An investigation conducted by Gifam, a coalition of household appliance brands, revealed that none of the low-cost hair dryers priced under 18 euros met safety standards. The findings, published on September 14, were based on an analysis of products purchased from six online marketplaces: AliExpress, Amazon, Boulanger, Cdiscount, Darty, and Temu. The products were sold by third-party companies, not the platforms themselves, and Gifam criticized the lack of clear identification of the sellers, which can make it difficult for consumers to hold companies accountable. The study was carried out by the LCIE Bureau Veritas laboratory, a certified testing facility. A quarter of the hair dryers were excluded from the analysis because they lacked proper labels, which are crucial for identifying the manufacturer, ensuring traceability, and providing details about the device's power specifications. Charles Ly, head of the electrical safety testing laboratory at LCIE Bureau Veritas, emphasized that missing labels can pose risks to users and may violate safety regulations. Further issues were found in the tested products: on two-thirds of the hair dryers, usage instructions or safety warnings were missing. Additionally, 20% of the devices had power ratings that did not match their actual performance during testing. A quarter of the products showed signs of overheating, with one device even melting during the tests. These findings raise concerns about the potential risks of using such low-cost devices. Gifam advises consumers to avoid purchasing from these marketplaces and instead opt for well-known brands such as Babyliss, Shark, Dyson, or Proline and Essentiel B for budget-friendly options. These brands ensure their products undergo extensive testing, including checks for durability, reliability, and potential risks. The development costs for these products can reach up to 350,000 euros per item, and they are designed to last around 14 years. In contrast, low-cost products sold by foreign companies often lack transparency regarding safety testing and compliance, and they tend to have shorter lifespans due to the lack of customer support. For consumers looking to buy a hair dryer, Gifam recommends checking the product labels for the manufacturer's name, warranty information, and after-sales service details. For basic use, a budget of 100 euros may be sufficient, with a minimum power of 1600W for quick drying. Those with fine hair may prefer a lower power setting around 1200W. Adjustable temperature settings above 70° can damage hair, and it is advised to keep the dryer 15 to 20 cm away from the roots. Many recent models include ionic technology to reduce static and frizz, and a "cold air" option for styling. Maneuverability and weight are also important, with devices heavier than 600 grams being less ideal for ease of use.