Product Comparison
Dyson Airwrap vs Shark FlexStyle
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For most people the Shark FlexStyle delivers roughly the same Coanda-curling results as the Dyson Airwrap at close to half the price, which makes the Dyson worth it only if you want the premium build, the extra attachment, and the magnetic tool system. Both use air-powered Coanda styling that wraps hair around the barrel without extreme heat, and both regulate temperature constantly to limit damage. The FlexStyle adds a diffuser and converts into a full hair dryer; the Airwrap counters with six attachments, a more refined feel, and an included case. Below: heat control, attachments, and which multi-styler fits your hair and budget.
| Spec | Dyson Airwrap | Shark FlexStyle |
|---|---|---|
| Styling tech | Coanda airflow auto-wrap | Coanda airflow auto-wrap |
| Heat control | Intelligent Heat Control - caps at 302F | Measures and regulates temperature constantly |
| Heat settings | 3 heat + cold shot | 4 heat + cold shot |
| Airflow settings | 3 speeds | 3 speeds |
| Attachments | 6 (varies by kit) | Usually 5, including a diffuser |
| Doubles as a dryer | Has a dedicated dryer attachment | Converts dryer-to-styler with one twist |
| Case | Included with every kit | Not included on every configuration |
| Price band | Premium | Much lower for similar results |
Is the Dyson Airwrap worth it over the Shark FlexStyle?
For most buyers, no - the FlexStyle produces comparable Coanda curls and blowouts for far less. The Dyson is worth the premium only if you specifically want its magnetic attachment system, its extra attachment, the included storage case, and the more refined handling. The styling results themselves are close enough that the real difference is feel and finish.
The Dyson Airwrap is the premium original. Its Intelligent Heat Control caps air at a hair-friendlier temperature, it ships with six attachments and a case in every kit, and the magnetic attachments snap on and rotate more smoothly than friction-fit systems. What you're paying extra for is build quality and finish, not dramatically better curls - the underlying Coanda effect is the same physics both tools use.
- Pros: controlled heat to limit damage; six attachments and a case included; magnetic attachment system; the most refined handling in the category.
- Cons: much pricier; no diffuser in standard kits; results are not meaningfully better than the lower-cost competitor for most hair.
Skip this if your goal is great curls at the lowest sensible price - you're paying a large premium for build and finish, not for noticeably better styling.
Is the Shark FlexStyle as good as the Dyson Airwrap?
For results, very nearly - the FlexStyle uses the same Coanda auto-wrap curling and constant temperature regulation at a much lower price. It also adds two things the Airwrap does not include in most kits: a proper diffuser for curly hair and a one-twist conversion into a full-power hair dryer, plus a fourth heat setting for finer control.
The Shark FlexStyle is the value pick that earned its dupe reputation honestly. Its handle rotates so the same unit rough-dries and then curls or smooths without feeling clumsy, it measures and adjusts temperature constantly to hold a steady heat, and its diffuser fits thick or curly hair without bunching - a genuine gap in the Airwrap lineup. The trade-offs are a slightly less premium feel, one fewer attachment than the top Airwrap kit, and a case that is not bundled with every configuration.
- Pros: much lower price for comparable curls; includes a diffuser; converts to a full hair dryer with one twist; four heat settings for finer control.
- Cons: feel and finish are a step below Dyson; fewer attachments than the top Airwrap kit; case not included on every version.
Skip this if you specifically want the magnetic attachment system, the extra attachment, and the bundled case of the premium original - that's the one thing the FlexStyle does not replicate.
Which multi-styler should you buy?
Start here: the Shark FlexStyle for the best results-per-dollar and for curly hair that needs a diffuser, and the Dyson Airwrap if you want the premium build, the extra attachment, and the magnetic system and the price gap does not matter to you. Both rely on the same Coanda physics, so for most buyers the FlexStyle is the smarter spend and the Airwrap is the splurge.
Skip this first: if you have curly or coily hair and want a diffuser, skip the standard Airwrap. If you want the most refined tool and bundled case and budget is no object, skip the FlexStyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shark FlexStyle really a Dyson Airwrap dupe? Functionally, largely yes - it uses the same Coanda auto-wrap curling and constant temperature regulation. People who own both consistently report comparable curls and blowouts, with the Airwrap's advantage being build quality rather than results.
Does either tool damage hair less? Both limit heat damage by styling with airflow rather than extreme direct heat. Neither is heat-free, but both run cooler than traditional curling irons.
Which is better for curly hair? The FlexStyle, mainly because it includes a diffuser that fits thick or curly hair without bunching - an attachment the standard Airwrap kit does not include.
Can the Airwrap fully dry wet hair like the FlexStyle? Both can dry hair, but the FlexStyle is more obviously designed to convert into a full-power dryer with one twist of its handle.
Related: See our beauty hub and the BestPickZone homepage for more buying guides.
Last verified: June 2026. Specs confirmed against Dyson and Shark product pages and editorial reviews; prices change frequently, so confirm the live Amazon pricing before purchasing.