Dyson

AS someone who tried and failed for years to master the art of the at-home blowout, I have the rise of air tools to thank for my transformed hair styling routine.

Every hair tool under the sun promises “salon-worthy results at home,” and I’ve been testing the Shark FlexStyle hair tool for a year to determine if it can truly deliver.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

Known originally for its popular vacuums, Shark branched out into the beauty tech space in 2022 with the launch of the FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System.

The beauty gadget features five different attachments, with an option to build your own bundle based on your hair type.

All of the FlexStyle attachments can also be bought separately on the Shark website for £24.99 each, so you can add to your collection over time.

Shark swooped in at a time when beauty enthusiasts were searching for a more affordable alternative to the £400+ Airwrap.

At £279.99, it’s still an investment, but it’s a fraction of the cost of a Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Is it worth ditching your current tools for an all-in-one gadget? Read below for my full Shark FlexStyle review.

Pros:

• Creates voluminous blow-outs
• Minimal heat damage
• Requires little effort (once you nail the technique)
• Multiple attachments included
• Option to build your own set
• Easy to switch between styler and dryer
• Cheaper than similar alternatives

Cons:

• Noisy
• Bulky for travelling
• Takes a while to master the technique
• Hot brush attachment can feel rough on the hair

Rating: 8/10

How I tested the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

As The Sun’s Fashion and Beauty eCommerce Writer, it’s my job to try out products that are causing a buzz in the industry.

I’m obsessed with all things beauty, so I’ve tested my fair share of hair stylers over the years, including the best Dyson Airwrap dupe and my Dyson Airwrap i.d review, but it takes a lot for one to become a regular in my routine.

The hype around the Shark FlexStyle is still going, and I can confidently share my thoughts after trialling the tool for a year.

The Smoothing Concentrator (hair drying nozzle) and Auto-Wrap Curling Barrels are my go-to FlexStyle attachments, so I’ll be talking mostly about them.

But I’ve also tested the Paddle Brush, Oval Brush and Fizz Fighter heads.

For reference, I have long, wavy hair that can get frizzy after washing, and I have extensions.

Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 air styler review: The Nitty Gritty

First impressions

1

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

Every beauty influencer in existence seems to own the FlexStyle, so I was pretty familiar with its appearance before trying it out.

While sleek in design, the cable and attachments together are on the bulky side (which is to be expected due to its multiple functions), but it’s meant I’ve avoided travelling with it so far.

When purchasing the FlexStyle, shoppers can select the five-in-one bundle, or mix and match their own (choosing four attachments).

I have the model that comes with five attachments: Auto-Wrap Curlers (one for each side of the head), a Paddle Brush, an Oval Brush, a Styling Concentrator, and a Diffuser.

My Fizz Fighter Finishing Tool is a new addition, which I bought separately to try and tame my frizz at my roots.

As I have attachments in my bundle that I don’t use (the diffuser, as it’s designed for curly/ coily hair), I would recommend the Build Your Own Hair Styling and Drying System to get the most for your money.

Does it deliver?

If you’re looking for a way to create bouncy blow-outs yourself, the Shark FlexStyle absolutely delivers, but it does take practice to perfect the process.

My biggest reservation about the FlexStyle before trying it was the drying system.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

A multitasking styler runs the risk of being a jack of all trades but a master of none, but Shark has ensured its hair dryer doesn’t compromise on power.

I swear by my Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer for quick results on my long hair, and the FlexStyle pretty much matches its drying time.

Call me easily pleased, but the way the tool rotates between a dryer and a styler is one of my favourite features.

The fact that it twists into a right angle makes it so much easier to use, and — in a common theme with the FlexStyle — it never makes me feel like I’m overworking to get results.

There are three heat and power settings (I tend to use mine on full blast), and following the instructions of online videos, I always use the Cool Shot feature for locking the style in place.

The Paddle Brush (for straight styles) and the Oval Brush (for blow-outs) both have boar and plastic bristles that are great for gripping the hair, but I’d recommend being gentle to avoid snagging the hair.

The newest addition to my routine is the Frizz Fighter Finishing Tool.

Like the barrels, it attracts the hair, gliding from the root to smooth frizz and flyaways, essentially enhancing the effects of the other attachments.

Now, for quite possibly the main selling point — the Auto-Wrap Curling Barrels.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

I have to admit, I was quickly humbled when I realised that the beauty influencers were making the process look far easier than it is.

