As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
It's 2026, and the battle for the top spot in hair multi-stylers is as fierce as ever. For years, the Dyson Airwrap has held court as the gold standard, a premium tool that transformed how many of us think about styling. But then came the Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, a formidable challenger promising similar results at a significantly more palatable price. Both leverage the Coanda effect – using airflow to style hair – but they go about it in subtly different ways, catering to different needs and budgets.
Choosing between these two isn't just about brand loyalty; it's about understanding which device genuinely fits your hair type, styling habits, and wallet. Are you aiming for ultimate luxury and cutting-edge tech, or are you seeking versatile performance without the premium price tag? Let's break down exactly what each multi-styler brings to the table and help you decide which one deserves a place in your styling routine.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long: The Icon
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long isn't just a hair tool; it's a statement. Since its initial release, it has redefined what a hair styler can be, moving away from searing hot plates and direct heat towards a gentler, airflow-based approach. The 'Complete Long' version is specifically designed for longer hair, making curling and waving a much smoother, more efficient process.
Design and Build
From the moment you unbox the Airwrap, its premium pedigree is undeniable. The device itself feels meticulously engineered, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that's distinctly Dyson. Its weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended styling sessions. The attachments click into place with satisfying magnetic precision, and the overall fit and finish are exceptional. It truly feels like a luxury appliance, built to last. The materials used, from the smooth plastics to the metallic accents, contribute to this high-end feel, which is absolutely what you'd expect given its price point.
Key Features
The magic of the Airwrap lies in its powerful V9 digital motor and intelligent heat control. It measures air temperature over 40 times a second, ensuring it never exceeds 150°C, thus preventing extreme heat damage. The core innovation, of course, is the Coanda effect, which allows hair to wrap itself around the barrel attachments, creating voluminous curls and waves with just air. This latest generation of the Airwrap further refines the experience with updated attachments, notably the Coanda smoothing dryer. This single attachment can rough dry hair *and* smooth flyaways, a thoughtful improvement that reduces the need to switch tools mid-style. The barrels also now style in both directions with a simple twist of the cool tip, eliminating the need to swap barrels for left and right-facing curls – a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Performance
Based on the published specs and verified owner feedback, the Airwrap excels at creating bouncy, long-lasting curls and smooth, sleek styles. It truly shines for those with fine to medium hair who struggle with heat damage from traditional tools. The Coanda effect works remarkably well, pulling hair around the barrels effortlessly once you get the hang of the technique. The new two-way barrels are a game-changer, significantly speeding up the curling process. While it's excellent for volume and polished finishes, some users with very thick or coarse hair report that achieving truly long-lasting curls can be a challenge compared to intense heat methods. However, for a healthy, vibrant finish that avoids fried ends, the Airwrap is hard to beat.
Value
The price of the Dyson Airwrap positions it firmly in the premium category, often roughly £450-£500. This is undeniably a significant investment. For some, the cost is justified by the reduced heat damage, the versatile range of styling options, and the sheer joy of using a beautifully engineered product. It's an investment in hair health and convenience, designed for those who style their hair frequently and want to minimise damage while achieving professional-looking results at home. However, it's a luxury item, and many will find the price prohibitive.
Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer: The Versatile Challenger
The Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer entered the market with a clear mission: to offer Dyson-level performance and versatility at a more accessible price. It has quickly become a fan favourite, lauded for its innovative design and impressive results.
Design and Build
What immediately stands out about the FlexStyle is its unique transforming design. It starts as a powerful hair dryer and, with a simple twist, converts into a multi-styler wand. This thoughtful engineering makes it exceptionally compact and travel-friendly, eliminating the need to pack a separate hairdryer. While it doesn't quite have the same ultra-premium metallic finish as the Dyson, the build quality is robust and feels solid in hand. It’s slightly more compact and, frankly, a bit more practical for everyday storage and travel, an aspect many owners genuinely appreciate. The attachments click on securely, and the overall feel is one of dependable utility.
