Using Shark's new tool has made doing a silk press on my thick type 4 hair easier than ever.

      Having straightened my thick, coily hair weekly in the past, I can confidently say that I've experimented with numerous flat irons throughout my life. To be honest, many of them have fallen short of expectations. Nowadays, I try to limit the amount of straightening I do to maintain the health of my hair, but there’s one recently released tool that I felt compelled to try because it breaks the mold. The Shark Beauty SilkiPro Wet to Dry Straightener + Rapid Blow Dryer ($200) is exceptional in its ability to straighten hair efficiently. This tool serves as both a straightener and a blow dryer. I have previously had disappointing experiences with similar devices, so my immediate reaction to its launch was doubt. Initially, I was uncertain whether it would perform well on my type four hair, which typically requires substantial heat for a proper silk press. However, after hearing rave reviews from my sister, who has a similar hair type, I decided to give it a shot. Spoiler alert: I was pleasantly surprised. If you are like me and seek to save time and money on your beauty routine, this tool is undoubtedly worth the investment. For everything you need to know about this latest release, along with my candid review, keep reading.

      The Shark Beauty SilkiPro Wet to Dry Straightener + Rapid Blow Dryer offers a wealth of features that cater to all hair types while remaining uncomplicated to use.

      - It includes a three-piece comb collection designed for various styles and hair types.

      - The HeatSense Ceramic plates feature a built-in sensor that continuously adjusts the temperature to prevent excessive heat damage.

      - The RapidDry airflow technology shortens drying time.

      - Motion sensor technology automatically decreases airflow when the plates are not in contact with the hair, which helps conserve energy and enhance safety.

      My Review

      For reference, the photo above shows my hair in its curly state before straightening. I appreciate that Shark took all hair types into account when creating this tool. My frustration with many high-end straighteners and curlers is that, while they are designed to minimize heat damage, they often do not work well for my thicker, type four hair that requires more heat to straighten. I was initially concerned that this tool would be the same, but after my sister's enthusiastic endorsement over several weeks, I thought it might be effective for coarser hair types. The product page was also encouraging, as they showcased its capabilities on type four hair—a rarity even now.

      I’m glad I decided to try this tool. I prefer not to use it on completely wet hair, so I utilized the blow dryer feature on damp hair first before straightening. This approach is crucial for achieving a good silk press. The blow dryer function allows you to lightly straighten and prepare the hair beforehand, resulting in a much smoother and silkier finish when the flat iron feature is applied. After straightening, I used my usual styling products, and I was left speechless. Typically, my hair requires a day or two to sit post-straightening before it appears smooth and silky, but this tool achieved that look instantly.

      Here’s how my hair appeared after my first use of the tool. Not too shabby! In the past, it would take me over an hour to straighten my thick hair, but this tool delivered on its promise and reduced my styling time by at least 20 minutes, which is significant for me. I also valued that it’s not overly complicated to operate. It's quite intuitive, so I didn’t feel the need to refer to the manual much for understanding the buttons' functions. My only downside is that it didn’t perform as well on my ends; a single pass left them slightly puffy, requiring a few additional passes to achieve the sleekness of my roots. However, this minor issue did not diminish my overall impression of the tool.

      At $200, I recognize this device is an investment. Nevertheless, if you often heat style your hair or seek to streamline your routine, it is absolutely worth the price. I've been really pleased with the Shark Beauty tools I've used, and this one is no exception. I actually felt acknowledged when they displayed how this tool works on type four hair on the product page. Many beauty brands still overlook Black hair types, so it's refreshing to see Shark genuinely create a tool that caters well to all hair types.

      More Beauty Devices Worth the Investment

      Shark Beauty Facialpro Glow Glow-Boosting At-Home Facial System: At-home hydrafacials are now more accessible with the FacialPro Glow Device, which is easy to use a few times a week to enhance skin clarity and radiance.

      Ziip's Halo device is one I utilize at least two to three times weekly, and my skin has never appeared better. It has settings tailored for various skin concerns—ranging from fine lines to skin laxity, blemishes, and barrier damage. While it’s certainly an investment, if you could only purchase one beauty device for your lifetime