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Coffee Break: SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Professional Performance High-Velocity Hair Dryer System

product photo of Shark hairdryer and attachments

I have an older version of this Shark hair dryer, but I gotta say: I really love it. I love it so much I bring it with us when we travel, even though the diffuser is huge.

Nordstrom has them on sale — they were $229 but are now marked down to $179. I highly recommend if you have someone on your gift list with curly hair or above average hair drying needs.

Sales of note for 1/1/25 (HAPPY NEW YEAR!):

65 Comments

  1. I’d like to step up my style game in the new year. For those that love clothes and style, what was the best advice you’ve received or learned?

    1. The idea of “sandwich dressing” isn’t new or extraordinary or anything, but it does help my outfits. The concept is that something on your top half should match something on your bottom half. For me that’s often shirt + shoes.

    2. Document your outfits! It helps you see what you like, what you gravitate to, what might be missing in your wardrobe. I’ve been doing my own take on the 75 Hard Style challenge where I take a picture of my work outfits every day.

      Also I really love Allison Bornstein and her advice on finding your personal style.

  2. I just found out that I won’t be getting my year-end bonus until I get back from maternity leave in February (everyone else gets it in December). The email says “to make sure you come back 😉”. Cool. Should make it really easy to handle the remainder of my unpaid leave with a three-year-old and a newborn.

    1. At best, that’s gross. At worst, that’s actionable. Probably somewhere in between.

      All to say: I’m really sorry. That’s shitty.

        1. Not eligible for FMLA – it’s a small company. I don’t know if my rights under CA law are actually violated because it’s a typical dysfunctional environment where policies are adjusted to meet management needs. I feel like I’m always fighting them.

    2. That’s worth fighting IMHO – what does your company policy say about people on leave?

    3. Um no. A year-end bonus is supposed to reward you for the work you ALREADY performed. Why aren’t they worried about Tradwick leaving once he receives his bonus in December!?!

      To the commenter above, it feels like there could be something actionable in this, depending on the size of the company and if you’re the only person singled out to receive the bonus later.

      And/or if they’ve delayed a bonus for anyone else in the past who was on a different type of leave? Like if Tradwick received his bonus while he was out on medical leave or jury duty, but the lady on maternity leave doesn’t get the bonus on time, that’s walking what seems like a fine line… (IANAL, so all the grains of salt)

    5. IANAL but it seems like if nothing else this would be worth a response that says something like, “are you sure you want to compensate me less than the rest of the staff because I am pregnant and going on leave soon? That doesn’t seem like something we want to be doing.”

      2. It sounds to me like OP is already on leave, but adjust for that and this response is perfect. You sound like a team player who is giving them the benefit of the doubt while still calling them out on nonsense.

        This kind of sounds like something some managers at my company would want to do and I’d talk them out of it, or they’d talk themselves out of it once they realized what a-holes they looked like while implementing it.

        1. Oh I didn’t clock that – I do think it is a BIT harder with you already being on leave but it also sounds like you have absolutely nothing to lose by pushing back. Your job is clearly safe.

          1. Don’t be antagonistic towards your bosses unless that’s a fight you’re willing to end.

          2. Agree with this. I’d only take this tone if I was 100% committed to next steps for a fight. (I say this as someone who once gave 6 weeks notice but walked out of the door after week three with a magazine about to go to press when they weren’t going to give me my prior year’s bonus following a year where I contributed HEAVILY to sales. The CFO called me at home and told me not to talk with HR or do anything rash until he could fix it. In about two hours my bonus was on its way. If I hadn’t received that call, I would have walked out and stayed.) Look very closely at terms around that bonus and then weigh if you’re truly up for a fight if need be.

    6. Your employee handbook may cover this, I would check that first. Bonuses are discretionary payments, I feel like this is pretty typical/standard. Bonus contracts generally mention that you must be actively employed on the day they are disbursed. If you’re on maternity leave you may not be considered actively employed.

      Look into this properly before you go for sending passive aggressive “we wouldn’t want to compensate me less” language out there.

      1. This commenter has it right. It’s related to employment status and probably not actionable.

  3. How do you figure out how much to offer to settle a billing issue that is a PITA for everyone? We haven’t paid for speech therapy for my son for the majority of 2023 because they never gave us dates of service. I just got an invoice that has OT on it for the first half of the year, then speech therapy from 8/23 forward. it’s $2203.87. i have no idea if the dates align to dates we went to therapy, when we stopped OT, what other bills we paid in 2023, or if they submitted everything that they could to insurance (their claims seem to get rejected like 80% of the time but we get 20 visits a year and met our deductible last year). i’m inclined to offer them a cash payment of $2500, now, to settle all claims for 2023. is that incredibly disrespectful?

    1. Why would you pay more than what’s been invoiced? Did you get an explanation of benefits from your insurance?

        1. It sounds like there’s 2023 stuff that still hasn’t been billed that OP hopes to include in her lump sum.

    2. Double check me on this, but I’m pretty sure medical providers are legally obligated to provide you with a detailed bill upon request. I would not pay until I received a complete one.

