Shark SpeedStyle 3-in-1 Hair Dryer review: a step closer towards salon-quality hair

Ever since the innovative Dyson Supersonic burst onto the scene in 2016, the humble hair dryer has undergone something of a tech revolution, transforming from a simple bathroom staple into a high-tech beauty must-have. Gaining momentum year-on-year, this shift has seen an increasing number of tech brands stepping into the personal care arena, releasing their very own cutting-edge solutions in hair-drying gadgetry.

Shark, who like Dyson, is known for its vacuum cleaners, is one prime example. The US brand has been cobbling high-tech hair dryers for the last few years now, kicking off its foray into the world of beauty with the Shark HyperAIR Hair Dryer, released in 2021. Three years on and the company’s line of hair dryers is stronger than ever, bolstered by its newest arrival, the Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer, an appliance that’s aiming to make its mark in the new age of hair care.

Touting a sleek, narrow design and an endless array of attachments, it’s not just challenging the status quo, it’s promising to elevate the hair styling game by reducing heat damage, offering ultra-fast drying and naturally shiny styles “without the frizz”. But in a market that's increasingly viewing hair dryers through the lens of technology and innovation, does the SpeedStyle manage to keep up and deliver on its promises? Let’s dive in and find out.

SHARK SPEEDSTYLE HAIR DRYER REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Shark SpeedStyle  is available to buy now from Shark’s official store as well as a number of well-known high street and online retailers across the world, such as Amazon, John Lewis, and Sephora.

Priced at £249.99/$259.99/AU$499.99, it’s certainly not cheap. Positioned at the higher end of the market, it’s not an appliance you’d consider unless you’re super serious about hair styling and something you’d use regularly.

While pricey, the hair dryer does boast a slew of advanced features and for the variety of attachments it offers, designed to cater to a range of styling needs, its cost is almost justifiable. Especially for those who prioritise hair care and looking for professional salon results in the comfort of their home.

SHARK SPEEDSTYLE HAIR DRYER REVIEW: DESIGN

When it comes to first impressions, the Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer does not disappoint. With a sleek, modern design comprising a cream body accented by champagne metal finishes, this gadget certainly has the edge to stand out in a crowded market and complement the aesthetic of any bathroom, bedroom or dressing room.

However, the SpeedStyle’s design isn’t just visually appealing, but practical, too. Weighing in at 360 grams, it's relatively light for a hair dryer, especially one that packs in so many features. This lightweight design helps reduce arm fatigue during longer styling sessions, making it easier to handle and maneuver.

What’s more, the build quality is solid, suggesting that Shark’s goal with this product was to make a hair dryer that can withstand the rigours of daily use. For one, the hair dryer features a long and narrow barrel, which, while stylish, serves a specific function by focusing the airflow more intensely and drying your hair faster than its rivals (but more on how well this performs later).

The ergonomics of the SpeedStyle have been well thought through, too. Button placement and grip make the hair dryer both pleasing to hold and super easy to use. Overall, design is one of the SpeedStyle Hair Dryer’s strongest points, and - for the most part - is done exceptionally well. Let’s just say that most of those buying one won’t be disappointed when opening the box for the first time. 

SHARK SPEEDSTYLE HAIR DRYER REVIEW: PERFORMANCE

While the Shark SpeedStyle is a winner aesthetically, performance is what really matters here. And thankfully, the hair dryer ticks most of the boxes in that respect, too. Let’s delve into why.

At its core, this sexy beauty gadget aims to offer a versatile, salon-quality styling tool that minimises heat damage while maximising styling options through its various attachments.

One of its key strengths is its fast drying capability, which is made all the more impressive thanks to its focused airflow, as I mentioned before, is a result of a narrow barrel. This feature, combined with the multiple heat and speed settings, allows you to tailor your drying experience to whatever hair type and styling preferences you have.

However, this design feature can prove to be a double-edged sword when it comes to performance. On one hand, it allows for precise styling, particularly when using the attachments. On the other, it may not be ideal for those with thicker or longer hair, as the concentrated airflow doesn’t always cover as much surface area as a wider nozzle would, extending drying time.

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Another nuance that affects performance is the learning curve involved in using some of the hair dryer's innovative attachments. While each attachment has its own benefit, it can take some time understanding how to best make use of them for your hair type. This trial and adjustment phase can be a bit time-consuming and so might not appeal to those looking for a straightforward, quick styling solution.

The need to switch between different attachments for varied styling can also be a little annoying as it makes hair drying and styling take a little longer than it should. In my opinion, the device’s attachments are central to its versatility, and so it’s irritating that changing them over can prove cumbersome, especially when you’re in a hurry.

Negatives aside, the Coanda effect attachment works particularly well when it comes to smoothing and finishing. When used right, this attachment really does help to reduce frizz, leaving hair looking generally more polished and smooth.

And in terms of heat management, the SpeedStyle Hair Dryer excels at offering settings that reduce the risk of heat damage, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy hair. 

Overall, the SpeedStyle Hair Dryer performs very well. It’s fast and it’s powerful, drying hair super fast without seeming to cause as much damage as bog-standard hair dryers, however, the attachments needed to get the salon-quality finish can prove taxing at times.

SHARK SPEEDSTYLE HAIR DRYER REVIEW: VERDICT

The Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer certainly shines with its sleek design and powerful performance, meaning you can dry hair in a flash while minimising damage. This makes it a real game-changer for anyone looking to achieve salon-quality styles at home. However, the rather pricey beauty gadget isn’t all smooth sailing. Its range of attachments, while impressive, brings a steep learning curve that might test your patience.

If you're all about tech and have the time to tinker, it's a dream tool. But if you're after something grab-and-go for hectic mornings, its complexity might feel more frustrating than revolutionary.