Latest news with #FlexFusion
CNN
30-07-2025
- CNN
The Shark FlexFusion is the only hair tool that can tame my unruly hair
I've long had a love-hate relationship with my wild, curly and unmanageably thick hair, and I have mostly leaned toward hate. It's an epic odyssey to style my hair — believe me, I've tried and tested many a hair tool. But it all changed when I tested the Shark FlexFusion, a multi-styler designed to dry, straighten, volumize and shape hair without the back-breaking strain or heat damage of traditional styling tools. For years, I brushed, sprayed, straightened, pinned, sizzled and fried my way through endless frizz. The concept of 'multi-styling' wasn't even in my vocabulary. But with the FlexFusion, I can now rely on a single device to deliver a smooth blowout, lasting curls and faster drying times, all while being gentle on my fragile, damaged hair. I don't trust most hair tools. But the Shark FlexFusion earned a spot in my routine. Here's why. Shark FlexFusion Multi-Styler Shark's wet-to-dry styler has become a staple in my hair routine. Although the set is customizable, the standard system comes with a handy round brush, auto-wrap curlers, a frizz-fighting finishing tool and a styling concentrator. But don't forget that the base also acts as a blow-dryer. It's less damaging than most hair stylers As someone with curly hair prone to breakage, I've learned to be especially cautious when using heated styling tools. After more than two decades of straightening (rather, burning) my hair with devices that can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the damage is hard to ignore. For years, I believed extreme heat was the only way to get the sleek, straight hair I coveted. But the Shark FlexFusion multi-styler disrupted that idea. Unlike traditional tools that can feel like they're scorching your strands, the FlexFusion uses style-safe technology that actively regulates heat, keeping the temperature below 230 degrees Fahrenheit during styling. It even features a no-heat setting that speeds up air-drying without applying any heat at all — a welcome change for heat-damaged hair. Built with ceramic plates, the FlexFusion also allows for effective styling at lower temperatures, delivering smooth blowouts and defined curls without the high-heat risk. The device monitors heat up to 1,000 times per second to prevent hot spots and minimize the risk of burned or split ends. For me, that means my hair still feels somewhat soft, rather than crisp, after use. Discovering the scalp shield mode was a game changer too. The high-velocity airflow protects the scalp from extreme heat, which was so validating to find as someone who has struggled to target hair close to the roots. Still, even with the advanced tech, experts recommend applying a heat protectant spray before styling. It's a small step that can go a long way in keeping your hair healthy. It's very versatile The Shark FlexFusion is, in my humble opinion, one of the most underrated hair tools on the market. It truly does it all. With one device and a set of customizable attachments, I can achieve a voluminous blowout; a sleek, straightened look; or effortless curls. I can also just dry my hair. And that's all without needing multiple tools. One feature many users overlook is that the base of the styler rotates, allowing it to seamlessly switch from dryer to styler. The core FlexFusion set includes the following. The wet-or-dry fusion straightener: a ceramic iron designed to deliver smooth, straight styles in just a few passes, with significantly less risk of heat damage. The wet-or-dry fusion brush: a round brush with a mix of boar and nylon bristles that adds volume while minimizing tugging and breakage. Its wide surface area also speeds up the blow-drying process. This is the attachment I reach for most often. Two 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers: one for each side of the head, to create soft, bouncy curls without extreme heat. The FrizzFighter finishing tool: ideal for smoothing down flyaways and giving hair a polished finish. The styling concentrator: a rotating nozzle that helps direct airflow with precision, is particularly useful for targeting roots or setting styles in place. For anyone looking to streamline their styling routine while minimizing heat damage, the FlexFusion offers versatility and innovation in one sleek package. It saves me time and spares my arms As someone who lacks upper-body strength — and has a head of thick hair — drying my hair used to be a workout in itself. Holding a bulky appliance for an extended period, often in awkward positions, left me exhausted after just a few passes. Before I started using the Shark FlexFusion, it could take me 45 minutes to an hour to get my hair straight. With the FlexFusion, I can go from wet to dry in under 30 minutes — sometimes in as little as 20, depending on the day and humidity levels. That efficiency comes from its high-velocity airflow and smart heat control, allowing for fast, effective styling without the risk of damage. The device operates at 1,400W, outperforming the typical 1,200W dryers and making a noticeable difference in speed and performance. Looks actually last all day The Shark FlexFusion delivers styles that last, not just throughout the day, but for multiple