    3. Ask for an itemized bill so you can discuss and link EOB with your insurer. Totally normal to expect that.

    4. I’ve had similar problems, especially working with some smaller private providers that don’t have as much experience with billing. Their software is not great, or the provider is trying to do it themselves instead of hiring out and cutting corners.

      Similarly, I insist on a detailed bill, and for insurance to be processed first. Mistakes are made all the time. Never pay a huge non-itemized bill that can’t be deciphered.

      When I pushed back, they acted like I am unreasonable. “No (other patient) has EVER had a problem with this in the past!” Really? That’s unfortunate, because billing like this is on the edge of fraud in my book, as the bulk of your patients are elderly and don’t understand how things are billed and get tricked into overpaying all the time.

      1. I actually had to choose a new provider/therapist for my then high school aged daughter over her refusal to do a timely, itemized bill with diagnosis codes. I told the therapist I needed it in order to get an EOB / zero pay from my insurance company so that I could start eroding my deductible. She refused. She lost a patient. I gave her way too many chances to make it right but she never did.

        Daughter in hindsight thinks she was also a pretty useless therapist too. Daughter has since found someone much better who also does professional billing.

    5. You can look at your claims on your health insurer’s website to find out what they’ve submitted so far. Not that this excuses their unprofessional billing behavior. But that’s where I’d start.

    6. I have dealt with a similar situation with my son’s OT provider. I would push back hard on this.

      Definitely push for a detailed invoice on the 2024 visits and compare them to your EOBs as a first step. I would not pay for any date of service that didn’t align with an EOB, and I would only pay applicable copays and deductibles unless you knew ahead of time that the claims would be denied (for instance, visits after the 20th visit).

      Why are the claims being denied? Did you know in advance that they would be? Did the provider appeal on your behalf? Are you able to appeal, or has too much time passed so that the appeal window is closed? If you didn’t know about the potential denial, the provider didn’t appeal, and the provider’s billing practice deprived you of an opportunity to appeal, I wouldn’t pay for denied services.

      They may not even be able to bill you for 2023 at this point, depending on state laws and insurance company contracts.

      Basically, there’s no way I’d hand over $2500 without knowing I owed that much. You probably don’t.

    7. Sorry, OP here – they finally gave me an itemized bill for 2023 but I’m saying it’s going to be a pain to figure out if it’s accurate or not, and there may be more to come, or not. So I’d just offer $2500 to settle it, knowing roughly how much we paid this year.

      1. I would not pay them anything until you get an itemized bill.

        If they are talking 2023 at this point, they can’t file with insurance and neither can you. I’m not sure why you need the dates of service unless you are just looking to double check. If that’s true, can you just ask for your charts?

        1. And if they are in network with your insurance and haven’t filed on time, they can’t seek payment from you.

  4. Can any A cups that have widely set b–bs recommend a comfortable bra? It seems like every one I’ve tried lately digs into my shoulders or has underwires that dig-in or have too much (or too little) padding or push-up pads. Just looking for a boring but comfortable bra that can be worn every day.

    1. The sub r/ABraThatFits has lots of info. You may want to measure using their recommendations to confirm you’re wearing the right size.

    2. ooh this is me. I have had luck with the following:

      1. b.tempt’d Women’s Etched in Style Convertible T-Shirt Bra (good for everything except scoop necks)
      2. DKNY Women’s Modern Lace Unlined Demi Bra (unlined but good support and very comfy)
      3. Maidenform Women’s One Fab Fit Everyday Demi Underwire Bra (the best demi I have found)
      I have tried Pepper but they aren’t quite as good of a fit. I’ll post links in a follow-up comment.

    4. Target’s Auden seamless nursing bra is so comfortable that I keep buying it despite stopping nursing over a year ago. You don’t feel the extra nursing bits. No underwires, decent padding. I’m a 34A or AA and size Small works best for me. Literally the only bra that I almost forget I have on

  5. Need to travel to London in late Jan, early Feb, which I know is not the best time. After all the beauty of Xmas, and also the coldest, wettest season I am reading. Please help me feel better about it by suggesting best things to do. About 7 days total, with mostly free time except 2 day time meetings. Also what to wear!

    1. London has a lot of good indoor stuff (museums, shopping, theater) so I think it’s actually not a bad city to visit in the dead of winter. And eat all the Sunday roasts, fish & chips, Indian food and fancy afternoon teas. Apparently I’m a weirdo but I love the food in the UK.

    2. don’t know where you are starting from (geographically) but as a NYer I can say that you don’t need a real winter coat– you’re probably better off with a barn jacket or something semi water proof and some kind of fleece of heavy sweater. Have you ever been before? because if not i would do the obvious stuff (tower of london, british museum, changing of the guards, maybe see a west end show if that’s your thing). I love love love London and have been in the winter moer than once.

