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It can be worth buying if you want a dryer and several styling attachments, but it is a conditional choice for thick or curly hair. For natural curls, the key detail is whether your chosen bundle includes the curl-defining diffuser. Shark says its extendable prongs are intended to reach the roots of longer, thicker hair; available evidence does not establish a dependable drying time or curl hold for every texture. If you mainly need a diffuser, compare the cost and availability of a compatible one with a dryer designed around that use.
What the FlexStyle offers
Shark describes the FlexStyle HD400 as a hair dryer that rotates into a multi-styler for drying, curling, volumizing, and smoothing. The company markets it for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. That describes the intended audience, not proof that it performs equally well on every hair type. Shark’s product page lists a two-year limited warranty; check the warranty for the exact model, region, and retailer listing before you buy. Shark’s HD400 product page.
For curls, check the diffuser before choosing a bundle
Shark’s curl-defining diffuser has retractable and extendable prongs. Shark recommends extending them for longer, thicker hair, so they can reach and lift hair at the root. That makes the attachment especially relevant if you plan to dry your natural curls with a diffuser. Shark’s FlexStyle page describes the attachment.
Recommended Free Tools
Do not assume every FlexStyle bundle includes it. Check the exact bundle contents and confirm compatibility with your specific model before purchasing an extra attachment. Shark lists the diffuser separately as model XSKHD4DA and names HD400 among the compatible models. Its parts page showed it out of stock when checked, so stock and price may change. Check Shark’s diffuser listing for current details.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTI-STYLING HAIR DRYER TOOL: Rotate the powerful hair dryer to transform into a versatile multi styler for drying, styling, and finishing. One tool replaces multiple styling tools for faster, easier routines.
- CURL, VOLUMIZE, SMOOTH & DRY: Attach stylers to the wand to curl, volumize, smooth, and dry. Create multiple styles with one air styler designed for flexibility across different hair types and styling needs.
- NO HEAT DAMAGE: Fast drying with low heat, measuring and regulating temperatures 1000x per second to ensure consistent air temperature. Designed to minimize heat exposure while maintaining smooth, healthy-looking hair.
- POWERFUL, FAST DRYING PERFORMANCE: Lightweight at just over 1.5 lbs with high-speed airflow for ultra-fast drying. Style while you dry with powerful performance designed to reduce time spent on your routine.
- FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Designed for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. A versatile hair dryer and multi styler that adapts to different textures, lengths, and styling preferences for everyday use.
What is known about results on thick or curly hair?
The available accounts do not establish a standard drying time or consistent curl hold for thick or curly hair. The evidence is limited and varies in what it can tell you:
- A 2026 Who What Wear article discussing the FlexStyle noted that air-styler curls may drop quickly and suggested styling product and hairspray. Its author said they could not provide a first-person diffuser review, so it is not a direct test of diffusing thick or curly hair.
- A 2026 Who What Wear hair-dryer roundup reported a tester with straight hair describing the FlexStyle as powerful and loud at its highest setting. That observation does not tell you how quickly it dries thick or curly hair.
- On Reddit, one curly-haired user reported taking about 35 minutes to dry their thick hair and returning the tool after two uses. A separate discussion includes a positive account from someone styling thick, naturally curly hair. These are individual experiences, not controlled comparisons or reliable predictions for a different curl pattern, length, density, technique, or attachment bundle. Read the curly-hair review and the discussion among people with thick, naturally curly hair.
How to decide whether it suits your routine
Compare the specific bundles available to you rather than judging the tool by its name alone. These are the practical questions to answer before buying:
Rank #2
- MULTI-STYLING HAIR DRYER TOOL: Rotate the powerful hair dryer to transform into a versatile multi-styler for drying, styling, and finishing.
- CURL, VOLUMIZE, SMOOTH & DRY: Attach stylers to the wand to curl, volumize, smooth, and dry. Create multiple styles with one air styler designed for flexibility across different hair types and styling needs.
- NO HEAT DAMAGE: Fast drying with low heat, measuring and regulating temperatures 1,000x per second for consistent air temperature. Designed to minimize heat exposure while maintaining smooth, healthy-looking hair.
