As a hairstylist with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the pleasure (and sometimes the frustration) of working with countless hair dryers—ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end professional models. When I first heard about the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Hair Dryer, I was intrigued by its bold claims of ultra-fast drying and a salon-quality glossy finish. Shark, a brand best known for its innovative home appliances, has recently ventured into the beauty space, and I was curious to see if their hair dryer could live up to the hype. So, I decided to put it to the test in my salon. Here’s my honest review, based on both my professional experience and insights from clients and fellow stylists.
Introduction to the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Hair Dryer
The Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Hair Dryer is a compact, lightweight hair dryer designed to deliver fast drying times and a smooth, glossy finish. It’s part of Shark’s growing lineup of beauty tools, and it’s clear the brand has applied its expertise in engineering to create a dryer that promises both power and precision. What caught my attention right away was its RapidGloss Finisher attachment, which claims to reduce frizz and enhance shine using advanced airflow technology. As someone who’s always on the lookout for tools that can streamline my styling process without compromising hair health, I was eager to see if this dryer could deliver.
Features and Technology: What Sets It Apart?
Let’s dive into the features that make the Shark SpeedStyle stand out. Based on my research and hands-on experience, here are the key highlights:
- High-Velocity Motor: The dryer boasts a powerful 1700W motor, which is designed for quick drying. In my salon, time is everything, so a dryer that can cut down on styling time is always a plus.
- RapidGloss Finisher: This unique attachment uses dual high-speed airflow to smooth flyaways and boost shine. It’s particularly appealing for clients who want that sleek, polished look without extra styling products.
- Smart Styling Technology: The dryer automatically adjusts heat and airflow based on the attached styler, which takes the guesswork out of styling. It also offers four heat settings, three airflow speeds, and a cool shot button—perfect for locking in styles.
- Lightweight Design: At just 1.69 lbs (approximately 0.75 kg), it’s one of the lightest professional-grade dryers I’ve used. This is a game-changer for stylists who spend hours blow-drying hair.
- No Heat Damage: One of the most impressive claims is that the dryer regulates temperature 1,000 times per second to stay below 230°F (110°C), preventing heat damage. As a stylist, protecting my clients’ hair is a top priority, so this feature really stood out.
These features make the Shark SpeedStyle sound like a dream tool, but how does it perform in real life? Let’s find out.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Initial Thoughts
When I first unboxed the Shark SpeedStyle, I was immediately struck by its sleek, compact design. It’s smaller than most professional dryers I’ve used, which makes it perfect for travel or for stylists with limited storage space. The dryer comes with several attachments, including the RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, and Turbo Concentrator, among others. Each attachment is thoughtfully designed and easy to switch out, which is a must for busy salon environments.
Holding the dryer, I noticed how lightweight it is definitely a plus for reducing arm fatigue during long styling sessions. The controls are intuitive, with clearly marked buttons for heat, speed, and the cool shot function. Overall, my first impression was positive, but the real test would be how it performs on different hair types.
Performance Testing: Speed, Heat, and Noise
As a stylist, I need a dryer that can handle a variety of hair types and textures, from fine and delicate to thick and coarse. I tested the Shark SpeedStyle on several clients, and here’s what I found:
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Drying Time: True to its name, the SpeedStyle lives up to its “rapid” promise. On average, it took about 5-7 minutes to dry medium-length hair, which is significantly faster than many other dryers I’ve used. For clients with thick, curly hair, it still performed admirably, cutting down drying time by at least 30% compared to my usual dryer.
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Heat Distribution: The dryer’s smart technology ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for preventing hot spots that can damage hair. I never felt like the heat was too intense, even on the highest setting, and my clients didn’t experience any discomfort.
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Noise Level: One downside I noticed is that the dryer is a bit louder than some of the premium models on the market, like the Dyson Supersonic. While it’s not disruptively loud, it’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to noise or work in a quieter salon setting.
Overall, the performance was impressive, especially in terms of speed and heat control. The noise level is a minor drawback, but it’s not a dealbreaker for most users.
Styling Results: Glossy Finish and Frizz Control
Now, let’s talk about the results. The RapidGloss Finisher is the star of the show here, and I have to say, it delivers. After drying, I used the finisher on several clients, and the difference was noticeable. Hair looked shinier and felt smoother, with significantly fewer flyaways. One client with naturally frizzy hair was amazed at how sleek her blowout looked without the need for additional smoothing products.
