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Now's your chance to save up to 20% on the Shark FlexStyle: Editor's honest review

Sephora's annual fall sale is on now through Nov. 6.

I tried the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System. Photos via Sephora.
I tried the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System. Photos via Sephora.

As someone who has always struggled with fine, straight hair, I never bothered learning how to curl my hair for a few reasons. One being that it takes a long time to do, and two, even when I did attempt to style my hair, the results never last. That makes me, at 32, a total hair newbie.

However, I recently asked for a Shark FlexStyle for my birthday in the hopes that I might finally learn how to amp up my locks. But does it actually work? Keep reading for my full review.

Here's what you need to know at a glance about the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System:

  • 💵 Price: $350 CAD, but right now Sephora Beauty Insiders can save up to 20%

  • ⏰ Used for: Six months

  • ⭐ My rating: 4/5

  • 🛍️ Reasons to buy: If you want a versatile hair styling tool, or you're looking for an affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler

  • ✋ Reasons to avoid: It can get quite loud when using the Shark styler, and some reviewers have found that it doesn't do a great job creating curls that last.

Until Nov. 6, Beauty Insiders can save up to 20 per cent on the Shark FlexStyle at Sephora.

Save $70 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$280 at Sephora

How to shop the Shark FlexStyle on sale

If you've been considering giving this styling tool a try, Sephora Rouge members can score it on sale for 20 per cent off, thanks to the retailer's annual Savings Event.

VIBs and Beauty insiders will have to wait until Oct. 31 to take advantage of the sale, which offers seasonal promos and discounts on just about everything. Just use the discount code TIMETOSAVE at checkout to save up to 20 per cent (plus 30 per cent off all Sephora Collection products!) depending on your membership level.

The details

According to Sephora, the Shark FlexStyle is billed as "an ultra-versatile styler that transforms between a powerful, fast, hair dryer and an ultra-versatile multi-styler—with no heat damage."

Unlike other styling tools, it comes with several interchangeable heads that let you easily switch between blow drying, curling, and styling hair.

Editor's review

Now that I've had a chance to use the Shark FlexStyle for a few months, I've come to enjoy using it — but I'm still not a hair guru by any means. I still prefer to air dry for a low-maintenance haircare routine, but on the days when I want to style my hair (such as weddings or when I need to dry my hair quickly), the Shark FlexStyle is a big improvement over the tools I was using before.

Writer Kate Mendonca poses for a selfie with man
After a long day at a wedding this summer, you can (almost) still see the curls in my hair. Photo via Kate Mendonca.

For me, the biggest draw is that the interchangeable heads can replace several tools, including a curling iron, blow dryer, and styling brushes. It also works really quickly to dry wet hair, even if it is on the noisy side at full power.

What I don't love is that as someone with shoulder-length hair, I found the curling barrels were too wide to achieve curls that last. Instead, the effect was more like a voluminous blowout — nice, but not what I was hoping for.

Luckily, Shark has released smaller curling barrels already, so it's just a matter of time before I give them a shot to see how well they work.

What others are saying

According to reviews, the Shark FlexStyle has earned a 3.9-star average rating, with shoppers calling it "a must-have" for styling hair at home.

Since the tool comes with several different attachments, versatility is among the Shark FlexStyle's main selling features.

Until Nov. 6, Beauty Insiders can save up to 20 per cent on the Shark FlexStyle at Sephora.

Save $70 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$280 at Sephora

"I love how it’s blow dries and styles in one," shared one reviewer, while another person added that they were able to donate "about four tools that it replaced."

Others rave that it "gives a lot of volume" and creates "easy, natural-looking curls."

The downside is that some reviewers shared that it "isn't ideal" for those with "fine, thin, straight" hair. As someone with shorter, fine hair, I will say that it took a few tries for me to get the hang of the curling feature, but I agree that the FlexStyle would work better if you have longer or thicker hair to work with.

Final thoughts

I've been enjoying the FlexStyle for speeding up the drying process and experimenting with blowouts and curls, but it's not a tool that I reach for all that often. If you're well-versed in the world of styling hair, you may find that the Shark FlexStyle leaves a bit to be desired. However, I think this is a great tool if, like me, you're mainly looking for a versatile styling tool that does it all in one.

At its current sale price, now is a great time to give it a try for yourself and see if it lives up to the hype.

Shop more Sephora fall sale deals

The limited-edition Sephora Collection Advent Calendar includes 24 makeup, skincare, bath, and accessory surprises.

Save $17 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$49 at Sephora

Choose from dozens of shades in this creamy lipstick.

Save $6 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$14 at Sephora

Valued at $141, this limited-edition sheet mask set contains 18 masks and two packs of cleansing wipes.

Save $18 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$50 at Sephora

This buildable foundation offers long-wearing coverage in 50 shades. 

Save $8 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$19 at Sephora

A skincare set that delivers hydration and radiance to your everyday routine. 

Save $12 Use code: TIMETOSAVE
$28 at Sephora

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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