Note: This review was first published on 27 September 2024.
The Dyson Supersonic Nural is not a replacement of the current Supersonic. PHOTO: HWZ
Nobody expected a company known for its home cleaning appliances to launch a beauty care product. So when Dyson, far more known for their cordless vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans back then, launched the Supersonic hairdryer in 2016, it caught everyone by surprise. What was even more surprising was how the hairdryer looked and performed like nothing else in the market.
Fast forward 2024 and Dyson’s back at it with the brand new Supersonic Nural. Dyson must have thought that there’s no need to break a winning formula, so the new hairdryer is more of an evolution step up from what it has launched before. That means it’s still unmistakably Dyson – including the price tag. S$699, to be exact.
But here’s the big question: Is it worth spending close to $700 for a hairdryer?
Let’s get the price out of the way first. It’s high. Really high. But Dyson has always operated at a premium level, so this isn’t exactly a surprise. The Nural also isn’t a replacement for the existing Supersonic, but as new model in its hair care category. Whether the Nural justifies the price will depend a lot on whether you’re already using a Supersonic, how much your hair matters to you – and how much you’re willing to spend to make your routine quicker and less damaging.
The huge diffuser attachment is back. PHOTO: HWZ
If you’re already an existing Supersonic user and appreciate how its powerful airflow works well to get your hair dried quickly, then the new Nural version may not necessarily be the upgrade to splash $699 on. But if you want the latest and the greatest for your hair or think it’s time to make a switch from your current hairdryer, then there are some major tech upgrades and attachments that the Nural has over its slightly cheaper $649 Supersonic.
The diffuser is one, for instance. It’s not just a basic attachment – Dyson’s turned it into a two-mode system. There’s a traditional diffuser setting with prongs that help get right to the roots and give them some lift. But there’s also what they call dome mode, which is more about gently swirling air around the curls. I ended up using both modes on my shoulder-length hair – starting with the diffuser to give my roots some volume, then switching to the dome for the lengths of my hair to reduce frizz. It was one of the few times I actually felt that the diffuser did more than just make my hair more voluminous.
The Supersonic Nural's Scalp Protect Mode could be useful for those with sensitive scalps. PHOTO: HWZ
And then there’s the tech. Dyson has added something called Scalp Protect Mode, which automatically lowers the heat to 55 degrees Celsius when the dryer gets close to your scalp. I wasn’t sure how much of a difference this would make, as it doesn’t seem to affect me much, but I can imagine that this could be really useful for those with sensitive scalps. It’s a neat and smart feature, nonetheless.
Another thing I noticed is how Dyson thought about the little things. For example, the Nural has a feature called Pause Detect. When you set the hairdryer down, it automatically lowers the heat and airflow until you pick it up again. I didn’t think I’d use this much, but it actually came in handy when I was sectioning my hair or just needed a quick break – rather than having to manually turn it on and off every time I do that.
Aesthetically, the Nural isn’t a massive departure from the original Supersonic, but it does have a few nice touches. The transparent back panel is one of them, as it lets you see some of the inner workings, which is cool if you’re into that sort of thing – such as a tech geek like me. The heat indicators are also colour-coded, so you can tell at a glance whether you’re on high, medium, or low. It’s a small thing, but it’s helpful when you’re trying to adjust settings mid-dry.
Dyson has taken hair care to another level. PHOTO: HWZ
Now, the golden question you’re asking – is all this worth S$699? For most people, probably not. If your hair is easy to manage and you’re happy with your current Supersonic hairdryer or even a standard dryer, the Nural might feel like an overkill. But if, like me, you’ve got thick or long hair that takes forever to dry and you’re concerned about heat damage, the Nural could be a step up in hair care. It’s not just about getting your hair dried faster but also giving some well-deserved TLC to your hair and scalp.
Personally, I like the Supersonic Nural, and I’d easily recommend it to anyone looking for a new hairdryer. It’s great for saving time, reducing hair and scalp damage from heat, and maybe enjoying the process of drying your hair a little more. There’s something oddly pleasant about the hairdryer's " whoosh " sound every time it’s powered up or down. Is it necessary, though? No, especially if you’re already an existing Supersonic owner. But does it make a difference? Absolutely.
The Dyson Supersonic Nural hairdryer is available for purchase at Dyson’s e-store. Click here to buy
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