I’m no stranger to Dyson’s haircare lineup. I have the original Supersonic, the Airwrap, and the Corrale straightener, so I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from this latest release. But the Dyson Supersonic r surprised me. Not just because of its radical new design, but because it finally feels like a hair dryer made for people like me: those of us with thick, coarse hair that takes forever to dry.

I’ve spent years trying to tame my hair into submission. Blow-drying used to be a 30-minute arm workout, followed by another 15 minutes of styling. So when Dyson claimed the Supersonic r could cut drying time and reduce heat damage, I had to put it to the test.

Design: 4.5/5

The first time I held the Supersonic r, I did a double take. It looks nothing like a traditional dryer. Instead of the usual barrel shape, it curves like the letter “r,” making it surprisingly ergonomic. Dyson says it’s 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the original Supersonic, and I immediately felt that difference. At just 325 grams, it’s incredibly light, and the curved handle makes it easier to reach the back of my head without twisting my wrist into weird angles.

The Supersonic r comes in a gorgeous matte ceramic pink finish with rose gold accents. Although I would have wanted the option to color-match it with my bright nickel and copper Airwrap. The oversized plug is also a bit of a nuisance, especially if your outlets are in tight spaces. However, that’s really nitpicking, and a very minor trade-off for the comfort and control the design offers.

Hardware: 5/5

Inside this compact frame is Dyson’s Hyperdymium motor, spinning at 110,000RPM. That’s the same powerhouse tech found in their other styling tools, and it shows. The airflow is strong but controlled, and it doesn’t rely on scorching heat to get the job done. For someone like me, with hair that usually takes 25–30 minutes to dry, this was a breakthrough.

The Supersonic r also features a new streamlined heater with ten foils that evenly distribute heat. To prevent heat damage, it constantly measures air temperature over 100 times per second. That’s a big deal for coarse hair like mine, which is already prone to dryness and breakage. There are four heat settings, three airflow speeds, and a cold shot button.

The Supersonic r can only be operated with one of the five RFID-enabled nozzles attached. These really blew me away (pun intended) as each one automatically adjusts the dryer’s settings for a particular use. No need to stop and fiddle with the buttons.

Here’s a quick rundown of the attachments that come in the box:

• Powerful air attachment – produces high-velocity airflow to dry hair fast
• Gentle air attachment – evenly diffuses airflow, produces cooler air that’s gentler on the scalp
• Smoothing nozzle – delivers more ions to reduce frizz, giving hair a smooth natural finish
• Professional concentrator – focuses air for precise styling
• Flyaway attachment – attracts longer hair strands and hides flyaways

User Experience: 4.5/5

Let me be honest: I didn’t expect to love this dryer as much as I do. But after a week of daily use, I’m hooked. Drying my hair now takes just 10 minutes, sometimes less. That’s a huge improvement, and it means I’m more likely to actually style my hair instead of just pinning it back with a clawclip.

The Supersonic r is also noticeably quieter than other dryers I’ve used. I can still listen to music or catch up on a podcast while styling, which makes the whole process feel less like a chore.

The attachments are where Dyson’s attention to detail really shines. First, I use the Powerful Air Attachment to quickly turn dripping wet hair into ready-to-style, almost dry strands. I then switch to the Gentle Air Attachment to get closer to the roots without hurting my scalp. Then, I use the Flyaway Attachment to smooth out some of the frizz and finally finish with the Smoothing Nozzle to add extra ions that keep my hair shiny.

Value: 3/5

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At PHP37,900, the Supersonic r is a serious investment. But with my thick, coarse hair that takes ages to dry (let alone style), it’s a price I’m willing to pay for the time, convenience, and results.

That said, I do wish the storage case had been customized with slots for the dryer and attachments. I also wish it came with a handy travel pouch. Just nice little add-ons to add perceived value. But again, these are minor gripes.

Overall, its performance, design, and thoughtful features make it feel like a luxury that’s actually practical.

Bottomline

The Dyson Supersonic r reimagines what a hair dryer can be. It’s light, powerful, smart, and genuinely enjoyable to use. For someone like me, who’s spent years battling thick, unruly hair, it’s a total game-changer. If you’ve been on the fence about investing in high-end hair tech, this might be the one that finally convinces you.

What’s Hot:

• Lightweight and ergonomic design
• Fast drying time
• Smart attachments with automatic settings
• Reduced heat damage
• Quiet operation

What’s Not:

• High price point
• Oversized plug

Specifications:

• Weight: 325 grams
• Motor: Hyperdymium, 110,000RPM
• Heat Settings: 4
• Airflow Speeds: 3
• Attachments: RFID-enabled

Reviewed by Maribelle Alba
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 No. 1 Issue.