Is the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Worth the Price? No! (An Honest Review)

February 11, 2022 (updated April 24, 2023) — Written by

Is a $400+ hair dryer worth the hype? I’ve had the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer since 2018 and while I love it, I can’t say it’s for everyone. Curious about my honest review? Keep reading…

Woman holding hair dryer from Dyson

By: Lisa Fennessy

IN THIS POST:

At some point in the recent past, owning a really great hair dryer became a need instead of a want. Maybe it’s because using a hair dryer can lead to dry, rough hair with loss of hair color (1). Maybe it’s because gray hair can turn brassy (or yellowish) from heat exposure (2). Maybe it’s because I was sick of all my hair dryers crapping out.

Or maybe it’s because my friend Jessica has one and now I want one too.

Whatever the reason, all I know is that I was ready to put the best hair dryer ever, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, to the test. 

RELATED: My Dyson Airwrap Styler Review and Dyson Hair Dryer vs. Airwrap Compared (Pros + Cons).



My Dyson Supersonic hair dryer review

Generally speaking, I wash my hair two times a week. Sometimes I’ll let my hair air dry, but most of the time I will blow it out. My hair is long, thick and wavy so I can either dry it straight or diffuse it for a fun wave.

RELATED: Natural shampoo not “working”? Try these 8 tips.

Out of the shower, I usually towel it up to absorb and excess water and then I hit it with my #1 styling product, EVOLVh’s SuperFinish Polishing Balm. This helps to smooth, hydrate and protect hair and I never dry my hair without it. If I’m going to diffuse my hair, I layer SuperFinish Polishing Balm and then a little Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer to help protect and define my waves. 

Dyson hair dryer with three attachments

RELATED: My review of Kitsch’s Satin Heatless Curls set.

Which Dyson hair dryer attachments I use 

When I bought my Dyson Supersonic back in 2018, it came with three attachments. Now it comes with these five: 

Nine times out of ten I use the Styling Concentrator and that’s it. However, I do have wavy hair so I appreciate the diffuser which helps define my waves plus keep them from frizzing out.

How long it takes to dry my hair with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

I really wanted to put a hard number on this, so I timed my last blowout. For this experiment I washed my hair, toweled it up for exactly six minutes while I lotioned up and got dressed and then blew my hair out. With the Dyson hair dryer, drying my hair took seven minutes.  

RELATED: The best heat protectant for hair.

How does the Dyson hair dryer compare to other hair dryers?

In the past I’ve owned some sort of version of the Kiss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Blow Dryer and before that it was some rando Conair.

What really stands out to me about the Dyson hair dryer compared to others is it dries my hair in about half the time—and I never get that burned hair smell. 

I also really like the magnetic attachments. In the past, I’ve dropped my hairdryer and cracked the diffuser screw part and was instantly SOL with no diffuser attachment anymore. Or sometimes the screw-in part of an attachment becomes threadbare and no longer attaches. I specifically remember duct taping one of my attachments to my old hair dryer. That didn’t work so well. But with the Dyson magnetic attachments, those things won’t happen. It’s attachments for life y’all. 

I have had the attachment fall off during a blow dry, but it’s no big deal to just pop it back on.

Woman with gray hair using Dyson hair dryer on curly hair

Best hair dryer for gray hair 

The Dyson Supersonic is the best hair dryer for gray hair in my opinion. The only thing that rivals it is the Dyson Airwrap, which I also reviewed here (hint, I actually like it BETTER than the Supersonic!). 

There are two KEY things it does for women with gray hair: 

  1. It reduces dry time, which helps to keep my gray hair looking brilliant over brassy. 
  2. And it also reduces extreme heat damage, which is important to me too. 

Dyson explains, “The Dyson Supersonic is engineered to protect hair from extreme heat damage, with fast drying and controlled styling to help increase smoothness by 75%, increase shine by up to 132% and decrease frizz and flyaways by up to 61%.” And I’m here for all of THAT.

Not sure if the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is for you? Check out my review of the Dyson Airwrap, and see how they compare!

RELATED: Shark Hair Tools Review: Worth the Hype?


Is the Dyson hair dryer worth $400? 

FIRST OF ALL, if anyone who tells you you NEED TO buy a $400 hair dryer, they are lying to you and themselves. No $400 hair dryer is “worth the money”…especially if you don’t have the money. 

