Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System – A Detailed Review for Thick, Voluminous Hair
Taming thick, wavy, and frizzy coarse hair can be a daily challenge, especially on a tight schedule.
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System promises an innovative styling solution that combines drying and multi-attachment styling in one compact tool.
Its chic design and finish certainly add flair to your routine, but how well does it perform on hair that’s naturally voluminous, densely textured, and prone to frizz?
What Is It and Who Is It For?
This system is marketed as a 2-in-1 hairdryer and air styler, catering to a wide range of hair types, from loosely wavy to tightly coiled.
It’s especially tempting for those who want smoother styles, defined curls, or boosted volume all in one go.
You can read about the system in more detail here: (“Shark FlexStyle® Air Styling & Drying System,” 2024)
Hair Dryer – Efficient But Loud
The hairdryer of this system truly stands out as the best part.
It dried hair efficiently, delivering excellent results that exceeded expectations. Surprisingly, it reached higher temperatures than stated, which turns out to be a bonus for individuals with thicker, more textured hair.
The added heat allowed for quicker and more effective drying, a key feature many will appreciate.
However, it’s worth noting that the dryer is quite loud, which may be a consideration for users sensitive to sound or seeking a quieter styling experience.
The dryer’s design is sleek and solid. Its modern aesthetic and sturdy build make it visually appealing and durable for frequent use.
This thoughtful design ensures it fits seamlessly into any styling routine while maintaining a professional and stylish appearance.
Attachment Concerns
One noticeable downside of the system is how the attachments fit onto the dryer.
When connected to the dryer, the attachments felt flimsy and lacked the solid, secure fit expected from a premium tool.
There was a slight concern that they might break if handled with too much force or during more rigorous use, which could be a drawback for those seeking long-term durability.
Also worth noting is that the attachments themselves feel hot after use, making it frustrating to change them with bare hands.
Attachments Breakdown
- Paddle Brush Attachment
Perfect for detangling and smoothing thick strands, this brush glides through dense hair with comfort.
However, users with substantial volume might notice it struggles to distribute heat evenly, meaning extra passes are needed for super-smooth results.
Still, it offers a gentle way to start your blow-dry with less tugging than traditional brushes.
- Curl-Defining Barrels
These attachments are designed to transform natural waves into soft, uniform curls.
The barrels grip sections of hair, ensuring even thick or heavy hair gets curled.
They’re handy for adding shape and bounce, although achieving defined, frizz-free curls can require patience and practice, especially with very voluminous, textured hair.
While the Curl-Defining Barrels promise to create soft, uniform curls, they can be a significant challenge for individuals with thick, voluminous hair.
The process demands dividing hair into tiny sections, less than half an inch wide, to achieve proper results.
Therefore, the curling process can take a considerable amount of time, depending on the length and volume of your hair.
Even then, using these barrels effectively requires considerable skill and practice.
Switching the attachment between the left and right sides of the hair and repeatedly turning the device on and off can make the experience cumbersome.
For those with long, thick hair, the time and patience required for this method can feel counterproductive, leaving the user questioning the convenience of these attachments.
Unfortunately, they fall short in terms of user-friendliness and efficiency.
- Oval Brush Attachment
The oval brush is built for volume, promising a salon-style blow-out at home. It helps to smooth out natural waves and reduce visible frizz, providing lift at the roots and a smooth finish at the ends.
However, because of the flimsy way it attaches, it’s hard to judge how much force can be applied to get enough tension to dry and style the hair effectively with it.
It may take several passes for highly textured or long hair to get a polished finish.
- Concentrator Nozzle (Winner!)
If your styling routine includes sectioning for a sleek, straight look, the nozzle allows you to direct airflow precisely where you need it.
It’s excellent for taming big hair, though managing thick waves may require multiple passes and a steady hand with the brush.
However, it’s a fantastic tool for concentrating air for drying, and it’s the best part of the entire system.
- Diffuser Attachment (Not Tested)
The diffuser enhances natural curls and reduces frizz by distributing airflow more evenly. It’s designed to maintain definition during drying for those with wavy or curly hair.
Although we did not personally test this attachment, its purpose aligns perfectly with the needs of individuals seeking to preserve their natural curl pattern with minimal disruption.
- FrizzFighter Finishing Tool
The FrizzFighter attachment minimizes frizz and provides a smooth, polished finish after drying.
However, during our testing, we noticed no significant difference in frizz reduction when using this tool.
While it may work better for specific hair types or textures, it did not deliver a noticeable improvement in reducing flyaways.
- Storage Bag
The storage bag included with the device is a nice addition to keeping all the attachments organized and in one place. It’s perfect for traveling or simply storing the tools neatly at home.
The design feels practical and well-suited for anyone who values convenience and tidiness in their hair care routine.
An Honest Assessment for Those with Thick, Frizzy Hair
If you also have thick hair that is prone to puffiness and time-consuming to style, you’re probably constantly on the hunt for tools that promise both speed and smoothness.
While the Shark FlexStyle system offers a meaningful step toward inclusive hair care, it still falls short of reducing the styling time for very voluminous, frizz-prone hair.
Each attachment delivers gentle, reliable results, but if efficiency is your primary goal, prepare for a process that’s just as thorough as before.
While the attachments aim to provide versatility, their flimsy attachment can frustrate styling.
Applying even a little force to achieve the desired tension on the hair often feels risky, as it could cause the attachments to shift or detach mid-use.
This can be particularly challenging for those with thick or textured hair, where added stability and strength are essential for effective styling.
If you’re looking for a supportive tool to streamline your styling routine and enjoy experimenting with different looks, this system is a worthy companion.
Just know that for those of us blessed with a lot of hair, it might not be the ultimate time-saver we’ve all been hoping for.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Did this tool work for you, or do you have tips to share?
Feel free to post your comments and experiences below—your feedback is invaluable to us and the community.
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