Key Features
Like the Airwrap, the FlexStyle harnesses the Coanda effect for curling, though its implementation feels slightly different. It comes with a generous array of attachments: auto-wrap curlers (in two sizes for different curl directions), a paddle brush, an oval brush, and a concentrator nozzle that becomes a powerful hairdryer. It also offers three heat and three airflow settings, allowing for a good degree of customisation. While it doesn't boast the same ultra-fine temperature control as Dyson, it still operates at a lower temperature than traditional hot tools, aiming to reduce heat damage. The ability to switch between a powerful hairdryer and a styler with a single twist is its standout feature, simplifying the styling process and saving space.
Performance
Based on extensive user feedback, the FlexStyle delivers excellent results across various hair types. Its auto-wrap curlers work effectively, creating bouncy curls that rival the Airwrap's, especially on fine to medium hair. The brushes are particularly good for smoothing and adding volume, providing a sleek, frizz-free finish. For quick drying and styling on the go, the integrated hairdryer function is impressively powerful. Some users report that the curls might not hold quite as long as with the Airwrap on very resistant hair, and the Coanda effect can sometimes feel a touch less refined compared to Dyson's finely tuned system. However, for the vast majority of users, the performance is remarkably close to its more expensive rival, especially considering the price difference. It manages to deliver genuinely salon-worthy results without excessive heat.
Value
This is where the Shark FlexStyle truly shines. Usually available for roughly £250-£300, it offers exceptional value. You get a powerful hairdryer and a versatile multi-styler in one device, making it a compelling alternative for those who want premium styling without breaking the bank. It democratises advanced hair styling, making the Coanda effect accessible to a wider audience. For its price, the performance and functionality are truly impressive, offering a fantastic balance of features, quality, and affordability.
Multi-Styler Comparison Table
| Product | Key Styling Tech | Price Band | Verdict | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long | Advanced Coanda effect, Intelligent Heat Control | Premium (£450-£500) | Unmatched luxury and refined styling, especially for longer hair. | Check price on Amazon |
| Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer | Coanda effect, convertible dryer/styler design | Mid-range (£250-£300) | Exceptional value, versatility, and performance, highly recommended. | Check price on Amazon |
| ghd duet style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler | Air-fusion technology for wet-to-dry styling | Premium (£300-£400) | Revolutionary for wet-to-dry smoothing without extreme heat. | Check price on Amazon |
| Revlon One-Step Volumiser PLUS Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush | Traditional hot air brush, Ceramic Titanium barrel | Budget (£50-£80) | Excellent for quick volume and blow-dry style, very affordable. | Check price on Amazon |
| BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush | Ionic frizz-control, multiple attachments | Budget-mid (£60-£100) | Reliable frizz reduction and versatile styling for the price. | Check price on Amazon |
Dyson vs. Shark: The Head-to-Head Showdown
When you place these two titans side-by-side, the differences become clearer, helping you pinpoint which one truly aligns with your styling philosophy.
Styling Technology and Results
Both the Airwrap and FlexStyle utilise the Coanda effect, but Dyson's execution feels a touch more finessed. The Airwrap's barrels seem to grab and wrap hair with minimal effort, and the intelligent heat control provides an added layer of reassurance against damage. Reviewers and owners commonly report that the Airwrap's curls, while gentle, tend to have a slightly more defined, salon-perfect look, and the new bidirectional barrels are genuinely easier to use. The FlexStyle's Coanda effect is very effective, too, offering great volume and bouncy curls, though some users find it requires a slightly steeper learning curve to get the perfect wrap. For daily, natural-looking styles, both are fantastic, but the Dyson slightly edges it for that 'just stepped out of the salon' polish.
Attachments and Versatility
Here, the Shark FlexStyle truly shines with its 5-in-1 designation. Its ability to transform from a powerful hairdryer into a styler is ingenious. This means you effectively get two core devices in one, saving space and making it an ideal travel companion. The attachments for both brands are excellent, offering a range of brushes, curling barrels, and concentrators. Dyson's latest Airwrap also comes with an improved smoothing dryer, but it remains a dedicated styler primarily. If having a single device that handles both drying and styling is a top priority, the FlexStyle's integrated design is a clear winner.