Does the Dyson hair dryer dry my hair faster? Yes.

Is the Dyson hair dryer easy to handle and pack? Yes. 

Is the Dyson hair dryer helping to reduce hair damage? Yes. 

Is the Dyson hair dryer awesome and cool and all the things? Yup. 

Is the Dyson hair dryer worth $400? NO! 

It’s like asking, Is a Bentley “worth the $200K”? If you have the money and value driving a Bentley then yes, I guess. If you don’t have the money, a Toyota Tercel will still get you from point A to point B, with a little left over for brunch and a mimosa. 

If you are asking if the Dyson hair dryer is worth it to me personally? Now, that’s a different question. And yes, I’m obsessed and I’ll never use anything else. I sleep 10 feet away from it every night, I bring it with me wherever I travel, I get pissed when other people use it. Me and The Dyson Supersonic are like 2gether + 4ever = 6cess!

However, I will add, if you have thin hair or hair that dries easily or no hair at all, then it’s probably not worth it for you. 


Where to get the Dyson on sale

  • In the past, ULTA has discounted The Dyson Supersonic and The Dyson Airwrap by 20%. Get on their email list.  
  • Score a refurbished one on ebay, which you can find for about $300 on average.
  • Plan for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale where *sometimes* Dyson products are included in markdowns. (I called to double check!)
  • Use the Honey extension where available codes or savings will automatically be populated in your checkout cart.  
  • If you are a Dyson owner already, you can save 20% during Dyson’s Savings Events. 
  • You cannot save on The Dyson Supersonic at Bed Bath and Beyond with their 20% off coupon. It’s excluded.  


woman holding an attachment from Dyson and the Dyson hair dryer

Dyson hair dryer pros and cons 

What I like:

  • It dries my hair super quick 
  • Magnetic attachments 
  • Comes with a diffuser 
  • Includes two drying nozzle attachments 
  • Lightweight and easy to hold
  • Four options for heat (including a cool setting)
  • Three options for power
  • It’s slim and packs easily
  • Easy to store 
  • Have had it for 4 years and hasn’t broke 
  • Internal heat sensor to regulate temperature (max heat is 212°F)
  • It’s quiet (comparatively speaking)
  • I can get a smoother blow dry
  • No clumps of dust or debris accumulating on the fan part
  • No funky burned hair smell
  • No exposed blades 
  • Hair won’t get caught in the dryer

What I don’t like:

  • The price 
  • Sometimes the metal attachments fall off
  • The plug can sometimes block the second outlet depending on your setup
  • The cord can be a little bulky
  • No finger grooves on the handle
  • Does not offer reduced EMF exposure 
  • My husband uses it too 🙄

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer TNK reader FAQs

Is there a warranty? 

Dyson offers a 1 year warranty on all tools and accessories.

What type of hair is the Dyson hair dryer best suited for?

Dyson says they’ve tested different hair types in their lab and engineered a range of attachments designed to style different types of hair.

How long does it take to blowdry your hair with the Dyson hair dryer? 

I timed myself and it took me 7 minutes to dry my hair with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer.

Is there a Dyson Supersonic knockoff?

There are plenty of knockoffs on the market. The only one we’ve tested is the Shark HyperAir, which is also a great choice. BUT a workaround is to let your hair AIR DRY most of the way and then hit it with any hair dryer for the last few minutes. This will give you that smooth blowout look without the added heat exposure. 

How hot does the Dyson hair dryer get? 

There are four temp settings on the Dyson hair dryer. The hottest setting gets to 212°F and the coolest setting gets to 82°F.

Can you use the Dyson Hair Dryer in other countries? 

Dyson says, “Your hair dryer has been precisely engineered for fast drying and styling at the voltage of the country in which it was purchased. As voltage varies from country to country, please follow the guidance on usage in the guarantee section of your user manual.”

What’s the difference between the Dyson Hair Dryer and the Dyson Professional hair dryer?

The Dyson Supersonic has a cable length of 9 feet, while the professional hair dryer has a longer cord length at 11 feet. The professional hair dryer also has a more heavy duty filter, and costs about $50 more.

How often should I clean the filter? 

I’ve owned this dryer for 4 years and I’ve never cleaned the filter. Oops. Dyson recommends cleaning it once a month by wiping the outer cage and inner filter with a soft, dry cloth. 

