How to use each Dyson Supersonic attachment

How the attachments fit and which ones you have

Supersonic attachments are magnetic. Hold the attachment near the front of the dryer and it snaps into place. You can rotate most of them to any angle while they are attached, and pull them straight off to swap. Dyson says its Heat Shield technology keeps the outer surface of the styling concentrator cool, though it still makes sense to handle attachments by their edges right after use.

Kits vary. The standard Supersonic has shipped with combinations of the styling concentrator, diffuser, gentle air attachment, smoothing nozzle, wide-tooth comb and flyaway attachment. The Supersonic Origin listing mentions only the styling concentrator. The Supersonic Travel includes a travel concentrator and, per Dyson, can share standard Supersonic attachments. The Supersonic r uses its own smaller format attachments that Dyson calls intelligent attachments, which remember your settings.

What each attachment does

Use this as a quick reference. Settings are typical starting points, not rules. Adjust for your hair.

Get a heat setting for your hair type →

Styling concentrator and smoothing nozzle

The smoothing nozzle is a wider, flatter attachment for people who want a smooth finish without a brush. Use it once hair is damp, moving it down the length of the hair with your fingers holding the section taut. It is a good choice for quick everyday drying. More on brush technique in how to blow dry hair straight.

1. 1

   Rough dry hair without an attachment until it is mostly dry.

2. 2

   Snap on the styling concentrator and turn it so the slot runs along the length of your round or paddle brush.

3. 3

   Work in sections, pointing air down the hair shaft from root to end.

4. 4

   Keep the concentrator moving and a few inches from the hair.

5. 5

   Finish each section with the cold shot button so the shape sets as it cools.

Diffuser and wide-tooth comb for curls

The diffuser spreads airflow over a wide area so curls are dried without being blown apart. Set airflow low and heat low to medium. Cup a section of curls in the bowl, lift it toward the scalp, hold for a moment, then lower and move to the next area. Avoid touching curls with your fingers while they dry. Our how to diffuse curly hair guide walks through it in detail.

The wide-tooth comb is for stretching curly and coily hair. Comb through from the root down while the dryer runs, which lengthens the curl pattern without the tension of a round brush. Many people use it to stretch, then switch to the diffuser to define the ends.

Compare dryers with a diffuser →

Gentle air and flyaway attachments

The gentle air attachment widens and softens the airflow, which some people prefer for fine hair, children, or drying close to the scalp. Dyson describes it as delivering a gentler, cooler airflow. Use it the way you would a dryer with no nozzle, keeping it moving.

The flyaway attachment is a finishing tool, not a drying tool. Use it on dry, styled hair. Hold a section lightly and pass the attachment down from roots to ends. It uses the Coanda effect to draw longer hairs toward the attachment and lift shorter flyaways under the top layer. One or two slow passes are usually enough.

Order of use and cleaning

A simple routine: rough dry with no attachment or with the gentle air attachment, style with the concentrator, smoothing nozzle, diffuser or comb depending on the look, then finish with the flyaway attachment if you have it. Use the cold shot at the end of each section.

Attachments pick up dust and product residue. Wipe them with a dry or slightly damp cloth when the dryer is off and cool, and let them dry fully before reattaching. Clean the dryer's intake filter regularly too, since a blocked filter can make the dryer cut out. See how to clean a hair dryer filter.

Frequently asked questions

Do Dyson Supersonic attachments fit other dryers? Generally no. The magnetic fittings are made for Dyson's own dryers. Dyson says the Supersonic Travel can use standard Supersonic attachments, but check Dyson's compatibility notes for your exact model.

Which Supersonic attachment is best for a blowout? The styling concentrator with a round brush gives the most control. The smoothing nozzle is quicker if you do not want to use a brush.

Can I buy extra Supersonic attachments? Dyson sells many attachments separately on its website. Check that the attachment lists your model before buying.

Why does my concentrator keep falling off? Make sure the magnet face and the front of the dryer are clean, and push the attachment fully on until it clicks into place.