      1. Thanks yes been there before, in summer though and was uncharacteristically glorious weather as per Londoners. Done most of the outdoors touristy stuff in summer and less of the museums/ shows. I am 40, and kinda over the real touristy stuff unlike when i was younger. My husband is looking to join me on this trip but TBC.

        1. London is pretty winter-friendly. On my list for a return trip are Churchill’s war rooms, more time at the V&A (were running behind and only saw 1-2 of the areas), and alllll the Dishoom.

    3. I was in London with my family in January this year. It was bitterly cold but sunny so we walked a ton and had a wonderful time.

      Go to the museums – there are a ton of free ones and all have cafes so even if you want to people watch or read a book they are great places to just hang out without spending money on tickets.

      Tate Modern is free unless you want to see the special exhibitions, British Museum is free and you could literally spent a week only there…
      London Transport Museum is very interactive and educational. I also loved the museums in Greenwich and the boat ride there is great even in winter – the National Maritime Museum is free, Cutty Sark is amazing, and the observatory makes for a nice walk and interesting history about astronomy and navigation.

      Book a ticket for the Shard at sunset and enjoy a drink and the view.

    4. Theater! I used todaytix to get great last minute seats last time I was in London.

    5. Trust me, late January is fantastic – all of the December tourists are gone. Weatherwise, just check the forecast two days before you fly out – it’s too volatile to say otherwise. And yes, you need to dress for both the boiling hot tube and the ambient weather

  6. I got out of a long term relationship last year and I’ve been happily enjoying my single status. While the breakup was gut wrenching, I have built a life I love. That said, I find I’m really missing having a special someone as the Christmas and New Years Eve holidays are approaching. I’m not sure what I’m asking for –maybe encouragement or words of wisdom? Anyone in a similar place?

    1. Warm things help when you’re lonely. Some say cuddle with a pet, but a hot water bottle, heated blanket, or hot bath work wonders.

          1. Our local animal shelter does limited time fosters over the holidays — so you can take a pet for a day and up to a week, and they give you everything necessary to have the pet (food, bowls, bed, etc). If you want company but are not looking for a long term commitment (and you like animals and live in a place that will allow it), it might be worth checking out.

    2. there are seasons to these things. I am not currently single but am divorced and was single for a long time and lots of holidays. Do you have any friends who are in a similar place? don’t have to be besties, i had a work colleague who was alone and we spent new years together a few times…. i am not a doctor phil fan but one thing he said which has stuck with me is, “better to be alone than wish you were alone.” try not to get wrapped up in the mistletoe hallmark romance of the season.

      1. Thank you. The point “better to be alone than wish you were alone” really hit for me. I’m lucky in that I have family and good friends near by. I think I’m just remembering the romance rather than the down sides of the relationship. Again, thank you.

    3. If you’re into all of the holiday stuff (seeing lights, ice skating, whatever your city offers), invite friends to go with you! I know this seems obvious but I was worried my friends would all be busy with their significant others and families this time of year, but they’re really not. I’ve had more fun with friends this year than I ever had with my (yes, mostly bad) partners.

    4. I just recognize that the holidays have the effect of shining a bright light onto an empty area of my life, that I wish weren’t empty. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with me, or with my life. Just that there’s an empty space, and it’s much more obvious this time of year.

      So I generally just enjoy what’s available to enjoy, feel the empty space but also relax about it, and know that I’ll feel better in January when the spotlight moves off this empty space and on to decluttering, getting back in shape, and paying off credit card purchases.

    5. My aunt said something to me when I was a teenager that came back to me during my marriage: It’s possible to feel more lonely next to another person than on your own. As a divorced person now, I know the grass can seem greener on the other side, but when I really remember the loneliness in the marriage that helps me put things into perspective.

    6. This is the time of year when I hear about all the wonderful things my friends with kids are doing. I’m childless by choice, and it can feel a little empty. But then I also remember throughout the year when I’m hearing them being drained from all they are doing and what it was like for them during Covid, and I also think about how much I enjoy the freedom of my weekends and having the ability to do something that interests me at the drop of a hat or buy something without feeling like it’s taking away from someone else. It’s easy to romanticize what you don’t have. But the day to day reality is often less golden. Do I think they are happy? Yes. But I also know that not every day is Christmas morning and there are sad days as well. And that I also have happy and sad days and it’s OK to recognize that feeling sometimes sad is totally normal.

  7. This dryer is fantastic. My hair stylist got one recently and is using it more than her Dyson now. It’s really lightweight and well designed, and dries my thick, nonporous hair quickly without drying it out. If I were looking for a new blower, this is what I would get.

    1. +1

      I don’t have the Flex version but I still make room in my carry on for mine.

      Only caveat – I don’t use any attachments other than the diffuser. I could have saved a few dollars and cupboard space by just getting that rather than the whole set, but ah well.

  8. Brunettes – how do we go gray and stop coloring? I hate the idea of having roots.

    1. The Gray and Proud Facebook group helped me. I had my colorist color my hair silver, and I cut my short hair into an even shorter pixie.

      The “dye strip” technique Is an interesting option, if your hair is long. Google it.

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