I Put Shark’s New Ionic Air Styler to the Test
After testing hot tools for the past 20-plus years of beauty reporting, I’ve learned that they’re not one-size-fits-all. A hair dryer that creates glasslike smoothness on thick, coarse hair can flatten volume on fine hair (like mine) that’s already naturally smooth.
So when I got the opportunity to try the new Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Air Drying, Curling, and Styling System that promises to reduce static, frizz, and flyaways, while leaving hair visibly shinier and healthier-looking with its Ion Smooth Technology, I was curious if it would leave my hair too sleek. I remembered reporting a hot-tools story years ago and learning that certain features, including ionic technology, can be a bit too smoothing for those of us with fine hair and a soft texture.
Ionic stylers emit negative ions to seal the hair cuticle. This creates a sleek look for thick hair, but it can eliminate the body that gives fine strands a fuller appearance. I almost never give myself (or get) a sleek blowout. I’m always looking for more volume and body via loose waves, and I’m one of those people who likes their hair better with a little humidity in the air because it gives it more oomph.
