At some point, most of us have bought a product that doesn’t work as expected, and while we might leave a bad review, few people consider whether the product might be defective or even recalled. Hair dryer recalls happen more frequently than you’d think, often due to serious safety concerns like electrocution or fire hazards. In this article, we’ll dive into why hair dryers are recalled, how you can check if yours is safe, and share tips on how to avoid potential risks.
Reasons for recalling a hair dryer
So for what reason are some hair dryer models recalled en masse? Hair dryers are usually recalled because of one of two main reasons: shock hazards and fire hazards.
Shock hazards: This is usually caused by a lack of immersion protection devices (IPDs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the plug to cut off electricity if the dryer gets wet. If not included, then you run the risk of a serious injury through electrocution or even worse.
Overheating and fire hazards: Poorly insulated motors or faulty thermal cut-off systems are common culprits in overheating hair dryers. When these systems fail, the unit can overheat, melt its plastic casing, or even catch fire.
Which brands of hair dryers have been recalled?
There have been countless recalls of hair dryers and hair-care-related products over the years, but perhaps the most recently documented was the recall made by Focuseefor their Tidewayhair dryers this summer 2024. They recalled around 39,600 of their products due to their lack of an immersion protection device, which is a required element in every hair dryer because it “reduces the risk of electric shock if the hair dryer is immersed in, or otherwise contacts water“.
Some other notable recalls include:
Xtava Allure – 2018 Scope: 235,000 units recalled Cause: The dryer and its power cord were found to overheat, posing serious fire, burn, and electrical shock hazards to users. The product would sometimes catch fire during use.
ISO Beauty Ionic Pro – 2018 Scope: 74,000 units recalled Cause: The cord became brittle near the base of the dryer, leading to burn risks. Over time, the cord would degrade, increasing the danger.
These examples highlight the need for thorough safety testing in electrical products, as even reputable brands can experience defects.
How to check if a brand hair dryer has been recalled before?
To find out if a hair dryer has been recalled, check your country’s official product safety website. In the U.S., you can search the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) database, which lists all products officially recalled.
In Europe, the Safety Gate (RAPEX) system provides similar recall information. Simply enter the brand name or model of your hair dryer to see if it has been flagged. It’s a good idea to regularly check for updates, as recalls can be issued long after the initial product release.
Safety tips for using a hair dryer
It is always crucial to read and follow safety instructions and tips in your product’s user manual. If your product lacks a user manual or the safety instructions aren’t clear, CPSC has compiled a comprehensive list of safety tips that should apply when operating any hair dryer.
We recommend you read all of the safety advice they provide, but to save you some time, some of the most important CPSC safety tips can be summarized into these main points:
- Unplug after use. Always unplug the hair dryer when not in use, especially in wet environments like bathrooms.
- Keep it dry. Never use your dryer near water and don’t place it near sinks or tubs.
- Avoid blocking airflow. Make sure the air vents aren’t covered during use to prevent overheating. Place it on a hard surface instead of soft surfaces like beds or couches.
- Check the cord. Ensure the cord isn’t frayed or damaged before each use. If it is, stop using the dryer immediately.
Even if a product comes with advanced safety features, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and be as safe as possible with it regardless. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your device will extend its life and keep you safe.
How does Laifen guarantee the quality of their hair dryers?
Laifen is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of their hair dryers. To protect users from shock hazards, all Laifen dryers are equipped with immersion protection devices (IPDs), ensuring that if the dryer comes into contact with water, it shuts off automatically. Additionally, Laifen includes overheating protection mechanisms that monitor temperature and automatically shut down the device if it becomes too hot.
Beyond safety, Laifen offers a 2-year warranty on most products, a testament to their confidence in the durability and longevity of their appliances. Their strict quality control measures during production mean that each product is rigorously tested before it reaches consumers. Plus, their customer support team is always on hand to help with any issues, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Wrapping up
Even some of the biggest brands in the world can make mistakes and accidentally create a defective product, so there is no sure-fire way to avoid it completely, however, as a rule of thumb, the best thing to do would be to do your due diligence before buying a product.
Research the product by looking at reviews, checking the company’s past products, what safety features they include, and seeing how they’ve held up over time. Buying a hair dryer online from a company that you’ve never heard of, that has no other products, might save you money, but it also increases your chances of receiving a subpar product that is prone to breaking.
