becoming-carmen-style-hair-dyson-supersonic-hair-dryer-attachments — **There’s a ritual to hair care that’s as sacred as morning coffee, especially when you live in Southeast Asia, where heat and humidity conspire daily to turn hair into a halo of frizz.**

For years, I chased sleek, glossy hair with drugstore dryers and endless smoothing serums, but nothing quite tamed my mane. Then came the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, cloaked in hype and a price tag to match. As I watched beauty editors alike rave about their Dyson-powered good hair days, I wondered if it was magic or just marketing. *Could a hair dryer really be this transformative?* When I finally unboxed my own Supersonic, I felt like I’d joined a secret society. Here’s my verdict three years later.

Editor’s note: I have chest-length hair that is ever so slightly wavy and frizzy. I also live in Hong Kong, which means I wash my hair daily.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

If you’re new to the Dyson phenomenon, the Supersonic isn’t just a hair dryer—it’s a reimagining of what a hair dryer could be. Launched to much fanfare, the Supersonic quickly became the tool of choice in luxury hotels and the top of countless wishlists. What sets it apart? For starters, Dyson’s digital V9 motor, spinning at 110,000rpm, creates a controlled jet of air that dries hair faster and more precisely than anything I’d used before. The Supersonic is engineered to protect hair from extreme heat damage, using intelligent heat control technology that measures air temperature over 40 times a second to maintain the perfect level—no more frazzled ends or brittle textures.

Its reputation is more than just clever advertising: with clinical claims of up to 132% more shine and 61% less frizz compared to naturally dried hair, the Supersonic promises to make glossy, healthy-looking hair accessible to all. It’s ergonomically designed, and—let’s be honest—aesthetically pleasing enough to warrant permanent counter space.

Design & Features

There was definitely a sense of ceremony surrounding the opening of the Dyson Supersonic, akin to unveiling a new tech toy or mid-tier handbag. After all, it does come with the price tag to match. But let’s talk tech, because Dyson has packed serious innovation into the Supersonic’s svelte body. Made of glass-filled nylon, the dryer itself is surprisingly compact and delightfully balanced in the hand, with no awkward wrist angles or top-heavy struggles. That’s because the digital V9 motor is tucked inside the handle, shifting the weight away from the head and making it easier to manoeuvre, especially crucial when you’re tackling the back of your head or coaxing out waves. And the Air Multiplier™ technology projects a high-pressure jet of controlled air, drying hair quickly without relying on scorching heat.

The Supersonic features four precise heat settings (ranging from a cool 28°C to a brisk 100°C) and three speed settings, allowing you to tailor your blow-dry to any scenario. A cold shot button is also included, perfect for setting curls or waves after heat styling.

It also comes with five magnetic attachments, designed to cater to different hair needs, all of which click into place with a satisfying snap—no wrestling with stubborn plastic or burning fingers. Even before I’d plugged it in, I could tell this was a tool engineered with intention. The smoothing nozzle delivers a gentle, controlled airflow—ideal for banishing morning frizz. The styling concentrator is my go-to for blow-drying hair straight, as it focuses the air exactly where I need it. And the flyaway attachment, inspired by pro stylists, uses the Coanda effect to smooth those stubborn baby hairs and finish with a salon-worthy gloss. For anyone with curly or coily hair, the wide-tooth comb attachment not only detangles but also adds definition, while the diffuser is a lifesaver for when you want to encourage natural waves.

My edition came nestled in the signature presentation case, which makes for a lovely gift option, as it’s elegant and looks great on the shelf, keeping everything pristine between uses. However, it is admittedly bulky if you’re short on counter space, and it’s nearly impossible to fit the dryer and all its attachments in without wrestling with the cable. For daily convenience, the better option is to opt for the official steel stand, which accommodates the dryer and up to three magnetic attachments, or a third-party stand that attaches to the wall with holders for everything. Bear in mind that while the hair dryer is durable, it’s not invincible to nicks and scratches, and will require the occasional wipe-down.

Styling Tips: Products and Dyson Add-Ons

Here’s where the fun begins. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right hair products can make all the difference, especially in Hong Kong’s humid climate. Before blow-drying, I apply a lightweight heat protectant (not unlike Dyson’s own pre-style cream) to create a flexible hold and lock in moisture. Since I always wash my hair before going to bed and prefer my pillowcases to be clean, I refrain from using styling sprays or similar products immediately afterwards. But if you’re after extra smoothness or need to tame flyaways, a dime-sized amount of post-style serum should do the job without weighing down your hair.

For daily straight blow-dries, I start by rough-drying my hair on high heat and speed until it’s about 80% dry. Then I switch to a lower setting and attach the smoothing nozzle, working section by section with a large paddle brush, followed by a round brush. When I’m curling my hair with a tong, I always finish with the cold shot to set the style—trust me, it makes a difference in longevity.

And don’t be afraid to play with the attachments and settings. The cool thing about the Supersonic is that it offers flexible options for heat, speed, and multiple attachments, allowing you to determine what your hair responds to best and experiment for your signature finish. Most hair dryers only have two heat settings and one standard nozzle or diffuser, if any, and the variety on the Dyson makes you feel like a pro at hair drying (even when you’re not).

