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Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer vs Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on curls & waves, ease of use, heat & hair care, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer is very expensive; for the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler it's no storage case. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer | Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in multi-stylers & airwrap alternatives | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Auto-wrap multi-styler | Auto-wrap multi-styler |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 12% |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 3.8 |
| Curls & waves | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Drying speed | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Heat & hair care | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer
- Very expensive
List price is $599.99-$649.99. CNN Underscored says the upgrades have plateaued since the i.d. while prices keep rising. The Guardian and Wirecutter found the Shark FlexStyle gave near-identical blowouts for about half the price.
- Learning curve and fussy app setup
Good Housekeeping lists a learning curve as its main con. The Guardian found it harder to start with: the manual comes through the app, and once the Bluetooth would not connect.
- Air curls still drop sooner than iron curls
TechRadar says curls made with air don't last as long as curls from hot tongs, and results vary by hair type.
Source: TechRadar (Airwrap i.d. review)
Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler
- No storage case
CNN Underscored notes it comes without a pouch or case; Shark sells one for $60.
Source: CNN Underscored - FrizzFighter attachment underwhelms
One CNN tester saw no difference from the FrizzFighter, and the other said it made her wiry flyaways more noticeable.
Source: CNN Underscored - New, with little owner feedback
The Amazon listing had only 108 ratings, and 12% were 1-2 stars. Amazon showed no review summary yet.
Source: Amazon.com product page
Who should pick which
Pick the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer if
Curling your hair often
Easy both-direction curls on one barrel
Lower heat than curling irons
Skip it if: You mostly do straight blowouts (cheaper tools match it); You don't want an app and Bluetooth setup; You're on a budget
Pick the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler if
Thick or hard-to-curl hair
Mixed hair types in one household
Protecting your scalp while rough-drying (Scalp Shield mode)
Skip it if: You want a proven track record; You need a storage case included; You're happy with the cheaper original FlexStyle
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.