Heat Control and Hair Health
Dyson's intelligent heat control, which constantly monitors and adjusts temperature, is a significant selling point for hair health. It promises to keep temperatures consistently below 150°C, drastically reducing the risk of extreme heat damage. The Shark FlexStyle also operates at lower temperatures than traditional hot tools and has multiple heat settings, which is certainly better for hair than a blazing hot curling iron. However, it doesn't offer the same precise, adaptive temperature regulation as the Airwrap. For those with particularly fragile or chemically treated hair, or if you simply want the absolute best heat protection technology available, the Dyson still holds an advantage.
Usability and Ergonomics
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long feels lighter in hand, particularly during longer styling sessions, and its balance is impeccable. The attachment swapping is smooth and intuitive. The Shark FlexStyle, while versatile, feels a bit more substantial dueist its convertible nature, and some might find it slightly bulkier when used as a styler, although it's still comfortable. Both are surprisingly quiet for such powerful tools, but the Dyson often gets praised for its slightly less intrusive sound profile. The learning curve for the Coanda effect is present for both, but owners report getting comfortable relatively quickly.
Price and Value Proposition
This is arguably the biggest differentiator. The Dyson Airwrap, at its premium price point, is a luxury item. You're paying for brand prestige, pioneering technology, and an uncompromised user experience. The Shark FlexStyle, however, offers a remarkably similar core functionality and versatility for almost half the price. For many, the slight differences in refinement or precise heat control won't justify the Dyson's much higher cost. The FlexStyle delivers exceptional performance for its price, making it an outstanding value proposition for the majority of users.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Dyson and Shark dominate the multi-styler conversation, there are other fantastic options worth considering, particularly if your needs are more specific or your budget differs.
ghd duet style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
This is a truly innovative product for those who want to smooth and style from wet hair. The ghd duet style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler is designed to dry and straighten hair simultaneously without heat damage, using what ghd calls 'Air-fusion technology'. Instead of traditional hot plates, it combines internal airflow with low-temperature styling plates. It’s perfect for creating sleek, straight styles or gentle waves on damp hair, cutting down drying and styling time significantly. It won't give you the bouncy curls of a Coanda styler, but for unparalleled wet-to-dry smoothing, it's a game-changer, albeit in the premium price band.
Revlon One-Step Volumiser PLUS Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
For those on a tighter budget who prioritise volume and a classic blow-dry look, the Revlon One-Step Volumiser PLUS Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush remains a wildly popular choice. It's not a multi-styler in the same vein as Dyson or Shark, but it excels at one thing: giving incredible root lift and a smooth, voluminous finish quickly. It uses direct heat, so it's not as hair-health-focused as the Coanda stylers, but its Ceramic Titanium barrel helps distribute heat evenly. It's a fantastic, affordable option for achieving a salon-quality blow-out at home without needing a separate dryer and round brush.
BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
Sitting comfortably in the mid-range, the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 4-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush offers a balanced approach to drying and styling. It boasts advanced ionic frizz-control to leave hair smooth and shiny. With four interchangeable attachments – including an oval brush, paddle brush, and a curling barrel – it provides good versatility for styling, focusing on smoothness and shine. It's a solid option for everyday use, especially if frizz is a major concern, and you're looking for something more versatile than a basic hot air brush without stepping into the premium price bracket of Dyson or even Shark.
Verdict: Which Multi-Styler Reigns Supreme?
The Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long is still the pinnacle of luxury and refined air-based styling, offering unparalleled heat protection and a truly polished finish, especially with its updated two-way barrels. However, its premium price tag is a significant barrier for many. The Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, on the other hand, delivers remarkably close performance and superior versatility, thanks to its convertible dryer design, at a much more accessible price point. While the Dyson is slightly more refined, the Shark's value proposition is simply too strong to ignore for the vast majority of users.
For ultimate performance and luxury, the Dyson Airwrap is still a dream tool if budget is no object. But for those seeking an incredible blend of performance, versatility, and value, the Shark FlexStyle stands out as the champion, offering salon-worthy results and a truly ingenious design without the hefty investment.
Ready to transform your hair? Check out the Shark FlexStyle on Amazon today!
