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In the realm of hair tools, the multi‑styler has undeniably become the must‑have item of recent years. After Dyson launched its iconic Airwrap in 2018, the idea of a single device that can dry, blow‑out, curl and even diffuse quickly caught on and has become standard.
Predictably, hair brands—and even some vacuum manufacturers—joined the trend, creating their own models, though only a handful have lived up to expectations. In 2022, Shark released a 5‑in‑1 hair styler featuring two brushes, curling attachments, and a rotating handle, priced more modestly.
T3 entered the fray with its Aire 360 system, pledging voluminous results without heat damage and impressive shine, thanks to a high‑performance ceramic coating. (Having used and loved the Smooth ID straightener and Aireluxe dryer, I expected T3 to perform well.)
Given the abundance of all‑in‑one stylers, picking the right one can be overwhelming. I tested all three and evaluated how effectively they style, curl, and dry my hair. Below are my findings along with a detailed look at each device’s strengths and weaknesses.
How I tried all three multi‑stylers
To begin, my hair is straight‑to‑wavy, thin at the roots and gradually thickening toward the ends. I don’t experience major frizz, but my strands tend to knot easily. Because it’s highlighted, it can also become dry.
I used each of the three multi‑stylers and their attachments multiple times. For blow‑outs, I began with freshly washed hair, applying no products to capture unassisted results, and I typically started with hair that was roughly 75‑80% air‑dried.
To ensure a fair comparison, I only evaluated attachments common to all three devices—a blow‑dryer, curlers, and a round brush. Below are my impressions and my top choice.
Which has the better curling attachments?
I’m certain I’d reach for the Dyson whenever I want curls. Although its barrel isn’t the longest among the three, it still produced the tightest and longest‑lasting curls. My research points to Dyson’s Enhanced Coanda airflow, introduced with the redesigned system, which is driven by the digital V9 motor—a 13‑blade impeller that can spin up to 110,000 RPM. I’m not an engineer, but in practice the tool pulls hair in like a vacuum and holds it firmly.
A further advantage of Dyson is that you can change airflow direction without swapping barrels, unlike the other two stylers that need accessory changes for inward or outward curls. With the Airwrap, a simple turn of the top nozzle does the trick—a real game‑changer. The Complete Long set also includes two barrel sizes—1.2 inches and 1.6 inches—allowing tighter or looser curls as desired.
T3: For those with abundant hair who need a longer barrel, the Aire 360 is a solid choice. While you must swap barrels to alter curl direction, each barrel is long enough to accommodate more hair than the Dyson or Shark models.
Shark: This device shouldn’t be overlooked for curling. I enjoyed using the Shark to create bouncy curls. Because its barrel is the smallest, I worked with smaller sections of hair, but once fully wrapped, it styled each strand effectively.
Which will give you a better blowout?
I’m impressed with T3’s oval brush. Its size is generous; smaller brushes tend to deliver less volume and lift, so a long, wide brush made styling much smoother. The brand says it features custom SmoothGrip bristles that hold hair securely without being harsh. I also observed considerably less hair left behind compared to T3’s round brushes.
T3 also features a CeraGloss ceramic coating intended to lift and smooth hair while enhancing shine. I definitely noticed a healthier, salon‑fresh appearance after the blow‑out.
Shark: I must admit the Shark delivers an excellent blow‑out. Its brush isn’t as sleek as T3’s but is well‑sized and grips hair effectively. It also features the most convenient cool‑shot button, located at the top of the drying barrel.
Dyson: Although this multi‑styler offers strong drying power, I depend on the brush attachments to set my style. The round brush didn’t work for me; its bristles felt too coarse and failed to grip, forcing extra passes and higher heat, time, and energy use. However, Dyson includes a 2‑in‑1 drying attachment marketed to smooth hair and reduce frizz and flyaways by 58 %. Since my hair isn’t naturally frizzy—except in very humid conditions—I can’t fully assess its impact, but it may be worth considering.
Editor’s note: The original version of the T3 Aire 360 Multi‑Styler is no longer available. The brand has since updated the product with travel‑friendly dual voltage which is linked above.
Which will dry your hair the fastest?
If you dread drying your hair, the Shark FlexStyle will make the task feel quick. It appears to have the most robust motor and highest heat setting—key elements for rapid drying. Yet, its speed doesn’t compromise safety; the brand claims it measures heat 1,000 times per second to maintain consistent temperature and avoid damage. My hair felt soft and smooth, not over‑dryed, after a swift session.
I think the design also boosts its drying efficiency. It’s the only multi‑styler with a rotating function, letting you hold the wand like a conventional dryer. This ergonomic design speeds up drying and improves precision, and it’s handy for those who prefer using their own tools instead of brush attachments.
Additionally, the Shark includes a Style Concentrator that directs airflow, allowing simultaneous styling and drying. While it works well for blow‑outs, I found it especially useful for rapid drying, targeting specific sections and reducing stray hair, knots, and potential frizz. My timed quick‑dry took about 3 minutes 30 seconds—hardly any time to get hair ready to style.
Dyson: This device also offers a focused airflow option intended for rough drying. Though I find it less powerful than the Shark, it prepares hair well for subsequent styling.
T3: This model provides the gentlest airflow among the three, yet it still dries effectively. The brand claims its motor and drying concentrator deliver its “fastest drying yet,” and the SoftAire design safeguards natural moisture. If you don’t mind a slightly longer drying period, results are solid. My only complaint is the heat response; even on the highest setting, it takes a few seconds to reach temperature, unlike the other two stylers.
My overall multi‑styler pick
You’re likely wondering which model to purchase. Considering build quality, attachments, and price, the T3 Aire 360 just edges out the other two as the overall best multi‑styler. Although I enjoyed all three, the larger round brush, longer curlers, and lower price give T3 the advantage. I expected Dyson to win thanks to its excellent curling barrel, but the underperforming brush prevented me from choosing it. (If Dyson upgrades that brush, I may reassess.)
That said, consider your own hair type and styling preferences before deciding. This device suited my shoulder‑length, straight‑to‑wavy hair, but your optimal choice could differ based on your specific needs.
If I own the original Dyson Airwrap, do I have to buy the upgraded version?
Good news for your budget: you don’t need to spend another $600 on a brand‑new system. Dyson states that the re‑engineered attachments work with any Airwrap multi‑styler, and they’re available as a set.
Having used the original Airwrap before upgrading, I can say the newer attachments are worth the purchase, even just for the longer curling barrels. The older barrels were too small to capture my hair, which is slightly longer than shoulder length, and required swapping when changing airflow direction.
What does the cool shot do?
A cool shot feature is the release of cool air that helps to literally cool down hair and set your style. According to experts, it’s something to seriously consider when shopping for a hair dryer. “The cool shot button will help you seal down the cuticle of your hair, to ‘lock’ in the style you have created,” celebrity hairstylist and colorist Jennifer Korab previously told Shop TODAY. “It also helps [to] add shine.”
Given the importance of the cool‑shot function, I’d be surprised if any of the three stylers lacked it. The Shark model has a dedicated button, while Dyson and T3 activate ity
All three operate at relatively low noise levels, but I find the T3 to be the quietest, with Dyson close behind. The Shark’s noise is similar to a standard hair dryer. Overall, the T3 offers a softer yet still powerful performance.
All three! However, I do have my favorites when it comes to ease of use.
The Shark FlexStyle places its button at the very top of the wand, making it highly accessible. Dyson’s cool‑shot is integrated into the power button—push up instead of down to activate. The T3 Aire
