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Anyone with curly or unruly hair knows the pain of hair wash day. Standing tirelessly in front of the mirror, holding up a heavy hairdryer trying to try and achieve that frizz-busting blow dry. But Dyson is promising a faster drying time with a lighter weight product that leaves your typical at-home dryer in the dust.
The Dyson Supersonic R hair dryer is its latest hair tool as of February 2026 and comes with whopping five attachments for your straight or curly hair needs.
It is 20 per cent lighter than the original Supersonic dryer, weighing 325g – less than a can of hairspray – and is also 30 per cent smaller.
The hair dryer promises a smoother and shinier finish compared to other brands, reducing frizz by up to 46 per cent with less damage. However, you will need a spare £449.99 if you want to try it.
At the Daily Mail, we’ve tried and tested dozens of top of the range hair dryers including the Shark Speed Style Pro and GHD Helios, as well as the latest multi stylers like the T3 Aire 360 and Shark Glossi.
As someone who has spent years on the quest for the best products to cut down my hairstyling time while still achieving a salon finish, I had to put the Dyson Supersonic R to the test.
This Dyson Supersonic R is is smaller and lighter than most hairdryers
Dyson Supersonic R review
Dyson Supersonic R
Product Specs
- Weight325 g
- Dimensions28.5cm x 11cm x 5.5cm
- Heat settings4
What we love
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DesignThe hairdryer is super lightweight, so you don’t get an arm ache by the time you ae finished styling.
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EfficiencyDramatically cuts down hair styling time, for a quick and easy routine.
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AttachmentsMultiple attachments, giving you specific options when styling.
What could be better
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Value for moneyFor the hefty price tag, there are other options which can produce a great result, like the GHD Helios.
Our verdict
What I most like about the Dyson Supersonic R is that it is smaller and lighter than most hairdryers, so it’s easier to store and I don’t feel as if I’ve done an arm workout by the end of it.
I am also very impressed with how quickly it can cut down styling time, which is very important to someone like me, who finds hair care very tiresome. It is also great if you are trying to reduce heat damage to your hair while still being able to achieve a sleek and glossy end result.
My only criticism is that it doesn’t feel as powerful as the description suggests and while I appreciate a lower heat has its benefits, it would be nice to have the option to make it hotter when needed.
With these modifications, I think my blowout would have lasted longer, as I still needed to quickly go over it after sleeping on my hair. For this reason, I think it would be better suited to someone who doesn’t have super thick or coarse hair.
For £450, this is definitely a top of the range pick best suited to someone who blow dries their hair several times a week.
How we test
When testing beauty products like hair dryers, we try them out thoroughly and use them exactly how we would when styling our hair on a typical day. We give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face in a typical household.
In the case of the Dyson Supersonic R dryer, I washed my hair like I usually would, brushed it out and began to dry my hair.
While I was using the hair dryer, I made sure to look out for a variety of different factors. These include the drying speed, power, heat and the ease of use.
I also researched similar products on the market like GHD, to see how they compare.
Dyson Supersonic R review
Performance
I was very impressed with the results the Dyson Supersonic R delivered. My hair is thick and curly, so drying it after a shower is particularly laborious for me. But the Supersonic R managed to cut my styling time from 35 minutes down to 20. As someone who is often getting ready in a rush and generally finds the whole process tedious, this extra time saved is invaluable to me.
I really appreciated that there was much less noise than I have typically experienced with other hair dryers, which made the whole process significantly less bothersome. The finished result was that my hair was much smoother than when using my old dryer and I was able to achieve sleek straight hair without the need for straighteners.
However, I did feel like my hair could have been straighter had the product been hotter. I assume that this is to reduce damage, though Dyson states it is its most powerful hairdryer yet, so I was expecting more. But if you are someone that doesn’t have particularly thick hair then this is likely to be less of an issue.
Dyson’s new Supersonic R is promising faster drying time with a lightweight machine than your typical at-home dryer (left: before, right: after)
Design and accessories
The design is simply impeccable with a sleek and futuristic look, while its small size and weight makes it easy to use and will never give you an achy arm. However, the plug is massive, which makes the product bulky and look old fashioned. The packaging is almost all cardboard or paper, which ensures everything can be easily recycled.
The Supersonic R comes with five attachments – if you pick up the one for curly hair like I did, you will get a professional concentrator to achieve straight hair, a diffuser for curls, as well as a wide tooth comb, one that tamed my pesky baby hairs and one that is just air.
Value for money
For almost £500, I’d expect near perfection. Its unique selling point is that it is much lighter to hold than other hair dryers. It’s a fantastic product but I’m not convinced this justifies the price tag for the general consumer.
However, if you are someone that has hair that is difficult to manage and are using a blow dryer several times a week, then the product could be worth investing in.
How does it compare to similar products?
The Dyson Supersonic R is a tech-driven model, which features attachments automatically designed to adjust airflow and temperature for reduced heat damage and enhanced shine. It feels more like a professional tool, making it better suited to people who regularly blow dry their hair.
Dyson’s older model, the Supersonic Nural, has an automated ‘scalp protect’ mode, so it can be a good tool for those with fine or heat-sensitive hair. It’s best for casual users who require less precision when styling their hair.
For those looking for more budget-friendly option, the GHD Helios is a great general all-rounder – and a fifth of the price at £150. It has great power, which is especially important for those with thick hair in delivering a traditional blowout.
How does it rate online?
The product rates well online with a 4.2/5 stars rating on the Dyson website. Most of the reviews praise the ergonomics of the machine. The product is also lauded for its fast drying time and the fact it is lightweight, which has helped many people with ease of styling.
Common concerns relate to the size of the plug being particularly large, which made it difficult for some customers to use of their socket was near the floor or a dressing table. Others also noted the dryer’s shape is slightly awkward.
Overall, I’d say the Dyson Supersonic R is well suited to someone who is experienced in styling their own hair and is looking for something a bit more professional to take it to the next level.
My hair is thick and curly, so drying it after a shower is particularly laborious for me. But the Supersonic R managed to cut my styling time from 35 minutes down to 20
Dyson Supersonic R
Why trust us
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for years.
Jada has been reviewing hair and beauty products for years, where that be at home or professionally. She will always be honest, impartial and give a full rounded opinion of the products she tests.
FAQs
Is the Supersonic R worth it?
Most reviews say this product is worth the steep price tag for its excellent results. I’d say the best thing about it is the short drying time, which is definitely of great value if you are someone with thick hair. And you have the added bonus of a lightweight machine that won’t give you an arm ache.
What is the difference between Dyson Supersonic and Supersonic R?
The original Dyson Supersonic has a more traditional hair dryer shape, making it a reliable everyday option for most people.
The Supersonic R focuses on improving precision. It has a curved, more compact shape that makes it easier to reach different areas of your head. It is also lighter to hold. This design was influenced by professional stylists, aiming to give users more control and reduce arm strain.
