If you own a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, you are unlocking a modular styling system engineered for precision, speed, and hair health. Understanding how to use Dyson hair dryer attachments effectively transforms everyday drying into professional-level styling. Each magnetic nozzle converts high-velocity airflow into targeted results, whether you are defining curls, smoothing flyaways, or adding volume to flat hair.
This comprehensive guide covers every Dyson attachment, its specific purpose, and step-by-step techniques for flawless results. From the Diffuser for curly hair to the Flyaway Tamer for sleek finishes, you will learn which attachment to choose based on your hair type and style goal, plus optimal settings and maintenance tips.
Choose the Right Attachment for Your Hair Type
Selecting the correct attachment is the foundation of great styling results. The key to maximizing your Dyson Supersonic lies in matching the right tool to your specific hair type and desired outcome.
Match Nozzle to Texture and Style Goal
Dyson attachments serve different purposes, and using the wrong one can lead to frizz, flat results, or unnecessary heat exposure. Here is a quick-reference guide for selecting the best attachment:
| Hair Type | Best Attachments | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Straight / Fine | Styling Concentrator, Flyaway, Gentle Air | Precision drying, frizz control, scalp comfort |
| Wavy (Type 2) | Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser | Enhances natural texture, reduces puffiness |
| Curly (Type 3) | Diffuser, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway | Defines curls, detangles, smooths roots |
| Coily (Type 4) | Wide-Tooth Comb, Diffuser, Gentle Air | Stretches without breakage, protects scalp |
| Thick / Dense | Styling Concentrator, Wide-Tooth Comb | Fast drying, even heat distribution |
| Damaged / Color-Treated | Gentle Air, Smoothing Nozzle | Low heat, cuticle protection, shine |
Always start with the right tool for your hair type and styling goal to achieve the best results.
Know Your Model Included Attachments
Not all Dyson Supersonic models come with the same nozzles. Understanding what your specific version includes helps you build the ideal styling kit:
- Supersonic Origin: Includes Styling Concentrator only, ideal for basic drying and simple blowouts
- Standard Edition: Comes with Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway Attachment, and Gentle Air
- Professional Edition: Features upgraded Diffuser with longer prongs for thick hair, plus three speed settings
- Nural: Includes smart sensors, Wave plus Curl Diffuser, and adaptive drying technology
All attachments are interchangeable across models via the magnetic ring system, so you can expand your kit by purchasing additional nozzles separately.
Attach Styling Concentrator for Precision Drying
The Styling Concentrator delivers a narrow, high-velocity airstream perfect for targeted drying and styling control. This attachment is included with Origin and Nural models and is ideal for creating volume, flicks, or sleek straight styles.
Focus Airflow for Smooth or Sculpted Styles
The Styling Concentrator provides precision airflow that allows you to style close to the scalp without compromising on heat control. This makes it the go-to choice for blowouts with round brushes and detailed face-framing work.
How to Use It
- Snap the concentrator onto the dryer magnetic ring until it clicks into place
- Set to high heat and high speed for fast drying, or low heat and medium speed for smoothing
- Hold the nozzle 1 to 2 inches from hair to avoid heat damage
- For volume: lift roots with a round brush and direct airflow down the shaft
- For ends: wrap hair around the brush and roll inward or outward for flicks
- Finish each section with cool shot to lock in the shape
The Styling Concentrator works best with a 35 mm vented barrel brush for short hair or bangs, and a 45 mm brush for longer hair. Maintain consistent tension throughout each pass for the smoothest results.
Apply Smoothing Nozzle for Natural Finish
The Smoothing Nozzle offers wider, gentler airflow compared to the concentrator. It is designed for effortless, natural styles that look effortlessly undone rather than overly styled.
Create Soft, Lived-In Looks
This attachment is perfect for wavy hair or fine hair that does not need intense straightening. It delivers a softer finish without requiring brushes, making it ideal for quick touch-ups.
When to Use It
The Smoothing Nozzle excels in these situations:
- For wavy Type 2 hair or fine hair that needs gentle handling
- When you want a brush-free, undone look
- For quick drying after workouts or between washes
- Creating soft, natural-looking waves without frizz
How to Use It
- Attach the nozzle and set dryer to medium heat and medium speed
- Use fingers to shape hair while directing airflow from roots to tips
- Avoid brushes for a softer, more natural finish
- Glide slowly from scalp to ends to smooth without flattening
This attachment is only included in Standard and Professional editions, so Origin and Nural users may want to purchase it separately for this specific finish.
Install Diffuser for Curl Definition
The Diffuser is essential for curly and wavy hair types. It spreads airflow evenly through extended prongs to dry curls gently while preserving their natural shape and reducing frizz.
