Shark SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush Review: A Game-Changer for Effortless Styling

Discover how the Shark SmoothStyle delivers a salon-level blowout quickly and easily—even for styling beginners.

By Medha deb
Created on

If you’ve ever scrolled through beauty TikTok or visited your favorite beauty websites lately, chances are you’ve come across the Shark SmoothStyle Hair Dryer Brush. Promising a bombshell blowout in minutes and all-in-one functionality, this tool has quickly built a devoted following. But is it truly worth the hype, or is it just another gadget destined for the back of your drawer?

First Impressions: Meet the Shark SmoothStyle

The Shark SmoothStyle is far from your average hair brush. Described as a hybrid tool, it combines a heated comb, blow dryer, and smoothing brush all in one. With its mix of sturdy nylon and boar bristles, the brush offers a remarkable grip for easy styling, whether your hair is wet, damp, or dry.

  • Designed for use on wet or dry hair (dual mode)
  • Heated comb technology to straighten, smooth, add volume, or simply refresh your look
  • Claims to give a professional-quality blowout with minimal effort

This article dives into its real-world performance, usability, strengths, and weaknesses—plus how it compares with popular alternatives like the Revlon dryer brush.

User Profile: What Kind of Hair Was Tested?

Before we get to the results, let’s talk hair type. The tester for this in-depth review has:

  • Hair Type: Naturally wavy (2b texture), thick, coarse, and long (past the bust)
  • Resilience: Good at holding a curl, but can be resistant and frizzy
  • Previous experience: Regularly uses styling tools and has tried several high-end and drugstore blowout tools

How the Shark SmoothStyle Works: Modes and Technology

The SmoothStyle was engineered to make at-home styling straightforward for everyone, regardless of skill level. Its core appeal is its dual modes and advanced bristle design.

  • Wet Hair Mode: Dries and volumizes damp (or just washed) hair using hot air combined with the brush’s bristles—enabling a blowout from wet to styled in a single pass.
  • Dry Hair Mode: Uses a ceramic-coated heated comb to smooth, straighten, and add finishing touches—they claim it won’t cause heat damage thanks to the controlled temperature settings.

The heated comb reaches up to 215°C (419°F) in Dry Hair Mode, while in Wet Hair Mode, only the airflow heat is active. The robust bristles allow it to grip hair sections up to nearly three inches wide while smoothing from root to tip.

Step-by-Step Experience: Putting the SmoothStyle to the Test

Armed with nothing but a heat protectant and the manufacturer’s Flex SmoothStyle Guide, the tester jumped in:

  1. Sectioning: Hair was split into five sections to enable even drying and reduce styling strain.
  2. Wet Hair Mode: Starting at about 70% damp, each section was dried and styled by brushing from roots out, twisting the brush away from the face for a loose-bounce effect.
  3. Results: Shockingly, it took just 11 minutes to move from damp hair to a bouncy, polished blowout. Some extra passes were needed on very thick parts, but most sections dried and smoothed easily.
  4. Finishing Touches: A quick sweep with Dry Hair Mode added extra smoothness and a glossy finish.

The before-and-after difference was described as “incredibly fresh, voluminous, shiny, and smooth”—the kind of result usually guaranteed only by a professional stylist.

Performance Breakdown: Pros and Cons

Like every beauty tool, the Shark SmoothStyle isn’t perfect for everyone. Here’s a quick rundown of the major positives and some drawbacks that surfaced during testing.

