If you’re in the market for a high-powered, salon-quality hair dryer for home use, two models stand out: the Drybar Buttercup and Dyson Supersonic.
Both dryers promise faster drying times, less heat damage, and sleeker, smoother hair. But which one is right for you?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Drybar Buttercup | Dyson Supersonic |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs | 1.8 lbs |
| Wattage | 1875W | 1600W |
| Airflow Speed | 100 mph | 110 mph |
| Heat Settings | 2 | 4 |
| Cool Shot | Yes | Yes |
| Cord Length | 9 ft | 9 ft |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Price | $195 | $399 |
Overview of the Drybar Buttercup
The Buttercup is Drybar’s first hot air brush, released in 2018. Here are some key features and benefits:
- Lightweight design – Weighing just 1.8 pounds, the Buttercup won’t leave your arms feeling strained during styling. The ergonomic handle and balanced body make it comfortable to maneuver.
- Narrow barrel – The 1.25 inch barrel is designed to create smooth, voluminous curls and waves. It’s smaller than the average round brush, giving you more precision.
- Ionic technology – Negative ions help break down water molecules quickly for faster drying with less heat damage. Hair comes out smooth and frizz-free.
- Two heat/speed settings – Low delivers constant heat for gently drying or volumizing fine hair. High provides a powerful airflow for thick or coarse hair. There’s also a cool shot button.
- Wide teeth – Long, widely spaced bristles grip hair securely while allowing ample airflow to dry strands quickly and evenly. The nylon bristles are gentle on hair.
- Rotating cord – A rotating power cord prevents kinking or tangling as you style from different angles.
- Reasonable price – At $195, the Buttercup costs significantly less than some other high-end options.
Overview of the Dyson Supersonic
The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer was released in 2016 with Dyson’s trademark sleek, modern design and engineering. Here are some of its notable features:
- Lightweight and balanced – Weighing 1.8 pounds, the Supersonic is engineered to prevent arm strain. The handle placement gives optimal balance and control.
- Fast drying – An ultra-fast airflow of 110 mph cuts drying time drastically. The motor is in the handle rather than the head, enabling precise styling.
- Intelligent heat control – A microprocessor monitors air temperature 20 times per second to prevent extreme heat damage.
- 3 heat settings, 1 cool – With 4 precise heat settings, you can tailor the airflow to your hair type for fast results with less damage.
- Smoothing nozzle – The contoured drying nozzle helps shape hair smoothly as you dry. Other attachments are also included.
- Quiet operation – Dyson’s patented technology makes this one of the quietest dryers available.
- Magnetic attachments – No annoying fumbling as attachments click quickly and securely into place.
- HEPA filtration – A filter captures hair and impurities before they re-enter airflow, resulting in smoother, cleaner hair.
- Premium price – Quality engineering and technology justify the $399 price tag.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tyme And Le Duo.
Key Differences Between Drybar Buttercup and Dyson Supersonic
Let’s take a deeper look at how these two high-end models directly compare in some important categories:
· Dry Time
Both dryers promise significantly faster drying than conventional models, but the Dyson Supersonic edges out the Buttercup in sheer power. The Supersonic generates up to 110 mph of concentrated airflow, compared to 100 mph for the Buttercup.
In testing, the Supersonic dried testers’ hair up to 50% faster. The more powerful 1600W motor and contoured nozzle help optimize the drying process.
· Heat/Airflow Settings
With 4 precise heat settings, the Dyson Supersonic offers more customized control than the Buttercup’s 2 heat/speed options. The Supersonic’s heat ranges from 28° C to 100° C, enabling you to select the right level for your hair.
Its microprocessor also actively regulates temperature to prevent extremes that could damage hair. The Buttercup may work better for those who want simple low and high settings.
· Design
Both dryers feature lightweight, balanced designs to prevent arm fatigue during styling. The Buttercup’s handle is perfectly angled for comfortable grip and maneuverability. Its narrow barrel also allows for precision curling and waving.
The Supersonic’s uniquely shaped handle shifts the motor’s weight closer to the hand, while its contoured nozzle smoothes hair as it dries. The Buttercup wins points for its rotating power cord.
· Noise Level
One of the Dyson Supersonic’s biggest selling points is its quiet operation. By placing the motor in the handle rather than the head, it reduces noise and vibration for a much more pleasant drying experience.
Reviewers say you can have a conversation at normal volume while using it. The Buttercup is louder, like a standard dryer, so noise-sensitive users may prefer the nearly silent Supersonic.
· Filtration
The Supersonic uses a HEPA filter to remove impurities from the airflow, decreasing frizz and smoothing the cuticle. This helps hair look noticeably shinier and healthier.
The Buttercup lacks any filtration system so it provides fewer benefits for hair quality and smoothness. The Supersonic’s filter needs to be cleaned periodically.
· Attachments
Both dryers come with concentrator nozzles for directing airflow. The Supersonic also includes three additional attachments – a smoothing nozzle, diffuser, and styling concentrator.
This makes it more versatile for creating different styles and effects. The Buttercup’s single airflow setting aims more specifically at smooth, voluminous curls and waves.
· Price
There’s no contest here – the Dyson Supersonic costs over twice as much as the Buttercup. The Supersonic justifies its $399 price tag with proven performance, innovative technology, and premium materials.
But the Buttercup offers serious power and performance at a much more affordable $195. For buyers on a budget, the Buttercup could be the smarter choice.
· Warranty
You’re covered for 2 years with either dryer should anything go wrong. Dyson also offers excellent customer service if you need help troubleshooting. Both brands manufacture their dryers to high standards for longevity and performance over many years.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tyme And L’ange
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No other hair dryer definitively tops the Dyson Supersonic in all categories. The Supersonic remains the gold standard for high-powered, fast drying, and damage control. Brands like GHD and Harry Josh come close, but none fully outperform Dyson’s combination of cutting-edge technology and precision engineering.
For its performance and quality, the Buttercup delivers excellent value at its moderate price point. It dries hair quickly with ionic technology to reduce damage. The lightweight ergonomic design provides a comfortable experience. If you don’t require all the bells and whistles of the Supersonic, the Buttercup is an affordable alternative.
No single hair dryer matches the Dyson Supersonic across the board, but some come close in certain areas. The Harry Josh Pro Dryer rivals the Supersonic in raw power at an even higher price. GHD’s Air Hair Dryer approaches Dyson’s fast drying times. But for noise level, filters, temperature control, and design, Dyson still leads the field.
Dyson consistently tops lists of high-performing hair dryers for its innovative technology, speed, and care in preventing heat damage. GHD and Harry Josh also earn high marks for power and performance. Brands like Drybar and Bio Ionic are leading options at more accessible price points. The right dryer depends on your budget and hair needs.
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Final Thoughts
The Dyson Supersonic delivers salon-level drying power with pioneering features that justify its premium price. But the Drybar Buttercup gives it serious competition, providing many of the same benefits for almost half the cost.
While the Supersonic exceeds in areas like airflow, filters, and attachments, the Buttercup could be the better value for buyers on a budget.
Whichever you choose, both dryers outperform conventional options for faster, smoother, and shinier results. Pick the one that best aligns with your needs and budget for your most beautiful blowout yet.