days if properly maintained. To put it to the test, I brought it to the pros on the CNN Hair and Makeup team. And I'm not exaggerating when I say we were all seriously impressed. Stylist Laura Gattini styled the left side of my hair using the Shark and the right side with the widely praised Dyson AirWrap. While she noted that the Shark felt heavier, less refined and slightly clunkier to maneuver, the results told a different story. The curls created with the Shark held their shape throughout my entire day. The Dyson-styled side, on the other hand, quickly fell flat and began to frizz as time went on. It's more affordable There's no shortage of multi-stylers on the market, from T3 to Dyson, with brands like Chi and Drybar also offering versions. But in terms of value, the Shark FlexFusion truly stands out. Yes, it's $350, which isn't cheap, and it's not without flaws, but Dyson's AirWrap is $600, and the FlexFusion proved to be the more capable styling tool. That's undeniably valuable. What truly sets the FlexFusion apart is that it's the only multi-styler I've tested that truly works on thick, non-straight hair types. That alone makes it worth considering. And when you break down the cost, it equates to just two or three salon visits. Factor in the price of buying a separate hair dryer, flat iron, curling wand and diffuser, and the Shark begins to look like a smart investment. Is a multi-styler a worthy investment? It depends. If you rock your natural hair, you may only need a blow-dryer or diffuser. However, if you frequently find yourself at weddings, conferences and events, or you love regularly styling your hair, a multi-styler is a game changer. You'll save on salon visits and master your styling routine from the comfort of your home. And your technique will only get better with time, I promise. The Shark FlexFusion is the best multi-styler I've tested at the best price. Dyson's similar model can't top its powerful airflow with heat-controlled ceramic technology. It's also far more expensive. Plus, the FlexFusion's wet-to-dry mode saves me time with safe, efficient styling that protects hair integrity. With an intuitive design, the FlexFusion can recreate smooth, salon-style blowouts on even my dry, damaged hair. And again, the Scalp Shield automatically regulates temperature to protect the scalp from extreme heat, which is priceless to me. This one appliance can give you Farah Fawcett-level volume, body, bounce and shine that lasts all day — with less frizz. I know $350 is no small investment, but when it comes to saving in the long run, I vouch for the FlexFusion's lasting power. The following FAQs have been answered by hair and makeup expert Laura Gattini, hair colorist and stylist on CNN's Hair and Makeup team. How does this tool differ from a standard blow-dryer? How does this tool differ from a standard blow-dryer? 'A multi-styler differs from a standard blow-dryer in so many ways,' Gattini said. 'You just need the one tool to achieve different styles, whereas with a blow-dryer, you will also need a brush and another tool, such as a curling iron, to create movement and waves. Another notable difference is that you only use one hand versus a blow-dryer in one hand and a brush in another to style.' Why are hair dryers damaging to hair? Why are hair dryers damaging to hair? 'Hair dryers can possibly be damaging to hair with an inexperienced user,' Gattini said. 'Too much heat, too much tension with a brush and improper use of the brush can create dry, brittle or damaged hair.' What are the advantages of using a multi-styler versus a blow-dryer? What are the advantages of using a multi-styler versus a blow-dryer? Put simply, ease of use. 'The ability to use just one hand reduces the risk of tiring out in a blowout,' Gattini said. 'You don't need much skill to achieve your desired result. Also, the convenience of having one tool to dry and curl can be cost-effective and space-saving.' How can I protect my hair from heat damage? How can I protect my hair from heat damage? 'Always make sure you are using your tools properly,' Gattini said. 'Never keep the heat on a section for too long or go over the same section too many times. Make sure heat settings are set to your specific needs. Use good prep products such as a heat protectant, and depending on the texture and dryness of your hair, use products that will add moisture and seal the cuticle.' What are the best products to use to maintain a styled look after using the Shark multi styler? What are the best products to use to maintain a styled look after using the Shark multi styler? 'Finish off with an anti-humidity spray or hair oil (depending on texture) to further seal the cuticle,' Gattini said. 'This is key for protecting your hair, locking in moisture and securing the style. A light hair spray can also be used.' For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insights on all things multi-stylers. Laura Gattini, hair colorist and stylist on CNN's Hair and Makeup team, with over 20 years of industry experience, specializing in hair extensions and styling CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, CNN Underscored associate testing writer Carolina Gazal personally tested each of the accessories on the Shark FlexFusion to vouch for their all-star quality.