The airflow technology makes the air wrap around the barrel automatically to create a curl, but I struggled with getting it to pick up the hair for the first few attempts.

And when I did, the curl would drop out within the first few hours.

After plenty of practice (and TikTok tutorials), I managed to master the method, but patience is needed.

I found the key is keeping the sections small as it makes it easier for the hair to wrap, and use a product to hold the curls (I swear by the Colour Wow XL Volumiser).

Unlike when I use curling tongs, the curls aren’t going to last me for days on end, but they do look great that day, and after sleeping on them, I’m left with a subtle wave that I’ll sometimes go over with the barrels.

I also find the whole process to be far more enjoyable than curling my hair with tongs (which could be down to years of the same routine) – and the airflow makes creating curls far more efficient.

The one thing I’d change about the FlexStyle is the noise.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styler and Hair Dryer, £229.99 (was £279.99)

When my roommate borrows it, I can hear the whirring from the other side of the flat, so it’s not one you could use while watching TV or late at night.

Keeping heat damage to a minimum is important to me as I already put enough strain on my hair with bleach, extensions and frequent styling.

Can I confidently say that the FlexStyle causes zero damage? No.

But can I confidently say that it creates a salon-worthy blow-out while causing far, far less damage than other hair tools? Absolutely.

Results aside, I can tell when I’m using the FlexStyle that it’s transferring way less heat than a tong or straightener (you can read my article on the best hair straighteners here).

There’s no burning smell (and if there is, you may need to clean the filter), and my hair has felt healthier since ditching the tongs for the FlexStyle regularly.

I love how my hair turns out every time I use the Shark FlexStyle, and it’s absolutely worth investing time to master the technique in order to get professional-looking results.

Shark FlexStyle FAQs:

Shark FlexStyle price

The Shark FlexStyle isn’t cheap, but if you’re keen to invest in a does-it-all hair tool, it’s more affordable than its competitors.

Shark’s 5-in-1 Hair Dryer and Air Styler with Storage Case is currently on sale for £229.99, while the Build Your Own bundle is slashed to £199.99.

Refurbished models are also available on eBay, a cheaper alternative to buying the FlexStyle brand new.

Shark released a 2025 edition of the FlexStyle earlier this year, which beauty fans can buy for £279.99.

Where to buy the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 air styler and hair dryer?

The Shark FlexStyle is available to buy online at Boots, Amazon and of course, the Shark website.

Most major beauty retailers are also currently stocking the styler, including Sephora, Lookfantastic and Cult Beauty.

There are several colourways to choose from, including the limited-edition sparkle FlexStyle that comes in stunning champagne and black shades (and would be perfect if you’re buying the styler as a gift).

The full list of places to shop online:

Is the Shark FlexStyle worth it?

Using the Shark FlexStyle takes some practice to get it right, but once you get the technique down, it’s so worth it.

The styler works effectively on long and thick hair, but those with fine hair will need to work harder for long-lasting curls.

At over £250+, it’s not cheap, but if you blow-dry and curl your hair regularly, it’s an investment worth considering.

The best part about the FlexStyle?

It causes far less heat damage than tongs and conventional hair straighteners – not to mention that it’s significantly more enjoyable to use.

How to use Shark FlexStyle?

For best results, start with towel-dried hair and dry with the Smoothing Concentrator until your hair is roughly 80% dry.

You can use the Paddle Brush attachment to straighten your hair and add shine, or the Oval Brush to add bounce and volume.

The Auto-Wrap Curlers use a clever technology that wraps and curls your hair around the barrel automatically.

All you need to do is hold your hair in place for 10-15 seconds, and then use the shot button to lock in your curl before releasing.

Repeat across sections for a full head of soft, bouncy curls.

Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Style alternatives

It’s no secret that the Dyson Airwrap i.d is the FlexStyle’s main competitor (make sure to read our Dyson Airwrap i.d review).

Revlon, Bondi Boost and Silk’n all have similar hair tools, and the Sun Shopping team also tried and tested the Babyliss Air Style 1000 in a Dyson Airwrap dupe review.

Beauty fans who are mostly tempted by the Oval Brush attachment on the FlexStyle should also check out our round-up of the best hot brushes.

AFTER a lifetime spent trying to keep her curly locks in check, Hilary Freeman, 53, from London, sees if the new Airwrap makes styling them fuss-free.

When I was 12 and puberty kicked in, my previously smooth curls turned, almost overnight, into an uncontrollable mop of frizz.

7

7

Ever since, I’ve spent thousands on styling products and tools, for a daily battle to tame my locks.

