Dyson’s Supersonic hairdryer might be one of my favourite beauty products. It has been around a long time now, having initially launched in 2016 so an update has been a long time coming. In February 2024, Dyson announced the Supersonic r but that was targeted at professionals rather than us mere mortals.
The Supersonic Nural meanwhile, was then introduced in March 2024 – eight years after the original Supersonic. But, while it offers some new technology, it still isn’t a replacement for the Supersonic. Instead, that model continues to hold strong and will be sold alongside the Supersonic Nural model and the Supersonic r.
I went to Dyson HQ in Malmesbury in the middle of April and I got my hands on both the Supersonic Nural and the Supersonic r. I must admit, both far exceed the level of ‘cool’ you would expect from a hairdryer, with the Supersonic r unique in its shape and the Supersonic Nural’s design exposing internal electronics – but beauty is skin deep. I’ll review the Dyson Supersonic Nural when it is available properly, but for now, this is everything you need to know about the new Dyson hairdryer, what it looks like, how much it will cost and how the Supersonic Nural is different to the Supersonic and Supersonic r.
What is the Dyson Supersonic Nural?
The Dyson Supersonic Nural is all about scalp health and it is designed to prevent heat damage and enhance the hair’s natural shine – I mean great news really, sign me up. There are a number of sensors on board, including a time of flight sensor, and these sensors mean the Supersonic Nural is capable of recognising your head and automatically adjusting heat and airflow accordingly, which in turn protects your hair and scalp.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
A ‘Scalp Protect’ mode activates as the Supersonic Nural gets closer to your head when styling and an LED light changes colour based on the proximity to your head. The LED light will start at cool blue and increase to yellow when on low heat, orange when on medium heat, and red when on high heat. In this ‘Scalp Protect’ mode, the Supersonic Nural automatically reduces to 55-degrees Celsius – said to be the optimum temperature for scalp comfort and drying speed. If you’re interested in the how, the time of flight sensor projects an invisible infrared beam from the Supersonic Nural to your scalp in order to measure the distance between them and adjust the settings.
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From our research into the science of hair, we know that there is a connection between the quality of hair and a healthy scalp. The scalp tissue comprises different layers, with the outermost layer serving as a barrier against external stressors. But when your scalp is damaged, moisture loss can occur, a key factor in our development of the Scalp Protect mode feature. This helps to maintain scalp moisture levels, and allows for gentle drying.
Shawn Lim, Head of Research, Dyson
There’s also a motion-sensing accelerometer in the Supersonic Nural, which automatically shuts off the heater and decreases airflow and noise when you pause styling. It’s similar to what the Dyson Airstrait does too, borrowing technology for a better experience overall.
Last but not least, there are improved attachments over the OG Supersonic with RFID technology built-in, like the Supersonic r. The RFID technology means the Supersonic Nural knows which attachment you are using and automatically changes to your last used settings for each. For example, if you attach the Flyaway attachment – one of my favourite pieces of engineering Dyson has ever created – and you choose to have the Airflow on setting 2 and heat on setting 3, the Supersonic Nural will switch to these style settings automatically when you attach the Flyaway next time.
How is the Dyson Supersonic Nural different to the Dyson Supersonic?
There are a couple of differences between the Supersonic Nural and the original Supersonic. The shape and design of the two Supersonic hairdryers are almost identical, though the Supersonic Nural has a clear element at the back of the head, allowing you to see what is inside.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
You still get the same three heat settings, same three airflow settings and the attachments all snap on the front of the head magnetically, allowing for quick switching. There’s also a filter at the bottom of both handles, the on/off switch slightly higher up on the handle and the cool shot button below the switch.
Inside, the Supersonic Nural has the additional sensors on board, allowing for the ‘Scalp Protect’ mode where the temperature is set to 55-degrees Celsius, while the attachments have been improved too with RFID technology, allowing the hairdryer to remember your styling preferences for each attachment.
What is the Dyson Supersonic Nural like?
I haven’t used the Dyson Supersonic Nural to dry my hair as yet, but I have held it and experienced it in the flesh. The Vinca Blue and Topaz model has a gorgeous finish, with a soft-to-touch feel that’s lovely to hold. It’s not as light as the Supersonic r – which is incredibly light for a hairdryer – but it is still much lighter than a traditional hairdryer.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
The exposed insides behind the clear plastic is a nice touch and while it might feel unfinished to some, it’s a design trait that gives this hairdryer something a little extra, whilst also distinguishing it from the original Supersonic. The new Wave+Curl diffuser is interesting too and something I’m excited about trying on my naturally wavy hair to see if it can deliver those beach vibes we all try so hard to accomplish, while my trusty favourite Flyaway attachment is also included but with that smarter RFID tech.
The original Supersonic remains one of my favourite products, alongside the Dyson Airwrap, so the Supersonic Nural is exciting, not just because it offers the same premium finish with a little extra, but the sensors allow for new features too. Couple that with RFID attachments and you’ve got yourself a pretty high tech device for a hairdryer.
How much is the Dyson Supersonic Nural?
Dyson hasn’t announced a release date for the Dyson Supersonic Nural in the UK as yet, but it will cost £399.99. That’s a little more expensive than the original Supersonic, which currently costs £329.99.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
The Dyson Supersonic Nural will come in two colour options – Vinca Blue and Topaz or Ceramic Patina and Topaz – and there will be five attachments included.
These five attachments will consist of Styling Concentrator, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway Attachment, Gentle Air Attachment, Wave+Curl Diffuser. It’s worth mentioning that only the Styling Concentrator and Gentle Air Attachment are compatible with the ‘Scalp Protect’ mode.
