There are some beauty gadgets that I try, like and then eventually forget about. And then there are the ones that quietly become part of my everyday routine and I wonder how I ever lived without them.
The Shark Beauty FlexStyle is very much in the second category.
I have been using my Shark FlexStyle for a while now and I genuinely love it. And yes, I have the gold one, which is not only so pretty sitting in my dressing room, but has become one of those hair tools I reach for constantly.
If you've followed me for a while, you'll also know that I have always been a huge fan of Shark. I love what the brand has done with beauty technology because it manages to make clever, genuinely useful hair tools feel much less intimidating. You don't have to be a professional hairstylist to get a really good result.
So today I'm sharing my full Shark FlexStyle Gold review, including what it is, how it works, whether it is worth the money, whether it damages your hair, how the Shark FlexStyle compares to other multi-stylers, which attachments I use most and whether I think you should buy one. If you're looking for a review of the Shark FlexStyle then this is for you.
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What is Shark Beauty?
If you've somehow managed to avoid Shark until now, let me introduce you!
Shark is a technology-led brand that has become particularly well known for its home appliances, but Shark Beauty has completely established itself in the hair and beauty world.
What I love about Shark is that its products tend to be designed around making something that can feel complicated much easier.
The Shark FlexStyle is a perfect example.
Rather than having a separate hairdryer, curling wand, straightening brush and styling tools taking up half of your bathroom, FlexStyle combines drying and styling in one system.
The FlexStyle rotates between a powerful hair dryer and an air-styling wand, and Shark has designed different attachments for curling, smoothing, volumising, straightening and defining.
And because Shark has continued expanding its beauty range, there are now several different Shark hair stylers to choose from. The FlexStyle remains one of the brand's best-known multi-stylers, alongside newer products such as Shark Glam and other Shark Beauty tools.
What is the Shark FlexStyle Gold?
The Shark FlexStyle Sparkle in Gold Diamond Limited Edition is a special-edition version of the Shark FlexStyle.
It has the same basic idea that made the original FlexStyle so popular: one compact styling system that can dry your hair and create different hairstyles using interchangeable attachments.
And honestly, the gold finish is gorgeous.
It's one of those beauty tools that I really don't mind having on show.
The current Shark listing describes the Gold Diamond Limited Edition as a 5-in-1 air styler and hair dryer, with five accessories, a storage case and a 2-year guarantee.
What does the Shark FlexStyle do?
This is probably the biggest reason I love it.
The FlexStyle can be used to:
- Curl
- Straighten
- Smooth
- Volumise
- Define
- Dry
You can use it as a conventional hair dryer and then attach the styling tool you want, or use it in styling-wand mode.
It means I can go from wet hair to a finished hairstyle without getting out five different tools.
What attachments come with the Shark FlexStyle Gold?
The exact contents can vary between FlexStyle editions and bundles, so always check the individual listing before buying.
The classic 5-in-1 FlexStyle configuration includes:
- Auto-Wrap Curlers
- Oval Brush
- Paddle Brush
- Styling Concentrator
- Curl-Defining Diffuser
- Storage case
Shark's current FlexStyle information confirms that the system is designed for straight, wavy, curly and coily hair types, with different attachments serving different styling purposes.
And this is something I really appreciate: you don't have to use every attachment.
I have my favourites depending on what I am trying to achieve that day.
How does the Shark FlexStyle work?
The clever bit is that the main body rotates.
You can use it as a hair dryer, then rotate it into styling-wand mode and attach the accessory you need.
It also uses airflow rather than relying solely on a traditional hot styling surface.
The Auto-Wrap Curlers use what Shark calls Coanda Technology, which uses airflow to attract the hair around the barrel and wrap it into a curl.
It sounds very technical, but the idea is actually really simple.
You hold a section of hair near the barrel and the airflow does much of the work for you, it's really as simple as that.
Does the Shark FlexStyle curl hair?
Yes!
The Auto-Wrap Curlers are one of the things that made the FlexStyle so popular.
