5 in 1 Hair Styler Reviews: Best Models Compared in 2025
Anyone who’s stared at a $600 Dyson Airwrap and wondered if there’s a smarter way already knows the feeling — the good news is a handful of 5-in-1 hair stylers now promise the same multi-attachment magic for a fraction of the price. We compared six models across the budget-to-premium spectrum — from an Aldi dupe that sells out in hours to the editor-favorite Shark FlexStyle — so you can skip the guesswork.
Brands with 5-in-1 stylers reviewed: 6 ·
Average retail price range: $34.99–$299.99 ·
Editor-tested models in top SERP publications: 4 ·
Attachments included in typical set: 5
Quick snapshot
- Shark FlexStyle is the editor-recommended closest Dyson Airwrap alternative (Cosmopolitan UK)
- Revlon One-Step Multi Styler 5-in-1 is the top-rated budget option (Cosmopolitan UK)
- Aldi’s dupe has sold out across multiple drops (Aldi Special Buys)
- Revlon One-Step 5-in-1 is available at Boots and Currys (Boots)
- Exact future restock dates for Aldi styler
- Long-term durability of budget vs premium models
- Budget-friendly multi-stylers are expanding into new retail channels
- Shark FlexStyle continues gaining shelf space at John Lewis & Partners
- More brands likely to enter with Coanda-technology dupes
What is the best all-in-one hair styler?
Editors’ top picks for 2025
After testing multiple multi-stylers, Cosmopolitan UK (established editorial beauty team) landed on two clear winners depending on your budget. The Shark FlexStyle, at around £269.99 to £279, earned the “closest thing to the Dyson Airwrap” badge. For shoppers watching their wallet, the Revlon One-Step Multi Styler 5-in-1 — retailing around $34.99 — delivers solid results without the premium price tag.
Key features to compare across brands
Six key factors separate the best from the also-rans:
- Attachments: Every 5-in-1 styler reviewed includes five attachments, but the type varies. Shark FlexStyle comes with two 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers, an oval brush, a paddle brush, and a styling concentrator — the same set Cosmpolitan UK editors verified in lab testing (Cosmopolitan UK).
- Motor power: The Shark FlexStyle features a 1,400 W motor. Cheaper models typically run 1,000–1,200 W, which affects drying speed.
- Heat technology: Premium models use Coanda technology (same airflow tech as Dyson Airwrap) to wrap hair without extreme heat. Budget models rely more on ceramic coatings.
- Price range: $34.99 (Revlon) to $299 (Shark FlexStyle) — a nearly 10× spread.
- Weight and ergonomics: Heavier motors can tire arms during long styling sessions.
- Availability: Aldi drops are seasonal; Shark and Revlon have steady retail distribution.
Four models, one pattern: thicker, faster motors consistently produce better curl retention and faster dry times across editorial tests.
- Identify your hair type — straight, wavy, curly, or coily — to match the styler’s strengths.
- Decide your priority: curling precision (Dyson), volumizing speed (Shark), or budget entry (Revlon).
- Set a budget: under $50 (Aldi/Revlon), around $300 (Shark), or $600+ (Dyson).
- Compare attachments: verify the set includes tools you’ll actually use (curlers, brushes, concentrator).
- Read editorial reviews from trusted publications to confirm real-world performance.
Spending $299 on a Shark FlexStyle buys you a 1,400 W motor and Coanda tech. Spending $35 on Revlon buys you five attachments and a ceramic barrel — but you lose the curling wand performance and smart heat sensors.
Is the Shark 5 in 1 worth it?
Shark FlexStyle performance and price comparison
The Shark FlexStyle retails at approximately $299 (or £269.99–£279 in the UK market, per Cosmopolitan UK’s verified pricing). That’s roughly half the price of the Dyson Airwrap ($599 / £600). For that money, you get five attachments designed to curl, straighten, volumize, smooth, and define — all driven by a 1,400 W motor using Coanda technology, the same air-wrapping principle Dyson uses.
But is it actually worth the premium versus budget options?
While the FlexStyle costs half what Dyson charges, it’s still 6–8× more than the Aldi dupe or Revlon styler. You pay for the motor and Coanda tech — not just the attachment count.
Pros and cons of the Shark FlexStyle
Upsides
- Closest Dyson Airwrap alternative according to editorial head-to-head testing (Cosmopolitan UK)
- Better brush attachments than Dyson Airwrap (The Mom Edit, curly-hair testing)
- Superior hair dryer functionality compared to Dyson Airwrap
- Uses less direct heat, reducing potential damage
- Available at John Lewis & Partners
Downsides
- Reportedly weaker suction on curling wands than Dyson Airwrap (The Mom Edit)
- Less effective curl hold in direct comparison testing
- Weaker defrizzing tool compared to Dyson
- Still costs ~$299 — not a budget buy
“The Shark FlexStyle has better brush attachments than the Dyson Airwrap, making it a stronger choice for volumizing and smoothing.”
The pattern: Shark wins on value-for-money and brush/dryer performance; Dyson wins on curling precision and frizz control. Your hair type determines the winner.
For someone with naturally straight or wavy hair who wants volume and occasional curls, the Shark FlexStyle saves $300 and delivers better brush attachments. Curly-haired users should lean toward Dyson’s stronger suction and defrizzing tool.
Is Aldi bringing back its popular 5 in 1 hair styler?