Dry Curls Without Frizz
The Diffuser attachment transforms your dryer into a curl-friendly tool that enhances natural texture rather than disrupting it. The extended prongs reach through thick hair to dry evenly without creating a frizzy halo.
How to Use It
- Start with towel-dried hair and apply curl cream or mousse for hold
- Attach the diffuser and set to medium heat, medium airflow
- Flip head upside down and cup top sections in the prongs
- Dry the crown first, then reposition for back and sides
- For defined face-framing curls: wrap small sections around fingers, clip, and hover the diffuser
- Finish with cool shot to set curls and enhance shine
Pro tips for diffuser success include hovering slightly above hair to reduce tangling, avoiding harsh scrunching that creates frizz, and letting curls air dry to about 80 percent before using the diffuser. On Nural models, the intelligent sensor automatically optimizes settings for curl drying.
Use Wide-Tooth Comb for Curly Detangling
The Wide-Tooth Comb dries and detangles curly hair in a single step. Its rounded teeth glide through wet hair without snagging, making it an essential tool for Type 3 and Type 4 hair textures.
Stretch and Dry Without Breakage
This attachment excels at elongating curls while protecting fragile strands from breakage. It distributes heat more evenly than freehand drying and reduces the need for aggressive brushing.
How to Use It
- Begin with damp, conditioned hair and a detangling spray
- Attach the comb and set to low heat, medium airflow
- Section hair and glide from mid-lengths to roots
- Use vertically to elongate curls or horizontally to smooth
- This step also works as ideal prep before straightening, reducing heat exposure later
The Wide-Tooth Comb is particularly valuable for protecting color-treated or chemically processed hair from mechanical damage during drying.
Activate Flyaway Attachment for Polished Finish
The Flyaway Attachment uses the Coanda effect, where airflow wraps around hair to attract longer strands while tucking flyaways underneath. This creates a sleek, salon-quality finish that eliminates frizz and baby hairs.
Tame Frizz with Coanda Effect
This attachment is a professional finishing tool that works by leveraging aerodynamic principles rather than heat. It is the final step for achieving polished, runway-ready hair.
How to Use It
- Use after full drying as a finishing step
- Attach the nozzle and set to high airflow plus cool setting
- Hold near the scalp at the crown or part line
- Airflow will pull longer hairs forward while tucking flyaways underneath
- Run slowly down the hair shaft, maintaining contact with the surface
- To style the back, rotate the attachment 45 degrees and repeat
The Flyaway Attachment works best on dry or nearly dry hair, and cool air helps lock in alignment while boosting shine. It is especially effective on fine to medium hair and can slightly stretch curly roots for a smoother appearance.
Attach Gentle Air for Sensitive Scalps
The Gentle Air Attachment reduces heat and airflow intensity, making it ideal for fine, damaged, or sensitive hair. It cools the lowest heat setting from 60 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius for gentle drying.
Low Heat, Soft Drying for Delicate Hair
This attachment preserves color vibrancy and minimizes thermal stress, making it perfect for daily maintenance and post-chemical treatment care.
How to Use It
- Snap on the attachment and set to low heat, low to medium airflow
- Use to pre-dry roots for volume without flattening
- Can be used with cold air only for post-treatment care
- Pair with a vented barrel brush for everyday blowouts
The Gentle Air Attachment is also safe for drying short hair styles gently and can even be used for pet drying due to its low noise and soft airflow. The updated version, part number 969749-05, is specifically engineered for fine hair and sensitive scalps.
Combine Attachments for Full Styling
For the best results, use multiple attachments in sequence to build a complete styling routine. This approach maximizes volume, definition, and finish quality.
Create an Everyday Blow Dry
Follow this sequence for a polished, frizz-free look with natural volume:
- Pre-dry roots with Gentle Air at medium heat and medium speed for volume
- Switch to Styling Concentrator or Smoothing Nozzle
- Use a 45 mm Dyson Vented Barrel Brush: wrap sections, direct airflow root to tip
- Alternate roll directions for bouncy ends
- Finish with Flyaway Attachment on cool setting to smooth and align
Define Curls and Waves
For bouncy, defined curls with minimal frizz:
- Apply curl mousse or gel to towel-dried hair
- Attach Diffuser, set to medium heat, medium airflow
- Flip hair upside down, dry crown first with cupping motion
- Dry back and sides by tilting head
- Define face-framing curls by hovering over clipped finger coils
- Shake out curls and finish with cool shot
Optimize Heat and Airflow Settings
Mastering the 12 possible setting combinations on your Dyson Supersonic ensures optimal results for every hair type and style goal.
