# Dyson Airstrait vs Shark: Silki Pro and FlexFusion

Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/dyson-airstrait-vs-shark
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Plate and Curl

**In short:** The Dyson Airstrait straightens with air alone and has no hot plates. Shark's SilkiPro pairs heat controlled ceramic plates with dryer airflow, so it works as a wet to dry styler in wet mode and as a normal straightener in dry mode, with three swappable combs. Shark's FlexFusion bundles add a similar ceramic straightening tool to a multi-styler. Choose the Airstrait for air only styling; choose Shark if you also want plate straightening and attachments.

Shark has become the main alternative to Dyson for wet to dry straightening. The Shark SilkiPro is a straightener shaped tool that combines ceramic plates with airflow, and Shark's FlexFusion system brings a similar straightening attachment to its multi-styler range. The Dyson Airstrait goes the other way and drops plates entirely. This comparison uses the Amazon UK listings for the Airstrait and the SilkiPro, and Shark's published descriptions for FlexFusion, to show where they differ.

## Two approaches to wet to dry

The Airstrait pushes two jets of heated air down through the hair between its arms, using a Hyperdymium motor of up to 106,000 rpm and glass bead thermistors that measure air temperature up to 500 times a second. Dyson says this dries and straightens at once with no hot plates and no heat damage, based on its own testing.

The SilkiPro combines heat controlled ceramic plates with powerful dryer airflow. In wet mode, it dries and straightens, which Shark says is safe with no heat damage. In dry mode, the airflow cuts out and the tool works as a ceramic straightener for extra shine and less frizz, per Shark. That dual role is the biggest practical difference: one Shark tool covers wet to dry styling and everyday dry straightening.

## Airstrait and SilkiPro side by side

Weights below are as listed on Amazon UK and may include packaging, so treat them as a rough guide and check the maker's specification.

| Feature | Dyson Airstrait | Shark SilkiPro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Method | Air only, no plates | Ceramic plates plus airflow |
| Modes | Wet mode and dry mode | Wet mode, and dry mode with airflow off |
| Combs | Integrated comb on the current model | Three interchangeable combs: wide tooth, gentle, precision |
| Root drying | Not listed | Clamp at the roots in wet mode to dry them |
| Temperature | Several air settings and a cold setting; see the Dyson manual | Listed maximum 230 °C |
| Listed weight | 923 g | 1.55 kg |
| Power | Corded | Corded |

Dyson Airstrait and Shark SilkiPro (Amazon UK listing facts)

## Where FlexFusion fits

Shark FlexFusion is part of Shark's multi-styler family. Shark describes it as an air styler and dryer that can take attachments, including a straightening tool that uses ceramic plates and airflow to straighten from wet, alongside curling and brush attachments in some bundles. Bundle contents vary, so check exactly which attachments a listing includes.

If you want one system for curls, volume and straightening, a FlexFusion bundle covers more ground than either the Airstrait or the SilkiPro. If you mainly want straight hair, a dedicated tool is simpler. Shark's FlexStyle is a related air styler without the ceramic straightener; see our guide to the [best wet to dry straighteners](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-wet-to-dry-straighteners) for the full field.

[Compare Dyson, Shark, ghd and Dreame stylers](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-wet-to-dry-straighteners)

## Finish, hair type and routine

Air only styling tends to give a softer, natural straight result with movement. Plates add a sleeker, shinier edge, so the SilkiPro in dry mode can get closer to the finish of a classic straightener. Shark says its combs suit all hair types, and the precision comb is aimed at sleeker results.

For curly or coily hair, both tools work best in small sections, worked from the back upwards, gliding slowly. If you already own good straighteners and want only to cut drying time, the Airstrait does that job. If you want a single tool for both wet and dry days, the SilkiPro is designed for that. Our [Airstrait how to guide](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-dyson-airstrait) explains section sizes and speed.

## Who should choose which

For a wider look at the Airstrait's value, read [is the Dyson Airstrait worth it](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/is-dyson-airstrait-worth-it), and for a ghd alternative see [Airstrait vs ghd Duet Style](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/dyson-airstrait-vs-ghd-duet-style).

- Want air only styling with no hot plates: Dyson Airstrait.
- Want one tool for wet to dry and normal dry straightening: Shark SilkiPro.
- Want swappable combs and root drying: Shark SilkiPro.
- Want curls, volume and straightening in one kit: a Shark FlexFusion bundle.
- Want a lighter tool: compare the maker weights, as listing weights can include packaging.

## Safety with mains stylers on damp hair

Towel dry hair first so it is damp rather than wet through. Keep tools away from filled basins and baths, keep vents and filters clear, and let plates cool before changing combs or attachments. Follow each maker's manual, especially for cleaning filters.

Note: Hot plates and hot air can burn skin. Do not use a styler with a damaged cable or casing, and never use one in the bath or shower.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is the Shark SilkiPro a dupe of the Dyson Airstrait?** It does a similar job, drying and straightening from wet, but it uses ceramic plates as well as airflow, so it also works as a normal straightener on dry hair.

**Does the Dyson Airstrait have hot plates?** No. It straightens with heated airflow only.

**Can the Shark SilkiPro be used on dry hair?** Yes. In dry mode the airflow switches off and it works as a ceramic straightener.

**What is the difference between Shark FlexStyle and FlexFusion?** FlexStyle is an air styler and dryer with brush and curl attachments. FlexFusion adds a ceramic straightening attachment in its bundles, per Shark.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-wet-to-dry-straighteners
- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-hair-straighteners
- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-straighteners-for-curly-hair

## Sources

- [Dyson UK](https://www.dyson.co.uk)
- [Shark UK](https://www.sharkclean.co.uk)