In the latest test on hair straighteners and curlers, the Consumer Council found many samples failed to pass in one or more safety test items.
Results of the test were reported in the latest issue of CHOICE (No. 435). 12 samples included 7 hair straighteners, 3 curlers and 2 multi stylers, with prices ranging from HK$105 to HK$1,480. 4 of the straighteners claimed to have curling function when half turning the tool.
All the samples were tested with reference to IEC standards (IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-23). Test items covered protection against contact with live parts, clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation, temperature rise, external flexible cords, construction, power input and current, marking and instructions.
Findings of the safety test showed all samples were safe to use under normal conditions, but some of them certainly had room for improvement:
- Certain internal construction of 5 models did not have adequate protection against contact with live parts, clearance, creepage distances and/or solid insulation.
- The temperature rise of various parts of 3 models was found to be relatively high.
- The temperature rise of the barrel of 1 model remained high 5 minutes after the appliance had been switched off. The external flexible cord could possibly be damaged if it was accidentally placed round the barrel by the user.
- 1 model failed in the construction test. Its on/off switch was pulled out with a force of 5.3N during the safety test.
- 1 model did not have adequate marking label or user instructions. Another 3 models were missing certain warnings, such as warning against using the appliance near bathtub or shower.
In the performance test, the measured heating up time varied widely among the samples. Heating up time of an appliance was the time the barrel/heating plate took to have a temperature rise of 100 degrees.
During the test on maximum temperature, samples were set to the highest temperature setting for 20 minutes before measuring the temperature. 1 hair curler sample claimed to be able to reach 200℃, but its average measured maximum temperature was only 116℃, a shortfall of 84℃.
Consumers are advised to take heed of the following when using hair straighteners and curlers:
- Do not set the temperature too high and avoid lengthy or frequent use of the tools, even after applying heat protecting hair treatment products.
- Use the tools with caution; be aware of burning hazards.
- Do not use on wet hair as the steam released may cause skin burns and hair breakage.
- Handle the tools with extra care when working on hair near the scalp, forehead, ears and neck.
- When not in use, unplug and store the tools properly and place them away from reach of children.
The same issue of CHOICE also reminds consumers to choose hair treatment products for thermal styling with care.
Overseas studies revealed that some hair smoothing/straightening products were found to contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. Such products might release formaldehyde gas when heated with thermal styling tools.
Heat protecting products for hair have been packaged as companion to thermal styling to prevent heat damage of hair caused by blow drying and thermal styling tools. They are usually sprayed or applied on hair before styling.
However, the Council found that some heat protecting sprays contained formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g. imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin). It is possible that gaseous formaldehyde would be released when using such products for thermal styling.
Exposure to formaldehyde may lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, watery eyes, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. High concentration may even trigger asthma and allergic reaction to formaldehyde for some people.
Consumers should avoid choosing hair products containing formaldehyde-releasing ingredients for thermal styling. If it cannot be avoided, use them in rooms with good ventilation.
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- 2013.01.15