Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review: Everything You Need to Know About the Stylist-Approved Hair Tool in 2023

I’m often asked for my Dyson Supersonic hair dryer review IRL. When my friend sees me blowing out my curls before my braids appointment. When my mom is shocked to know I can still talk to her on the phone despite the hum of the dryer. Even though I own it, and love it—as you’ll soon learn based on my review—I’m still shocked when I see various hairstylists armed with it; relying on the device to treat and style any mane that lands in their chair. 

Truly, few tools are as coveted as the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer; some would say it is the best hair dryer on the market. Though the device rings in at a few hundred dollars, it is incredibly sought after and the industry’s leading stylists, tastemakers, and celebrities all sing its praises. As for this beauty editor, no matter how many dryers I try, I find myself constantly reaching for the Supersonic wash after wash. But is it really worth the price? My Dyson Supersonic hair dryer review, below.

How Does the Dyson Supersonic Work?

“Hair dryers can be heavy, inefficient, and make a racket…they can also cause extreme heat damage to hair,” James Dyson, the British inventor and founder of the brand, said in a press release. “I challenged Dyson engineers to really understand the science of hair and develop our version of a hair dryer, which we think solves these problems.” That being said, after four years of development, Supersonic was the result of their research.

How the tool differs from the rest is, in part, its smart temperature control. According to Dyson, the technology measures the temperature 20 times per second to ensure hair isn’t exposed to extreme heats. Once you select your temperature setting, the device disperses air (funneled at 20 degrees through a small, but mighty motor) to dry hair with precision. When it comes to customization, there are four heat settings, three airflow speeds, and a cold shot button. Not to mention, seven attachments: a flyaway nozzle, styling concentrator, diffuser, wide tooth comb, smoothing nozzle, gentle air nozzle, and a flyaway smoothing brush—the last of which, the brand unveiled earlier this month as the first two-in-one attachment (designed to smooth and tame flyaways simultaneously). Not to mention, all of these mangetic attachments are stored handily in the accompanying presentation case.

The Supersonic hair dryer, plus the seven attachments, are what you get for about $430 year-round; however, in an effort to simplify its offering—this year Dyson unveiled the Supersonic Origin. Say you don’t want all the frills of the traditional set or would like another dryer for travel, you can get the dryer with just the styling concentrator at a fraction of the cost.

Read All Our Dyson Hair Tool Reviews

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener Review
• Dyson Airwrap Styler Review

My Experience With the Dyson Supersonic

Vogue editors are certainly not new to Dyson technology. When we first got word in 2016 that Dyson—then known for vacuums and fans—was entering the beauty space, we called in the device immediately. We have been impressed since day one. Since, our team has been testing it on a range of styles and hair types. 

Efficient Drying

For me, the draw to the Supersonic is its efficiency. I gravitate towards the wide-tooth comb attachment to work through my thick, curly mane with ease—quicker than any other drier I’ve tested. (I am not nearly coordinated enough to maneuver a brush with one hand and a hair dryer with the other, so this is game-changing!) Even when I’m wearing extensions or protective styles, I clip on the styling concentrator to ensure my roots are actually dry.

Because it’s designed to prevent overheating, I don’t experience any scalp sensitivities or hair that’s literally hot to the touch. Meaning, I can work speedily without feeling like I’m burning myself. (In my opinion, the actual tool doesn’t get too hot either.) Despite its powerful motor, the Supersonic is relatively quiet. Celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation agrees, “When working with clients, I love to be able to hold a conversation and still give an amazing blowout,” he previously told Vogue. For what it’s worth, hairstylist Erinn Courtney and Los Angeles–based hairstylist known as Jay Artistry are also fans of the device—namechecking it as the best hair dryer of 2023.

Versatile Attachments

From my experience, the various attachments are the most enticing feature of the Supersonic. First of all, the snap onto the dryer easily, like a magnet, and never fall off during styling—not even when my hair gets tangled. Secondly, there seems to be an attachment for virutally any use case—from smoothing flyaways and frizz to defining curls to combing through thick tresses. Plus, my attachments have stood up over three years of use. 

Easy to Use

While I wouldn’t consider the Dyson Supersonic to be heavy (it weighs 1.8 lbs), it can get a little uncomfortable if you’re styling for a while. The cord is also rather cumbersome. I wouldn’t call that a con, but it in my book it is something worth noting. Otherwise, it’s incredibly intuitive to use. Just choose your desired settings, snap your attachments into place, and go.

Is the Dyson Supersonic worth it?

If this review is any indication, yes the Dyson Supersonic is worth the investment. In my opinion, it’s one of those devices that you never tire of; not to mention, the brand continues to innovate its uses through expanded attachments, most which can be purchased à la carte. For a professional, or someone who dries hair very often, this is a must thanks to its minimal heat and level of customization to any hair type. If you’re one to air dry and style, perhaps just do the Dyson Airwrap instead—an equally, if not more, sought-after tool that boasts the more specific drying and styling capabilities you might be looking for. Be realistic about your hair care regimen to determine what’ll get you the most bang for your buck. 

Complete the Routine

Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to test the device. Post shampoo and conditioner, spritz on a healthy dosage of heat protectant along with your favorite stylers. For example, Oribe’s Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray looks to repair split ends before your blowout, while Briogeo’s cream minimizes frizz and locks in moisture. Once hair is dry, complete your look with the Airwrap styler or the Corrale hair straightener. The finishing touch? A drop of 14th Night’s lightweight oil or Kenra’s volumizing hair spray.