What does one look for in a hair dryer, which is no less an essential tool in hair beauty and care - especially if you have long hair.
First and foremost, a hair dryer has to be as good in safety as it is in performance (in drying and styling).
According to a test report of the Consumer Council in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, all of the 14 hair dryer samples tested were deemed safe to use under normal operating conditions.
Not all of the samples were, however, in full compliance of the safety requirements with reference to the latest international standard IEC 60335-2-23. 8 hair dryers stood out among the others in safety.
Two samples when tested under simulated abnormal operating conditions - in the event of breakdown with the motor terminals being short-circuited and/or the motor rotor locked - failed the tests with overheating, which led to melting of the plastic enclosure, and consequently exposure of the live components of the appliance.
Consumers should therefore be vigilant of any malfunction of the parts when using these appliances.
Three other samples failed the flexing test of 10,000 times as stipulated in the latest IEC standard, an endurance test to assess the extent of damage (if any) to the external flexible cord and conductors near the handle. Notwithstanding the samples were able to pass the flexing test of 4,000 times in accordance with the old IEC standard, users should nevertheless exercise due caution.
The remaining 1 sample was found with deviation between its measured power and claimed power exceeding the limits allowed under the standard.
In performance, in addition to laboratory tests to measure the power, hair drying temperature and drying rate with reference to the IEC 61855 standard, the hair dryers were evaluated also by trial users (of 19 females with different hair length and style).
Of particular concern was the detection of excessively hot air in 2 samples, their hair drying temperature reaching more than 100°C (105°C and 109°C respectively) at a relatively close distance of 25mm. Obviously, the farther the dryer it is from the hair, the lower the temperature.
Research overseas has cautioned that the cuticle of hair could be damaged at temperature exceeding 95°C; moreover, the hair colour may change to a lighter shade.
A dermatologist has also advised people with skin allergy or eczema to be extra careful especially during the dry winter season; adjust the temperature to a lower setting and at a distance further away from hair, and avoid concentrating hot air on the same spot or place.
Does ionic technology really make a difference to the way your hair feels after drying? Among the 14 test samples, 9 came with ionic function which usually have a generator that produces negative ions intended to help reduce static electricity of the hair. They are generally more pricey.
The test conducted with the aid of a wig charged with static electricity revealed that to some extent, samples with ionic function do neutralize or reduce the static electricity of the hair.
But, to some trial users, they could notice no visible difference with or without ionic function.
As the performance of hair dryers is essentially a matter of look and feel after use, the rating for actual use was based on user appraisal (40%) and drying and styling performance (60%) on such aspects as: the drying time needed, hair volume created, shine effect of hair, softness and smoothness of hair, and ease of combing.
The samples were rated quite evenly at 3.5 points and 4 points on a 5-point scale.
The test report once again proved the fallacy that a higher price is indicative of better performance. The most expensive model in the test priced at HK$868 was not the top performer in terms of both safety and performance.
The samples were also assessed for their ease of use, in which 3 samples were opined to be too heavy or the handle not comfortable to hold.
Some useful safety tips for the users:
- Avoid using hair dryer near bathtubs, shower, basins or other vessels containing water.
- If your hands are wet, dry them first.
- Do not share the socket outlet with other high-power consumption appliances.
- Regularly check the flexible cord of the hand held dryer to look for signs of wear and tear.
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