I first tried the Dyson Airwrap while staying at a fancy hotel a few years ago, and I was instantly hooked. I’ve never been great at giving myself a proper salon-style blowout at home, but this made it feel much more doable. The way it styles while drying, without extreme heat, and gently pulls your hair around the barrel, just made everything easier. Suddenly, that bouncy, glossy blowout look didn’t feel so out of reach (even if it wasn’t quite as polished as my hairdresser’s).

The only thing that’s held me back from buying my own is the price. The most expensive Dyson Airwrap in the range comes in at £579.99, while the Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler and Dryer – the brand’s most affordable version – retails for £399.99 (though it’s currently down to £299.99 on sale). It’s a lot to spend on a hair tool, no matter how good it is.

That’s where the Shark FlexStyle 3-in-1 Air Styler and Hair Dryer comes in. Some people who’ve tried both say it’s a pretty solid alternative, and it costs a fraction of the price. Like the Dyson, it uses airflow rather than extreme heat to style your hair, so you can dry, curl, and smooth with just one device rather than juggling multiple tools. One of its standout features is the rotating design, which lets you switch from a hair dryer to a styling wand in seconds. It’s a simple idea, but it makes the whole process feel much more streamlined.

In a review, one shopper who had tried both the Dyson and the Shark said: “Well, I never thought I’d be a Dyson convert, but I am! This compact dryer is so quick to dry my masses of curly, frizzy hair that I even have time to style it using one of the many tools.”

Another added: “Amazing hair dryer, I love the brush attachment as it adds volume to my usual flat hair. Drys the hair quicker than my Dyson. It’s light and easy to use, which is important as I have arthritis in my wrist. love it!”

I can’t personally compare the two since I’ve only used the Dyson, but the Shark FlexStyle has been on my radar for a while, mainly because of the price. Normally, it retails for £249.99, but right now it might be one of those deals that are just too good to ignore. According to price comparison website PriceRunner, it’s dropped to its “all-time lowest price” of £149.99 on the SharkNinja website. It’s also available to buy from the brand via Amazon.

There are other versions of the FlexStyle with more attachments, but the three-in-one is currently the most affordable. It covers the basics, a hair dryer, curling tool and smoothing brush, and the attachments are easy to click on and off, so you can switch up how you’re styling with little fuss (or pack it away neatly if you’re travelling).

Like the Dyson, one of its biggest draws is that it styles using lower heat and doesn’t require clamping your hair, so it’s a gentler way to get your desired look. The lower price also makes it a good entry point if you’re curious about this kind of styling tool but not quite ready to commit to something more expensive.

That said, it’s not just beginners who rate it. One reviewer shared: “My daughter, who’s a hairdresser, has used it as well and was very impressed with the finish that it leaves and the ease of use.”

Of course, it’s not completely effortless. Some shoppers mention that the different attachments take “some getting used to”, especially if you’re new to this type of styling. Another pointed out: “It does get hot to the touch so you have to be careful when changing the attachments.”
All in all, if you’ve been tempted by the Airwrap but put off by the price, the Shark FlexStyle feels like a more accessible way to try the same idea, without quite as much of an investment.

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Mature shoppers are praising a targeted hair serum that they say helps ‘add volume’ and creates a fuller-looking finish, making it a popular choice for those noticing thinning or flat hair. Now, the Exclusive Nioxin Pro Clinical Age Defense Leave-In Scalp Serum (70ml) is up for grabs for £57.50 from LookFantastic and shoppers are rating it highly.

Designed to support both scalp health and the appearance of thicker strands, the treatment is gaining attention for delivering visible results without the need for complicated routines. This serum is said to be formulated to nourish the scalp while helping hair look fuller from the root.

Used as a leave-in treatment, it is designed to fit easily into daily routines without needing to be rinsed out. Key ingredients include castor oil, which helps lock in moisture, and niacinamide (vitamin B3), known for its nourishing and hydrating properties.

Together, they are said to support a healthier scalp environment, which is an important factor in achieving stronger, more voluminous-looking hair. The formula also contains caffeine, which helps invigorate the scalp and may assist in reducing the appearance of excess hair fall, while lauric acid brings antibacterial properties to help keep the scalp feeling fresh.

Lightweight and easy to apply, the serum works without weighing hair down, making it suitable for those wanting added volume without losing movement. Finished with a soft sandalwood-inspired fragrance, it adds a subtle, luxurious touch to routines while helping hair appear thicker, healthier and more revitalised over time.

An alternative is the Philip Kingsley Overnight Scalp Barrier Serum with Triple Balancing Action (60ml) for £32 from M&S. This one is said to help strengthen the natural skin barrier function and then overall improve scalp health.

Boots also has The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density and Scalp Support – 60ml for £21.90. This one targets the look of thinning hair with a multi-active complex and works to promote scalp health.

However, the Exclusive Nioxin Pro Clinical Age Defense Leave-In Scalp Serum (70ml) has been rated highly on LookFantastic, as one person said: “It has a lightweight formula, and it lathers well without being too harsh and rinses out easily without leaving residue buildup. My scalp feels healthier, and I’ve seen less breakage when brushing and styling. It adds volume, which is great for finer or ageing hair.”

Another added: “This serum is so good. It has attractive packaging and is easy to use with the dropper. I have been using it for a while; it’s lightweight, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. I have noticed my hair looks healthier, fuller, and smoother than before.”

A third person wrote as part of a longer review: “This serum makes my scalp feel so much healthier. I’ve been using it daily for a month now and will definitely be repurchasing to use long term.”

A handful of others disagreed slightly, as one said: “Really good shampoo! Although I originally thought it was sulphate free, after doing my research I realised it wasn’t, so I have only used it a few times as I didn’t want to ruin my hair extensions, really good product though and durable.”

Another added: “It gives a deep clean and leaves my scalp feeling fresh, almost tingly, which I actually like. After using it, my hair felt a bit stronger and looked fuller, but it’s not a dramatic change.”