ProsCons
Extremely lightweight (easy to handle for longer sessions)Dryer is on the loud side
User-friendly, even for beginnersLacks customizable heat settings
Dries and styles hair in under 25 minutesPricier than some other options
Brushes through thick and coarse hair with no tuggingSome sections (especially very thick hair) may need double brushing
Strong bristles grip large sections (nearly 3 inches wide)Bulky compared to compact dryers (but still travel-friendly)
Adds volume and serious shineHeat indicator only for Dry Hair Mode
Tames frizz and static easily
Suitable for refreshing second-day or non-wash hair as well

In-Depth: Key Features and Innovations

  • Heated Comb Technology: In Dry Hair Mode, the comb straightens and polishes while avoiding heat damage thanks to careful temperature control.
  • Dual Modes: Switch easily between Wet Hair Mode for blow-drying and Dry Hair Mode for finishing, smoothing, or refreshing.
  • Sturdy Bristles: Combination of boar and nylon bristles to grip and detangle, suitable for multiple hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily).
  • Gentle on Hair: Does not feel like it’s frying hair, even with repeated use.
  • Compact Design: Suitable for travel and small storage spaces despite its larger brush head.

This is a styling tool that goes beyond basic drying—it volumizes, smoothes, and styles hair in various states, and can even refresh hair between washes.

Comparisons: Shark SmoothStyle vs. Revlon Hair Dryer Brush

The dryer brush landscape has been dominated by the popular Revlon One-Step for years. So, how does the Shark SmoothStyle stack up?

FeatureShark SmoothStyleRevlon One-Step
Weight & ComfortLightweight, easy to hold for long sessionsHeavier, can tire hands during styling
Bristles & GripStronger bristles, easy detangling, minimal pullingWeaker bristles require more effort; possible tugging
ResultsDelivers shinier, smoother, more polished hairGood smoothing, but less shine and smoothness comparatively
PriceMore expensiveBudget-friendly
Heat SettingsSingle temperature per modeMultiple heat settings

Who Should Use the Shark SmoothStyle?

The device’s easy handling and effective grip make it especially beneficial for:

  • Those with long, thick, coarse, or wavy hair seeking quick blowouts
  • People who struggle with typical blow dryers or round brushes
  • Travelers or gym-goers who want a multifunctional tool in a compact design
  • Beginner stylists or anyone nervous about heat styling
  • Anyone wanting to refresh day-old styles quickly

Tips for Best Results with the Shark SmoothStyle

  • Always start with a heat protectant to minimize any risk of heat damage
  • Work in small sections for very thick or textured hair
  • In Wet Hair Mode, start at roots and twist away from the face for extra bounce and volume
  • For touch-ups, use Dry Hair Mode to smooth frizz or add shine without heavy heat exposure
  • Clean the brush head regularly to maintain peak performance and hygiene

Expert Verdict: Is the Shark SmoothStyle Worth the Investment?

After extensive testing, the consensus is clear: The Shark SmoothStyle is one of the best hair tools on the market—especially for those who lack time, patience, or confidence for daily styling. Despite a higher price point, its ability to deliver a pro-quality blowout at home, ease of use, and suitability for nearly all hair types justifies the investment for many users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Shark SmoothStyle

How long does it take to style hair with the Shark SmoothStyle?

For medium to long, thick hair, a full blowout can be completed in as little as 11 to 25 minutes—from partially damp to smooth and bouncy.

Does the SmoothStyle work for all hair types?

Yes, it’s engineered for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. Users with extremely thick or textured hair may find best results by working in smaller sections with multiple passes.

Can the SmoothStyle refresh hair between washes?

Absolutely. The Dry Hair Mode is intended for touching up bedhead, ponytail creases, and reviving day-old styles without complete rewashing or restyling.

Is it safe for damaged or color-treated hair?

The SmoothStyle’s heat technology is controlled to prevent heat damage, but always apply a heat protectant and avoid excessive passes for especially fragile or color-treated hair.

Is the device portable and travel-friendly?

Despite a larger brush head, the tool remains compact enough for travel or gym bags, making it a versatile companion for frequent stylers on the go.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your At-Home Hair Routine

If salon-level blowouts with minimal effort are on your wish list, the Shark SmoothStyle deserves a spot on your vanity. It’s not just a trend; it’s a serious upgrade to your daily hair routine, eliminating the gap between professional styling and at-home convenience. For beginners and pros alike, this brush redefines what at-home hair styling can look and feel like.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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