Nothing lasts forever, and that includes hair dryers. If you want your hair dryer to maintain its power, you’ll have to take good care of it.
From cleaning the lint filter, to properly storing it in your cupboard, we’ll dive into keeping your tools running smoothly and lasting longer:
When Will My Hair Dryer Stop Working?
The average hair dryer will usually last between two to seven years, depending on the quality and frequent usage.
Someone blow-drying their waist-length hair daily will likely need to replace their heat tools much sooner than someone using theirs sparingly.
Other hair dryers like Dyson brand ones claim that they can last 10+ years. These are very expensive hair dryers and are considered to be of high quality, thus extending their lifespan.
How Many Years Will A Hair Dryer Last?
Hair dryers last anywhere from two to seven years, depending on these factors:
- Is the dryer cleaned regularly?
- What is the quality of the product?
- How frequently is it used?
Hair dryers that are well cared for last significantly longer than those neglected. Additionally, higher-quality products tend to last much longer.
Basic hair dryers’ prices start at around $22.00 but can quickly climb into the hundreds as the quality increases.
Suppose you’re looking to pinch pennies; however, the KISS Tourmaline hair dryer is a quick fix. At just $19.99, it has a ceramic head, a 2-year warranty, and has over 130 five-star reviews.
Get the KISS Tourmaline hair dryer here!
How Do I Make Sure My Hair Dryer Runs at Full Capacity?
If your hair dryer is not blowing as fast, seems to be making a strange noise, or doesn’t seem to plug well into the wall, it might not be at full capacity anymore.
Noticing the decrease in the quality of your hair dryer is the first and easiest way to tell that it isn’t working properly.
If you want to ensure your hair dryer is running at full capacity, you can do a few things:
First, clean the filter regularly. A build-up of lint and hair can restrict air flow and cause the dryer to overheat.
Second, clear any obstructions from the vents. If the vents are blocked, the dryer will have to work harder to move air, which can shorten its lifespan.
Finally, use the right power setting for your hair type. If you set the dryer on too high a setting, it will damage your hair; if you set it too low, it won’t get your hair completely dry.
Following these simple tips can keep your hair dryer running at peak performance.
Here are a few examples of hair types and their dryer setting needs:
- Fine hair – low speed, low heat.
- Curly hair – medium speed, high heat.
- Thick hair – high speed, medium heat.
Can Hair Dryers Lose Their Power?
Most hair dryers after a couple of years don’t work like they used to. While these trusty tools have been built to withstand heat and high voltage, they can lose enthusiasm after a couple of years.
Losing its power means that your hair dryer is not pushing air as fast or as efficiently. It might be low-pressure and not dry as well as it used to.
First, the heating element in a hair dryer can break down over time, causing it to heat less effectively. Additionally, the motor in a hair dryer can gradually slow down with repeated use, making it less powerful.
Finally, lint and other debris can build up inside the dryer, blocking airflow and making it harder for the dryer to do its job.
If you’ve noticed that your hair dryer isn’t working as well as it used to, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem:
- Clean the lint filter regularly to prevent build-up.
- If the heating element is damaged, you may need to replace it.
- If the motor is slowing down, you may need to replace the entire hair dryer.
Can Hair Dryers Burn Out Eventually?
Without proper cleaning and care, your hair dryer will burn out much faster.
The constant high heat settings, mixed with the flammable lint and hair, make for an unhappy hot tool.
Like a clothes dryer, hair dryers also have a protective screen to filter out things like lint, hair, dust, etc.
Clean Your Dryer:
Any small, soft brush will work just fine to clean your hair dryer out.
Take an old toothbrush and gently scrape it across the lint filter (located on the back of the head) uniformly.
If your machine still seems burnt out, you might need to do some deep cleaning. With a screwdriver, pry the removable grills and gently vacuum the inside area.
Once you’ve removed all debris, put your hair dryer back exactly as you found it. It should run a little better than before!
Regular cleanings ensure your hot tools won’t burn out prematurely.
When Should You Replace Your Hair Dryer?
There are two factors to decide when to replace your trusty tool:
- Is it working properly?
- Do I upkeep it regularly?
If your dryer is working properly, it doesn’t need to be replaced.
However, it can become dangerous if you’ve had your product for years and haven’t maintained upkeep.
If unkempt, hair and dust can melt over time to the inside of your dryer. While, from the outside, it may seem that your machine is in great condition, a problem is building on the inside.
This buildup makes the machine flammable and potentially dangerous.
Take a minute to inspect your dryer; if you see any buildup or melting, it’s better to be safe. Replace the product, and you can practice safe hair dryer etiquette next time.
Although it’s hard to think of investing in a new hair dryer when your current one seems still usable, remember, you are breathing in all that air blowing right at your face. This means all that dust is going straight into your lungs, posing a possible health concern.
Other telltale signs your dryer needs replacing are:
- Sparks when plugging into an outlet
- Overheating suddenly
- The cord has signs of wear and tear
- It turns on and off unpredictably
Which Hair Dryer Brands Last the Longest?
When it comes to hair dryers, there are a lot of brands on the market. With so many options, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
However, not all hair dryers are created equal. Some brands are known for their durability and long lifespan, while others tend to break down after just a few uses. So, which hair dryer brands last the longest?
Some of the most popular brands for durable hair dryers include Revlon, Conair, and Bio Ionic. However, Conair and Revlon both have been known to be bargain-brand quality.
Still, these brands tend to use good materials and construction, which leads to a decent lifespan. In addition, they often offer customer support in case you have any issues with your dryer.
Other brands that are also known for their durability include GHD and Dyson. If you’re looking for a hair dryer that will last you for years to come, consider opting for one of these brands.
Like with any investment, it’s important first to do your research.
Whether you’re buying online or at your local shop, remember these important factors:
- Is there a 2-year warranty?
- How many settings does it have?
- How many 5-star reviews does it have?
If you want to keep your hair healthy, buying a ceramic or tourmaline-based dryer is a must. It also helps avoid buying anything with less than 1800 watts; the higher the wattage, the faster the hair drying experience.