Emirates Woman
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
How to get the Kim Kardashian Met Gala 2025 look
Beauty by Sarah Joseph 60 mins ago As a glamourous Cowgirl, Kim Kardashian nailed her beauty look for The Met Gala this year. The 2025 theme explored Black style and the history of dandyism, which the SKIMS founder nailed effortlessly. The make-up artist Mario, ensured he gave that effortless smokey eye look with a warm matte-finish for that natural glow. For those who want to recreate the Kim Kardashian Met look, you can do so with other makeup products that give the same effect. While the the ultimate conversation piece of her look were those sleek, sculpted waves. Per WWD, The star's longtime hair stylist Chris Appleton used Shark Beauty's FlexFusion styling system, but not before prepping her hair with the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. The TV star stepped onto the iconic blue carpet in a striking black leather ensemble designed by Chrome Hearts, featuring a corset top, complemented by an ultra low-rise skirt. The outfit was adorned with rows of diamonds around her neck, giving it an edgy flair that perfectly suited the evening's theme. By adding to the overall look, Emirates Woman has curated all the editor-approved products to purchase to recreate this. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The hero Color Wow spray that turned hair into 'liquid glass' at this year's Met Gala
For this year's Met Gala red carpet, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton used Color Wow's cult favourite spray to create Kim Kardashian's ultra-sleek and glass-like hair The fashion might be the stand out of the Met Gala's red carpet each year, but the hair and beauty are the quiet unsung heroes which tie the celeb's looks together. This year was all about sleek and glossy 'dos, with Kim Kardashian in particular opting for glass-like hair to reflect her glossy all-black outfit. For her look, Kim's go-to hair stylist Chris Appleton used Color Wow's cult favourite Dream Coat Supernatural Spray to prep her hair for the event, which not only kept it sleek and shiny, but helped prevent frizz from appearing throughout the night. The humidity-fighting spray is usually priced at £27, but you can currently nab your own bottle for £20.25 in LookFantastic's sale. To create Kim's look – which was finished off with a patent leather hat – Chris started by applying the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray all over her hair, with the spray requiring a liberal amount of spraying to get the desired effect. To activate the frizz-fighting treatment you need to use heat and tension, with Chris using Shark Beauty's FlexFusion to style Kim's hair, with the multi-styler also currently on sale, down from £369.99 to £332. The combination of tension and heat helps to seal your strands, creating that enviable glass-like finish whilst also stopping frizz and flyaways from popping up. For Kim's classic blow dried curls, Chris first used the FlexFusion's concentrator attachment to rough dry her hair, before swapping to the wet or dry fusion brush attachment to smooth everything out and create the mirror-like shine. Finally, he used the 1.25' auto-wrap curler attachments to shape Kim's hair, creating defined, natural-looking curls. The Dream Coat Supernatural Spray also acts as a heat protectant, so you don't need to worry about heat damage whilst using your styling tools. To help keep the finished style in place, Chris applied Color Wow's Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray, £29.50, before adding a final spritz of Color Wow's Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray (also now on sale down from £28 to £21 at Sephora) to double up the gloss and give it a long-lasting finish. Usually gloss-boosting products only last until your next hair wash, but the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray typically lasts up to three or four washes, meaning your hair will continue to look shiny and healthy even without excessive styling each time. Some shoppers have found it slightly tricky to use at home, with one reviewer saying: 'I don't get it! I appreciate that 1000's of people have claimed this stuff is a game changer but I have tried this multiple times and I see no difference and