- POWERFUL, FAST DRYING PERFORMANCE: Lightweight at just over 1.5 lbs with high- speed airflow for ultra-fast drying. Style while you dry with powerful performance designed to reduce time spent on your routine.
- FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Designed for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. A versatile hair dryer and multi-styler that adapts to different textures, lengths, and styling preferences for everyday use.
- Will you use more than the dryer and diffuser? The multi-styler is easier to justify if you expect to use several of its attachments and functions.
- Does the bundle include the diffuser you need? If not, check the current price and availability of the compatible attachment, along with model compatibility.
- Would a dedicated dryer and diffuser fit your routine better? If diffusing curls is your main goal, compare that setup with the total cost of the FlexStyle and the necessary attachment.
- Are you relying on a review for drying time or curl hold? Look for a tester with hair similar to yours who explains their routine and conditions. Results from straight hair or an unspecified texture are not a strong basis for predicting your own results.
Shark’s preparation advice for thick or curly hair
Shark’s styling guide recommends applying curly-hair products to wet hair before drying to help define curls and reduce frizz. It also suggests increasing heat for faster results on thick hair. Treat these as the manufacturer’s tips, not a universal setting prescription: the guide does not establish one heat level as safe or optimal for every person. Read Shark’s FlexStyle Styling Guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEXT-GEN ION-POWERED HAIR DRYER & MULTI-STYLER: Dries, styles, and creates bouncy, defined curls with powerful Coanda ion airflow—all without heat damage.
- POWERFUL COANDA WRAP CURLING: Hassle-free curls in seconds. Stronger wrap force for bouncier, more defined curls*. Coanda airflow does the wrapping for you — the left barrel curls counterclockwise, the right curls clockwise, so each side of your head gets a curl that falls the way your hair naturally wants to.
- THE IONCURL DIFFERENCE: Ion power and powerful airflow help dry and style hair faster than your usual routine, with no heat damage for healthier looking hair.
- NEW AIRSET BUTTON: Double-tap to pause airflow mid-style or hold down for a burst of cool air that locks your look in place.
- NOW WITH SCALP SHIELD MODE: Activate to instantly drop to a cooler, scalp-safe setting — designed to protect hair growth from excessive heat. Choose from 4 heat levels up to 203°F to match the style you're going for.
Rank #4
- MULTI-STYLING HAIR DRYER TOOL: Rotate the powerful hair dryer to transform into a versatile multi styler for drying, styling, and finishing. One tool replaces multiple styling tools for faster, easier routines.
- CURL, VOLUMIZE, SMOOTH & DRY: Attach stylers to the wand to curl, volumize, smooth, and dry. Create multiple styles with one air styler designed for flexibility across different hair types and styling needs.
- NO HEAT DAMAGE: Fast drying with low heat, measuring and regulating temperatures 1000x per second to ensure consistent air temperature. Designed to minimize heat exposure while maintaining smooth, healthy- looking hair.
- POWERFUL, FAST DRYING PERFORMANCE: Lightweight at just over 1.5 lbs with high-speed airflow for ultra-fast drying. Style while you dry with powerful performance designed to reduce time spent on your routine.
- FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Designed for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. A versatile hair dryer and multi styler that adapts to different textures, lengths, and styling preferences for everyday use.
Rank #3
- MULTI-STYLING TOOL: Transform from a powerful hair dryer to a multi-styler with a simple twist. Use as a blow dryer, hot air brush, or curling tool—perfect for styling anywhere with this portable hair dryer.
- CURL, VOLUMIZE, SMOOTH & DRY: Attach interchangeable tools like auto-wrap curlers, oval brush, or concentrator attachment to volumize, define curls, or smooth strands.
- NO HEAT DAMAGE: Enjoy salon-quality styles with no worry. FlexStyle uses intelligent heat control to reduce exposure, making it safer for daily use.
- POWERFUL, FAST DRYING: Get fast, efficient styling with a compact, lightweight design. This professional hair dryer delivers power without bulk—perfect as a portable dryer.
- FOR ALL HAIRKIND: Designed for every hair type: straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Whether you need curlers, oval brush, or diffuser for curly hair, FlexStyle adapts to your needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
