Hair dryers seem to be getting both smaller and more powerful with each iteration, which makes it a fantastic option for travelling and storage alike. While I’ve not yet had the chance to touch on such a product thus far, I thought it was better late than never and took up the opportunity to review the Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Hair Dryer System.
A sleek, compact and portable hair dryer complete with various attachments for several looks and hair types? Well, I would say sign me up, but I don’t feel that my much shorter skin fade would put this through its paces. So with my wife on board and arguably much more excited than I was, we gave it our best shot.
Design
The biggest change and overall talking point here is certainly within the name. The Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Hair Dryer System is now capable of folding inwards for easier storage and portability. It’s also pretty easy to fold in and out, once you get the hang of that motion. For some reason, it took me longer than I would like to admit to actually figure out which way it was meant to fold out, but we got there in the end.
While you only need to apply pressure to fold the SpeedStyle Pro FLEX out, there aren’t actually any sort of locks or buttons keeping it in place, which ultimately simplifies this action.
In the box, you’ll also find four attachments, including the Rapid Gloss Finishing Tool, the QuickSmooth Brush, the DefrizzFast Diffuser and the Turbo Concentrator.
Finally, the convenient carry pouch helps you pack it all up nice and tight, which makes it a great option for travelling.
The SpeedStyle Pro FLEX is certainly sleek and minimal, and for what it’s worth, it’s also quite light. Clocking in at 710g, I was surprised just how good this feels in the hands, particularly if it takes a little more to dry longer and thicker hair.
After getting the SpeedStyle Pro FLEX up and running, I was also a fan of how easy it was to use. Around the back of the hair dryer, you’ll find the dedicated power switch, and two buttons above it, one to adjust the dryer speed/power and one to adjust the heat. Each button also includes three smaller LED lights to help you keep track of your current settings.
Around the front towards the end of the dryer, you’ll find a smaller locking mechanism that allows you to unlock attachments. There is also an IQ symbol on this side that looks suspiciously like a button you could press. This is unfortunately not the case, and is instead a light that indicates the dryer has automatically adjusted its settings to the current attachment. It’s also worth noting here that popping on any of the four attachments is also a breeze.
Overall, the Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Hair Dryer System is sleek, minimal and lightweight, making it a great option for those travelling, or simply looking to save space. It’s also incredibly easy to set up, use and adjust on the fly with its included attachments.
Performance
Providing 1750W of power, I was surprised at just how much this hair dryer was actually packing. Upon turning it on, you only really need to use it at full power for a few seconds to feel the difference compared to a more conventional hair dryer. Shark claims that the airflow of the SpeesStyle Pro FLEX reaches 0-160km/h in less than a second, which is super impressive.
The biggest advantage, however, comes in the form of Shark’s Scalp Shield Mode, which activates by holding the temperature button for 2 seconds. This will then turn the IQ button and the LED lights on the temperature button blue, and effectively drop the temperature to a more comfortable level, which aims to dry the roots of the hair while preserving it and protecting it from any sort of heat damage.
The results really do speak for themselves, as I got much smoother-feeling and glossier hair in the process. I’ve never been one for looking out for the roots of my hair, and until my hair gets a little longer before each haircut, I rarely resort to a dryer. But I was pleasantly surprised.
As far as the attachments go, there are also multiple ways to dry and style your hair. The Turbo Concentrator is a rotatable nozzle that aims to give you straighter, higher styles and is considered perfect for every hair type. It’s also the attachment that I relied on the most. The DefrizzFast Diffuser dries from the roots to the tip and is best for curlier hairstyles. The QuickSmooth Brush is best for straight hair, volumising it throughout. Finally, the Rapid Gloss Finishing Tool helps with frizz and pesky flyaways.
You can use the SpeesStyle FLEX without any attachments if you wish, and I found it worked fine for me. That being said, my wife did notice it caused a few more tangles in hair after extended use, so it might be worth sticking with a particular attachment, or pairing it with a blow-dry brush.
Verdict & Value
When comparing the Shark SpeesStyle Pro FLEX to something like a Dyson Supersonic, I think the A$349.99 price tag really holds up. Complete with its multiple attachments and sleek design, it’s one of the better options not only for travelling, but for everyday use at home.
On the flip side of that coin, I would still look at this as a long-term investment, as there are obviously much cheaper hair dryers on the market. But it’s powerful, easy to use, and it looks out for your hair, leaving little to complain about in the process.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Solid build quality; Easy to use; Scalp Shield Mode looks out for your hair; Included attachments and travel case add value
Lowlights: Folding the dryer in and out takes a little practice
Manufacturer: Shark
Price: A$349.99
Available: Now available via the official Shark website.
Review based on unit provided by Shark.
