Shark has launched a new multi-styler for both wet and dry hair, and if you’re thinking, “Didn’t they release one about 10 months ago?” you’re correct. Shark revealed the Shark Glam in a press release on Aug. 11, branding it as “the first multi-styler featuring the flexibility of air styling and ceramic hot tool styling for salon-quality outcomes.” If you recall or purchased the Shark FlexFusion, this may seem puzzling.
As of Aug. 11, the Glam is exclusively available on the Sephora app and will be open to the public on Aug. 12 for $449 at Sephora and Shark’s official website. A quick review of the product pages for the Glam and the FlexFusion on Sephora’s site indicated some commonalities.
I have tried out the Shark beauty range and was impressed with the advancements behind tools such as the FlexStyle and the FlexFusion, so I was taken aback by the promotion for the new Glam tool. Shark’s Instagram preview implies this multi-styler is completely distinct. To find out more, I inquired with Shark regarding the differences between the Shark Glam and the Shark FlexFusion.
Shark’s representatives pointed out three primary distinctions between the Glam and the FlexFusion:
1. The Shark Glam attachments utilize innovative Heat Sense technology for enhanced heat distribution and temperature regulation.
2. The Shark Glam’s Silki straightener is “thinner and lighter” compared to the Shark FlexFusion Wet-or-Dry air straightener and features a sensor that automatically decreases airflow when idle.
3. The power cord is lighter, contributing to an overall lighter styler.
While I can’t personally comment on the lighter power cord or new heat sense technology just yet (the Glam is still en route to me for testing), the straightener attachment does seem more compact overall in the images of the multi-stylers displayed side by side.
Similar to the FlexFusion (and other Dyson AirWrap alternatives), the Shark Glam is available in various configurations. The initial price for the styler is $449 for five unique attachments, which makes it the highest starting price of any Shark multi-styler. Nevertheless, it provides the most attachment variety from any Shark base model.
In comparison, the Shark FlexFusion build-your-own models commence at $349.99 (for the straightener plus two attachments) or $399.99 for versions with the straightener and three additional distinct attachments. A variant of the FlexFusion that does not include the straightener attachment is available starting at $349.99 for four attachments.
The Shark Glam comes in two variants: straight & wavy and curly & coily. However, as of this moment, we could only find one Shark Glam model for sale online.
Here’s the summary for each:
Straight & Wavy
– Shark Glossi: a ceramic round brush that utilizes both heat and air for styling
– Shark Silki: an air straightener with ceramic hot plates designed for hair styling using air, heat, or both
– 1.25-inch Coanda Auto-Wrap curlers: curlers that “grasp” the hair for air styling, also featured on the Shark FlexFusion and FlexStyle
– FrizzFighter: a tool that employs Coanda air to capture and smooth flyaways
– Concentrator: a standard blow dryer attachment for directing airflow while drying
For comparison, the Shark FlexFusion does have a model with a nearly identical product lineup priced at $429.99. However, you won’t receive the slimmer straightener, lighter cord, or enhanced heat technology.
Curly & Coily
The curly & coily variant includes one additional attachment (noted below) compared to the curly & coily FlexFusion. The complete lineup is:
– Shark Glossi
– Shark Silki
– 1.25-inch Coanda Auto-Wrap curlers
– Curl Defining Diffuser
– Wide tooth comb*
The wide tooth comb is technically available on the FlexFusion, but only as part of the build-your-own options or for separate purchase.
It’s notable that Shark’s advancements regarding the heat technology seem to be aimed at individuals with type three and four hair. According to the press release, Shark Beauty CMO Kleona Mack stated, “Shark Glam was crafted to meet an unfulfilled demand – particularly with textured hair. Hair types 3 and 4 have frequently been overlooked in the styling tool sector, and we recognized it was time to elevate the standard.”
If you are particularly interested in the new attachments on both models, the individual attachments will be available for purchase and will fit on the main unit of the Fusion. However, you would still be missing out on the heat and airflow technology, which is integrated into the main unit of the Glam itself, according to a Shark representative.