I'm always looking for ways to trim down my packing list. One way I've been able to do that is by leaving my hair dryer, curling wand, flat iron, and other hair tools at home and instead opting for an all-in-one styling tool. I've been using the mega-popular Dyson Airwrap Complete for over six months now and it's been a game changer for destination weddings, weeklong vacations, and special events.
Not too long after falling in love with the Dyson Airwrap Complete, I heard about a similar tool, the Shark FlexStyle—a drying and styling system that came with multiple attachments, too. I wasn't too interested in this new similar multi-styler tool—until I heard that the Shark FlexStyle is half the price of the $600 Dyson Airwrap. Suddenly, I was very intrigued: I decided to test the viral styling tools from Dyson and Shark, two major vacuum brands, and see for myself just how well they stack up.
What is the Dyson Airwrap Complete?
The Dyson Airwrap Complete is a slim styling tool that includes six attachments, each offering your hair a unique benefit. These attachments can dry, smooth, wave, and curl your hair, all while adding volume and shine. You can twist on a new attachment in just a few seconds, making it easier than ever to give your hair a professional blowout at home. The two curling barrels attract your hair through Dyson's airflow technology automatically, so there's no fancy technique needed. When it's time to travel with the Dyson, I simply pack the attachments I know I'll need and leave the rest at home, which saves me some room in my carry-on. I can dry and style my hair with this tool in under 30 minutes and the results last for days—I've never received more compliments than when I've used the Dyson. For more details on the Dyson Airwrap Complete, read our full review here.
Pros:
- Easy to change the direction of your curls—simply toggle one button
- Two different size barrels for different curl options
- Arrives in a durable storage case
Cons:
- Quite expensive at $600
- Some may find the long, slim design difficult to hold and dry with at first
What is the Shark FlexStyle Air Drying and Styling System?
The Shark FlexStyle Air Drying and Styling System is a multi-styler that can be twisted into an L shape to resemble a classic hair dryer, which is easier to hold and use than one long tool. Like the Dyson, it comes with several attachments that each perform a different function for your hair, including drying, smoothing, waving, and curling while leaving your hair frizz-free. It made its debut last September and has received a lot of buzz since for delivering similar results to the coveted Airwrap for half the price. I was skeptical that a hair tool could be as effective at a much lower price point, but overall, I was impressed with the results.
Shoppers can choose from two different system options, one designed for straight and wavy hair and one designed for curly and coily hair. While both options include two 1.25 inch auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush for smoothing, and a styling concentrator for drying, there's one tool that's different between the two systems: The one designed for straight and wavy hair features a paddle brush, while the system designed for curly and coily hair features a curl-defining diffuser.
Pros:
- Easier to dry hair thanks to adjustable shape
- Different systems available for different hair types
- More affordable at $300
Cons:
- To change the direction of your curls, you need to twist on a new curling attachment