Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Dyson Supersonic Nural is one of the priciest hair dryers you can buy, so it needs to do more than blow hot air. If you’re wondering whether the scalp-sensing heat, auto-pause, and updated attachments actually help your hair look smoother and feel healthier, you’re in the right place.

This review covers what the Supersonic Nural does differently from the original Supersonic, how it performs across hair types, and who will (and won’t) feel the upgrade is worth the cost.

Overview

The Dyson Supersonic Nural is Dyson’s 2024 update to its well-known Supersonic hair dryer. It uses sensors to detect how close the dryer is to your head and automatically reduces heat as you move toward your scalp. The goal is to keep the scalp more comfortable and help limit heat stress, while still delivering the high airflow that makes the Supersonic line so quick.

Compared with the standard Supersonic, the Nural adds a few standout features:

• Scalp Protect mode that reduces air temperature as the dryer moves closer to your roots.
• Attachment memory that recalls your preferred speed and heat settings for each magnetic attachment.
• Auto pause that reduces airflow when you set the dryer down or point it away from your head.
• Updated transparent barrel design with a light ring that indicates distance/heat behavior.

The Nural uses Dyson’s magnetic attachments, which commonly include a diffuser for curls, a wide-tooth comb for coils and tight textures, a flyaway smoother, a gentle air attachment for fine or sensitive hair, and a styling concentrator for precision blowouts. You also get multiple heat and speed settings plus a cool shot button, so you can tailor airflow to your hair type and styling goals.

It’s also firmly in luxury pricing territory. If budget is your top priority, the cost alone may end the discussion. But if you care about hair health, comfort, and a more streamlined daily routine, the Nural is a compelling option.

Who it is for

The Supersonic Nural is a strong fit for anyone who blow-dries several times a week and wants fast results without constantly running maximum heat at the scalp. It’s especially appealing if you’ve invested in color, smoothing treatments, or overall hair health and want a dryer that’s designed to be more controlled and consistent.

Based on its design and feature set, it works particularly well for:

• Fine or damaged hair that’s prone to breakage. Controlled heat and the gentle air attachment can help reduce overdrying.
• Thick, coarse, or curly hair that takes a long time to dry. High airflow can shorten dry time without relying on extreme heat.
• Sensitive scalps that get uncomfortable quickly. Scalp Protect mode keeps things cooler near the roots.
• Shared households where multiple people use the dryer. Attachment memory helps each person return to their go-to settings.
• Busy schedules where you want a fast dry time but still care about a polished finish.

It’s likely not worth it if you only blow-dry occasionally, prefer air-drying most days, or don’t use attachments and settings beyond “hot and fast.” The smart features only pay off if you’ll actually use them.

How it feels and performs

Design and ergonomics

The Supersonic Nural keeps Dyson’s familiar silhouette with a hollow circular barrel, but adds a partially transparent finish and an internal light ring for a more modern look. Like the original, the motor sits in the handle instead of the head, which helps the dryer feel more balanced and less top-heavy than many traditional models.

The handle is comfortable for most users, and the controls are positioned to reduce accidental presses. The cord is longer and sturdier than what you’ll find on many budget dryers. It can feel a bit weighty, but it also gives you more freedom to move without tugging at the outlet.

Drying speed

Speed is one of the Nural’s biggest strengths, and it’s in line with the original Supersonic: very fast. Short, fine hair can often go from towel-damp to dry and smooth in just a few minutes with the gentle air or concentrator attachment. Medium-length, dense hair that might take 20+ minutes with a basic dryer may finish closer to 10–15 minutes here, depending on technique and settings.

Because Scalp Protect mode lowers heat near the roots, it can feel slightly slower at the scalp compared with blasting high heat on a standard dryer. For many people, the comfort tradeoff is worth it.

Heat control and hair health

Dyson’s main promise with the Nural is safer, more responsive heat near the scalp while still delivering enough warmth along the lengths to smooth and style. In Scalp Protect mode, the airflow near the roots feels warm but not harsh. As you move the dryer farther from your head and focus on mid-lengths and ends, the heat increases for faster drying and smoothing.

For color-treated or already-damaged hair, this kind of control can help reduce the “fried” feeling that can build up with repeated high-heat blowouts. Consistent airflow also helps avoid hot spots that can overdry one section while another stays damp.

Noise level and comfort

The Nural isn’t quiet, but the sound is typically smoother and less rattly than many traditional dryers. It has a higher-pitched hum that many people find easier to tolerate. You can usually still follow a podcast or conversation on mid settings.

