Shark FlexStyle vs Dyson Airwrap
Both curl with the Coanda effect, but the mechanics differ. The Shark FlexStyle uses auto-wrap barrels that rotate for you — easier for beginners — at a much lower price. The Dyson Airwrap has a stronger digital motor (better curl hold on thick/long hair) and more barrel variety, but it's airflow-only wrap with a learning curve and a premium price. FlexStyle for ease and value; Airwrap for thick/long hair and maximum versatility.
Worth knowing: The Dyson Airwrap doesn't use a heated clamp to curl hair at all — it relies on the Coanda effect, where a high-velocity air jet exits a narrow annular gap and adheres to the barrel, creating a low-pressure zone that pulls hair around it. That's why Dyson markets it as a lower-heat-damage alternative to a curling iron, and why dupes that don't replicate the annular-gap geometry get airflow but not the same wrap-in.
Where they differ
- Curling mechanism: FlexStyle auto-wrap (barrels rotate) vs Airwrap airflow-wrap (you position hair).
- Ease of use: FlexStyle is more beginner-friendly; the Airwrap has a real learning curve.
- Motor / hold: Airwrap's motor pushes more airflow, so curls hold better on thick/long hair.
- Variety & price: Airwrap has more barrels/attachments at a premium; FlexStyle covers the essentials for much less.
- Buying: Amazon Airwrap listings are often third-party markups — Dyson steers you to its site or authorized retailers.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
Coanda airflow styling (no extreme heat), digital V9 motor, 1.3in & 1.6in barrels, pre-styling dryer + attachments, 3 heat/3 speed
Uses air pressure (Coanda effect) to wrap hair around the barrel instead of direct high heat — curls with less thermal damage than a wand.
Best for: Medium-to-long hair; salon curls/waves without a flat iron
Watch out: Often marked up or bundled by third-party Amazon sellers; Dyson steers buyers to dyson.com/Best Buy for genuine warranty, and the wrap technique has a real learning curve.
Check price on AmazonShark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Auto-Wrap 1.25in curling barrels that physically rotate, oval + paddle brushes + concentrator, digital motor, multiple heat/speed
Auto-Wrap barrels rotate to catch and wrap hair automatically, removing most of the manual technique the Airwrap needs.
Best for: Beginners wanting easier auto-curl at a lower price than Dyson
Watch out: Fewer barrel sizes than Dyson, attachments feel bulkier, and auto-wrap can catch longer/thicker hair awkwardly.
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Close, with tradeoffs. The FlexStyle's auto-wrap barrels rotate to catch and wrap hair mechanically, which makes curling easier for beginners than Dyson's airflow-only wrap. Dyson's digital motor pushes more airflow, so curls tend to hold better on thick or very long hair, and Dyson offers more barrel/attachment variety. For most people the FlexStyle gets 80–90% of the result at a much lower price.
The Shark FlexStyle, generally. Its auto-wrap barrels physically rotate, so you don't have to master the technique of holding hair against an airflow stream the way the Airwrap requires. Beginners usually get consistent curls faster with the FlexStyle.
The Dyson Airwrap has the airflow edge for thick or very long hair — more motor power means a more reliable wrap and longer-lasting curl. The FlexStyle can struggle to fully form the wrap on dense hair, though it still dries and smooths well.
Buy the FlexStyle if you want easier auto-curling and a lower price and have fine-to-medium hair. Buy the Airwrap if you have thick/long hair, want maximum barrel variety, and don't mind the premium — and buy it from Dyson or an authorized retailer, since Amazon listings are often third-party markups.