Review of the Dyson Supersonic r Hairdryer – From a Low-Maintenance Hair Person
As someone with a shoulder-length bob who prefers to spend as little time as possible styling my hair, I wasn’t sure the Dyson Supersonic would be worth the hype, or the price. But after several weeks of use, I have some thoughts. Here’s a breakdown of what works (and what doesn’t) for someone who values speed, simplicity, and comfort over salon-level styling.
Drying Time: So quick it blew me away
First and foremost: it’s fast. Like really fast. I can go from towel-damp to fully dry in about 5-6 minutes, which is a game-changer for my morning routine. I don’t section my hair or use a round brush, just a basic run-through, and it handles it effortlessly.
Buttons & Controls: Cool shot? More like hot stuff!
The buttons are located on the back of the handle and on the round barrel of the dryer. It took me a few uses to get used to where everything is, especially the heat and airflow settings, but now I appreciate the clean layout. There are three airflow settings and four temperature settings (press the + button to increase heat, press the – button to decrease heat or use cool air function), plus a cool shot button on the underside of the handle. It might be overkill for someone who just wants to dry and go, but it’s simple enough once you find your preferred combo and stick to it.
Noise Level: whisper soft with a loud impact on my hair
It’s quieter than most hairdryers I’ve used, but it’s not silent. The noise is more of a smooth, high-pitched hum than a loud roar. I can still hear a podcast or music at a decent volume while drying, which is a nice bonus.
Cord
The cord is long, maybe too long for someone just using it in a bathroom and not doing salon work. It’s thick and durable, which gives it a high-quality feel, but it does occasionally get in the way. Not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of. The plug however is massive! If you have an awkwardly placed power outlet in your bathroom you may have trouble with the size of the plug. Its very much oversized.
Styling attachments: diffuse the situation
The Dyson Supersonic comes with a lineup of 5 styling attachments that feel more like precision tools than the usual “one-size-fits-all” nozzles. The flyaway attachment quickly became my go-to for polished, everyday bob; it gave my hair a sleek, glossy finish without the usual flatness, and somehow kept frizz at bay even on humid days. There is a video on the Dyson website that talks you through the technology behind this attachment if you’re interested. The styling concentrator was great for shaping specific sections, though I needed a few tries to angle it just right without accidentally blasting nearby hair out of place. And I had to dial in the heat and speed settings before it really clicked (tip: lower heat, more patience!). I also tried the gentle air attachment, which was surprisingly effective for quick drying without puffing my hair up like a blow-dried lion. At first, I was slightly overwhelmed by all the magnetic click-ons, they’re intuitive once you get the hang of them, but there’s definitely a short learning curve. That said, once I figured out which tool gave me which finish, it felt like I had a personalised salon setup at home, minus the appointment.
Dyson also has styling guides online if you want to try out different styles using the range of attachments.
Comfort & Weight
The weight distribution is noticeably different than traditional dryers. Where your everyday hairdryer is heavier on the business end, the Dyson Supersonic is heavier in the handle. But having said that, the overall weight is most definitely lighter than anything I’ve ever used before, and more balanced in the hand. My arms never get tired using it, and I appreciate that it doesn’t feel top-heavy. Its ultra-light design is a game-changer for anyone with limited strength or mobility, for example – those living with MS, making styling less of a strain.
Overall Verdict
If you’re the kind of person who likes to be in and out of the bathroom without fussing over your hair, the Dyson Supersonic is honestly a luxury that makes the process faster and more enjoyable. It’s overengineered in a good way, quiet, powerful, sleek, and while the price is steep, it does feel like you’re buying time and convenience, which for me is worth it.
Pros:
- Fast drying time
- Lightweight and balanced
- Quieter than average
- Simple, intuitive controls once you’re used to them
Cons:
- High price point
- Cord and plug can be a little bulky
- Slight learning curve with button placement
With thanks to Dyson for the pleasure of testing the Dyson Supersonic. You can grab yours in one of two colour ways – ceramic pink or rose gold, for A$799 and also receive a complimentary Dyson Supersonic r Diffuser valued at $49.