Can I buy the new attachments if I have an older version of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer? 

Yes! You can buy single attachments for $39.99 each.

Is the Dyson hair dryer good for colored-treated hair? 

Colored hair can lose its color when heat is applied (2). Dysons says, “The Gentle Air attachment can help prevent this by maintaining a lower temperature.” 

How can I store the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer? 

You can opt for a cute presentation case or a stand or be like me and keep it loose in a bathroom drawer. 

Does the Dyson hair dryer come with a diffuser?

Yes!

How much better is the Dyson Supersonic compared to other hair dryers?

If I had to put a number on it, I would say its 35% better than other hair dryers. Every time I blow dry, I save a few minutes but really the value for me is the reduced extreme heat damage over time.

How much does the Dyson hair dryer weigh?

About 1.2 pounds. There are other hair dryers on the market that weigh close to this one but Dyson says this hair dryer is “engineered for balance” and I can feel that. It’s not front heavy and doesn’t put pressure on my wrist because all the weight is balanced on top—like a lollipop shape instead of a pistol shape.

How loud is the Dyson Supersonic?

It’s not quiet by any means but I think it’s probably *a little* quieter than most. Some sources are quoting it at 75 decibels while others are saying 79…if you want to get technical. 😜

How is the Dyson hair dryer different from the Dyson Airwrap?

They Dyson hair dryer operates like a standard hair dryer while the Dyson Airwrap is dryer AND a styling tool with multiple styling attachments like barrels to curl or wave and brushes to smooth and volumize. Check out my full review of the Airwrap here.

Not sure if the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is for you? Check out my review of the Dyson Airwrap, and see how they compare!


Have you tried the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer? Or do you have another fave?

xo, lisa in cursive

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

REFERENCES

1. Lee, Yoonhee, MD; Kim, Youn-Dok, MD; Hyun, Hye-Jin, MD; Pi, Long-Quan, Ph.D; Jin, Xinghai, MD; Lee, Woon-Soo, MD; Hair Shaft Damage from Heat and Drying Time of Hair Dryer; Annals of Dermatology; November, 2011; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3229938/

2. Toshihiro, FUJII; TAKASHIMA, Yuka; TAKAYAMA, Shunsuke; ITO, Yumiko; KAWASOE, Tomoyuki; Effect of Heat Treatment on Human Hair Keratin Film; 日本香粧品学会誌, April 2013; https://soar-ir.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/18559/files/JapaneseCosmeticScience_37_3_165.pdf

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review
  • Price
    (4.5)
  • Ingredients
    (5)
  • Effectiveness
    (5)

Summary

I’ve had the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer since 2018 and while I love it, I can’t say it’s for everyone. It prevents heat damage, but the price tag is high and not the best choice for everyone. 

Overall
4.8

Pros

  • It dries my hair super quick
  • Magnetic attachments
  • Comes with a diffuser
  • Includes two drying nozzle attachments
  • Lightweight and easy to hold
  • Four options for heat (including a cool setting)
  • Three options for power
  • It’s slim and packs easily
  • Easy to store
  • Have had it for 4 years and hasn’t broke
  • Internal heat sensor to regulate temperature (?)
  • It’s quiet (comparatively speaking)
  • I can get a smoother blow dry
  • No clumps of dust or debris accumulating on the fan part
  • No funky burned hair smell
  • No exposed blades
  • Hair won’t get caught in the dryer

Cons

  • The price
  • Sometimes the metal attachments fall off
  • The plug can sometimes block the second outlet depending on your setup
  • The cord can be a little bulky
  • No finger grooves on the handle
  • Does not offer reduced EMF exposure
  • My husband uses it too 🙄

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

13 Comments

  1. Reply

    Linda

    Hi Lisa, Great review. I’ve recently retired and definitely cannot afford the Dyson. What is your second choice for dryer. I’m 67 , have color treated hair, I have an Oraplex treament and trim every six weeks. My current hair dry just stopped providing heated air, so I’m on the hunt for a new one. Your opinion would be very appreciated. Thanks, Linda

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Linda! We tested and like this one that is also super fast drying and about half the price!

