The Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer Review

Our review of the very first hair dryer from the Shark family, the Shark SpeedStyle, a premium, versatile tool that’s recommended for those ready to take the leap to a high-end product.

Shark SpeedStyle review

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Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Long cord
  • Customisable options for various hair types
  • Effortless and efficient hair drying

Cons:

  • After extended use, some users may encounter difficulty rolling the Express Touch-Up brush
  • IQ LED light may not accurately indicate attachment placement
  • Expensive

Review Summary

The Shark SpeedStyle transforms the conventional hair dryer into a multifunctional styling tool. Beyond its core function of drying hair, this innovative device boasts a range of attachments catering to diverse hair styles. The comprehensive set allows for personalised combinations, ensuring versatility for users. While my long, straight hair benefits from the standard attachments, such as the efficient Express Touch-Up brush, the option to tailor the set for specific hair types, like curly or coily, adds an extra layer of customisation. The Shark SpeedStyle marks a shift in the paradigm of hair care tools, providing a holistic and adaptable solution for various styling needs.

Overall Rating: 
4/5

Build quality

Easy of Use

Performance

Versatility

Value for Money

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Design

The Shark SpeedStyle is lightweight at 625 grams (without attachments) and easy to handle. Its compact design, made of durable plastic, sets it apart from traditional bulkier hair dryers. The extended cord provides ample room for movement during hair care routines.

The sleek, long, and thin handle, along with a practical barrel design, not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures a comfortable grip. The user-friendly design simplifies the hair styling process, featuring four buttons: one for a cool shot in the front and three in the back for power, airflow, and temperature control. Overall, the Shark SpeedStyle is both stylish and practical.

Shark SpeedStyle in hand

What's In The Box

In the box, you'll find the hair dryer, safety instructions, and a styling guide. Additionally, there are five attachments suitable for various hairstyles:

  • DefrizzFast Diffuser: for those with wavy and defined curls, specifically designed to enhance natural textures while minimising frizz. Its unique construction ensures gentle and efficient drying without compromising curl definition.
  • Turbo Concentration: for achieving sleek and straight styles, provides a powerful, focused airflow. This targeted approach is ideal for individuals seeking a polished, smooth look with minimal effort.
  • Quicksmooth Brush: tailored for voluminous straight styles, designed to add body and volume to your hair while maintaining a straight and sleek appearance. It's a go-to attachment for those aiming for a full and luscious look.
  • Express Touch-Up Brush: for smoothing and taming specific areas like bangs, layers, and ends. Its precise design allows for quick touch-ups, ensuring a polished and well-groomed finish.
  • RapidGloss Finisher: it leaves your hair with a high-shine finish, enhancing the overall lustre and smoothness. Ideal for those who want to make a lasting impression with a glossy, polished look.

Hidden underneath the box is a travel pouch, which I admittedly didn't notice until realising there should be one. After a bit of searching, I found it placed towards the end of the box.

Shark SpeedStyle travel pouch

How to use it 

To begin drying your hair, turn on the power button at the bottom of the handle. Adjust the airflow and temperature according to your preferences using the two buttons above the power button.

There are three levels of airflow (low, medium, and high) and four levels of temperature (no heat, low, medium, and high).

To change the mode, simply click on these two buttons until you reach your desired airflow and temperature.

Additionally, there is a cool shot on the handle near the detachment spot. For those with wavy, coily, or curly hairstyles, they recommend using the DefrizzFast diffuser for more efficient and even drying from root to tip.

Shark SpeedStyle buttons
Shark SpeedStyle lock switch

Once your hair is about 80% dry, you can start styling using the included attachments. Insert your preferred styler into the nozzle on the barrel. Once you hear a click, it means the styler is attached correctly.

The handle also has an IQ LED light that turns solid white when a styler is attached. However, this light stays on even when it's attached incorrectly. I hope they can make this function smarter to recognize this issue in future upgraded models.

