Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System Review

Ever since the Shark FlexStyle came into my life, styling my hair has never been easier. The blow-dry brush attachments deliver an instant salon-quality blowout and the curlers are a must for quick beachy waves. Plus, its slim and flexible structure makes it travel-friendly. While the Shark FlexStyle became my emotional support hair tool, the only other tool I depend on is a flat iron. However, Shark released an upgraded version of its FlexStyle tool called the FlexFusion Air & Ceramic System that aims to do it all. As a Shark hair tool loyalist, I was eager to try out the new Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System ($400).

With the new FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System, you can replace your hair dryer, blow-dryer brush, hot comb, curling iron, and even a straightener. Ahead, you can read my in-depth review of Shark’s newest hair tool and see if it’s worth the hype.

What I Like About the Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System:

The FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System includes all the FlexStyle benefits, such as the rotating wand and attachments, but has been upgraded for more versatility. For starters, the FlexFusion has a ScalpShield mode that helps protect your scalp from excessive heat exposure and damage. It also has a lighter build and a more powerful airflow with two unique attachments: the Wet-or-Dry Fusion Brush and the Wet-or-Dry Air Straightener.

The Wet-or-Dry Fusion Brush combines the benefits of a blow-dry brush with a hot comb — it’s the attachment version of Shark’s SmoothStyle Heated Comb Blow-Dryer Brush. This is the attachment I use the most because I love a voluminous blowout. In just a few passes, I’m left with hair that’s smooth, shiny, and bouncy. The heated comb helps reduce frizz and flyaways at the roots and delivers a more refined look.

Similar to the Dyson Airstrait, the Wet-or-Dry Air Straightener uses concentrated airflow to straighten your hair. It also has a ceramic flat iron, so you get both benefits. Within a few passes, my damp, wavy hair becomes pin-straight with zero frizz and a high-shine finish. This is much more efficient (with less heat damage) than blow drying and using a straightener afterward. I can also use this like a traditional flat iron and get close to my roots to touch up my baby hairs, give my curtain bangs shape, and create face-framing waves.

The FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System is powerful, yet easy to use. I don’t have to waste time working on smaller sections. I can grab big sections to style and get precise, salon-quality results. I can go from wet to dry and perfectly styled in just 15 minutes.

How to Use the Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System

To rotate the FlexFusion to a 90-degree angle for ergonomic blow drying, simply slide down the hinge latch button in the middle of the back of the wand and rotate the nozzle to the left. Before using the styling attachments, I rough dry my hair with the concentrator so it’s not soaking wet.

When my hair is damp, I use the FlexFusion on wet mode (toggling to the droplet icon), and when my hair is dry or needs a second-day touch-up, I use it on dry mode (toggling it to the red three-wave icon). On wet mode, you should see the LED panel become blue (as shown in the top left image above). On dry mode, the LED panel will glow yellow at first, then become green when the heat level is set (as shown in the right side images above). If you want to use the ScalpShield mode, press the heat button for two seconds until the LED lights turn blue (as shown in the bottom left image above).

Depending on whether I want a blowout or a sleek and straight look, I’ll attach the Wet-or-Dry Fusion Brush or the Wet-or-Dry Air Straightener, respectively. Each attachment has arrows you line up to insert, rotate, and securely lock in place. I use the curlers when my hair is dry and blown out.

You can use the Wet-or-Dry Fusion Brush just like a normal blow-dry brush and comb out your hair in sections. Make sure you add a subtle curl for bounce and volume. Use the ceramic hot comb side to style and add volume to second-day hair or to smooth out ponytail creases.

To use the Wet-or-Dry Air Straightener attachment, the brand says it’s best to position the plate side towards your roots, so the direct airflow hits your ends, drying and straightening the hair simultaneously. If I want to use this attachment like a flat iron, I switch it to dry mode, turn off the airflow completely, and use the plates to straighten my hair.

What to Consider Before Trying the Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System

Like most multifunctional hair tools, it takes practice to master the unique attachments, especially if you’re used to traditional curling irons and flat irons. It took me a few tries to successfully achieve a salon-worthy flip and curl with the Wet-or-Dry Air Straightener, especially since it’s a wider base than I’m not used to. The same learning curve applies to the auto-wrap curlers. One curler directs airflow to the right and the other directs it to the left, and you have to swap them out if you want both sides of your curls to face outward.

If you already have a Shark Hair Tool with various attachments, unfortunately, those attachments are not compatible with the FlexFusion line.

Is the Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System Worth the Splurge?

The Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System is worth the splurge if you want to invest in an all-in-one hair tool that can truly do it all, especially if you want to streamline or upgrade your hair tool collection. It’s ideal for those who haven’t invested in a multi-tool device like the FlexStyle System or the Dyson Airwrap.

If you already have the FlexStyle System, this might be a redundant purchase, unless you want to forgo your traditional flat iron. Beyond the two unique attachments, the main difference between the FlexStyle and the FlexFusion is that the FlexStyle is designed to primarily work on wet hair, whereas the FlexFusion can work on both wet and dry hair.

Where is the Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System Available?

The Shark FlexFusion Straight, Air & Ceramic System is available on the brand’s site and will be available at Sephora on October 10. If you do not want the straightener attachment, you can get the Shark FlexFusion Air & Ceramic System, which comes with the fusion brush, two auto-wrap curlers, a styling concentrator, and a FrizzFighting finisher tool. You can also build your own custom set here.

Rating:
★★★★

Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.