  2. Reply

    DEBBIE HEARD

    Very poor Customer Service
    My original Dyson had a problem within 3 mos with the power button. Dyson replaced with a different color (red) which was fine…but this one had a heavy power pack attached to the extra long (inconvenient) cord that is heavy and impossible to wrap the cord around for travel. Dyson would not replace with the original fuschia one I had..I feel this might be a European model designed for commercial use. They are not responding in a helpful way and I have to purchase a different dryer (never will I buy Dyson) for travel. I tried to send this review to Dyson but they said it did not meet their website guidelines. I included pictures.

  3. Reply

    Rosy

    I just wanted to say that to me, this hair drier is very hot, even in the lowest setting. For people that don’t like to use heat, or just a bit of it to dry faster, this is a huge problem with this dryer. There is really no way to control the excessive heat even though the machine has 3 heat settings, and they also came up with a “gentle” attachment. That attachment reduces heat output BUT it also reduces power, which would take longer for your hair to dry, which also defeats the purpose of buying a super expensive fast drying hair dryer. It’s a great machine, but it’s not perfect, and it should be for such price amount. My $80 hair dryer has a much lower heat setting than the lowest at my Dyson hair dryer. That should say a lot. My Dyson hair dryer is either blows too cold or too hot but nothing in the middle. That’s just unacceptable to me for $450 (as 2022).

  4. Reply

    David

    Lisa,

    Thank you so much for providing such a thorough review. The completeness an attention to detail in your report is remarkable and much appreciated. I am hoping you have done a review of the Dyson Airwrap as well.

    Thank you,
    David

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      That’s COMING! Hopefully THIS WEEK!

  5. Reply

    Mike

    This is the worst hairdryer I have ever owned!
    After 6 months it got hot and stop working after 2 minutes.
    I did everything the company recommended regarding cleaning it and still nothing.
    I call the service and they said that I need to send it to them on my account and it will take few weeks to get it back.
    So to summarize the story I have a $400 hairdryer that worth nothing.
    All together, don’t bother doing my mistake.
    1. Bad product !
    2. Bad service !

  6. Reply

    Kat

    Lisa have you heard of the ZuviLife hair dryer? I just heard of this brand that’s said to be a healthier alternative to drying ones hair, and was wondering your thoughts? It’s costly like Dyson, but apparently it uses new technology.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Kat! I haven’t heard of it but I just looked and it seems incredible! I’ll reach out to see if we can test it. Thanks for the rec! Lisa

  7. Reply

    Neve

    I found your transition to grey story interesting and wondered if I could because like you say, colouringvhsir is a big nuisance. But I am 20 yrs older than you & never used sunblock ( we didn’t realise!) so grey hair with some wrinkiles may not look as cute perhaps ie you are wrinkle free and the grey does not age you. I am not a total prune but…The shade of grey/s seems important and yours is attractive – the purple shampoo is necessary probably. My hair might not have highlights probably bit will be just all one grey colour so maybe I will need to put some colour in ( again). But your self esteem seems to have been boosted & I would like to try because the dark dyes are OK but never seem to be the right shade. My natural hair was black almost but that dies not look great with older complexion probably. Unlike yours my hair is very dry but maybe that is the dye ( thyroid issue made it dryer also) I will watch your tips on going grey. Thanks

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Neve! I hear all of this! It’s very uncertain when you decide to go gray because all of our questions have no answers! Will I like it? Will it look good on me? Will it make me look older? And unfortunately, it’s a leap of faith. But one thing is for sure. Your gray hair (whatever it ends up looking like) was meant for you and only you. It’s a perfect complement to your skin, eyes, complexion and look. If you want to try going gray, trust in that and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You can do this!

  8. Reply

    Neve

    Thankyou for your reply Lisa – great advice and positivity about something that women (and men more recently it seems) have been worried about for a very long time no doubt. We have had to dye our hair it seems due to the previously negative view of grey hair as for ‘old’ people but luckily you and others are helping to change that perception and what a relief to feel that I may not ‘have to’ dye my hair in the (not to distant future) – not just because its dry to begin with due to underachieve thyroid but because natural hair colour, like you say, is perfect for each person. You are right I need to own it & be proud of it if I can!!! Keeping the hair in great condition will help no doubt and a great cut etc (and positive attitude)
    I look forward to watching, reading other research, advice by you
    Best Wishes

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Thanks for your comment Neve! So glad you are here. xo, Lisa

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