CPSC Warns: Hair Dryer Electrocution Hazards and Your Legal Options

Every year, thousands of Americans are injured due to defective or unsafe consumer products. Among the most insidious of these hazards are electrical appliances, particularly those used in close proximity to water. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently issued warnings regarding hair dryer electrocution hazards, highlighting the potential for serious injury or even death. Did you know that a shocking number of electrocutions occur each year involving hair dryers, especially among young children? Understanding these risks and your legal options is crucial for protecting yourself and your family.

The Shocking Truth: Hair Dryers and Electrocution

Hair dryers, a staple in many households, pose a significant electrocution risk when used improperly or when they are defectively designed. The danger arises primarily from the combination of electricity and water, a notorious pairing that can lead to severe consequences.

Recent CPSC Warnings:

The CPSC has recently issued warnings regarding specific hair dryer brands and types due to electrocution hazards:

Crasts 5-in-1 High Power Multi-Functional Curler and Straightener: In February 2025, the CPSC warned consumers to immediately stop using this product, sold online between July and October 2024, because it lacks an immersion protection device, posing a significant risk of electrocution or shock. The manufacturer has not initiated a recall despite being notified of the safety concerns.
Apoke One Step Hair Dryer Brushes: In May 2025, a warning was issued for Apoke One Step hair dryer brushes due to the same electrocution and shock hazards stemming from the lack of an immersion protection device.
AIQRZBI and IGIA Hair Dryer Brushes: In September 2022, the CPSC warned against using AIQRZBI and IGIA handheld hair dryer brushes sold on Amazon.com because they also lacked immersion protection.
Remington Hair Dryers: In a more recent recall, Empower Brands recalled approximately 56,300 Remington-brand hair dryers (Model D3190DCDN) due to the absence of an immersion protection device, posing a risk of electrocution if the dryer falls into water while plugged in.

Why Immersion Protection Matters:

Federal regulations mandate that hair dryers have an integrated immersion protection device. This device, typically an Appliance Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ALCI), is designed to cut off power to the appliance within milliseconds if it comes into contact with water, preventing электроcution. The absence of this feature makes these hair dryers particularly dangerous.

Understanding the Risks: Electrocution and Hair Dryers

The dangers associated with hair dryers extend beyond just dropping them in water. Several factors can contribute to electrocution hazards:

Lack of Immersion Protection: As highlighted by the CPSC warnings, hair dryers without ALCI devices are a significant threat.
Damaged Cords: Frayed or damaged power cords can expose wires, creating a direct электроcution risk.
Use Near Water: Using a hair dryer near sinks, bathtubs, or showers significantly increases the risk of электроcution.
Defective Safety Plugs: Some hair dryers have safety plugs that are supposed to detect changes in electrical current and prevent sparking or fires. However, these plugs can malfunction, leading to dangerous situations.

Statistics and Impact:

While the inclusion of ALCI devices has drastically reduced электроcution deaths related to hair dryers, the risk is still present.

A study evaluating the effectiveness of immersion protection requirements estimated a 96.6% reduction in hair dryer электроcution deaths after the implementation of safety standards. This translates to approximately 280 prevented deaths between 1987 and 2007.
Despite these improvements, the CPSC estimates that approximately 17 people, including 10 children under the age of 10, are electrocuted each year in incidents involving handheld hair dryers.

Safety Measures to Protect Yourself

While manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products, consumers can also take proactive steps to minimize the risk of электроcution:

Check for ALCI: Always ensure your hair dryer has an ALCI plug with “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Test the ALCI before each use to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Keep Away From Water: Never use a hair dryer near water sources. The bathroom is a high-risk area, so exercise extreme caution.
Inspect the Cord: Regularly check the power cord for any signs of damage, such as frays, cracks, or exposed wires. If the cord is damaged, discontinue use immediately.
Unplug After Use: Always unplug your hair dryer after each use. A plugged-in hair dryer, even when turned off, still poses a risk.
Avoid Extension Cords: Do not use extension cords or voltage converters with your hair dryer.
Register Your Appliances: Register your new hair dryer with the manufacturer, so you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is required.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): 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.

Your Legal Options: What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective hair dryer, you have legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Understanding Product Liability:

Product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for placing unsafe products on the market. To pursue a product liability claim, you generally need to prove the following:

The product was defective: This could be a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or a failure to warn of potential hazards.
The defect caused your injury: There must be a direct link between the defect and the injury you sustained.
You suffered damages: You must have incurred medical expenses, lost income, or other quantifiable losses as a result of the injury.

Types of Legal Claims:

Negligence: This involves proving that the manufacturer or seller failed to exercise reasonable care in the design, manufacture, or marketing of the hair dryer.
Breach of Warranty: This applies if the hair dryer did not meet the promised standards of quality or safety.
Strict Liability: In some states, manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of whether they were negligent.

Steps to Take After an Injury:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Preserve the Evidence: Keep the hair dryer and all related materials (packaging, instructions, etc.) as evidence.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and lost income.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Recent Hair Dryer Lawsuits and Settlements

Several lawsuits have been filed against hair dryer manufacturers in recent years, alleging defects and электроcution hazards:

Conair Hair Dryer Lawsuits: Conair has faced multiple class-action lawsuits alleging that their Infiniti Pro hair dryers can spark, catch fire, and cause burns. In 2016, Conair reached a $5.4 million settlement for consumers in California and New York related to these issues. More recently, in 2020, additional lawsuits were filed in Illinois and New Jersey, raising similar concerns.
Tideway Hair Dryers Recall Lawsuit: Following a recall of Tideway High-Speed Hair Dryers due to the lack of an immersion protection device, Johnson//Becker, PLLC, is accepting new cases for individuals injured by the recalled product.

These cases highlight the potential for legal recourse when hair dryers are defectively designed or manufactured, leading to injuries.

Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Justice

The CPSC’s warnings about hair dryer электроcution hazards serve as a critical reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday appliances. By understanding these risks, taking proactive safety measures, and knowing your legal options, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective hair dryer, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.