My hair is like candy floss: fine in texture, soft and big. Humidity and rain are its mortal enemies.

Yes, I am that woman you see with an umbrella in the slightest drizzle.

That’s because the merest hint of moisture turns me into Art Garfunkel. Or worse, Phil Spector.

Like them, I have what some affectionately call a “Jewfro”.

As a teen, I begged my mother to allow me to have my hair chemically straightened.

The foul-smelling treatment, in effect a reverse perm — this was well before the days of Brazilian blow dries — didn’t work, and just damaged my locks, making them even more frizzy.

In the Nineties, when poker-straight locks became almost compulsory, I bought hair straighteners.

But I didn’t have the patience or expertise to use them properly.

I ended up with a half-straight, half-curly do — and a second- degree burn on my neck.

Since then, I’ve avoided trying new gadgets, partly out of fear of damaging my hair and partly because, as a mum with a busy job as a writer, I simply don’t have the time.

Instead, I’ve resigned myself to wearing my hair long and curly.

I tend to half diffuse it and half air-dry it, depending on the time I have.

Over the years, hair dye to stem the ever-increasing tide of grey has conspired with my changing hormones to alter my curl pattern from tight curls to looser ones.

But the frizz has remained.

Bushy mess

Mousses and gels keep my hair defined for a day or so, but the curls quickly drop out and become lank and fluffy.

On a good day, it falls into ringlets; on a bad one, it’s a bushy mess.

Curly hair has a mind of its own, you see.

So, I was keen to test the brand new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x.

The latest version of this heated styler, the Curly and Coily model (there’s also a Straight/Wavy one), promises effortless, long-lasting, sleek waves.

Like all Dyson products, it looks and feels a quality, luxury item.

But, at £579, I’ll admit, I am expecting some sort of miracle.

Could it work for me, or is it just a lot of hot air?

According to Dyson, the Co-anda 2x has twice as many attachments as its predecessor and can be used to dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise your hair.

7

These attachments, they say, are “intelligent” — I wonder if they can help with Wordle.

The Airwrap claims to provide “supercharged styling with a stronger Coanda airflow”.

It is 30 per cent more powerful than the previous model, has two times the air pressure and — most intriguingly — senses movement, automatically wrapping your hair and adapting heat, airflow and timings to your hair type, via the MyDyson app.

Faced with a box of attachments, I have no idea where to start.

Setting up the app is simple, after answering some questions on it my device is tailored to my hair type.

However, as a novice, I find navigating the app confusing.

Its video guides — I counted 37 ways to style your curly hair — are helpful but I can’t figure out how to watch tutorials while holding my switched-on Airwrap.

It doesn’t help that the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.

The power cord is also surprisingly short, meaning I have to sit right next to the plug socket.

On the plus side, the motor is extremely powerful.

I’m impressed with how the barrel curl attachment intuitively collects the right amount of hair — as if slurping noodles.

‘Friends say I look glam’

And I’m reassured that once the Airwrap reaches a certain heat, it starts to cool, so it dries my hair but doesn’t burn it.

I also like the fact there’s a diffuser attachment among the options, so I can choose whether I want to dry my hair curly, wavy or straight with just one device.

But I do find the Airwrap heavier than my usual hairdryer.

Holding it in one position for any length of time made my arm ache.

But it’s much easier than holding both a brush and a dryer.

The results speak for themselves. My hair feels so smooth and light that I can’t help swishing it around. The colour also looks more refined and glossy.

While people usually compliment my hair, now they’re commenting on my overall look.

7

Everyone says I look “glamorous” and “airbrushed” — not words they’ve used before. I can see I appear more tidy and professional, and less boho. However, I do think my usual curly style makes me look more youthful.

The night after my trial, I barely sleep for worrying I’ll ruin my new do.

But I wake to find it almost as smooth as before.

By the end of the day, my hair is starting to frizz at the edges and some rogue curls are appearing.

I decide to wash it again, and try the diffuser option, so I can compare it with my own high street dryer.

When I link the Airwrap up to the app, it automatically sets it to the right heat and speed settings for the diffuser attachment.

It dries quickly and efficiently, creating nice curls and achieving better root volume than my own model. It’s a good diffuser.

But I can’t say the result is £600 better.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is not for novices. If I’m honest, I would probably only use the diffuser option unless I have a special event, and a day off.

It is a big investment and not a must-have.

But as an alternative to professional blowouts, it’s a great option.

