Both are premium dryers with brushless motors, and both dry hair fast. The difference is how much the dryer does for you.
Buy the Dyson Supersonic Nural if you want a dryer that manages heat automatically and comes with a full set of styling attachments. Buy the GHD Helios if you want a powerful, straightforward dryer and would rather spend less.
Pros
- Automatic 130°F scalp temperature target
- Attachment recognition and saved preferences
- Listed weight: 1.9 pounds
- Compact listed dimensions
Cons
- Warranty details not provided
- Airflow and heat setting range not listed
- Attachment compatibility details not provided
Specifications
| Color | Amber Silk |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 x 3.1 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 Pounds |
| Product Group | Luxury Beauty |
| Binding | Health and Beauty |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Scalp protection mode automatically targets 130°F during close-up drying
- Nural sensors activate intelligent features automatically
- Attachment recognition recalls preferred airflow and heat settings
- Intelligent attachments adjust to saved styling preferences
- Compact listed dimensions of 4 x 3.1 x 10 inches
- Listed weight of 1.9 pounds
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Automatic 130°F scalp temperature target
- Attachment recognition and saved preferences
- Listed weight: 1.9 pounds
Consider another option if
- Warranty details not provided
- Airflow and heat setting range not listed
- Attachment compatibility details not provided
Pros
- 75 mph airflow
- Variable power and temperature
- Cool-shot setting
- 9.8 ft. power cable
- Ergonomic balance
Cons
- No nozzle or diffuser details provided
- Drying-time claims lack supporting results
Specifications
| Color | Mystic Acqua |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Dimensions | 13 x 10 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 0.2 pounds |
| Product Group | Luxury Beauty |
| Binding | Health and Beauty |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- 75 mph airflow supports focused, precision styling
- Brushless motor is designed for longer service life
- Variable power and temperature settings offer styling control
- Cool-shot setting helps finish a blow-dry routine
- Ergonomic balance is designed to reduce handling strain
- 9.8 ft. cable gives more room to move while styling
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- 75 mph airflow
- Variable power and temperature
- Cool-shot setting
Consider another option if
- No nozzle or diffuser details provided
- Drying-time claims lack supporting results
The Big Difference: Dyson’s Sensor
The Nural’s headline feature is a distance sensor. When the dryer gets close to your head, it lowers the temperature automatically to protect the scalp. It also remembers the heat and speed you last used with each attachment and switches to them when you clip that attachment on.
The GHD Helios has none of that. You pick the heat and speed with buttons, the same way you would on most salon dryers. Some people prefer that. You always know exactly what the dryer is doing.
Power and Drying Speed
Both dry quickly. The Helios is a 1875W dryer with a brushless motor and a narrow, aerodynamic nozzle that focuses the airflow. The Dyson uses a small motor in the handle and pushes a high volume of air through its ring-shaped head.
In practice, people with long or thick hair report good results with either. Neither is slow.
Attachments
The Dyson comes with five attachments, including a diffuser for curls, a concentrator, a gentle air nozzle and the flyaway smoother. If you have curly hair and diffuse often, that’s a real advantage.
The GHD comes with a concentrator nozzle and is designed mainly for smooth, straight blowouts. A diffuser is available separately for some versions.
Weight and Handling
The Dyson’s motor sits in the handle, so the weight is near your hand and the dryer feels balanced. The GHD has a more traditional shape with the weight toward the head. Its slim nozzle makes precise round-brush work easy.
Side by Side
| Dyson Supersonic Nural | GHD Helios | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat control | Automatic scalp sensor + manual | Manual |
| Motor | Brushless, in handle | Brushless, 1875W |
| Attachments | 5, including diffuser | Concentrator (diffuser sold separately on some versions) |
| Best for | Curly hair, heat-sensitive scalps, gadget lovers | Straight blowouts, simple controls |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 stars, about 325 ratings | 3.9 stars, about 750 ratings |
What About the Parlux Alyon?
Some people comparing these two also look at the Parlux Alyon. It’s a long-standing salon dryer that usually costs less than both. It doesn’t have a sensor or a big attachment set, so it competes more with the GHD than the Dyson.
Who Should Buy Which
- Curly or wavy hair: Dyson. The included diffuser and gentler heat handling matter here.
- Straight hair, smooth blowouts: GHD. Its focused nozzle works well with a round brush.
- Sensitive or easily irritated scalp: Dyson, for the automatic heat drop near the scalp.
- On a budget: GHD, or see our premium hair dryers guides for cheaper picks.
If you already own an older Supersonic, our Dyson Supersonic Nural review explains what changed.
How We Compared Them
We compared manufacturer specs, included attachments, listed prices and Amazon rating data at the time of writing. We haven’t compared the two dryers in person. Prices change often, so check current listings.
FAQs
Is the Dyson Supersonic Nural better than the GHD Helios?
It has more features: the scalp sensor, attachment memory and five attachments. Whether that’s worth the extra money depends on how you style. For simple straight blowouts, the GHD does the job for less.
Which is better for thick hair?
Both handle thick hair well. The GHD’s focused nozzle is great for smoothing sections with a round brush. The Dyson’s high airflow dries large sections quickly.
Which is better for curly hair?
The Dyson, mainly because a diffuser comes in the box and it manages heat automatically.
Is the GHD Helios loud?
It’s about as loud as most professional dryers. The Dyson has a higher-pitched sound that some people notice more and others don’t mind.
Do both come with a warranty?
Yes. Warranty length varies by region and retailer, so check the terms on the listing before you buy.
Evidence and safety references
These references support the general technology and safety context. Product specifications can change; confirm the current manual and regulatory status before use.
- Study: hair-shaft damage, dryer temperature and distance
- Study: effects of heat treatment on hair structure
Safety note: Beauty devices are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Follow the device instructions and consult a qualified clinician if you have a skin condition, take photosensitizing medication, are pregnant, or are unsure whether a device is appropriate.
