Hairdryer
Products and appliances

Hair dryers

Hair dryers

A hair dryer can be found in almost every home as an essential beauty product. But as with other electrical gadgets, they pose a risk if used incorrectly. 

There are lots of hair dryer types to choose from, including professional, travel, and curly hair models. Higher wattage means more power and faster drying and adjustable settings for heat and speed help control the airflow and prevent any heat damage. 

Some models feature ionic technology which speeds up drying time and ceramic or tourmaline dryers spread the heat out more evenly. And removeable air filters can be a lot easier to clean to keep a hair dryer running properly. 

Asterisk

Key points

  • Epilators must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • Keep your epilator unplugged when not in use. 
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a hair dryer

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug. 
  • Register your hair dryer so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a hair dryer safely

  • Once you’ve finished using the hair dryer, unplug it and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface. Keep it unplugged when not in use. 
  • A hair dryer must not be used in the bathroom or near a sink full of water. 
  • Check to make sure the air openings are not blocked. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the filters. Don’t leave the dryer on a soft or flammable surface while using it.  
  • Check the cable of your hair dryer regularly for any signs of damage. If you spot any damage, replace it.  
  • Ensure the plug and cable do not get wet and keep them away from heated surfaces. Don’t wrap the cable around the dryer when storing it. 
  • If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, or any cracks or damage, unplug the hair dryer immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Register your hair dryer with the manufacturer.  
  • After use, let your hair dryer cool down on a heat-resistant surface. 
  • Check the cable regularly for any signs of damage. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Using a hair dryer while in the bath or near any water. 
  • Blocking any air openings on a hair dryer. 
  • Putting a hair dryer on any soft surfaces while using it. 
  • Using a hair dryer if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Woman drying her hair with a hair dryer.

Additional info

Hair dryer temperatures vary significantly by setting, but the safest range is 140-160°F (60-71°C) for most people, with lower settings (around 104°F/40°C) for fine or damaged hair and higher settings (up to 212°F/100°C) for thicker hair. 

Image (1)

Sign up for emails

Whether you are a member of the public or an electrical professional, we will keep you in the know with the latest electrical safety news and information.

Chat with us