How to Care for a Blow-dryer

Taking care of your blow dryer is easy. Just keep it away from the tub! Just kidding. Bu seriously,t here are some simple tips that will help ensure your dryer lasts for years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Q-tips

1. Make sure the cord of the dryer is intact, with no holes, no bits of wires sticking out or knots in between.

2. It is preferable to buy a blow dryer with a removable back (that protects the motor), which contains a lint trap. This trap will become very dirty within about 2 weeks of daily use, and you'll want to use a Q-tip to remove the lint. If you let too much lint build up, the blow dryer is likely to overheat and possibly break.

3. When blow-drying, don't position the dryer too close to one spot--it can overheat and damage the hair.

4. Keep the blow dryer away from edges of counters and desks to ensure they don't fall and break. Most importantly, keep them away from water. It is like most other electric devices--if you get water in its motor, toss it, because it is better to be safe than electrocuted. If you must use it inside a bathroom and above a sink, make sure the sink is dry.

5. High-watt dryers (typically 1875 watts) can knock out surge protectors. Keep they dryer plugged into a wall plug or make sure not to overload the surge protector.

Tips & Warnings

• The more powerful the blow dryer, the faster it will take to dry your hair. But take into account that you will be using up more electricity.
• Travel blow dryers are more compact but tend to lack essential components such as a detachable end nozzle that helps lessen heat damage, or a removable back with a lint trap.
• Too much blow drying can damage your hair. Use a styling product, such as straightening cream or protective mousse, before blow drying.