How long does a hair dryer last?

Brushed versus brushless motors

Most traditional and budget dryers use brushed motors, either small DC motors or larger AC motors. These rely on carbon brushes that rub against the rotating part of the motor to carry current. The brushes wear down over time, and once they are worn the motor slows, sparks or stops.

Premium dryers from Dyson, Laifen, Shark, Dreame and others use brushless digital motors. With no brushes to wear, the main mechanical wear points are the bearings, and the motor is controlled electronically. That is a big part of why these dryers tend to last longer, although no maker can promise a fixed number of years.

What warranties tell you

A manufacturer's guarantee is the clearest promise you get about lifespan. ghd lists a 2-year guarantee on the Helios. Shark lists a 2-year guarantee upon registration for its UK FlexStyle models, and Laifen lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the Swift Special. Dyson sets out its warranty terms on its UK site; check the current terms for the model you buy.

Register your dryer as soon as you buy it, as some guarantees depend on registration. Keep proof of purchase. A warranty does not tell you how long a dryer will last, but a longer one suggests the maker is confident it will last at least that long under normal use.

Signs a dryer is wearing out

Watch for changes from normal. A motor that sounds rougher or louder, a dryer that takes longer to reach full speed, a persistent burning smell or a dryer that cuts out even with a clean filter are all signs of wear or a fault. Visible sparks inside the outlet, scorch marks or a cable that is hot to the touch mean stop using it.

If your dryer has already stopped, our guide on what to check when a hair dryer stops working runs through the checks in order.

Note:Stop using any dryer that sparks, smells of burning, trips the electrics or has a damaged cable or plug. Do not open the casing; contact the maker or a qualified repairer.

Habits that shorten a hair dryer's life

Most early failures come from a handful of habits. Wrapping the cable tightly around the body puts strain on the wires where they enter the handle, which is one of the most common causes of failure. A clogged filter makes the dryer run hot and triggers its overheat protection more often.

Dropping the dryer, especially onto hard bathroom floors, can damage the motor mounting, the heater or the outlet. Using it in a steamy bathroom lets moisture in. Running it on the highest heat for every use also puts more stress on the heater than needed.

• Wrapping the cable tightly around the dryer
• Never cleaning the intake filter
• Blocking the intake with your hand, hair or a towel
• Dropping it on hard floors
• Using and storing it in a steamy bathroom
• Pulling the plug out by the cable

How to make a hair dryer last longer

Clean the filter regularly; monthly is a good habit, more often if you use a lot of product. Coil the cable loosely and hang the dryer on a hook or store it in a drawer rather than wrapping it. Use medium heat for most drying. Unplug by holding the plug, not the cable.

Our guides on cleaning the Dyson Supersonic filter, the Airwrap filter and the Shark FlexStyle filter cover the most popular models.

1. 1

   Clean the intake filter at least once a month.

2. 2

   Coil the cable loosely; never wrap it around the body.

3. 3

   Hold the dryer so the intake stays clear.

4. 4

   Use medium heat for most drying and save high heat for short bursts.

5. 5

   Store it somewhere dry, away from the shower.

Do Dyson dryers and Airwraps last longer?

Dyson's Supersonic and Airwrap use brushless digital motors, so they avoid the brush wear that limits cheap dryers. Their lifespan in practice depends on the same factors as any dryer: filter care, cable care and avoiding drops. The Airwrap has more attachments and moving parts to look after, but the motor principle is the same.

If you are weighing up a long-term purchase, our best hair dryers in the UK guide compares premium brushless dryers, and is the Dyson Supersonic worth it looks at value over time.

Compare premium hair dryers →

Frequently asked questions

How long should a hair dryer last? It varies widely with motor type, use and care. Brushless premium dryers generally outlast brushed budget models, and good habits extend the life of both.

How long does a Dyson hair dryer last? Dyson does not publish a fixed lifespan. Its brushless motor avoids brush wear, and filter and cable care make the biggest difference. Check Dyson's warranty terms when you buy.

How long does a Dyson Airwrap last? Like the Supersonic, it uses a brushless motor. Regular filter cleaning and careful cable storage are the best ways to keep it working.

When should I replace my hair dryer? Replace it if it sparks, smells of burning, trips the electrics, has a damaged cable or cuts out even with a clean filter, and it is out of warranty.