The hair dryer market is facing scrutiny as product safety recalls and quality issues challenge the reputation of both new and established brands, highlighting the critical importance of stringent manufacturing standards.

In a significant safety action, regulatory bodies in both the United States and Canada issued recalls for Teckwe multi-function hair dryers in early 2025. The recalls, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, were initiated because the hair dryers lacked a necessary immersion protection device. This flaw means that if the plugged-in dryer is accidentally dropped into water, it could pose a serious electrocution risk to the consumer. The recalled products were sold on the online fashion platform SHEIN, with approximately 310 units sold in the U.S. and about 103 in Canada. Authorities have urged consumers to immediately stop using the product and contact SHEIN for a full refund.

Meanwhile, the high-speed hair dryer segment, which has seen intense competition, is also facing challenges. Leifen, a Chinese brand that rapidly gained market share by positioning itself as a more affordable alternative to Dyson, is now grappling with a crisis of consumer confidence. According to a report from Pacific Computer Network, Leifen hair dryers have been plagued by consumer complaints regarding explosions and electric leakage. These issues are reportedly aligned with findings from a quality inspection by the Jiangsu Market Supervision Administration, which identified substandard safety indicators in the company’s products.

Analysis suggests that Leifen’s focus on marketing and its “budget alternative” strategy may have come at the expense of research and development and rigorous quality control. The company’s subsequent expansion into other personal care appliances, like electric toothbrushes and razors, has also been met with reports of quality problems. As a result, Leifen is now facing increased competition from other low-cost alternatives, forcing it to lower prices and creating a challenging position for the brand.

These events serve as a reminder for the industry that innovation and aggressive marketing must be built upon a foundation of product safety and reliable quality to ensure long-term success.