The balanced feel and auto pause also help with comfort. When you set the dryer down to section hair or swap brushes, it reduces airflow without you needing to reach for a button, which can make longer styling sessions feel less tiring.

Attachments and styling results

The magnetic attachments click on securely, rotate easily, and feel durable. The diffuser spreads airflow to help define curls and reduce frizz. Many curl types can diffuse to mostly dry, then air-dry the rest to avoid stiffness.

The wide-tooth comb attachment is useful for coils and tight textures that need stretching and shaping. The flyaway attachment helps polish the surface of straight or wavy styles and can reduce the need for a flat iron for finishing.

Smart sensors and Nural features

The headline feature is distance-aware heat. Sensors measure how close the dryer is to your scalp and adjust temperature accordingly. The light ring changes to indicate when you’re in the scalp-protection range, which is helpful as you learn how the feature responds.

Attachment memory is a practical upgrade. After you’ve used each attachment, the dryer can remember your preferred heat and speed for that tool. Swap from diffuser to concentrator, and it can return to the settings you usually use—less button-pressing and fewer “oops” moments.

Auto pause is convenient for most routines, but it can sometimes trigger when you’re diffusing and moving the dryer away between sections. If it feels fussy, you can turn these smart features off and use it like a more traditional dryer.

How to use for best results

To get the most out of the Supersonic Nural, treat it like a customizable styling tool—not just a dryer. Start by gently towel-blotting so your hair is damp, not dripping. Apply a heat protectant that fits your hair type, then choose the attachment that matches your goal for the day.

Fine or thinning hair

Use the gentle air attachment with low to medium heat and medium airflow. Turn on Scalp Protect mode for extra comfort at the roots. Lift at the crown with your fingers or a vented brush for volume, then finish with a cool shot to set your shape.

Thick, straight, or wavy hair

Use the styling concentrator with medium heat and higher airflow. Work in sections with a round brush or paddle brush, aiming the air down the hair shaft from roots to ends for a smoother finish. Keep the dryer moving, and use the concentrator for control instead of turning heat to the maximum.

Curly and coily hair

Attach the diffuser or wide-tooth comb and choose low to medium heat with low to medium airflow. For curls, gently scoop sections into the diffuser and hold near the scalp to encourage lift. For coils that need stretch, glide the wide-tooth comb slowly from roots toward ends while supporting the hair with your free hand.

Either way, try not to over-handle your hair as it dries. Let the attachment do the work, then use a brief cool shot to help reduce frizz and lock in definition.

Color treated or damaged hair

No matter your texture, stick to low or medium heat and rely on airflow and Scalp Protect mode to do the heavy lifting. Aim to get hair about 80–90% dry, then air-dry the rest or finish on the coolest setting to limit total heat exposure.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very fast drying that can noticeably cut styling time, especially on thick or long hair.
• Scalp Protect mode and consistent heat control for more comfortable drying and less heat stress.
• Smart features and magnetic attachments that make styling feel easier and more personalized.

Cons

• Very expensive compared with most dryers, including many professional options.
• Scalp Protect mode can feel a bit slower at the roots if you prefer very hot airflow.
• If you already own the original Supersonic, the upgrade is nice but not essential for everyone.

See also

If you’re comparing the Dyson Supersonic Nural with other premium tools, take a look at the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler and the similarly high-end Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex hair dryer.

• Explore more options in our guide to the best hair dryers for curly hair.
• See how Dyson’s straightening tool stacks up in our Dyson Corrale straightener review.
• If budget is top of mind, check out our picks for the best affordable hair tools that do not fry hair.

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Frequently Asked Questions ▾

What’s the difference between the Dyson Supersonic Nural and the original Supersonic?

The Nural adds scalp-sensing heat control (Scalp Protect mode), attachment memory that recalls your preferred settings, and an auto-pause feature that reduces airflow when the dryer isn’t actively aimed at your hair.

Does Scalp Protect mode make drying slower?

It can feel slightly slower at the roots because it lowers heat when the dryer is close to your scalp. Many users find the tradeoff worthwhile for improved comfort and less heat stress at the scalp.

Is the Dyson Supersonic Nural good for curly or coily hair?

Yes. With the diffuser and wide-tooth comb attachments, it can dry curls and coils efficiently while helping reduce frizz. Using lower heat and controlled airflow generally gives the best definition.

Can you turn off the smart features?

Yes. If you find auto pause or distance-based behavior distracting for your routine, you can disable those modes and use the dryer more like a traditional model.

Who should skip the upgrade?

If you already own a working original Supersonic and don’t care about scalp sensing, or if you rarely blow-dry and usually air-dry, the Nural may not deliver enough added value to justify its price.