[Review] Dyson Supersonic Neural (Ceramic Patina/Topaz)

 
 
Dyson Supersonic Neural (Ceramic Patina/Topaz) / Review After Over Three Months of Using the Automatic Temperature Control Feature, Pros and Cons / Does It Really Help Protect Scalp Health?

 
 
 

 

Product Specs
Even though the general initial model seemed sufficient, I ended up purchasing the newly released product, as it claimed to automatically adjust the temperature. I bought it from Lazada and opted for an insurance plan that cost about 30,000 KRW in case anything goes wrong or it needs repairs. I’m not sure if I’ll ever need to use it, though.

 

Dyson Hair Dryer Experience
The experience of using the Dyson hair dryer in Korea versus Singapore is quite different. In Korea, my hair dried much faster, which I initially thought was due to the dryer’s efficiency. However, I realized it was because the air was drier in Korea compared to Singapore. Still, I needed to replace my old hair dryer, so I’m glad I purchased this one and have been using it well.
 
I initially planned to compare the pros and cons after using it for a month, but I haven’t had the time. As expected, time flies when you’re caring for a child. I’m busy with house chores, cooking, and taking care of my baby all day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
Unboxing
The delivery was pretty simple—just a box with the product inside. Maybe that’s standard? The product itself was well-packaged inside the box, with another box covering it, so it was well-protected.
 
When I unboxed it, the feel was solid and heavy in my hand (quite heavy, in fact). From the side, it almost looks like a hammer. I wanted a different color, but since it wasn’t available, I settled for the one that was, and I’m satisfied with it.
 
There are switches and buttons located on the thumb and forefinger area when you hold it. However, after using it, I found the cooling button a bit inconvenient, especially when you have to use your thumb to operate it, as you have to twist your wrist awkwardly to use the dryer. I think it could have been designed differently. The on/off button doesn’t pose any issues, though.
 
The head of the dryer has an interesting design, with internal components visible. The visibility of the buttons is a bit compromised because of this, but I got used to it, so it’s not a significant issue.
 
At the top of the Dyson Supersonic Neural dryer head, there’s a button with a design similar to hair roots. Below that, on the left is the airflow adjustment, and on the right is the temperature control button. When you press the button with the hair roots design, the automatic temperature control for the scalp is activated. If you turn it off, you can manually adjust the airflow and temperature.
 
The airflow and temperature control buttons work by turning on and off the three lamps aligned next to each other. The only downside is that you need to look at the head to adjust them, which doesn’t feel intuitive. I find it more convenient to just press the automatic temperature control button and use it that way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Design and Functionality
The lamp on the side of the head indicates the status, but it’s not necessary to check it often, as you can feel it while using it. The labels “fast,” “gentle,” and “mild” are there, but the nozzle you attach to the head makes a more significant difference, so they don’t mean much.
 
The power cord is neatly organized and sturdy, so I wasn’t worried about it getting damaged during shipping.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The nozzles are well-packed. I was actually more interested in the nozzles than the main product itself because I was curious about how they would feel different. With so many nozzles, I need to figure out storage—I can’t keep them in the box, so it’s a shame that I have to buy an additional stand.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Nozzle Features
The Dyson Supersonic Neural Hair Dryer I purchased comes with five nozzles. They attach magnetically to the main unit and can also attach to each other.
 
 

• Gentle Dry Nozzle: Provides gentle airflow for comfortable drying and styling close to the scalp. Compatible with scalp protection mode.

  

• Styling Concentrator: Redesigned with a wider and thinner air blade for precise styling. Compatible with scalp protection mode.

  

• Smoothing Nozzle: Reduces frizz and creates smooth, natural styles. Compatible with scalp protection mode.

  

• Dyson Diffuser: Evenly dispersed air reaches deep into the hair, creating delicate curls and waves. Not compatible with the pause detection feature.

  

• Flyaway Smoother: Uses the Coanda effect to hide flyaways for a smooth finish.

  

 
 
 
 
 
 

