You’ve seen the videos. Someone with wildly frizzy, "just rolled out of bed" hair swipes a chunky brush through their mane, and suddenly, they look like they stepped out of a Madison Avenue salon. It looks like magic. It looks like a filter. But the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb is actually just a very clever piece of engineering that addresses the one thing most of us hate about hair day: the transition from damp to dry to styled.
Honestly, we’ve been lied to for years. We were told that to get sleek hair, we had to blast it with a blow dryer until our arms ached, then crush it between two 400-degree plates. It’s a recipe for split ends and that distinct "burnt hair" smell that lingers in your bathroom. Shark decided to take a different swing at it. They combined a round brush blow dryer with integrated heated ceramic combs.
It’s weird. It’s effective. And it’s probably going to replace your flat iron if you use it right.
How the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Actually Works
Most "hot brushes" are just hair dryers in a different shape. They blow hot air, and that’s about it. The Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb is a hybrid. It has two distinct modes: Wet Hair Mode and Dry Hair Mode.
In Wet Hair Mode, it’s basically a high-velocity volumizing brush. It uses airflow to take you from shower-damp to dry. But the real "secret sauce" is the Dry Hair Mode. When you toggle that switch, the airflow stops, and the ceramic-coated heated combs on the side of the barrel power up.
These aren't just flat plates. They are shaped like actual comb teeth. This matters because when you pull the brush through your hair, the teeth provide tension. Tension is the only way to get real shine. Without tension, you’re just moving hot air around. By physically gripping the hair fibers, the heated combs align the cuticle—the outer layer of your hair—making it reflect light. That’s where the "glass hair" look comes from.
The Physics of the "Cool Touch"
Shark spent a lot of time on the edge of the brush. If you look closely at the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb, the heated elements are recessed. This means you can get right up against your scalp to grab those annoying baby hairs without giving yourself a second-degree burn. It’s a massive improvement over traditional straighteners where the entire exterior of the tool gets hot enough to melt plastic.
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The Reality of One-Pass Styling
We need to talk about the "one-pass" myth. No tool, not even a $300 one, gives everyone perfect hair in a single swipe. If you have fine, slightly wavy hair? Sure, the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb might be a one-and-done situation.
But if you’re working with 3C or 4C curls, or even just very thick, coarse hair, you have to be realistic. You’re going to need to section. You’re going to need to move slowly. The beauty of this tool isn't that it's "faster" than a flat iron—it’s that it’s healthier. Because the heated combs are set to a consistent, lower temperature than most irons, you aren't "cooking" the moisture out of the hair shaft.
I’ve noticed that people who complain about the SmoothStyle often make the same mistake: they try to use the heated comb mode on wet hair. Don't do that. It’s like trying to iron a soaking wet shirt. You’ll just get steam burns and frizzy results. Use the airflow to get to 90% dry, then flip to the heated comb to polish.
Comparing the Shark to the Dyson Airwrap and Revlon One-Step
The elephant in the room is the Dyson. People always want to know if the Shark is a "dupe."
Kinda, but not really.
The Dyson Airwrap uses the Coanda effect to wrap hair around a barrel. It’s built for bouncy, Kate Middleton-style curls. The Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb is built for sleekness and volume. It’s much closer in spirit to the Revlon One-Step, but with one massive upgrade: the Revlon gets notoriously hot. Like, "I’m worried my hair is smoking" hot.
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Shark’s temperature control is more sophisticated. It maintains a steady heat that won't degrade the keratin in your hair as quickly. Plus, the Revlon doesn't have the heated comb teeth. It’s just a dryer. The Shark gives you that "finished" look that usually requires a round brush and a straightener.
Why the Shape Matters
The oval barrel is intentional. If it were perfectly round, you’d get a uniform curl. Because it’s oval, you can use the flat side to straighten and the curved edge to flip the ends under or out. It gives you more "swing."
The Learning Curve Is Real
Don’t expect to be an expert the first time you plug it in. There’s a specific wrist flick involved.
You have to rotate the brush as you pull through. This ensures the hair stays in contact with the heated ceramic combs for the duration of the stroke. If you just pull it straight down like a standard hairbrush, you’re missing half the benefit.
Another tip: use a heat protectant. Always. Even though the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb is "safer" heat, it’s still heat. I personally like something with a bit of hold, like the Living Proof Straight Spray or even a light hair oil if your ends are prone to looking "crunchy."
Dealing With the Weight
One thing no one tells you? This thing has some heft. It’s not a travel-sized mini brush. If you have very long hair and it takes you 30 minutes to style, your forearms are going to feel it. It’s a trade-off for the motor power and the ceramic plates.
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Maintenance: Don't Be Gross
You have to clean this thing. Most people let hair and product buildup sit on the bristles for months. This is why tools stop working or start smelling weird.
The Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb has a removable filter at the bottom. Check it. If it’s clogged with dust, the motor has to work harder, it gets hotter, and eventually, the thermal fuse will blow. Take a damp cloth (when the tool is unplugged and cool!) and wipe down the ceramic teeth once a week to remove any sticky hairspray residue.
Is It Worth the Money?
Currently, the SmoothStyle sits in that middle-ground price point. It’s more expensive than your drugstore brands but significantly cheaper than the high-end boutique tools.
If you are someone who struggles with a blow dryer in one hand and a brush in the other, this is a game-changer. It simplifies the geometry of hair styling. You only need one hand. That alone is worth the price of admission for many.
However, if you already own a high-end hair dryer and a high-end straightener, and you're happy with them? You might find this redundant. This tool is for the person who wants to declutter their bathroom vanity and get a salon-level blowout without needing a professional's coordination.
Actionable Steps for the Best Results
To get the most out of your Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb, follow this specific workflow:
- Prep: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the mid-lengths and ends.
- Section: Do not skip this. Divide your hair into at least four quadrants. If your hair is thick, make it six.
- Rough Dry: Use the Wet Hair Mode to get the moisture out. Focus on the roots first. Lift the brush upward to create volume.
- The Polish: Once the section is dry, click over to the Heated Comb (Dry Hair Mode). Wait about 60 seconds for it to fully prime.
- The Glide: Place the brush at the root, ensure the hair is tucked into the ceramic teeth, and glide slowly to the ends. Rotate the barrel slightly at the very tip to seal the cuticle.
- Cool Down: If your hair has trouble holding a shape, hold the finished section in your hand for a few seconds until it cools before letting it drop. This "sets" the style.
Avoid using heavy waxes or pastes before styling, as these can gunk up the heated combs and cause dragging. Stick to lightweight serums. If you notice any snagging, you're likely taking too large a section. Shrink the amount of hair you're working with, and the comb will glide like butter.