Copyright Gizmodo
Professional blowouts at salons cost anywhere from $40 to $80 depending on where you live and if you’re getting your hair done every few weeks, that’s easily $1,000 per year just for styling. The Dyson Supersonic Origin hair dryer just hit an all-time low of $299 on Amazon (down from $429), and at that price, it pays for itself after just four to six salon visits. The Supersonic delivers salon-quality results at home through genuinely different technology that dries hair faster while causing less heat damage. See at Amazon What Makes the Supersonic Worth Its Premium Price Tag The Dyson digital motor V9 rotates at up to 110,000 revolutions per minute which is approximately six times the speed of regular hair dryer motors. This very rapid rotational speed creates high-velocity air flow without the need for searing temperatures that, over time, damage hair. Regular dryers use hot temperatures to rapidly boil the water off the hair but this breaks down the hair proteins and results in dryness, fraying ends, and breakage through frequent use. The inside-the-handle compact motor placement, not the head, achieves better balance and weight distribution and minimizes arm fatigue while you style for longer. Traditional dryers position the motor inside the barrel, so they are front-heavy and tiring to wield for long stretches. Supersonic’s motor placement of the motor on the handle maintains the center of mass nearer your hand, so you can comfortably hold the Supersonic by the handle at varied inclines for 10-15 minutes without stressing your wrist and shoulder the way larger dryers would. Air Multiplier technology amplifies the airflow produced by the motor, and creates a high-pressure, high-velocity jet of controlled air. This focused airstream dries hair section by section more effectively than the diffuse blast from standard dryers that scatter air in multiple directions. The precision matters when you’re trying to smooth specific sections or direct airflow exactly where you need it for styling. Intelligent heat control prevents extreme temperature damage by constantly monitoring and regulating heat output. The sensor embedded in the dryer measures air temperature 40 times per second and feeds that data to the microprocessor, which adjusts the heating element to maintain consistent, safe temperatures. This prevents the temperature spikes that occur with traditional dryers when airflow changes or when you hold the dryer too close to your hair. Consistent temperature control protects hair’s natural shine and reduces the cumulative damage that comes from repeated heat styling over months and years. The magnetic attachments included with the Dyson Supersonic model snap on and off instantly without struggling or twisting with threads. Magnetic, foolproof closure means attachments grip securely while you style but release easily so you can effortlessly switch between styling approaches. The Styling Concentrator gives you a concentrated, pinpoint air flow for straightening and polishing sections, and the Diffuser gives you even air distribution for curly or textured hair, creating well-defined curls without frizz. Fast drying speed translates to less time standing in front of the mirror, which matters on rushed mornings or when you’re already running late. Most users report cutting their drying time by 30-50% compared to conventional dryers which adds up to hours saved over the course of a year. The lower-noise operation of the new dryers is the result of the ultrasonic frequency of the motor, which makes noise pitched higher and less harsh and grating than the rumble of the average motor. You’ll be able to dry your hair early in the morning without rousing the rest of the household, and the lower noise fatigue makes the experience much less stressful all round. At $299, the Supersonic Origin costs approximately the same as four salon pro blowouts in most major urban centers. Once you are past the break-even point, each home styling session represents money in the bank compared to salon excursions.
