Dyson Unveils New Lightweight ‘Supersonic R’ Hairdryer, Drawing Comparisons to Periscope

Dyson's latest iteration of the Supersonic hair dryer, the "Supersonic r," made its debut at New York Fashion Week with a strikingly different design compared to its predecessor. Unlike the original Supersonic, which features a familiar shape, the Supersonic r boasts a tube-shaped design that sets it apart.

One notable improvement is its reduced weight, coming in at just 325g (approximately 11.5 ounces). This significant reduction in weight addresses a common concern among users, particularly professional hairstylists, who found the original Supersonic too heavy for extended use. The lighter build of the Supersonic r enhances its usability, making it more comfortable for prolonged styling sessions.

With its revamped design and improved ergonomics, the Supersonic r aims to provide users with a more enjoyable and efficient hair drying experience. Dyson's commitment to innovation and user feedback is evident in this latest release, offering a fresh take on an already popular product in the hair care industry.

The remarkable reduction in weight and size of the Supersonic r can be attributed to the re-engineering of its heating elements. By redesigning these components, Dyson's engineering team was able to streamline the device, replacing the bulky head of the original model with a sleek bend at the end of the shaft, resembling the lowercase letter "r" and inspiring the product's name. This innovative design approach is reminiscent of the HTC RE camera, which also featured a distinctive shape.

Inside the Supersonic r, miniaturized heating grills made of 99.9% copper microfins line the curved pipe. This arrangement ensures that the high-pressure airflow is heated evenly and with precision, thanks to intelligent heat control technology. By distributing heat evenly and avoiding hot spots, the Supersonic r minimizes the risk of heat damage to hair while promoting better shine.

The device offers three precise airflow settings and four heat modes, including a constant cold shot feature, accessible with a simple thumb-click. Additionally, the air inlet at the bottom of the handle is equipped with a longer-lasting depth-loaded filter. This filter efficiently captures air pollutants commonly found in hair salons, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier styling environment.

In addition to Dyson's improved Hyperdymium motor located in the handle, the Supersonic r features an RFID sensor designed to recognize its magnetic accessories. These accessories include a diffuser, flyaway attachment, wide tooth comb, pro concentrator, and a new powerful air attachment. The RFID sensor enables the hair dryer to automatically detect which accessory is attached and adjust the motor and heater settings accordingly. This ensures that the airflow and temperature are optimized for the specific styling task at hand.

For example, when the diffuser attachment is detected, the Supersonic r will automatically set the airflow to low and the temperature to a gentle level. This helps reduce frizz and enhance curls, providing an optimal styling experience. Furthermore, each attachment has the ability to save customized settings, allowing users to easily access their preferred configurations in the future.

The Dyson Supersonic r is priced at $570 and is currently targeted towards professionals in the hair styling industry. However, individuals with a valid cosmetology license in the United States can join the waitlist to purchase the Supersonic r for their salon. The hair dryer is expected to be available for purchase as soon as April, offering professionals access to Dyson's latest innovation in hair care technology.