Hair dryer and styler warranties explained

Manufacturer guarantees from the listings

Terms change, and different models and retailers can differ, so always check the paperwork that comes with your tool and the brand's own website. Some brands offer longer cover on certain products or for a period after launch.

Why registration matters

Shark's listings state that its guarantee applies upon registration, so if you do not register, you may not get the full manufacturer cover. Other brands encourage registration to speed up claims and to contact you about safety recalls. Registering takes a few minutes online using the serial number, which is usually on the tool's handle or the box.

Keep your proof of purchase, whether a paper receipt or an order confirmation. Without it, proving when and where you bought the tool is harder, for both guarantee claims and statutory rights.

Your rights under UK law

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods you buy from a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. These rights are against the retailer you bought from, not the manufacturer, and a guarantee cannot take them away.

In broad terms: within 30 days you can usually reject faulty goods for a refund. After that, the retailer gets a chance to repair or replace. If a fault appears within six months, it is generally assumed to have been there at the time of sale unless the retailer proves otherwise. Claims can be made for up to six years in England and Wales, and five in Scotland, though what is reasonable depends on the product. See gov.uk for the official guidance.

Note:This is general information, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, contact the retailer first, then Citizens Advice.

What guarantees usually do not cover

A clogged filter is a common cause of overheating and cut-outs, and some terms expect you to maintain the tool as the manual describes. Our guides to cleaning the Airwrap filter, the Supersonic filter and the FlexStyle filter show how.

• Damage from drops, water or misuse.
• Wear and tear on attachments, brushes and filters.
• Faults caused by not cleaning the filter, if the terms say so.
• Use on the wrong voltage abroad.
• Repairs by unauthorised people.
• Products bought second-hand or from outside the UK, depending on the brand.

Is extended cover worth it?

Retailers and brands sometimes offer extended warranties or protection plans. Before buying, check what the manufacturer's guarantee and your statutory rights already cover, how long you expect to keep the tool and what the plan excludes. Many faults that appear early are covered anyway.

Our guide to how long a hair dryer lasts covers typical lifespans and the habits that extend them. Simple care, regular filter cleaning and careful cable storage, often does more than extra cover. See how to store a hair dryer.

Making a claim

For specific faults, our guides to Airwrap flashing lights, Dyson dryers not turning on and FlexStyle troubleshooting can help. If you need a replacement, our best hair dryers in the UK and Airwrap-style multi-stylers guides list premium options with their guarantee terms in the listings.

1. 1

   Check simple causes first: the filter, the socket and the plug fuse.

2. 2

   Find your proof of purchase and serial number.

3. 3

   Within 30 days of purchase, contact the retailer about rejecting the item.

4. 4

   Later, contact the manufacturer's support under the guarantee, or the retailer under your statutory rights.

5. 5

   Describe the fault clearly, including any light patterns or error signs.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Dyson Airwrap warranty? Dyson hair care tools usually come with a 2-year guarantee in the UK. Check the terms for your model on Dyson's website.

Can I return a Dyson Airwrap I do not like? Retailers' and Dyson's own return policies vary. For online purchases, the Consumer Contracts Regulations generally give a 14-day cancellation period, subject to conditions. Check the seller's policy.

Is ghd's guarantee 2 years? The Amazon UK listing for the ghd Helios states a 2-year consumer guarantee.

Do I need to register my Shark styler? Shark's listings say the 2-year guarantee applies upon registration with Shark, so registering is a good idea.