CUTTING THE HAIR COSTS

LILY ENGLAND DELUXE HOT BRUSH, £32.99

7

WHILE it can’t dry and style simultaneously like the Airwrap, it is perfect for giving your hair a quick zhuzh, and its simple design is easy to get the hang of.

The large barrel is ideal for adding volume and lifting hair.

BELLISSIMA ITALIA AIR WONDER 8-IN-1 HAIR STYLER, £129.99

7

WITH eight attachment heads, this budget styler curls, volumises and waves.

Hit its coolshot button after styling to lock in your look for longer.

Also doubles up as a traditional hairdryer.

REVLON ONE-STEP BLOW-DRY MULTI STYLER 3-IN-1 TOOL, £80

7

HAILED as the ultimate Dyson dupe, this takes hair from wet to perfectly styled.

Has a curling wand, an oval brush for volumised locks and a concentrator head for drying your roots.

A vacuum cleaner is a household essential, and Amazon has a huge 52% saving on a popular model.

The Uninell Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has been reduced from £229.99 to £109.

1

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £109 (was £229.99)

If you’re not keen on spending hundreds on the latest premium vacuum cleaner, you’re not alone.

Shoppers are flocking to Amazon to find the latest and greatest discounts, and there’s one stand-out cleaning deal right now.

The Uninell Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is now £109, and it has lots of handy features that make it versatile for cleaning all different surfaces.

Firstly, it’s cordless, which makes it easier to clean awkward areas, like the stairs or corners that aren’t within reach of a plug socket.

The cordless battery lasts up to an hour, and charges using a wall-mounted charger.

The handy design also allows you to transform it into a handheld vacuum cleaner, which is ideal for cleaning the car and tackling dirt and debris under sofa cushions and on other soft furniture.

Parents will know that the school holidays equal constant crumbs and mess, and this versatile vacuum is great for quick clean-ups.

There’s a ‘barefloor’ mode for hard flooring, a carpet mode, and a turbo mode for extra-powerful cleans and tackling ground-in dirt and hair.

The Amazon vacuum cleaner has a high 4.8 star rating, with hundreds of shoppers leaving their feedback.

One shopper said: ‘’Honestly would never go back to buying the likes of Miele, Dyson and Shark, of which I have owned over the years.’’

Another shopper commented: ‘’It’s lightweight, powerful, and glides around corners easily, picking up all my dog’s hair effortlessly.’’

‘’Great value for money. Can’t believe how cheap it was for what I got!’’

While a third shopper praised the ‘’Excellent vacuum cleaner’’, calling it ‘’easy to use, lightweight, good attachments, battery lasts long enough to clean medium sized house.’’

They also went on to say: ‘’Can’t differentiate much between this and the much pricier Dyson equivalent.’’

In comparison, Dyson’s cheapest vacuum online right now is £249.99, and that’s the reduced price – some cost as much as £799.

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £109 (was £229.99)

A vacuum cleaner is a big purchase, and if you’re still unsure which is best for your household, give the Sun Shopping’s best cordless vacuum cleaners rundown a read.

If you’re considering a Shark vacuum, and want to know The Sun’s thoughts on a popular, highly-rated model, check out our Shark IZ202UKT review.

DYSON fans are rushing to QVC to get their hands on one of the brand’s coveted vacuums for a bargain price.

The cost of the V12 Detect Slim Absolute has been slashed by £150 and it’s now just £399.

1

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, £399 (was £549)

This Dyson deal at QVC sees a neat 27% hoovered off the usual price of £549.

What’s more, you can get an extra £5 off your first order if you enter the promo code FIVE4U.

Dyson discounts aren’t that frequent, so this is definitely a deal to look at if you’re in the market for a new vacuum – especially if you’ve got pets.

The V12 is designed for homes with animals, so it makes short work of that pesky, ever-present dog and cat hair.

You can use the Motorbar head to deep-clean debris and hair from carpets (it detangles as it goes, so the brush doesn’t end up clogged).

Alternately, there’s the Fluffy Optic head for hard floors and a handy (if strange-looking) hair screw tool for ground-in pet hair and debris.

This cordless wonder gives up to 60 minutes of cleaning on a full charge, and offers spin speeds up to 125,000rpm.

What’s more, the vacuum automatically adjusts suction depending on what it’s picking up, and increases power where it’s needed.

And the filtration system seals in up to 99.99% of allergens and microscopic particles: perfect if you’re suffering from hay fever this summer.

