Review: Shark – Flexstyle IonCurl

I have always loved having well-styled hair, preferably with curls and extra shine. After previously testing the Shark Glossi 2‑in‑1 and being impressed by how much shine and control it gave my hair, I knew that Shark can really deliver when it comes to styling tools.

So when Shark Beauty announced that their award-winning FlexStyle series would be getting a new addition, Shark FlexStyle IonCurl with a focus on shinier hair, more defined curls, and less frizz—and all without heat damage—I was already mentally halfway to their website. Now that I have tested how it performs in reality, it is time to talk about how FlexStyle IonCurl actually feels to use.

First Impressions 

When I unbox the IonCurl, the first feeling is that it looks luxurious without being over-the-top. Opening the package feels more like unboxing a complete styling kit than just a hairdryer or curling iron. Everything is neatly organized, giving the impression that this is a tool meant to be a central part of one’s styling routine, not just something you pull out occasionally. I also love the convenience of having everything in one place, instead of having to bring out two different tools to achieve the desired style. When I open the box, I am greeted by a luxurious black storage case where everything is neatly organized. There are clear instructions both on the box and in the included guide, which makes it easy to quickly understand how the tool should be used. A total of seven accessories are included. (The various curling tools have both right and left attachments.)

The box contains two different curling tools in 24 mm and 32 mm, so you can choose between tighter curls or larger soft waves depending on your mood. The FrizzFighter finisher is a personal favorite; it gathers small frizzy hairs and provides a glossy finish. There is also a styling concentrator nozzle that provides targeted airflow when you want a smooth blowout, and an oval brush for volume and bounce.

Technical Specifications 

FlexStyle IonCurl builds on the air-based technology that made the FlexStyle series so popular, but here Shark Beauty has truly dialed up the performance. Ion Smooth Technology works with negative ions that help smooth the hair and reduce frizz, and CoandaBoost technology ensures that the hair is automatically drawn in and shaped around the curling tool. It almost feels like the tool is doing the work for you; the curls become even, defined, and shiny without any struggle. As someone who is used to curling by hand with a curling iron, I was deeply impressed! Of course, it took a couple of minutes to understand the technique, as I initially tried to wrap the hair around the wand myself. But when it finally clicked, it was truly an “aha” moment!

Scalp Shield Mode is a feature I appreciate more than I thought I would. It lowers the heat when you get close to the scalp, ensuring that new hair growth is not overheated. A new feature is the Airset button, where you can easily pause the airflow mid-styling or provide a cool stream of air to set the shape. I was also very impressed by how quickly the hair went from wet to dry. Having both long and thick hair, I got it completely dry in about five minutes, which is significantly faster than with a standard hairdryer. Naturally, I was curious to test the curls on completely dry hair as well, and the result was nice, but the curls were definitely best when the hair was damp. With heat protectant, damp hair, the largest curling tool, and a bit of hairspray, my curls stayed fresh for an entire work week. That is actually beyond expectations.

Summary 

Even though IonCurl is impressive, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it requires a bit of technique at the start. Coanda styling is magical once you get the hang of it, but the first few attempts can feel a bit tricky. Especially if you, like me, are used to curling hair by hand and have never tested a similar air-based technology before. It is easy to instinctively start wrapping the hair around the tool, and it takes a moment before you realize you should let the air do the work. But once you get it, it really is an “aha” moment and you wonder how you could ever have done it by hand before!

The price is also something that must be mentioned. IonCurl is in the higher price bracket, which means this isn’t an impulse buy for everyone. It is more of an investment in your styling routine, and you need to feel that you will actually use it regularly for it to feel worth it. If you have very thick or heavy hair, the curls might need a few extra styling products to hold all day. And while it is fantastic to have many accessories, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first if you are completely new to air-based styling and don’t quite know which tool does what.

But despite these small downsides, my summary is that this is one of the best styling tools I have tested. The more times I used it, the better the results became—so practice really does make perfect. IonCurl is the kind of tool that rewards you the more you get to know it, and once you master the technique, it is hard to go back to anything else.

Shark sent a review unit for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.