Dyson Supersonic r review: Does the average person need a salon-level hair dryer?
What is the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer?
Billed as Dyson's most powerful, most lightweight and most precise hair dryer yet, the Supersonic r originally launched during fashion week in February 2024 and for just over a year, it was a professional-only tool. Now it's officially part of the core range of products and is available for the general public to purchase for £449.99.
Using new streamlined heating technology along with Dyson's Hyperdymium motor (also found in the brand's vacuum cleaners) and clever new radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors, which have been designed to communicate with the hair dryer, the Supersonic r is able to adjust the motor and heater in order to deliver optimal levels of airflow and temperature for a blow-out.
It also has attachments for all hair types and comes in two different bundles: straight-wavy and curly-coily, each having five add-ons designed to suit all natural hair textures and styling preferences. Both bundles come with a powerful air attachment, a pro concentrator and a flyaway attachment. The straight-wavy kit comes with a gentle hair attachment and a smoothing nozzle, while the curly-coily one comes with a diffuser and a wide tooth comb.
In comparison to Dyson's original Supersonic hair dryer, the Supersonic r is 30 per cent smaller and 20 per cent lighter, plus it's easier to manoeuvre around your head, making blow-drying hair easier and quicker.
How we test hair dryers
When testing hair dryers and other heated styling tools, we always ensure we take a range of different factors into account. We consider everything from the general design, the size and feel of the tool, how easy it is to use and what sort of skill level is required to use it. We also analyse the results we were able to achieve with it as well as the overall value for money.
Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews.
Design: 9/10
When Dyson launched this hairdryer in February last year I was immediately intrigued. Like nothing I'd ever seen before, the Supersonic r is shaped like the letter 'r', hence its name. Incredibly lightweight and seriously nimble, every hair stylist I spoke to about it was enamoured – and having been using it ahead of its general launch, I can see why.
It's slim, easy to hold, I love the colour way (ceramic pink and rose gold, it's inspired by the natural sheen and iridescence of a pearl), and it really does make me wonder why it's taken this long for the traditional hairdryer shape to be challenged and updated.
However, the one downside is that the plug is big, heavy and chunky, which I assume is because it houses a lot of the electronics needed for it to run, which would otherwise be inside the device itself.
A bulky plug is a small pay off for a hair dryer this light, but depending where plug sockets are placed in the home – especially if they're low to the ground or built into units – some users might find it difficult to use the Supersonic r in their usual space.
Usability: 10/10
The Dyson Supersonic r is pretty straightforward and intuitive to use. I didn't read the instructions before my first use and I figured everything out pretty quickly – and it really is incredibly lightweight. It almost feels like nothing, and at first I thought it might be too light but luckily it wasn't. Instead, I was able to dry my hair with ease, splitting it into layers and attempting to blow-dry it smooth was much easier than with a heavier, more traditional dryer. The shape of it also meant I could reach the back of my head better, too.
I like that the attachments are all magnetic and so they click easily into place with minimal effort. Plus, they all have RFID sensors built into them, meaning they remember the last setting used. But, if you're not sure which setting is best, each individual attachment has been pre-programmed with the airflow speed and temperature for optimal performance which is a nice touch.
The device itself has three airflow levels and four heat modes. This includes the all-important cold shot, as well as intelligent heat control which means you can dry your hair safe in the knowledge that there won't be any heat damage, and that its natural shine won't be compromised.
Convenience: 9/10
In terms of convenience, I was seriously impressed at how quickly I was able to dry my naturally curly hair. Hairdressers always tell me that it's fine but there's a lot of it and I usually have to split it into around three layers to dry it. This can take between 20 and 30 minutes – and then I have to straighten it.
But with the Dyson r, I can dry my hair fully in around 10 minutes flat and although I've still never quite managed to master an at-home blow-dry that doesn't require a pair of straighteners, the finished result was much smoother, and there was definitely a lot less frizz than usual which I was happy about.
The only inconvenient thing – and the reason it loses marks here – is the plug. As mentioned earlier, the plug is clunky and heavy, and even though I know without it the actual device wouldn't be as lightweight, it is off-putting. I wouldn't want to travel with the hair dryer in case the plug didn't fit into any of the sockets I had access to. Luckily, I use an extension cable at home and have no issues, but it's something to be aware of if you're debating the investment.
Safety: 9/10
As with most new tools these days, this hair dryer does have intelligent heat control to ensure it doesn't damage your hair, and one of the attachments in the 'straight + wavy' bundle is specifically designed to be more gentle on the scalp, working to evenly diffuse and smooth the airflow so it's not as harsh.
The tool does also automatically switch off if it overheats which, generally speaking, is good, but it happened the first time I used it and it didn't turn back on for around 20 minutes. Through some research I realised it might have happened because I used an extension cable. I now have it on a slightly cooler setting and it hasn't overheated since.
Results: 10/10
Considering my lack of skill, I was impressed with the hair dryer and how quickly it was able to dry my hair relatively smoothly and without frizz. If I had more patience to learn, I think it would be easy to achieve a sleek at-home blow-dry – the size, shape and weight of the Supersonic r means it's easier to reach the back of the head to ensure hair is dry, smooth and shiny all the way round.
The attachments are all great and I genuinely do think there is a viable use for all five of them, plus all the intelligent technology that's built in is incredibly clever and useful – especially for a novice like me.
Technical specifications
Dyson's newest hair dryer costs £120 more than the original Supersonic, so how do they stack up?
Telegraph verdict: 9/10
Overall, I am seriously impressed with this hair dryer and I do think it's better than the original Supersonic. It's smart, modern, light, easy to use and the technology is incredible. However, there's no denying that it's expensive – almost £500 for a hair dryer is a lot of money.
If you're somebody who is able to dry their hair and not need to use other tools to achieve your desired style then I would say it is more worth the money, but despite all the research and development that's gone into this tool, I don't know if I can legitimately tell you it's worth it unless you comfortably have that sort of money to spend on a hair dryer.
Dyson Supersonic r FAQs
When can you buy the Dyson Supersonic r?
The Dyson Supersonic r is available to buy in the UK from Wednesday April 2nd 2025. It'll cost £449.99 and is currently available in the Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold colourway, with a new Jasper Plum variety launching in the summer.
How does the Dyson Supersonic r differ from other models?
The Dyson Supersonic r is 20 per cent smaller, 30 per cent lighter and easier to manoeuvre than other Dyson hair dryers. It is also fitted with RFDI sensors which automatically adjust heat and power settings depending which attachment is in use.
What attachments are included with the Dyson Supersonic r?
There are two different attachment bundles available with the Dyson Supersonic r. The first, straight-wavy, comes with a powerful air attachment, a pro concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a gentle hair attachment and a smoothing nozzle. The curly-coily one comes with a powerful air attachment, a pro concentrator and a flyaway attachment, a diffuser and a wide tooth comb.
What is the warranty period for the Dyson Supersonic r?
The Dyson Supersonic r comes with a two year guarantee.
Does the Dyson Supersonic r cause heat damage?
No, the Dyson Supersonic r won't cause heat damage. It's developed with intelligent heat control to protect hair health, and there is also a gentle hair attachment specifically designed to be more gentle on the scalp.
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