Once you finish styling, simply release the styler by sliding the detachment lock located underneath the barrel.

Shark SpeedStyle IQ

There are recommendations regarding heat and airflow for each styler, but fortunately, you don't have to remember them. When you attach the styler, the device automatically records the default airflow and temperature. However, you can adjust these settings to suit your preferences.

Performance and test results

As advertised, the Shark SpeedStyle promises up to 6 times less frizz, ensuring a fast, heat-damage-free drying experience. It's now my preferred choice for achieving a fantastic hair look in just 7 minutes. With my medium-length and voluminous hair, it effortlessly dries on the lowest heat setting, and I don't even need additional attachments.

One thing to note is that the high heat is too hot for my preference, so I only use low or medium temperature settings. While I understand that some attachments recommend high heat, I still achieve the style I want with the lower heat settings.

Among all the attachments, I particularly love the express touch-up brush. It's easy to use, and I've made it a routine to use it every time I dry my hair. After reaching 80% dryness, a quick run-through with this brush leaves my hair looking wonderfully smooth and beautiful, akin to when I go to the hair salon. The only downside is that it's a bit challenging to roll. After styling my hair for a long time, especially with my thick hair, my wrist starts feeling sore. I also tried the Quicksmooth brush. Personally, I didn't notice much difference before and after using this styler, but I appreciate the 360-degree rotation that allows me to position it just the way I like.

Now, let's discuss the RapidGloss finisher – it's a game-changer! After use, my hair boasts a shiny, polished finish that's hard to miss. All you have to do is place the dryer close to the root, hold it until your hair is attracted, then slowly glide down to the tip. The before-and-after pictures showcase the transformative effect of using a combination of the Express Touch-Up brush and RapidGloss finisher on my hair. The first image captures my hair when it's completely wet, and the second image reveals the stunning results after using these Shark SpeedStyle attachments.

Shark SpeedStyle test before
Shark SpeedStyle test after

Available sets 

The bundle I own is an ultimate gift set suitable for all hair styles. However, you also have the option to purchase combinations specifically designed for curly & coily hair or straight & wavy hair. What's even better is that you can build your own set, and these options provide a chance to save money if you don't require a full set.

For instance, with my long and straight hair, I didn't get to use the DefrizzFast Diffuser since it is designed for wavy and curly hair. While I might consider it in the future if I change my hairstyle, at present, I don't anticipate using it anytime soon. Similarly, individuals with wavy or defined curls may not find straight hair tools necessary. This is something worth considering.

Comparisons

Header

Shark Speedstyle

Dyson Supersonic

Shark Flexstyle

Dimensions

5 x 16.5 x 20 cm

9.7 x 20 x 24.5 cm

4.57 x 4.57 x 34.29 cm

Weight

625 grams

659 grams

680 grams

Power

1700W

1600W

1400W

Cord length

2.44m

2.8m

2.44m

Cool shot

Yes

Yes

Yes

Airflow settings

3

3

3

Temperature settings

3

3

3

Check price

Final thoughts

The Shark SpeedStyle comes with a hefty price tag – around $500 for the complete set with all five attachments. 

While this may seem steep, the option to customise and purchase attachments to suit your needs and reduce the overall cost is a practical solution. Personally, I would consider waiting for a sale to make the investment more economical.

Setting the cost aside, when comparing it to other options in the market (here’s our list of the best hair dryers in the Australian market), the Shark SpeedStyle still stands out for its versatility and powerful performance. It's an easy-to-use machine that delivers efficient results. 

Now, if you're wondering which one is better between the Shark SpeedStyle and the Shark FlexStyle, it depends on what you need. If you want a hair dryer with some styling options, go for the Shark SpeedStyle.

However, if you prefer a hair styler that can also dry your hair, then the Shark FlexStyle is the one for you. The decision ultimately boils down to your individual styling needs and the features that matter most to you in a hair care tool.