# How to store a hair dryer and styler safely

Source: https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-store-a-hair-dryer
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Blow and Barrel

**In short:** Let the tool cool fully, coil the cable loosely instead of wrapping it around the handle, and store it somewhere dry, away from water, in its case or a holder that supports the body rather than hanging it by the cable. Keep attachments together in a pouch or case. Good storage protects the cable, the most common point of failure.

How you store a hair dryer or styler affects how long it lasts. The biggest enemy is the cable: tight wrapping and hanging tools by the cord bend the wires at the point where they enter the handle until they break. Damp bathrooms, dust and loose attachments rattling in a drawer cause the rest of the damage. This guide covers simple habits and storage options, from wall holders to cases, that keep premium tools working for years.

## The golden rules

- **Cool first.** Let the dryer or styler cool for a few minutes before storing it.
- **Coil, do not wrap.** Loop the cable loosely rather than winding it tightly around the handle.
- **Support the body.** Never hang a dryer by its cable.
- **Keep it dry.** Store away from sinks, baths and showers.
- **Keep attachments together.** A pouch or case stops loss and damage.
- **Unplug.** Never leave a tool plugged in at the wall when stored.

Note: Never store a tool that is still hot against fabric, paper or plastic, and never leave it plugged in unattended.

## Looking after the cable

The cable is where most hair dryers fail. Wires inside are thin and flexible, but repeated sharp bends at the same point fatigue them, especially at the strain relief where the cable enters the handle. Wrapping the cable tightly around the handle does exactly that, every day.

Instead, make loose loops about the size of your hand and secure them with a soft tie or hook-and-loop strap. Leave a short gentle curve at the handle end rather than a tight kink. If the cable has a swivel joint, let it rotate freely. If you ever see the outer sheath split or coloured wires showing, stop using the tool.

## Holders, hooks and drawers

Some brands sell wall mounts for specific models, and there are universal holders that hold a dryer by its body or nozzle. Whatever you use, make sure the dryer's air intake is not pressed against a surface that collects dust, and that the cable hangs freely without being pulled taut.

| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wall or cabinet holder | Everyday dryers | Holder must support the body, not the cable |
| Drawer with a divider | Dryers and attachments | Cables tangling with other tools |
| Original case or presentation box | Multi-stylers, Airwraps | Store only when cool |
| Heat-resistant pouch | Straighteners and hot brushes | Check the stated heat rating |
| Stand on the dressing table | Daily multi-styler use | Stability and children |

Common storage options

## Bathrooms and moisture

Hair dryers and water do not mix. In the UK, ordinary sockets are not normally installed in bathrooms, which is one reason many people dry their hair in the bedroom. Storing a dryer in a steamy bathroom exposes it to condensation, which over time can affect electrical parts and contacts.

If you must keep a dryer in the bathroom, store it in a closed cupboard away from the shower and bath, and bring it to a socket outside the bathroom to use it. Never use any mains hair tool near a full basin or bath.

Note: Only use a hair dryer from a normal socket outside the bathroom, never from a shaver socket, and keep it well away from water.

## Multi-stylers and attachments

Tools like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle come with several barrels and brushes. These are the parts most often lost or cracked. The presentation cases and storage bags that come with them are designed to hold each attachment securely; use them. If you keep the handle out for daily use, store attachments in their case anyway so the slots do not fill with dust.

Clean brushes and barrels before you put them away for a long period. Our guides to [cleaning Airwrap attachments](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-dyson-airwrap-attachments) and [cleaning a hot air brush](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-hot-air-brush) show how. Clean the filter too; see [cleaning the Airwrap filter](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-dyson-airwrap-filter).

## Long-term storage and travel

If you are putting a dryer away for months, clean the filter, coil the cable loosely and keep it in a dry cupboard in its box or a cloth bag. When you take it out again, check the cable and run it on cool for a minute before using heat.

For trips, our guide on [how to pack a hair dryer for travel](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-pack-a-hair-dryer-for-travel) covers padding and cable care. If your current dryer is past its best, our guides to [the best hair dryers in the UK](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-uk) and [Airwrap-style multi-stylers](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-airwrap-style-multi-stylers) cover premium replacements, and [how long a hair dryer lasts](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-long-does-a-hair-dryer-last) explains what affects lifespan.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is it bad to wrap the cord around a hair dryer?** Yes. Tight wrapping bends the cable at the handle and can break the wires over time. Coil it loosely instead.

**Can I keep my hair dryer in the bathroom?** It is better not to. Steam and condensation are bad for electrical parts. If you do, use a closed cupboard and dry your hair elsewhere.

**Can I hang a hair dryer by its loop?** Only if the loop is designed for hanging and the cable is not pulled taut. Holders that support the body are better.

**How long should a dryer cool before storing?** A few minutes is usually enough. The nozzle and attachments should feel cool to the touch.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-uk
- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-airwrap-style-multi-stylers
- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-lightweight-hair-dryer