There are two curling barrels so you can create curls in both directions, which is particularly useful when you want those lovely face-framing curls.
I also love that you aren't having to manually wrap every piece of hair around a traditional curling wand.
There is a little bit of technique to getting the best results, but once you've got the hang of it, it becomes very quick.
Does the Shark FlexStyle give you a blow dry?
Yes, and this is actually one of my favourite things about it.
If what you want is that big, bouncy, smooth salon-style blow dry, the brushes are brilliant.
The Oval Brush is designed to smooth, defrizz and add volume, while the styling concentrator can be used with a round brush for a more traditional blow-dry technique.
For me, this is where the FlexStyle really earns its place.
It isn't just a curling tool.
Can the Shark FlexStyle straighten hair?
Yes.
The Paddle Brush is designed to dry, smooth and straighten at the same time.
Obviously, the result you get depends on your natural hair type and how straight you want your hair to be, but it is a brilliant option when you want smooth hair without immediately reaching for straighteners.
Does the Shark FlexStyle work on fine hair?
Yes.
The FlexStyle is designed for all hair types, and the different attachments allow you to adjust how you style your hair.
If you have fine hair like me, I think the key is not automatically assuming that more heat equals a better result.
I much prefer creating volume with the brush and airflow and then using the cool shot to help finish the style.
Does the Shark FlexStyle work on thick hair?
Yes.
It is designed for all hair types, including thicker and curlier hair. The diffuser in particular is designed with adjustable prongs so that you can change how far they extend depending on the hair you are drying.
If you have very thick hair, you may obviously need to work in smaller sections, just as you would with any hair dryer or styling tool.
Can you use the Shark FlexStyle on wet hair?
Yes.
That is actually the whole point of the FlexStyle.
It is designed to dry and style at the same time, so you don't necessarily need to completely dry your hair before styling.
I normally like to remove some of the excess moisture first and then move onto my styling attachment.
Does the Shark FlexStyle damage your hair?
This is probably one of the biggest questions people ask before buying one.
Shark says the FlexStyle measures temperature 1,000 times per second to maintain a consistent air temperature and avoid extreme heat, and describes it as styling with no heat damage compared with air drying.
Of course, no styling tool can make heat completely irrelevant. I still think sensible hair care matters: don't hold the tool unnecessarily close to your hair for ages, use an appropriate heat protectant and don't repeatedly over-style already dry or damaged hair.
But one of the reasons I feel comfortable using my FlexStyle regularly is that it isn't the same experience as repeatedly clamping my hair between very hot plates.
Is the Shark FlexStyle better than straighteners?
I don't think you need to look at it as an either/or.
If you want poker-straight hair, traditional straighteners will obviously give you a different result.
But if you want smoothness, movement, volume, curls or a blow-dry finish, the FlexStyle gives you far more versatility.
For me, that versatility is the whole point.
Is Shark FlexStyle better than Dyson Airwrap?
This is another question I see constantly.
The Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap are both multi-styling systems that use airflow to dry and style hair, and they have some obvious similarities.
The biggest difference is that they are different products from different brands, with different designs, attachments, styling experiences and prices depending on the particular model and bundle.
I don't think you necessarily need the most expensive option to get lovely hair.
For me, the Shark FlexStyle is particularly appealing because it gives me the versatility I want without feeling overly complicated.
And I genuinely love using it, equally I adore the Airwrap.
Is the Shark FlexStyle worth the money?
For me, yes.
But I think you need to look at how often you are actually going to use it.
If you already own a brilliant hairdryer, straighteners, curling wand and styling brushes and you're perfectly happy with all of them, you might not need another multi-styler.
But if you want to replace several tools with one system, that's where I think the value becomes much more obvious.
I use mine often enough that it doesn't feel like one of those beauty purchases that sits in a drawer.
Is the Shark FlexStyle easy to use?
Yes, although there is definitely a small learning curve.
The first time you use the Auto-Wrap Curlers, you might think, why isn't this working?!
Don't panic.
There is a technique to getting the section of hair positioned correctly and understanding how much hair to take.