Aldi’s sell-out 5-in-1 hair styler returns
Aldi caused a frenzy in late 2024 when its Special Buy 5-in-1 styler hit shelves at roughly $45 — roughly one-tenth the price of the Dyson Airwrap. The dupe sold out quickly, and the chain brought it back for another limited drop. As of early 2025, exact restock dates remain unconfirmed, but Aldi’s pattern suggests seasonal returns are likely. Shoppers who missed the window can check Aldi’s Special Buys page or sign up for stock alerts.
How the Aldi dupe compares to Dyson Airwrap
At under $50, the Aldi styler won’t match the 1,400 W motor or Coanda technology of premium models. However, it includes five attachments and a ceramic coating for heat protection — enough to produce blowout-style results at a price that made it a TikTok Shop sensation. The Cosmopolitan UK team notes that while budget versions can’t replicate Dyson’s engineering, they fill a real gap for price-sensitive shoppers.
The Aldi dupe’s biggest limitation is availability: limited drops mean you either grab it on launch day or pay resale prices. For consistent stock at a similar price point, the Revlon One-Step 5-in-1 ($34.99) offers a more reliable alternative.
For shoppers who need a dependable option today, the Revlon One-Step is the safer bet while waiting for Aldi’s next drop.
What is the closest thing to the Dyson Airwrap?
Shark FlexStyle vs Dyson Airwrap
The head-to-head comparison between Shark FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap comes down to three key differences, tested by multiple editorial teams:
| Feature | Shark FlexStyle | Dyson Airwrap |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$299 | ~$599 |
| Motor power | 1,400 W | 1,200 W (Supersonic motor) |
| Attachments | 5 (2 curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, concentrator) | 5+ (depending on kit) |
| Curl technology | Coanda air-wrapping | Coanda air-wrapping |
| Curl performance | Weaker hold per testing | Stronger hold per testing |
| Defrizzing tool | Less effective | Better performance |
| Brush attachments | Better quality | Standard brushes |
| Hair dryer mode | Superior drying | Good but slower |
| Heat protection | Smart sensors, less direct heat | Intelligent heat control |
| Availability | John Lewis, Boots, Amazon | Dyson.com, Sephora, John Lewis |
Three models, one pattern: you pay for curl precision. The Dyson Airwrap curls better and defrizzes more effectively. The Shark FlexStyle dries faster and brushes better. If curls are your priority, Dyson justifies its price. If volume and speed matter more, Shark wins.
Budget Dyson alternatives (Revlon, Aldi, Bauer)
For shoppers who can’t stretch to $299, three budget alternatives exist:
- Revlon One-Step Multi Styler 5-in-1 (~$34.99): The best-reviewed budget option among editors. Available at Boots and Currys. Five attachments, ceramic barrel, but no Coanda technology — curls require manual wrapping.
- Aldi dupe (~$45): Dyson-inspired design with five attachments. Ceramic coating for heat protection. Limited availability and seasonal drops.
- Bauer multi-styler (~$60–$80): Entry-level option sold in discount retailers. Fewer editorial reviews available; long-term durability unclear.
What are the pros of the airbrush 5 in 1?
Benefits of an airbrush hair styler
Airbrush 5-in-1 stylers combine blow-drying and styling into a single tool — one motor, five attachments, no separate dryer and curling iron needed. The key advantages:
- Reduces heat damage: Using one tool instead of three means less cumulative heat exposure. Premium models like Shark FlexStyle use Coanda technology, which wraps hair with airflow rather than direct heat (Cosmopolitan UK).
- Volumizing and smoothing: The oval brush attachment on most 5-in-1 models lifts roots and smooths cuticles in one pass.
- Space-saving: One tool plus five attachments replaces a full styling drawer.
TikTok Shop reviews for airbrush 5-in-1 dryers
TikTok Shop has become a major distribution channel for budget airbrush stylers, particularly the Aldi dupe and unbranded alternatives from Chinese manufacturers. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive on price but mixed on durability — users report motors failing after 3–6 months of regular use. For a long-term investment, editorial-tested models like Revlon and Shark FlexStyle offer better reliability, backed by retailer warranties.
The pattern: TikTok popularity drives awareness, but editorial repeat testing separates durable models from one-season wonders.
“The Shark FlexStyle is the closest thing to the Dyson Airwrap we’ve tested.”
— Cosmopolitan UK, beauty editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Which 5-in-1 hair styler is best for thick hair?
The Shark FlexStyle’s 1,400 W motor and paddle brush attachment handle thick hair better than budget models. Reviewers at The Mom Edit noted superior brush performance on thick textures compared to Dyson Airwrap.
Can a 5-in-1 hair styler replace a flat iron?
5-in-1 stylers can smooth and straighten hair using brush attachments and concentrator nozzles, but they cannot replicate the high-heat, direct-contact straightening of a flat iron. Results are softer and less pin-straight.
How long does a typical 5-in-1 styler last?
Editor-tested premium models (Shark, Dyson) typically last 2–3 years with regular use. Budget models often show motor wear after 6–12 months, per TikTok user reports. Warranty periods vary: Shark offers 2 years.
Is the Revlon One-Step 5-in-1 safe for daily use?
Yes — its ceramic components and multiple heat settings make it suitable for daily use, provided you use a heat protectant. Available at Boots and Currys.
Do all 5-in-1 stylers come with a storage case?
No. Premium models like Shark FlexStyle include a storage case; budget models often omit it. Check the product listing before buying if storage is important.
What is the warranty on a Shark FlexStyle?
Shark offers a 2-year warranty on the FlexStyle in the UK and US markets, covering motor and electrical faults.
Are 5-in-1 stylers suitable for short hair?
Yes, especially the concentrator and small round brush attachments. The 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers on the Shark FlexStyle work well with shorter lengths.
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