Shark FlexStyle vs SpeedStyle: What’s the difference?

There are plenty of minor differences between the SpeedStyle and the FlexStyle, but the most pressing one is its use case. Ultimately the SpeedStyle is a high-velocity hair dryer with attachments for easier styling, while the FlexStyle is a lower heat styling device that also dries your hair. The two have different focuses.

While they can both do the same thing (for the most part), they're going to work better on different hair types. The FlexStyle has a lower wattage, lower heat settings, but more styling attachments when compared to the SpeedStyle. Generally this will make the FlexStyle better suited for thin, and straight hair that doesn't need as much cooercing to get into a style.

The SpeedStyle has a higher temperature range, and its 1700 watt motor gives it a more powerful air speed which can be helpful for hair types that need more heat. Curly, and thick haired people may find this styler is more suited to their needs.

Although the pair share a lot of the same attachments, the main ones missing from the SpeedStyle are the automatic curling wands a-la-Dyson dupe fame. The SpeedStyle focuses more on traditional styling techniques with attachments like concentrator nozzles, diffusers, and styling brushes. These still click in to the top of the dryer, so you don't need to coordinate two hands, thankfully. These attachments are also quite smart, with the hair dryer automatically changing to the ideal settings when you click on the accessory as we see on the Dyson Supersonic Nural.

On the flip side, the FlexStyle really is all about the curls. It comes with a concentrator and a diffuser, an oval brush, and a flat brush, but those curling wands are what skyrocketed it to fast fame. Similar to the original Dyson Airwrap styling wands, these attachments harness the coanda effect to wrap your hair around, curling it while it dries. Although the technology is the same, these curlers are a lot shorter than the ones you'll get from Dyson proper, but they are much cheaper.

Everyones hair is different, but some will benefit from lower heat than others. Typically the thicker, or coarser the hair is, the higher heat it can handle, hence why the SpeedStyle's higher 110°C temperature will be better suited for thicker hair. Conversely the FlexStyle's temperatures of 55°C - 95°C will be less damaging to thin, and damaged hair.

These rules aren't absolute of course, and both styling temperatures are low enough that neither should cause lasting damage. However the super low temps of the FlexStyle may prove to be too low for thicker hair types. If you tend to crank up the temp on your straightener, then you'll probably want to opt for the SpeedStyle for a better all around device.

It is also worth noting that the SpeedStyle has ionic technology that will help smooth out friziness, but the FlexStyle doesn't.