A hair dryer is an essential in almost every household, and many people use this appliance daily. It’s important to be aware of the safety risks when it comes to purchasing and using a hair dryer - see below for our guide.
Hair Dryer Safety
- Make sure you buy your hair dryer from a reputable retailer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register a new hair dryer with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is required. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our Product Recall checker to find out if your hair dryer has been recalled.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in a hair dryer should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider using an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
Safe Use
- Once you’ve finished using the hair dryer, unplug it and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface.
- Don’t use a hair dryer while you’re in the bath, or near a sink full of water.
- Don’t reach for the hair dryer if it falls into water - unplug it straight away and then remove it.
- Check the cord of your hair dryer regularly for any signs of damage. If you spot any damage, replace it.
- Always unplug your hair dryer from the mains when not in use.
- Do not rinse or submerge in water, and ensure that the plug and cord do not get wet.
- Keep the power plug and cord away from heated surfaces.
- Don’t block the air openings – keep them free of hair and lint, and don’t leave the dryer on a soft surface while using.
- Switch your hair dryer off when not in use – don’t leave it unattended.