ConsFirst / Multi-stylers & Airwrap alternatives / Compare
Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler vs Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on curls & waves, heat & hair care, durability. Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System wins on drying speed.
The biggest complaint about the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler is no storage case; for the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System it's stops working after months. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Styler & Curler | Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in multi-stylers & airwrap alternatives | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Auto-wrap multi-styler | Auto-wrap multi-styler |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 14% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Curls & waves | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Drying speed | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Heat & hair care | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 2.5 |
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
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
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
- Stops working after months
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with many owners reporting it stops working after 6 months (about 231 of 281 durability mentions are negative).
- Curls don't always hold
TechRadar found styles could lack staying power. Amazon curl-retention mentions lean negative (about 141 of 244). CNN found the original FlexStyle's curlers weaker than Dyson's.
- Awkward buttons, barrel swapping, louder
Wirecutter says its buttons are largely out of reach, and you must swap left and right barrels to change curl direction. The Guardian found it about 7 dB louder than the Airwrap i.d. Good Housekeeping and the NY Post note a higher-pitched, harsher sound.
Who should pick which
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
Pick the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System if
Getting Airwrap-style results for about half the price
Replacing your hair dryer too (twists to 90°)
Households with different hair types (many add-on attachments)
Skip it if: You need curls that last all day; You want proven long-term reliability; A high-pitched motor bothers you
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