feel no difference in my hair at all! For context I have highlighted thick wavy shoulder length hair I blow dry it 3/4 times a week and this does nothing for shine, minimising frizz or any of the things people have said they felt! I don't get it!' However another explained: 'I think this could be quite hard for some to use as you have to dry your hair in a really specific way with it but if you can get the hang of it, this product is incredible. It leaves my hair feeling and looking smooth and sleek for multiple washes and I get compliments asking if I've had my hair done. If you struggle with frizz, try this!!' Another agreed: 'Great product but have to hack how to use it for it to truly work - takes a lot of product but once you have the hang of it is great.' Others raved about it, saying they'll never stop using it and it's made a dramatic difference to their hair, earning it almost 2,500 five star reviews at LookFantastic.
WIRED
04-05-2025
- Business
- WIRED
9 Great Deals on Mother's Day Gifts
Get Mom something special and save some money on it, too. Plenty of our recommendations are on sale. All products featured on Wired are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. 'Tis the time of year for Mother's Day deals. It can be hard to find the perfect gift for the best woman in the universe, especially if you (like many of us) are on a tight budget right now. Luckily, we at WIRED do this for a living. We've curated lists of the best gifts for moms and mother figures, and the best gifts for women, plus a few of our top picks and services are on sale ahead of Mother's Day. You've still got time to shop before the big day arrives on May 11. We'll update this post again before then. Need some inspiration? Aside from the aforementioned gift guides, be sure to check out our lists of the Best Flower Delivery Services, the Best Chocolate Gift Boxes, the Best Pajamas for Women, and the Best Scented Candles. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today . Deals on Mother's Day Gifts Amazon Shark ($264, Blossom Bliss) The Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is similar to the Dyson AirWrap, but is much less expensive. It can curl, smooth, and blow-dry. In fact, the version that comes with an air straightener, the FlexFusion ($75 off with the code FUSION75), is also one of our favorite blow-dry brushes. The model at Amazon is the silver color, but if your mom would prefer a limited-edition pink floral model, Shark has a sale bringing the price down to $264. We love Atlas Coffee Club, an excellent coffee subscription. We love AndSons, an excellent chocolatier. The two companies have collaborated on this wonderful gift set, which contains six bags of popular single-origin coffee roasts, plus two truffles to pair with each roast. It's a good value at full cost, but saving $10 never hurt anybody. Amazon Birdfy (Lifetime AI, $150) This is our very favorite smart bird feeder. It'll send smartphone notifications when a bird is getting some grub, and it has AI recognition that (usually) correctly identifies the species. You can opt for a lifetime subscription of the AI recognition for a slightly higher cost, though Birdfy itself has the lifetime subscription cheaper than Amazon does. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane The Bouqs Co. is one of our favorite flower delivery services. It works with sustainable farms, and there are plenty of stunning bouquets and vases to choose from. I personally use this service every time I get flowers delivered, either to myself or someone else, and I've always been impressed. Every model and color of the Skylight Frame 2 is on sale, with prices starting at $100. We recommend it in our Digital Picture Frames Buying Guide. This uses Skylight's Snap Frames, which means Mom can easily (and affordably) change how the entire thing looks. You can email photos or use the app to upload photos to the frame, and you can pinch and zoom the photos on the frame itself. This is an excellent way to show off the digital photos that all too often live exclusively on our phones. Calpak has a Mother's Day sale going that gets you 15 percent off orders over $100. We recommend Calpak products in a few guides, but we especially love this mini diaper backpack that works well for toting