Nozzle Use Experience

Smoothing Nozzle:
This is the most standard nozzle and resembles the shape of a regular hair dryer. When I first used it, I thought the airflow was too weak—so much so that I wondered if the Dyson was broken. However, when I switched to the Styling Concentrator, it was a complete reversal. The Smoothing Nozzle is fine if you prefer something simple and don’t mind the weaker airflow. It’s compatible with scalp protection mode.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Gentle Dry Nozzle:
This is the one I use most often nowadays. It’s great for drying my baby’s hair as it doesn’t blow out too strong of an airflow, as described.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Flyaway Smoother:
I wondered if I would ever need this, but thought I might use it a few times. I’ve used it maybe once or twice. My sister, who also has a Dyson hair dryer, doesn’t bother switching nozzles either, and I’m the same. The few times I used it, it seemed to hide flyaways, but the rounded part of the nozzle kept moving, which was frustrating. Perhaps I wasn’t using it correctly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Styling Concentrator:
I used this one quite a lot initially. You can really feel the strong airflow with this nozzle. However, it makes my hair more tangled and damages it more, so I think it’s better suited for styling. But since I’m usually in a hurry just to dry my hair, this is not practical for me. It’s compatible with scalp protection mode.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Dyson Diffuser:
This one is better suited for people with curls or wavy hair. I found it impractical for straight hair like mine, but it might be more useful for those with thin curls and voluminous hair.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Daily Use and Observations

As I’m experimenting with the various nozzles, my child comes over and wants to try them out too. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
When you turn on the Dyson Supersonic Neural, the automatic temperature control is enabled by default. The airflow comes out with the temperature automatically changing from yellow to orange to red. You can adjust the airflow on the left side, but the heat on the right side remains automatic and doesn’t change.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
At the top, the button with the hair roots design controls the automatic temperature feature. When it’s on, the center lights up with the color indicating the temperature. If you turn off the automatic temperature control, the light in the head goes off, and it functions like a regular Supersonic dryer. At this point, you can manually adjust both the airflow and temperature.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Automatic Temperature Control Feature
After using it for over three months, I’ve observed the following about the automatic temperature control feature:
 
Usability:
The design is such that you cannot adjust the temperature on the fly while holding the dryer (unlike regular dryers where you can adjust the heat with a thumb gesture). You have to look at the head and press the buttons, which is inconvenient and frustrating. I’m glad I purchased the model with automatic temperature control—it saved me the trouble of constantly adjusting the settings. My husband suggested just lowering the temperature and using it that way, which would work too. Honestly, I’m not sure if this feature is essential. I paid extra to avoid the hassle.
 
Scalp Health Protection:
There was probably a set standard when they developed the automatic temperature control technology, like optimizing it when drying from a certain distance from the scalp. However, as is well-known, Dyson hair dryers are heavy. When drying hair from a distance, the Dyson Supersonic Neural feels too heavy, causing me to bring it closer to my body. Sometimes, the heat from the airflow feels uncomfortably hot on the scalp, so I’m not convinced it’s greatly beneficial for scalp health.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cooling Button and Other Features
Additionally, there’s a cooling button below the power button. However, to use this feature while drying the back or side of your hair, you have to twist your wrist awkwardly. It’s not a big issue when drying my child’s hair, but it’s uncomfortable when using it on myself. To dry hair beautifully, it should be done from the back to the front, but using it this way requires drying from the front. You could switch your grip and use your index or middle finger to press it, but the button is not soft and requires some force.
 
This might vary depending on one’s habits or usage style.
 
 
Pause Detection Feature:
As for the pause detection feature, it lowers the heat and airflow if you set the dryer down or if it remains in the same position for a certain period. While I think this feature is unnecessary under normal circumstances, it might be useful for safety in case you forget to turn off the dryer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pros and Cons of the Dyson Supersonic Neural Hair Dryer
 
Pros:
1. It comes with five nozzles that you can switch out as desired.
2. The automatic temperature control technology is convenient, as it eliminates the need to adjust the heat manually.
3. The cord is long enough to be convenient.
 
Cons:
1. The placement of buttons for airflow, temperature, and cooling is aesthetically pleasing but very inconvenient in terms of usability.
2. The effectiveness of the automatic temperature control feature for protecting scalp health is somewhat questionable.
3. The dryer is heavy, which can strain the wrist.
 
Conclusion
Overall, the main advantage of the Dyson hair dryer seems to be the nozzles, which are the biggest difference compared to a regular hair dryer. The main disadvantage is the design of the button placements, which prioritize aesthetics over usability. The automatic temperature control feature was interesting and convenient to try out, but its effectiveness is hard to gauge. Additionally, while the airflow strength was decent, I remember using a hair dryer at a hotel near Marina Bay in Singapore recently that I liked so much that I considered buying it instead of the Dyson. Although I don’t regret buying the Dyson, I do feel slightly disappointed. If I get the chance, I might purchase that other dryer next time. It was reasonably priced at around $200 to $300, not too heavy, and dried my hair quickly even in humid Singapore. Considering Dyson’s weight and price, which is around $600, that other dryer seems like a good value. Dyson’s design, motor technology, and added features like temperature control make it a worthwhile product to try.
 
This has been my review of the Dyson Supersonic Neural Hair Dryer after three months of use, based on my personal experience and opinions.