The Sun Shopping’s Aaron Dowler put this big-brand vac to the test, and in his Dyson V12 Detect Absolute Slim review, gave it an 8-out-of-10 verdict.

“The Dyson V12 Detect Slim impressed me with its performance, especially its lightweight design,” Aaron says.

“The laser detection technology worked beautifully on hard floors, and the attachments were versatile enough to tackle pet hair and upholstery.”

QVC shoppers are smitten too, with one customer writing: “It is incredible what it collects.

“We have two short-haired dachshunds, two adults, wool carpets and rugs in our house.

“[It’s] so easy and lightweight to hoover stairs compared to [the] Dyson Ball Upright we also have, which now never gets used.”

Another says: “I absolutely love, love, love it! It’s so easy to use, easy to empty and clean, and I can do the whole house so quickly.

“I use it every day and am gobsmacked at what it picks up… Even my husband said the house smells clean. It really is wonderful.”

All reasons this handy household tool made it into our pick of the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

If you’re keen, just be sure to jump on this deal before it comes to an end.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, £399 (was £549)

Owner of a hungry kitty? Shoppers are rushing to Amazon to pick up a multipack of Whiskas wet pouches that’s now 44% cheaper.

For more options from the likes of Shark, Halo and Gtech, head to our best vacuum cleaners article.

DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.

DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.

8

8

8

Branded the ‘PencilVac’, Dyson‘s new cleaning tool promises to be the “world’s slimmest vacuum”.

And it can even lay almost totally flat to the floor with an operating height of just under 10cm.

The vacuum cleaner ditches the giant bin normally featured on Dyson products for a new system that compacts the dust into the PencilVac’s slender body.

“I have long wanted to make a vacuum of only 38mm diameter,” said Sir James Dyson, the company boss.

He explained that the thickness is important – it’s the same as the Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer handle.

Dyson continued: “But first we needed to develop our most powerful Hyperdymium motor at only 28mm diameter to achieve such a slender machine.”

HAIR WE GO!

It also uses a bizarre new Fluffycones system that uses four cones split across two brush bars.

This system works to eject long hair as you clean, so you don’t have to pull or cut it out.

“If long hairs get wrapped around the cone, the spinning motion along with the specific angle of the cone causes the hair to tighten,” said Dyson’s Sam Cole, Floorcare Design Manager, speaking to The Sun.

“Which results in the hair travelling down to the smaller end of the cone, before it is released as a small hairball.”

There’s also a new two-stage dust separation system, which Dyson engineers say will capture 99.99% of particles (down to 0.3 microns).

That means cleaner air is pumped back into your home – and should mean suction stays strong.

The dust inside is compressed in real-time to get as much usage possible out of the small bin, and should mean you have to empty it less often.

According to gadget-maker Dyson, the bin holds five times more dust and debris than its 0.08-litre capacity.

8

This works using a syringe “bin ejection” system that “plunges” the dirt deep into the bin – while also wiping the shroud clean at the same time.

MOTOR RUNNING

It’s all powered by a new motor that’s Dyson’s smallest to date – as well as its fastest, spinning at 140,000rpm.

This, Dyson says, makes it 35% more “power dense” than its predecessor, despite the shrunken size.

“Engineering our smallest and fastest vacuum motor is no simple feat. It was more than miniaturising every piece of technology,” said Dyson tech chief John Churchill.

8

“It is a precise integration of motor design, electronics, software, and hardware, all working together seamlessly.”

IN CHARGE

Dyson says it’ll take about four hours to get a full charge.

8

DYSON PENCILVAC – THE TECH SPECS

Here’s what you need to know…

Size: 38mm x 226mm x 1,160mm (W x L x H)

Weight: 1.8 kilos

Motor: Dyson Hyperdymium 140k motor

Motor RPM: 140,000

Filtration: Up to 99.99% (dow to 0.l3 microns)

Runtime: Up to 30 minutes

Charge time: Four hours

Cleaner Head: Fluffycones cleaner head (for detangling long hair and to-edge cleaning)

Accessories: Rotating combi-crevice tool / conical hair screw for mattresses and stairs / magnetic floor-charging dock

Picture Credit: Dyson

And it’ll run for 30 minutes – with a hot swappable battery pack to double that.

You’ll be able to see the remaining run-time on an LCD screen built into the device (as well as the power mode).

Sadly there’s no price yet, or an exact UK release date.

But Dyson did say Brits would be able to get the PencilVac in 2026.

8

8