Shark Style iQ review: is this affordable Dyson dupe worth the money?

Shark may be known for its award-winning vacuum cleaners, but it's also revolutionising the world of beauty gadgets. Meet the Shark Style iQ hair dryer and styler - one of the new generation of hair dryers that promises fast drying results, no heat damage and long-lasting styling for all hair types. We were lucky enough to test it out - read on for our thoughts!

First impressions: a sophisticated styler

The Shark Style iQ Hair Dryer and Styler is both sophisticated and snazzy. On first inspection, it looks expensive and professional. When you unpack it from the rather large box, you’ll find the hair dryer plus its two attachments included. There are safety instructions and guidance on how to use the device inside. We couldn’t wait to use it.

Design: sleek and straightforward to use

The design is impressive - it’s smart and sleek in a black and rose gold colour tone, yet compact for easy storage and straightforward to navigate for ease of use. While it might look similar to Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer, the Shark features a traditional fan and motor.

This hair dryer features a circular head with a powerful motor neatly located in the handle. The controls can be found on the body of the hair dryer, not the handle - this is a super thought-through design decision, so you don’t mistakenly switch the controls when using.

It’s comfortable and light to hold in your hand, preventing any unnecessary arm ache and is fixed with a 2.5m power cord - very useful if your power points aren’t directly next to where you usually dry your hair. We had no problem with this length, with no need to use an extension cord.

Usability and functionality: covers all the basics but missing some helpful features

The Style iQ Hair Dryer and Styler is easy to use, store and clean. It reacts quickly once turned on and functions at a fairly low noise for minimal disturbance. It comes with a small filter cleaning brush for easy maintenance and is small and neat to pack away. It’s a shame it doesn’t come with its own storage case or box, but this is easy enough to shop around for!

Features

This hair dryer and styler uses Shark’s intelligent iQ technology. This provides high-velocity heated ionised air for fast drying results, minus the heat damage. That might sound slightly complicated, but it basically means generating a speedy and powerful heat to dry the hair fast but damage-free - that’s enough for us!

There are three temperature settings: low, medium and high, and three airflow settings: low, medium and high. Either manually switch between the settings using the controls on the body of the device, or let the clever technology automatically do it for you. That’s right; the hair dryer can intuitively auto-adjust its heat and airflow settings to provide the optimum conditions for your hairstyle.

This auto-adjust feature works by recognizing the attachment you are using and automatically adjusting it accordingly. This means you will get the ideal temperature and airflow settings for your desired look. The hair dryer also features a cool shot button to lock in your styles - this will give the finishing touch for long-lasting hairstyles.

Attachments

This hair dryer set comes with two attachments - the concentrator and the diffuser. Both magnetically attach to the head of the dryer for a quick and simple fitting. (There are instructions on how to use both included).

The concentrator is best used for drying your hair quickly and has a little lever on the nozzle to adjust its depth for different purposes. For a pre-styling mode, slide the lever to the left to extend the nozzle - this will give a wider airpath for an all-over quick dry. Slide the lever to the right to retract the nozzle for a precision styling mode, creating a narrow airpath for shaping and styling. The concentrator will produce a smooth and styled finish for soft and sleek-looking locks.

The diffuser works with short fine hair and thick long hair and also features a lever to retract or extend the prongs as desired. This attachment is great for those with wavy and curly hair types, providing a wider airflow from root to tip to enhance your natural style.

There are other styling attachments available for this model. Try the Style iQ Brush for detangling, smoothing, and styling your hair as it dries, or the Style iQ AirWave for mastering that beach wave in no time - however, you will have to buy this separately from Shark for £29.99.

Safety

Essential safety instructions come with the hair dryer - be sure to read up before using it. It’s important to use electrical devices away from water, such as baths and showers, and make sure to always unplug when finished using them. This hair dryer is equipped with a motor-protective thermostat - if the device is overheating, it will automatically turn off.

Price: cheaper than a Dyson, but not exactly 'cheap'

While the Shark Style iQ Hair Dryer and Styler's RRP of £179.99 isn't in Dyson territory (prices for that top-of-the-range hair dryer start at £239.99), it definitely isn't an impulse buy. However, you can find the Shark Style iQ online with some pretty impressive discounts - including £30 off at Currys.

Even with discounts applied, it's still a pretty expensive hair dryer, sure, but given its functionality and features (and professional look), we think it's a worthwhile investment if you have the budget. Additional attachments vary from £19.99 to £39.99.

Performance: results and our verdict

Shark Style iQ Hair Dryer and Styler does what it says, delivering on its promise to dry our hair healthily, without heat damage, and produce styles that last. It increases smoothness and shine while decreasing frizz and unwanted flyaways. Our hair dried quickly and fuss-free, it felt soft and silky, and for someone with naturally quite frizzy, curly hair - we got it under control! For speedy, salon-standard results, we’d definitely recommend it, so long as the price isn't too much of a sticking point.

Who is the Shark Style iQ hair dryer and styler best for?

All hair types! Whether long or short, thick or fine, curly or straight, the Style iQ caters to all hair types. It’s easy to function and can be used to create all the styles you want - from sleek and straight to bouncy blow dries, thanks to its intelligent attachments.

Shark Style iQ Hair Dryer and Styler specifications

Want to read more haircare guides? Check out our best hairdryers, best hair straighteners and best hair curlers guides, where we speak to top stylists about their favourite hair tools. We also have a guide to the best shampoos and best conditioners, where our hair experts talk us through the products they love and what you should look to avoid when making your next purchase.