Which is better for curly or coily hair?

The PATTERN. It is built around curly and coily hair, with a diffuser, wide tooth comb, brush and concentrator, plus an ion generator to smooth the cuticle. The Shark can diffuse, but its diffuser is sold separately on some models and it is aimed at fine, thin hair.

Which dries hair faster?

The PATTERN has the stronger AC motor and higher wattage, and owners report drying a whole head in under 15 minutes. The Shark is a 1,650W styling system, so expect slower drying but more styling options.

Is the Shark FlexStyle worth stepping up to from a plain dryer?

Yes if you want to curl, volumize and smooth as well as dry, and your hair is fine or thin. If you mainly dry curly hair, the PATTERN's attachments and airflow suit that job better.

Which is easier to travel with?

The PATTERN is lighter and comes with a travel case. The Shark weighs about 3.72 lb and only some versions are dual voltage, so check before packing it for abroad.

The PATTERN's AC motor is the more durable type and it carries a limited 2-year warranty. The Shark has no stated warranty here, and some owners report a sticking release button, so the PATTERN has the edge on longevity.

Can the Shark replace a curling iron?

For many fine-haired users, yes. Its barrels and brushes curl and volumize, and owners say it works once you learn the technique. It will not match a hot iron's hold on thick or coarse hair.

PATTERN Blow Dryer vs Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Buy the PATTERN Blow Dryer if your main goal is drying curly, coily or thick hair fast with a real AC motor, strong airflow and four curl-focused attachments. Buy the Shark FlexStyle if you want one tool that dries and styles, with barrels and brushes for volume and smoothing, and you have fine or thin hair. Reviewers rate both highly, but owners of the PATTERN praise its speed and soft results while some find the heat strong, and Shark owners praise versatility while some complain about the release button and rough barrels. The PATTERN is the better pure dryer; the Shark is the better multi-styler.

Choose the PATTERN Blow Dryer if you have curly, coily or thick hair and want fast drying with a diffuser, comb, brush and concentrator built for definition and stretch.
Choose the Shark FlexStyle if you want to dry and style with one tool, including barrels and brushes for volume and smoothing, and your hair is fine or thin.

Prices

PATTERN Blow Dryer: $139.99 at eBay (checked today)
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System: $97.95 at corpsetespace.org (last seen Nov 4)
Difference: the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is $42.04 cheaper than the PATTERN Blow Dryer at the latest prices (Nov 4 and Nov 9)

	PATTERN Blow Dryer	Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Motor	AC motor for stronger, longer-lasting airflow	Standard dryer motor in a styling system
Attachments	Four curl-focused attachments: diffuser, wide tooth comb, brush, concentrator	Four accessories including barrels and brushes for styling
Curl and coil focus	Designed for curly, coily and tight-textured hair	Best for fine and thin hair; diffuser for curly hair sold separately on some models
Styling capability	Drying and stretching, no curling barrels	Dries, curls, volumizes and smooths with brush and barrel heads
Heat and speed settings	2 heat, 3 speed, up to 6 customized combos	3 heat, 3 speed, up to 450°F
Weight and travel	Lighter dryer with a travel case	About 3.72 lb, dual voltage on some listings, 8 ft cord
Build and controls	Dual-locking attachments, lockable cool shot	Release button can hang up; barrels reported rough
Owner satisfaction	4.6 of 5; praised for fast drying and soft, shiny results	4.7 of 5; praised for volume and effortless curls once learned

Spec	PATTERN Blow Dryer	Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Voltage	125V	Dual
Heat settings	2 heat settings	Three
Speed settings	3 speeds	Three
Cool shot	lockable for ease	Yes
Power	1875W	—
Motor type	AC motor	—
Ion generator	ion generator	—
Dual locking	personalize the direction of attachments	—
Customized settings	up to 6 customized airflow and heat settings	—
Warranty	Limited 2-year warranty	—
With Cool Shot	—	Yes
Material	—	Metal and nylon/boar bristles

Spec	PATTERN Blow Dryer	Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Temperature range	—	Up to 450°F
With Diffuser	—	Yes
Color	—	Black, Spearmint / Spearmint, Orchid Sunrise
Power Consumption	—	1,650 watts
Models	—	One (diffuser for curly hair sold separately)
Cord Length	—	8 ft.
Weight	—	Approx 3.72 lb.
Tool Type	—	Air Styler, Hair Dryer
Brush Type	—	Paddle brush, Oval brush
Suitable Hair Type

PATTERN Blow Dryer vs Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Prices

PATTERN Blow Dryer vs Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Prices

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Specs compared

What reviewers say

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

Buying guides that pick them

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Specs compared

What reviewers say

PATTERN Blow Dryer

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

More comparisons

Buying guides that pick them