Performance: My Experience

Let’s get real: my hair is chest-length, slightly wavy, prone to frizz, and at the mercy of Hong Kong’s subtropical climate. Hair drying has always created so much friction around my evening routine that, in hindsight, subconsciously made me dread winding down for bedtime. So you can’t blame me for feeling sceptical about the Dyson Supersonic.

Daily hairwashing used to be a laborious ordeal, with drying sometimes taking 20 minutes or more, only for my roots to fluff up the second I stepped outside. Drying time is now halved to a breezy 10 minutes, even shorter on days when I air-dry beforehand.

Humidity is still a beast, but the Supersonic tames the frizz far better than any other dryer I’ve used. Its powerful, concentrated airflow smooths each section quickly, and my hair feels softer, looks shinier, and—most importantly—stays straighter for longer. The flyaway attachment is a must before heading out for a dinner or event—it gives that polished, just-left-the-salon finish.

The intelligent heat control also means I never worry about singed ends or that unpleasant fried smell. While the dryer doesn’t utilise ceramic or ionic technologies that smoothen hair on the spot, its improved temperature control and drying times subject hair to less direct heat, yielding healthier locks in the long run. I’ve even noticed that my hair retains more bounce, and I rarely reach for my straightener except when I want a super-sleek look.

Because I wash and blow-dry my hair daily, tools that save time and minimise damage aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential, and the Dyson Supersonic makes the ritual less of a chore and more of a treat.

How the Dyson Supersonic Compares Against Other Hair Styling Tools

Let’s talk comparisons, because the hair tool market is more crowded than ever.

Traditional dryers—think old-school, heavy, two-speed models—simply can’t compete. They’re slower, hotter, and much rougher on fragile hair. Even popular models from Philips don’t match the Dyson Supersonic for sheer speed and control, although they are more wallet-friendly.

Many Supersonic dupes have since emerged on the market. The Laifen Swift and Xiaomi Ionic are strong contenders, both boasting a similar cylindrical head and relatively fast drying time. The Laifen is surprisingly quiet and comes with three nozzles just like those of the Supersonic. In contrast, Xiaomi utilises water-ion technology for frizz reduction and is a travel-friendly tool. However, after some hands-on time, I find that they still lack the nuanced heat control and attachment versatility of the Dyson. They’re really decent buys that hit the sweet spot between luxury and practicality, but, honestly, my hair just looks better and feels healthier with the Supersonic.

The newer Dyson Supersonic Nural ups the ante with added intelligence: scalp protect mode, pause detect (which minimises airflow when you set it down), and attachment learning that remembers your preferred settings. It’s a dream for those with sensitive scalps or anyone who wants more tech-driven hair care, but at a premium price. And the latest Dyson Supersonic r is even lighter and smaller, designed for precise, professional-level styling. It’s ideal for those who want ultimate manoeuvrability or regularly style their hair in intricate ways.

If you’re considering a multi-tasker like the Dyson Airwrap, remember: it’s designed for both drying and styling, but doesn’t have the same power or precision as the Supersonic. For ultra-straight blowouts and daily use, I prefer the Supersonic’s focus and performance.

The Verdict: Is the Dyson Supersonic Worth It?

After years of daily use, it’s an unequivocal yes from me. It’s made daily hair care faster, healthier, and genuinely more enjoyable. The technology isn’t just for show: my hair is softer, shinier, and less frazzled, even in Hong Kong’s relentless humidity. The magnetic attachments are a revelation, and the intelligent heat control means I’m not trading smoothness for damage. My hair feels healthier, and I’ve even been able to reduce the frequency of hair masks and leave-in treatments.

Against other tools—even Dyson’s own multi-taskers—the Supersonic stands out for its power, precision, and thoughtful design. It doesn’t curl, wave, or straighten like an Airwrap or hot brush, but it does one thing exceptionally well: deliver flawless blowouts, time after time. For that, and for the confidence of leaving the house with hair that stays polished, I’d say it’s more than worth it. The Supersonic does have a slight learning curve if you want to maximise its capabilities, though. I still haven’t mastered giving myself a salon-quality blowout, but I’ve put the Supersonic through its paces, and I’m not looking back. It’s safe to say that the Supersonic represented a significant leap forward for the market and has become the gold standard for at-home hair styling.

That said, the Supersonic is a luxury, not a necessity. It is a proper splurge considering the multitude of alternatives on the market, even though nothing feels too ridiculous once you check out the slew of hair styling tools Dyson has launched since. However, hair dryers rarely break down (my last few have far outlasted my patience for them), so it still works out as one of the most cost-effective products in my arsenal of hair styling tools.

If your hair is short, fine, or easy to style, you’re probably not as hampered by frizz or drying time; the investment might feel like overkill, and something more affordable (like the Laifen Swift) would already suffice. The Supersonic is also not dual voltage, which means using it outside of your home voltage will bust the dryer, so forget about travelling with it.

But for those of us forever battling the elements or dreaming of salon-worthy hair at home, it’s a game-changer that delivers in spades, and I can’t imagine returning to my old hair dryer since the Dyson found its way into my bathroom. Good hair days just became so much easier.