TechRadar Verdict
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler is a quality tool that dries hair fast. However, users with thicker hair might find it struggles to deliver salon-quality straightening, and may need to follow up drying with a dedicated straightening tool instead.
Fast, smooth drying
Sturdy detangler
Impressively long cord
Still causes frizz
Long cord makes it hard to store
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Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler two-minute review
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Hair Multi-styler is aDyson Airwrapdupe that’s easy to use and doesn’t weigh heavy on yourarm. This will be welcome news to those whose hair features kinks or coils; when your hair is dense, the quicker the blow-dry, the better.
The styler has a sleek look and a thin wand – a popular form factor right now among the best hair dryers – but at a fraction of the price of some of its competitors (the Sharper Image costs $269 vs theDysonAirwrap’s $499). It has six attachments, including brushes and a detangler for drying, smoothing, and adding body. While barrel brushes aren’t ideal for blowing out coarser hair, the paddle-style brush is perfect for blow-drying and smoothing textured hair. For anyone who’s broken a comb, the detangler is quite sturdy and ready to go on a journey with you. As for the curling attachments, someone with Type 4 hair can volumize fine locks or even give yourself a “bump,” no matter the length - and that’s no easy feat for a more affordableDyson Airwrap dupe.
Using a vortex or “Coanda technology” to wrap and circulate the air through your hair, the Sharper Image Revel dries hair at a pretty quiet 73.8dB. My husband could not hear me using it from downstairs.
All of the attachments are easy to use, and you simply twist the top of the detangler to extend the comb. Note that those with curly hair may still need a separate blow dryer for diffusing, since this styler doesn’t come with one. However, on a low heat setting, you may be able to stretch out your curls somewhat.
In fact, if you’re looking to stretch hair or do a silk press at home with less heat damage, the 6-in-1 styler is a solid choice without the hefty price tag.
Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler specs
Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler review: price & availability
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 can be purchased at Sharper Image stores, and on sites such asAmazon, Walmart, and QVC at an MSRP $269.99.
Value-wise, the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 comes in at almost half the price of the Dyson Airwrap – the gold standard for multi-stylers – while still offering great performance across a variety of hair types. Also if you shop around you may well be able to get it even cheaper; at the time of writing it’s available for just$198 at Amazonandalso at Walmart.
Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler review: design
Overall, the Sharper Image Revel styler looks like a curling iron in receipt of a makeover to bring it up to date. An all-rubberized cylinder means you can hold it wherever it’s most comfortable for you. It offers three adjustable heat and power settings, as well as a cold shot. Much like the original Dyson Airwrap, the airflow curlers have a left and right-side option; you have to switch the barrel to change the direction of your curls.
The Revel arrives with six attachments: an airflow curler, hair dryer and detangler, volumizing brush, smoothing brush, and styling brush. Overall, even with the largest attachment, the styler weighs only 1.6lbs – which is wonderfully lightweight and less than the blow dryer that I typically use to diffuse and stretch my hair every so often.
At 17.9 inches, the Sharper Image Revel is quite long, but this also makes it well suited to longer hair. Adding the attachments is simple: twist in place, and remove by pushing the button on the back. At the top, you’ll find the on/off and cold shot buttons. At the end of the handle you’ll find an easy-to-read heat symbol and fan symbol to control speed and temperature.
The power cord is extremely long, which is pretty convenient for styling but awkward for storing the tool away.
Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler review: performance
I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler on my medium-length, fine Type 4c hair. Before I got started, I divided my hair into four sections and applied a heat protectant. Once I completed styling, I applied a finishing spray. I wasn’t trying to achieve a silk press look, but if I were, I’d need a hair spray that would provide shine and frizziness. Also, it would likely take some practice with the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 to achieve hair that looks like you’ve just stepped out of a blow-dry bar.
I was able to dry my entire head in about 25 minutes, which may seem quite lengthy; but when you consider that it usually takes over an hour to dry and flat-iron my hair, the Sharper Image Revel made good time. Note, though, that my 4c hair is fine, which means it could take someone with more dense, thicker hair longer. Also, my hair did become poofy the second I walked out into the humidity, but on a positive note, the next time I washed and dried my hair, I didn’t notice any heat damage.
The benefit of using a blow dryer and styling system together is that your hair doesn’t have to be 100% dry for you to start to style it. Blow dry it enough to smooth it, then you can allow your hair to dry into a cute spiral or wave. However, I’d advise being gentle with hair to avoid causing damage to your natural curls. I say that as someone who tried to drag the detangler tool through hair without starting with a wide-tooth comb.
Inevitably, I had to take a step back and take my time working my way from the end up to the roots to prepare it for drying. Ultimately I used the detangler attachment as my last step, instead of my first step for detangling, and I will note that it was refreshing that the teeth of the detangler didn’t break like the teeth of many blow dryers and combs I’ve tried in the past.
The success you have with the Sharper Image Revel’s two curling barrels will depend on how straight you’ve managed to get your hair; otherwise, you risk getting them becoming stuck in your hair!
Overall, the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 is a quality product that can save you much time. Styling Type 4 hair of any length can take hours, so any tools that can at least cut down drying time will help. As far as achieving a “straight” look with the Sharper Image Revel, depending on your hair type, one may have to slightly lower their expectations in terms of owning just a single tool that can do it all.
Should you buy the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler?
Buy it if…
You’re looking for flexible styling options without a time commitment
With the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1, stretching hair or giving yourself a blowout doesn’t need to take hours.
You’re just looking to stretch your hair
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 is a great stretching tool, offering a lightweight form factor and effective results.
You want a cost-effective multi-styler
At almost half the price of Dyson’s Airwrap, the Revel 6-in-1 offers great value for money.
Don’t buy it if…
You strictly diffuse hair or only blowout hair yearly
The Revel 6-in-1 doesn’t come with a diffuser, so if you regularly or exclusively diffuse hair, it isn’t for you.
You strictly wear braids
If you only ever have braids or other protective styles, you won’t get much use out of this. Similarly, don’t buy if you strictly get silk presses or blowouts at the salon.
How I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler
I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 on my medium-length, fine Type 4c hair for several months, stretching and blow drying hair as I normally would
Having washed and detangled hair, I used a cotton t-shirt to remove excess moisture before sectioning hair and spraying it with heat protectant spray before drying and styling. I used my old faithful blow dryer as a reference point for comparing drying speed and performance.
I’ve been writing about health, wellness and beauty for years, and during that time I’ve tried a variety of products that help to inform my assessment of the performance, design and value of different devices.
Read more abouthow we test
First reviewed August 2024.
Tonya is a freelance journalist based in Philadelphia. She writes about wellness, culture and mental health, and her work has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, and more.
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