Dyson Supersonic – the hair dryer re-thought (review)

Christmas
Reader Rating0 Votes
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9.2

Dyson Supersonic is the hair dryer re-thought. Does it live up to the Dyson pedigree? Is it a good hair dryer? Is it worth the eye-watering A$499 or $549 for the Iron red and red case version?

GadgetGuy sought the assistance of GadgetGirl (wife Jan) to use, abuse and review this hair dryer. After years of using $50-100, 2000-2400W hairdryers from GHD, Remington, VS Sassoon etc., we wanted to see what was so different.

“Well, the usual hair dryer has a long barrel and a shortish handle. The Dyson Supersonic is almost the opposite – a long handle and almost no barrel. It feels more comfortable and more natural in the hand,” she said.

Out of the box – Dyson Supersonic Iron Red and case

Hmmm – that it a big box. On opening, it contains the hair-dryer, air flow nozzles (air concentrator, smoother, and diffuser), and a special edition leather beauty/carry case (red not pink as shown below) and some accessories.

Dyson Supersonic

The first impression is that it looks like no other. Where is the long barrel, which side do you use?

Then with some trepidation (as for my first use I am going to the hairdresser straight after I wash and dry my hair) I magnetically attach the concentrator and go to work.

Dyson Supersonic

The balance comes from the fan/motor in the handle, so all the top ‘doughnut’ does is focus the air – as Dyson fans do.

I was a little concerned when I saw a rating of 1600W – far less than I had used in the past. Would it take longer to dry?

No! It is light, well balanced, and produces a great airflow. It is one of the fastest drying I have used yet it does not overwhelm me with heat or velocity. Dyson claims 169kph and 41l per second from its 110,000 RPM bladeless fan. My current dryer claims 140kph.

And I love the 2.7m power cable length, and at 639g it is comparable in weight to other brands. Dyson – the cable length is great, but it’s a little ‘stiff and springy’ so it takes up space on the bathroom counter.

Heat/fan settings

It offers three fan settings – fast, regular and styling and four ‘precise heat settings.

  • 100°C Fast drying and styling
  • 80°C Regular drying
  • 60°C Gentle drying
  • 28°C Constant cold

Dyson Supersonic

How did the Dyson Supersonic do?

I have straight, thin hair – what about people with thick curls or perms?

While the review is about my experiences, I can see where it could reduce ‘frizz’ simply by selecting a high heat and a low blow speed. From what I have read that is what ‘unmanageable’ hair needs and Dyson appears to excel there too.

You cannot judge something by one use –these impressions are over a couple of weeks use. Compared to other reputable hairdryers

  • The Iron Red colour– the whole hairdryer – is very desirable
  • It is by far the most comfortable to use – well balanced and easier on the wrist
  • It is a little quieter than others but still has 75dB on maximum – more of a hiss than a gale
  • Drying time is a couple of minutes less than normal
  • Heat/cool is almost instant, and when you switch it off, it is off immediately – unlike other hairdryers which seem to ‘power down’ over a few seconds
  • The magnetically attached nozzles are a major feature and don’t come off when bumped
  • It is easy to clean – the filter is in the handle
  • Dyson avoids a lot of marketing jargon like silk, ceramic, ionic, keratin protect – the worst is its ‘glass bead thermistor’ that measures and adjusts the temperature 20 times a second and ‘negative ion’ to reduce static
  • It dries hair faster although 70° is supposed to be the optimal temperature yet it has not burned my hair as others have done
  • While the controls are good, you do need to look at the settings as you change them.
  • A two-year warranty is shorter than some others, but it is well built and looks like a keeper

GadgetGirl’s take

The Dyson Supersonic appears to be very expensive for someone who buys a $50-100 hairdryer every few years! So says GadgetGirl who owns a German car several times more expensive than a Hyundai!

When launched it was called the Tesla of hairdryers. Apparently, Sir James Dyson invested $86 million developing 600 prototypes. When Dyson “reinvents” something, you can be certain it is special and expensive.  All I can say is that he was 100% successful.

After using it extensively, I can honestly say it is better than all others I have tried. My hair seems more voluminous, softer to touch and looks shinier.

If you understand hair and want to avoid a bad hair day, it is for you.

Is it worth five to ten times as much? GadgetGuy give me your Credit Card, and we can join the cult of Dyson!

Pros

  • This is how all dryers should be designed – sorry Dyson probably has patented that
  • After a couple of weeks, hair has better volume and shine
  • Faster drying and less damaging especially if you use it daily
  • Less wrist fatigue due to better balance
  • Compact and travels well
  • Never seen so many positive reviews on social media!

Cons

  • Eye-wateringly expensive
  • The hard leather case is beautiful but not useful for travel
  • For those trying to ‘downsize’ having a large (seemingly non-essential) leather case for a hairdryer seems a waste of space (as does the extensive packaging)
  • Needs a longer warranty but Australians are protected by Australian Consumer Law anyway

Price

$499 – Dyson Supersonic dryer and accessories (White/silver or Iron/Fuchsia)

$549 – Iron Red and Red case

Free shipping or at major retailers.

Dyson Supersonic

Dyson Supersonic

Ratings

  • Overall: 4.6 out of 5
  • Features: 5 out of 5 – it does everything a great hairdryer should
  • Value for money: 3 out of 5 – you pay to be a member of Clan Dyson.
  • Performance: 5 out of 5 – faster drying and better hand balance
  • Ease of Use: 5 out of 5 – easier on the hand – great for everyday use
  • Design: 5 out of 5 – Typical Dyson style

 

Overall
9.2
Features
10
Value for money
6
Performance
10
Ease of Use
10
Design
10
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Positives
Give me the credit card - we are going to join the Cult of Dyson
Negatives
Very expensive
9.2