Once you've figured that out, it becomes much easier.
How do you get curls to last with the Shark FlexStyle?
The biggest thing I've learnt is that you can't expect the hair to hold a curl if you take it off the barrel while it is still warm and immediately brush it out.
I like to make sure each section is properly dry and then use the Cool Shot.
Shark recommends holding the cool-shot button to help set the style, with the brand specifically advising around 10 seconds for curls before moving onto the next section.
Then let the curls cool before doing too much with them.
What is the Cool Shot button for?
The Cool Shot button switches off the heater and blows room-temperature air.
It is designed to help finish and set your hairstyle.
I use it because it makes a noticeable difference to how polished the finished style feels.
It is one of those tiny features that sounds insignificant until you actually start using it.
Is the Shark FlexStyle heavy?
One of the things I like is that the FlexStyle is relatively lightweight for what it does.
Shark lists the FlexStyle at around 700g, depending on the specific model/configuration.
That matters when you're holding a hairdryer above your head while trying to style the back of your hair! I've come across some similar stylers that would have been good had it not been for the weight or bulkiness.
Can you travel with the Shark FlexStyle?
Yes, and the compact design is one of its advantages.
Many FlexStyle sets also come with a storage case, which makes keeping all of the attachments together much easier.
I love anything that means I don't have to throw five separate hair tools into a suitcase.
Is the Shark FlexStyle good for curly hair?
Yes.
The Curl-Defining Diffuser is specifically designed for wavy, curly and coily hair and has adjustable prongs to help with different hair lengths and thicknesses.
The key is choosing the attachment that suits your natural texture rather than trying to make every hair type behave in exactly the same way.
Does Shark FlexStyle make hair frizzy?
It shouldn't inherently make your hair frizzy, but your technique and hair type obviously make a difference.
The FlexStyle is designed to create smoother, shinier hair with less frizz and flyaways compared with air drying, according to Shark. My hair tends to be on the dry side and I really don't have any frizz problems with this tool.
I find that using the brush attachments with controlled sections and finishing with cool air gives me a really smooth result.
Which Shark FlexStyle attachment do I use most?
For me, it depends on the day.
If I want volume and that gorgeous bouncy blow-dry look, I reach for the Oval Brush.
If I want curls, I use the Auto-Wrap Curlers.
If I want smooth, straight hair, the Paddle Brush is brilliant.
And when I just need to get my hair dry quickly, I use it as a hairdryer.
That is why I keep coming back to it.
Is the Shark FlexStyle good for mature hair?
I think it can be.
As hair changes with age, I personally don't want to attack it with unnecessary extreme heat every time I style it. I much prefer tools that allow me to create volume and movement while being more mindful of heat.
The FlexStyle's combination of airflow, controlled temperature settings and different styling attachments makes it a really useful option.
How many heat settings does the Shark FlexStyle have?
The FlexStyle has three heat and airflow settings, giving you control over the temperature and speed while styling.
I don't automatically put mine on the hottest setting.
I find that using the appropriate airflow and heat for what I'm doing gives me much more control.
Does the Shark FlexStyle have a warranty?
Yes.
Shark states that the FlexStyle comes with a 2-year guarantee, although the precise terms should always be checked when purchasing.
What I honestly think of the Shark FlexStyle Gold
After using mine for a while, I completely understand why the Shark FlexStyle has become such a popular beauty tool.
What I love isn't just that it can curl my hair.
It is the fact that it can dry, smooth, volumise, straighten and curl, all from one relatively compact system. I can change the attachment depending on the look I want and I don't feel as though I need to be a professional hairstylist to get a lovely result.
And then there is the gold.
I know this sounds completely superficial, but I love a beauty product that is as pretty as it is practical. The Shark Beauty FlexStyle Gold looks gorgeous in my dressing room but more importantly, it has genuinely earned its place there.
I've loved Shark for years, and the FlexStyle is one of those products that reminds me why. It feels clever without being complicated, versatile without being overwhelming and, most importantly, it is something I actually use.
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