Master the 12 Setting Combinations
Dyson offers 4 heat settings including cool shot, and 3 airflow speeds, creating 12 combinations. Here is when to use each:
| Setting | Best For |
|---|---|
| High Heat + High Speed | Fast drying, thick or coarse hair |
| Medium Heat + Medium Speed | Everyday drying, wavy hair |
| Low Heat + Low Speed | Smoothing, finishing, delicate hair |
| Cool Shot (82.4°F) | Seals cuticle, sets style, boosts shine |
Press and hold the cool button for continuous cold air during finishing. Use cool shot after each section during blow-drying and at the end of styling to lock in your look.
Maintain Attachments and Filter
Regular care ensures your Dyson Supersonic performs optimally and lasts longer. Filter maintenance is particularly important for preserving airflow and drying speed.
Clean the Filter
Clean the filter every 1 to 2 months, or when 3 white LEDs flash continuously:
- Remove filter from the base of the dryer
- Rinse under water without soap
- Air dry completely before reinserting
A clogged filter reduces airflow and creates motor strain, leading to slower drying times and potential damage over time.
Care for Attachments
Clean attachments with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly before storage. Store in the presentation case or travel bag to prevent dust accumulation and physical damage. Check magnetic strength periodically to ensure secure connections during use.
Store and Transport Safely
Protecting your investment with proper storage keeps your dryer and attachments in excellent condition for years of use.
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Supersonic Stand ($89.99) | Wall-mounted display and storage |
| Travel Bag ($59.99) | Heat-resistant, magnetic clasp, portable |
| Presentation Case ($59.99) | Stores all attachments securely |
| Hair Clips ($39.99) | Duckbill and sectioning clips for even drying |
Section hair with clips during styling for uniform drying, especially if your hair is thick or long. This ensures even airflow distribution and prevents re-wetting already dried sections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyson Hair Dryer Attachments
Which Dyson attachment is best for fine hair?
The Gentle Air Attachment is best for fine hair because it reduces heat and airflow intensity. It lowers the temperature to 40 degrees Celsius, protecting fragile strands while still delivering effective drying. Pair it with the Flyaway Attachment for a polished, frizz-free finish.
Can I use all Dyson attachments on any Supersonic model?
Yes, all Dyson Supersonic attachments are interchangeable across models via the magnetic ring system. The Styling Concentrator, Diffuser, Wide-Tooth Comb, Flyaway Attachment, and Gentle Air all work with Origin, Standard, Professional, and Nural models.
How do I prevent frizz when using the Diffuser?
To prevent frizz with the Diffuser, start with towel-dried hair and apply a curl-enhancing product. Use medium heat and medium airflow, hover slightly above hair rather than pressing directly, avoid aggressive scrunching, and finish with cool shot to set curls and lock in smoothness.
What attachment should I use for curly hair to define curls?
Use the Diffuser attachment for defining curly hair. Apply curl cream or mousse to damp hair, attach the Diffuser, and set to medium heat and medium airflow. Flip hair upside down, cup sections in the prongs, and dry gently while preserving curl pattern. The Wide-Tooth Comb also helps detangle before diffusing.
How often should I clean my Dyson filter?
Clean your Dyson filter every 1 to 2 months, or when 3 white LEDs flash continuously indicating a clogged filter. Remove the filter, rinse under water without soap, and allow it to air dry completely before reinserting. Regular cleaning maintains optimal airflow and prevents motor strain.
Can the Flyaway Attachment work on wet hair?
The Flyaway Attachment works best on dry or nearly dry hair. Using it on wet hair reduces its effectiveness because the Coanda effect relies on airflow adhering to the hair surface. For best results, complete your main drying with another attachment, then finish with the Flyaway on dry hair using cool settings.
Key Takeaways for Using Dyson Hair Dryer Attachments
Mastering how to use Dyson hair dryer attachments transforms your styling routine from basic drying to professional results. The most important factors are matching the right attachment to your hair type and using the correct heat and airflow settings for each tool. The Styling Concentrator provides precision for sleek blowouts, the Diffuser defines curls without frizz, the Wide-Tooth Comb detangles gently, the Flyaway Tamer creates polished finishes, and the Gentle Air protects delicate hair.
Section your hair during styling for even drying, always finish with cool shot to seal the cuticle, and clean your filter monthly to maintain performance. All attachments are interchangeable across Supersonic models, so you can build your ideal kit over time. Whether you are air-drying curls, crafting a sleek blowout, or taming baby hairs, knowing how to use each attachment effectively protects your hair, saves time, and delivers consistent, beautiful results every day.