stuff. WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell likes it so much that she uses it for solo outings when she's not using it as a diaper bag. It's pretty roomy despite its miniature size, and there are a few pockets for additional organization. Photograph: Scott Gilbertson We recommend this company's excellent, lightweight cast iron skillets, which are expensive and basically never go on sale. This is a rare chance to save on both the 8-inch and 6-inch skillets. You'll also get a leather handle cover, a mini turner, and a cast iron care kit. WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson says the pans are easy to maneuver and that the seasoning holds up well. I've been testing this quilt as the Midwestern weather gets warmer, and I think it'll be perfect for summer. It's available in a ton of fun colors—I'm a big fan of the brown-toned '70s hues—and the texture of the crinkly cotton keeps me warm without being too heavy. It's soft and airy, but still feels substantial enough to let my body fall asleep. I don't think there's been a single Cozy Earth product we've tested that we didn't like on the WIRED Reviews team, but these pajamas are a top pick in our recently published guide to The Best Pajamas. They're supremely soft and cozy, and available in a wide array of sizes, colors, and patterns to suit any mother. The bamboo viscose blend is cool and breathable, so she'll be set for the summer.
WIRED
13-04-2025
- WIRED
GHD's Duet Blowdry Packs Power and Fantastic Styling—for a Price
GHD says the Duet Blowdry checks the surface temperature of the device 400 times per second to make sure it's maintaining the heat throughout your use—even more than the 250 times a second in GHD's similarly equipped Chronos Max hair straightener (7/10, WIRED Review). Also similar to the Chronos straightener, which has just one heat setting of 365 degrees Fahrenheit, the Blowdry only heats to a single heat level: 248 degrees Fahrenheit, which GHD says is an optimum low styling temperature. While 248 degrees is low compared to other heat tools like straighteners or curling irons, it is on the hotter end for blow-dry brushes, which often offer heat levels closer to 200 (though the highest level on some, like the Revlon, reaches up to 240 degrees). The Duet Blowdry also promises virtually no heat damage. I think this will hugely depend on how delicate your hair is and if you're using a heat protectant as you should be, since you are using a heat tool on your hair and wet hair is especially delicate. While GHD describes this as a wet-to-dry brush, the brand says you can't really create a shape with your hair until it's 80 percent dry, but you can still use the Duet Blowdry to get your hair to that 80 percent point before using it to truly style your hair. Personally, I just wait until my hair is somewhat dry to even start using it, but you might want more drying assistance if you have longer hair. Lovely Locks Photograph: Nena Farrell Whether or not the heat damage claims are true, the blowout itself is fantastic. I'm consistently impressed with how much volume I get without feeling like I'm in a wind tunnel, and I have fewer flyaways than I usually would. My blowout lasts longer, too, looking better than usual on day two or three thanks to the low-frizz results without losing volume or getting oily like my hair does after a serious hair-straightener sesh. Is it worth the splurge? Personally, as someone who uses one of these devices after every hair wash day, it would be worth it for me. It's the best result I've gotten by far. While it is twice the price of a Drybar or T3 blow-dry brush, the less frizz and smoother results that last for days are something I'd splurge on for my everyday tool. However, it is a bummer that for the price, you're only getting a single tool. It makes sense considering the design and technology packed into it that's specifically made for a blowout brush, and thus why it's such a good blowout brush, but other similarly priced options like the Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or FlexFusion have a similar price point and come with multiple attachments. Still, my editor finds she still needs to follow up with a proper flat iron after a blowout with her FlexFusion, while I certainly don't need one after a morning with the Duet Blowdry.