For stylists, this is a huge win because it means less reliance on styling creams or serums to achieve that polished look. The QuickSmooth Brush also worked wonders for creating volume and smoothness in one step, making it ideal for clients who want a bouncy blowout.
However, I did find that the DefrizzFast Diffuser wasn’t as effective for defining curls as some dedicated curly hair dryers. While it did a decent job, clients with very tight curls might still prefer a more specialized tool.
Suitability for Different Hair Types
One of the things I always tell my clients is that the right hair dryer can make a world of difference in your styling routine. The Shark SpeedStyle is versatile enough to work for most hair types, thanks to its multiple heat and speed settings. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Fine or Delicate Hair: The lower heat settings are gentle enough to prevent damage, while still providing enough power to dry hair quickly.
- Thick or Coarse Hair: The high-velocity motor and Turbo Concentrator attachment make quick work of drying thick hair, and the RapidGloss Finisher helps tame frizz.
- Curly Hair: While the diffuser is decent, it may not be the best choice for very defined curls. However, for looser waves or enhancing natural texture, it works well.
In my experience, the dryer is best suited for straight-to-wavy hair types, but it can still be a valuable tool for curly-haired clients with the right technique.
Comparison with Other Hair Dryers
To give you a sense of how the Shark SpeedStyle stacks up against the competition, let’s compare it to two popular models: the Dyson Supersonic and the Revlon One-Step Volumizer.
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Vs. Dyson Supersonic: The Dyson is renowned for its quiet operation and innovative design, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The Shark SpeedStyle offers similar performance—fast drying, heat protection, and a glossy finish—at a more accessible price point. However, the Dyson is noticeably quieter, which might be a deciding factor for some.
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Vs. Revlon One-Step Volumizer: The Revlon is a budget-friendly favorite, especially for its ability to dry and style in one step. While it’s great for home use, it lacks the power and versatility of the Shark SpeedStyle, which is better suited for professional settings or users who want more control over their styling.
In short, the Shark SpeedStyle strikes a nice balance between performance and affordability, making it a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end market.
User Feedback: What Are People Saying?
To get a well-rounded view, I looked at feedback from other users, including fellow stylists and everyday consumers. Here’s a summary of what people are saying:
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Positive Feedback: Many users rave about the RapidGloss Finisher, noting that it leaves hair looking shinier and healthier. The lightweight design is also a big hit, especially for those who style their hair frequently.
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Negative Feedback: Some users have mentioned that the dryer is louder than expected, and a few have reported issues with the durability of the attachments over time. Additionally, while the price is lower than premium brands like Dyson, it’s still a significant investment for some.
Overall, the consensus is that the Shark SpeedStyle delivers on its promises, but it’s not without a few minor flaws.
Pros and Cons
Based on my experience and user feedback, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Ultra-fast drying time
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Effective frizz control with RapidGloss technology
- Multiple heat and speed settings for versatility
- Cool shot button for setting styles
- No heat damage thanks to smart temperature regulation
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to budget models
- Noise level is slightly higher than some competitors
- Diffuser may not be ideal for very tight curls
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After testing the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Hair Dryer on multiple clients and considering feedback from other users, I can confidently say it’s a solid investment for both professional stylists and home users who want salon-quality results. Its combination of speed, performance, and hair-friendly technology makes it stand out in a crowded market. While it’s not perfect—the noise level and price point might be drawbacks for some—the benefits far outweigh the cons.
If you’re looking for a dryer that can cut down on styling time, protect your hair from heat damage, and leave you with a glossy, frizz-free finish, the Shark SpeedStyle is definitely worth considering.
More: Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer Review
FAQs
Q: Is the Shark SpeedStyle suitable for all hair types?
A: Yes, its multiple settings make it versatile for different hair textures, though it’s particularly effective for straight to wavy hair.
Q: How does it compare to the Dyson Supersonic?
A: It offers similar performance at a lower price, though it’s slightly noisier. Both are excellent choices, but the Shark is more budget-friendly.
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
A: Typically, Shark products come with a one-year warranty, but it’s best to confirm with the retailer.
Q: Can I use it for curly hair?
A: Yes, but for very defined curls, you might need additional styling tools. The diffuser works well for looser waves.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but after using the Shark SpeedStyle on several clients, I’m genuinely impressed. It’s not often that a hair dryer lives up to its marketing claims, but this one does. If you’re in the market for a new dryer, I highly recommend giving it a try—you might just find your new favorite styling tool.
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