Hair dryer stopped working: what to check

Match the symptom to the cause

Before you start, think about exactly how it failed. A dryer that is completely dead behaves differently from one that runs but blows cold, and both differ from one that cuts out after a few minutes. The table below points you to the right check first.

Check the socket and the plug fuse

Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same socket to prove it has power, then try the dryer in a socket in another room. If you use an extension lead, take it out of the chain: leads fail more often than people think.

Next, the plug. UK plugs made to BS 1363 contain a fuse, and a hair dryer's plug normally carries a 13 A fuse marked BS 1362. On a moulded plug the fuse usually sits in a small carrier you can prise out. Swap it for a new fuse of the same rating. If the replacement blows at once, there is a fault in the dryer or cable, so do not keep trying.

Note:Unplug the dryer before any check. Never open the body of a hair dryer, and stop using it if the cable is cut, the plug is cracked or you smell burning. Faults in sockets or household wiring are a job for a qualified electrician.

Look for cable strain near the handle

The cable takes a lot of punishment. Wrapping it tightly around the dryer, hanging the dryer by its cable and twisting it as you style all stress the wires where they enter the handle. Over time a conductor can break inside the insulation, so the dryer works only when the cable sits at a certain angle.

If moving the cable makes the dryer cut in and out, stop using it. A damaged flex on a mains appliance should be replaced by the maker or a competent repairer, not taped. In future, coil the cable loosely and use a hook or stand for storage.

Clear lint and let the thermal cut-out reset

Every hair dryer has some form of overheat protection. Older and cheaper dryers use a thermal cut-out that opens when the element gets too hot and closes again when it cools. Digital dryers from brands such as Dyson, Shark and Laifen measure the air temperature electronically and throttle back or stop the dryer.

The trigger is nearly always poor airflow. The intake filter at the back or base of the dryer collects lint and dust, and a clogged filter starves the heater of air. Unplug the dryer, let it cool for 15 minutes and clean the filter as the manual describes. We have model-specific guides for Dyson Supersonic filters and Shark FlexStyle filters.

1. 1

   Unplug the dryer and let it cool fully.

2. 2

   Remove the rear or base filter cover if your model allows it.

3. 3

   Brush lint from the mesh with a dry, soft brush.

4. 4

   Check the outlet is clear of hair and debris.

5. 5

   Refit the cover and test on a medium setting before using high heat.

Cold air or a burning smell

If the motor runs but the air never warms up, the heating element or a part of its protection circuit has probably failed. That is not a home repair. A burning smell on the first use of the day can be dust burning off the element, but a persistent smell, smoke or visible sparks means unplug it and stop using it.

Never poke anything into the outlet or intake, and never open the casing. Hair dryers combine mains voltage with a hot element, and a fault inside the body needs the maker or a qualified repairer.

Repair or replace?

If your dryer is still under warranty, contact the maker first. Premium brands such as Dyson, ghd and Shark run UK support lines, and a failed dryer within the guarantee period is usually repaired or replaced. Register new dryers when you buy them, as some brands tie the guarantee to registration.

For an older dryer with a failed motor or element, replacement is often the practical route. Our guide to the best hair dryers in the UK compares premium models, and if budget matters, see our best hair dryers under 300. Our article on how long a hair dryer lasts covers the habits that help the next one go further.

Compare premium hair dryers →

Frequently asked questions

Why did my hair dryer suddenly stop working? Most often the thermal cut-out has tripped because the intake is blocked, or the plug fuse has blown. Let it cool, clean the filter and check the fuse before assuming the dryer is dead.

Can you fix a hair dryer that has stopped working? You can fix outside causes such as a blown fuse, a dead socket or a clogged filter. Internal faults such as a failed motor, element or cable need the maker or a qualified repairer.

Why does my hair dryer blow cold air only? The heating element or its protection has failed, or the dryer is stuck on the cool setting. Check the heat switch and cold shot button first; if they are fine, contact the maker.

Is it dangerous to use a hair dryer with a damaged cable? Yes. A damaged mains cable can expose live parts. Unplug the dryer and do not use it until the cable has been properly replaced.