I just threw out my hair curler (because this limited edition air curler worked *that* much better)
I have a problem where I never throw anything away. Especially if it's beauty-related. An expired limited edition palette from 2019? Reluctant to let it go. A face mask that's not really for my skin type but I might one day need? I refuse. The hair curler I rely on every day to get my hair to some level of looking 'done'? I wouldn't usually even dream of it.
That, however, is exactly what I just did. And for me to toss a previously beloved tool is kind of a huge deal. This is the reason why: I tried the Shark Beauty Frosted Diamond FlexStyle ($499.99 at Shark), and I'm already contemplating buying several as backups, because anything this amazing being limited edition is a tragedy...
Here's what impressed me so much I ditched my old curler after one use...
Shark Beauty Frosted Diamond FlexStyle Review
$499.99 at Shark
The review:
I kind of look at my life in two eras now: before I discovered this tool, and after. I genuinely tossed my curling wand in my 'donate' bag as soon as I put it down; that's how impressed I was. I'll get into specifics in a sec, but I cannot stress enough how badly you need this hair curler. This and maybe a straightener is all you need in your hair tool kit now. At last, the kind of results-driven minimalism I can support.
The Frosted Diamond FlexStyle may be covered in 20,000 shimmering crystals (and yes, it looks as glorious as it sounds like it will), but the storage case is every bit as luxe, covered in a chic black leather. The tool comes with a curl-defining diffuser, styling concentrator, paddle brush and oval brush, which were all great quality and got my hair to a smooth, dry stage before the real transformation (the curling) began.
The auto wrap curling attachments were definitely what I was most excited to try. Previous Shark Beauty tools have been stellar for a flippy blowout, but hair styled into soft waves is my personal favourite, so I'd been eagerly awaiting a release that allowed for actual curls over 'shape'.
It's an addition that genuinely means I won't need to reach for anything else when drying, blowing out or curling my hair, and my bathroom drawers are very thankful.
Here are all the pros and cons from my experience trialling the Frosted Diamond FlexStyle:
One side curled, one side not curled
The pros:
* I left the house looking like I'd left a professional salon (but with far less of the damage-related frizziness that a traditional blow-dry leaves me with).
* It wraps the hair automatically, so little to no skill is required.
* The curls were the perfect shape, and placed at the perfect height (something my curling wand never delivered).
* The waves softened slightly (in a good way), but lasted all day, even without hairspray.
* This is a blonde-specific pro, but the black barrel made it a lot easier to see where my light hair was placed.
* The directioned curler attachments made it incredibly easy to use. I picked it up for the first time 10 minutes before needing to leave the house and it worked a treat with no warmup period necessary. It also only took about 5 seconds to change the attachment. So easy.
* If you're someone that still makes Ls with your hands to decipher left from right (and I am), you'll be fine: the barrel to use for the left side of your head literally says 'L' and vice versa. Flip them if you want to curl towards your face, but I'd venture a guess that most of us are looking for a Farrah Fawcett-esque 'away from the face' effect.
* She's sparkly!!!! (an important journalistic observation).
The cons:
* Um, is it weird to say none? My only thought was that a longer physical curling barrel would be helpful for those with extra long hair, but besides that, I'm obsessed.
Starting other side
Chuffed with curl shape
Fully styled
The advice I'd give you:
* Definitely section your hair before starting; for me, separating into three different layers worked well, and I did my whole left side before changing attachments and starting on my right.
* Work with smaller sections of hair to get the most defined curls. The barrel works best when you grab a small section of hair that's all equal in length, as no strands get left behind.
* For the left side of my head, I placed the section of hair above the barrel and let the air's pull grab it from there, whereas on the right, I held the barrel above the section of hair before it fed into the curler. It was easy to figure out what worked best, and it felt completely natural.
* Maybe start with a bit of mousse or oil to lightly give the hair some moisture, just to ensure the shiniest, most long-lasting curls possible. I personally prefer an airier finish so I don't love using product, but if longevity is your ultimate goal, a setting product is always a good idea.
* Get one (or two) before they run out, because I promise you you'll regret if you don't.
Main image credit: Supplied
Want more trustworthy beauty recommendations? Here are the office essentials beauty editors can't live without...
Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.