference of $250 for the two tools ($300 if you use the Shark email discount code), and that amount of money is nothing to be sneezed at. Given the difference in design, performance and hair health, only the most tenacious of hair care aficionados will opt to pay the extra few hungies for the true-blue Dyson, while most would probably be happy to sacrifice a next-level blowout to save a few bucks.
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