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Comparison

ghd Helios vs Dyson Supersonic

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In short

The ghd Helios is a traditional salon-shaped dryer with a 2,200 W rating, ionic technology, a contoured nozzle and a 3 m cable. The Dyson Supersonic uses a small high-speed motor in the handle, a lower 1,600 W rating, intelligent heat control and three attachments. Pick the Helios for classic round-brush blow-dries and reach; pick the Supersonic for balance, heat control and more attachments.

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

Our verdict

Buy the ghd Helios if you like a traditional salon-shaped dryer for round-brush blow-dries and want a long cable. Buy the Dyson Supersonic if you prefer a balanced, compact dryer with heat monitoring and attachments for fine or flyaway hair.

ghd is best known for straighteners, but its Helios dryer has become a common choice for people who want a salon-style blow-dry at home without paying Dyson money. The Dyson Supersonic, meanwhile, changed what people expect from a premium dryer with its motor-in-handle design. They take different approaches to the same job. This comparison uses the Amazon UK listing facts for the ghd Helios and the Dyson Supersonic in our guides, and explains which one suits which kind of user.

Listing facts side by side

The Helios relies on wattage and a precise nozzle; the Supersonic on airflow from a fast motor plus temperature monitoring.

Featureghd HeliosDyson Supersonic
Rated power2,200 W1,600 W
DesignTraditional pistol shapeMotor in the handle, Air Multiplier
Settings3 power and temperature modes, cool shot3 speeds, 4 heat settings
IonicEnhanced ionic technologyNot stated
AttachmentsContoured nozzleConcentrator, flyaway tool, gentle air
Cable3 mNot stated on the listing
Guarantee2-year ghd consumer guarantee2-year limited warranty
ghd Helios and Dyson Supersonic from the Amazon UK listings

See Supersonic alternatives →

The ghd Helios: salon shape, high wattage

The Helios looks like the dryers hairdressers use: a barrel head with the motor and heater inside, and a handle below. ghd rates it at 2,200 W and says its Aeroprecis internal design gives precise control. The contoured nozzle focuses airflow for smoothing with a round brush, and enhanced ionic technology is aimed at reducing frizz and flyaways.

Practical details count here. A 3 m cable reaches further than many home dryers, which helps if your socket is far from the mirror. Three power and temperature modes plus a cool shot cover most routines. ghd's listing describes the design as lightweight and ergonomic with a low sound level, though it gives no weight or decibel figure.

The Dyson Supersonic: compact and controlled

The Supersonic's motor sits in the handle, which moves the weight towards your hand and makes the head short. That changes how it feels during a long blow-dry and makes it easy to get close to the roots. Air Multiplier technology turns the motor's airflow into a high-pressure jet, so it dries fast despite a lower wattage.

Intelligent heat control measures air temperature and regulates the heater; the listing gives a maximum of 100 °C. This bundle includes a concentrator, a flyaway tool for smoothing long top layers and a gentle air attachment for a softer, cooler stream. Our guide to Dyson dryers compared covers the other Supersonic versions.

FilterMotor and fanHeaterNozzle (magnetic)Cold shot buttonCable entryair inwarm air out
Inside a premium hair dryer: air comes in through the filter, the motor and fan push it past the heater and out of the nozzle.

Which suits your hair and routine

If neither feels right, our best hair dryers in the UK guide compares more premium models, and the thick hair guide focuses on drying speed.

  • Round-brush blow-dries on medium to thick hair: Helios, for the high wattage and focused nozzle.
  • Fine or fragile hair: Supersonic, for its heat monitoring and gentle air attachment.
  • Long, flyaway-prone hair: Supersonic, for the flyaway tool.
  • Socket far from the mirror: Helios, for the 3 m cable.
  • Curly hair: either, with a diffuser bundle. ghd sells a Helios gift set with a diffuser, and Dyson sells curly versions.

Watts, airflow and drying speed

Higher wattage mostly means more heat available. Drying speed depends on both heat and how much air moves past the hair, so a lower-wattage dryer with strong airflow can dry as quickly as a higher-wattage one. That is why the Supersonic's 1,600 W rating does not make it slow. Our wattage explainer goes into this in more detail.

On a UK 230 V supply, the Helios draws about 9.6 A at full power and the Supersonic about 7 A. Both are well within a 13 A plug fuse. Running costs are similar per use; work out yours with the running-cost calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ghd Helios as good as a Dyson? It takes a different approach. The Helios offers high wattage, a salon shape and a long cable; the Supersonic offers balance, temperature monitoring and more attachments. Both are premium dryers suited to everyday use.

Which is heavier? Neither listing in our guides gives a weight, so there is no fair figure to compare. The Supersonic's handle-mounted motor makes it feel balanced; the Helios has a traditional head-heavy layout.

Does the ghd Helios have a diffuser? The standard listing includes the contoured nozzle only. ghd sells a Helios gift set with a diffuser, which appears in our curly hair guide.

Where are ghd dryers made? The Amazon UK listing for this Helios gives North Macedonia as the country of origin. Check the listing for the specific version you buy.

What you need

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