At IFA 2024, SharkNinja unveiled two exciting additions to Shark Beauty's lineup of best-selling hairdryers: the SpeedStyle Pro and SpeedStyle Pro Flex. These upgraded versions of the original Shark SpeedStyle – Shark Beauty’s debut hair dryer launched in August 2023 – came with high expectations, especially as the original has been such a standout hit in the market.
However, after testing the SpeedStyle Pro Flex, I was instantly impressed. I've already covered the 5 reasons why it went straight in my basket, but now it's time for the full review.
Keep reading to find out whether the new model truly raises the bar, keeps up with the brand’s impressive momentum and puts it amongst the best hair dryers on the market right now.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex review: price and availability
The Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex has an RRP of £199.99/$229.99 and can be purchased from the Shark online store, as well as Boots, LOOK FANTASTIC and Currys.
It's common to anticipate a significant price hike with a second-generation product, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the SpeedStyle Pro Flex is just £50 more than its predecessor. It's also considerably more affordable than alternatives on the market, including the highly popular Dyson Supersonic.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex review: design and features
The Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex boasts a clear design upgrade over the original SpeedStyle, in terms of colour and configuration. Despite remaining incredibly lightweight, he standout enhancement is its ability to fold down to half its size, making it ideal for travel or compact storage. This draws inspiration from the Shark FlexStyle, which incorporates a similar folding mechanism.
It's disappointing that it doesn’t include a storage bag, especially given its multiple attachments, but the flex technology still allows it to fit neatly into a drawer.
The SpeedStyle Pro Flex's ergonomics are also well designed, and its thoughtfully placed buttons and comfortable grip make it incredibly intuitive to use.
The Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex now includes four attachments, striking a balance between the previous SpeedStyle models – one of which featured three attachments, and the other five. Familiar to users is the QuickSmooth Brush, but the Turbo Concentrator and DefrizzFast Diffuser have been upgraded for better performance.
The FrizzFighter Finishing Tool is a new addition, and it uses Coanda airflow technology to tame flyaways on dry, straight or straightened hair. As someone with naturally frizzy hair, I was thrilled to see this included in the lineup.
Scalp Shield Technology is Shark Beauty’s newest innovation for the SpeedStyle Pro lineup. Developed in collaboration with Shark Beauty engineers, it protects new hair growth from extreme heat whilst ensuring your existing locks remain healthy and shiny.
Activating this feature is simple – you just press and hold the heat button for two seconds. The technology then instantly adjusts the temperature whilst maintaining consistent airflow velocity.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex review: performance
I tested the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex for around six weeks, and I genuinely enjoyed the entire experience. Having trialed the original SpeedStyle just beforehand, I could make a clear, direct comparison between the two – so keep reading if you’re trying to decide which model suits you best.
In terms of design, the Pro Flex is by far one of the most ergonomic, lightweight and compact hairdryers on the market right now. Shark Beauty’s commitment to consumer feedback is evident, as these improvements are clearly aimed at enhancing the everyday user's experience. I was especially pleased that the lightweight design remained intact, and it’s one of the few hairdryers I can use without ending up with an aching arm.
Performance-wise, it’s incredibly fast. My medium-length hair was completely dry within 8–10 minutes. I do section my hair and use styling products, which likely contributed to the speed, but the results were still impressive.
The Scalp Shield Technology especially blew me away, and you can actually feel the dryer working its magic when this function is activated. Whilst the Pro Flex delivers results similar to its predecessor without this technology, the addition of Scalp Shield takes it to the next level, and I've even noticed significantly less hair breakage.
Each attachment was great, but I found myself reaching for the Turbo Concentrator the most. This attachment channels airflow through a slim, narrow nozzle, making it perfect for achieving a sleek finish. After rough-drying my hair, I would typically use the Turbo Concentrator to complete my blow-dry, leaving my hair smooth and polished. The FrizzFighter Finishing Tool was equally impressive, and I would use it to quickly glide over the roots of my hair to tame any static. They can be a little fiddly to put on so it's important to take care when doing so. However, after reviewing several hair stylers with easy magnetic attachments, I’ll admit I'm a bit spoiled.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex review: verdict
Overall, my experience with the SpeedStyle Pro Flex has been great, and I believe Shark Beauty has executed this design upgrade exceptionally well. It’s fantastic to see standout features from the previous model retained, such as its lightweight design and versatile attachments, whilst also introducing new innovations. The Scalp Shield Technology is especially impressive, and whilst results without this feature are comparable to the previous model, its inclusion makes the Pro Flex a worthwhile upgrade.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex review: alternatives to consider
If you're looking to save some money whilst staying within the Shark lineup, the original Shark SpeedStyle is a great alternative. It offers many similar features and attachments as the Pro Flex but lacks the foldable design and Shark's new Scalp Shield Technology.
Another option worth considering is the Revamp Dynamic Radiance x Shine Intelligent Ionic Hair Dryer. It delivers fast drying while enhancing shine and volume, making it a strong competitor. Plus, it’s available in a stylish bronze colorway, similar to the Pro Flex.
