Is there any concern with using older ('80s-'90s) blow dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers that are asbestos-free and in good condition?

[Anonymous]

I have several vintage, but lightly used hot tools that are still very functional, and confirmed to be asbestos-free (where applicable, like with the blow dryer). The electrical cords are in good shape as well. It doesn't appear like there should be any safety issues, but is there anything I should be worried about? Most of these are older tools from Windmere and Conair, '80s-'90s vintage.

Another thing I'm concerned with is heat damage to hair. Are these significantly worse for your hair than their modern equivalents? I hate to replace working, functional tools if not. None of these have heat level settings, just high and low on the blow dryer and on and off for everything else. Two of my curling irons have several different attachments (one has different shapes and a crimper/straightener, and the other is just different sized barrels), and neither seems to get as hot as a modern curling iron, but still do the job, while the blow dryer seems hotter than a modern one (and we've actually used it for construction projects for this very reason, lol).

I noticed that curling irons with interchangeable attachments/barrels, the plastic round brush type attachments for curling irons and blow dryers, and the velvet covered curling irons and hot rollers seem to no longer be available on the market - does anyone know if this is due to just a change in fashion trends from voluminous to more sleek, or is there a safety/damage reason for this? Or were they just eventually replaced with something more effective?

[Oliverlogan263]

Hey girl, that's a really great question about using those vintage hot tools! I totally understand the desire to hold onto functional, well-made products instead of always having to replace them.

From what I know, the main concerns with older blow dryers, curling irons, etc. tend to be around safety and potential hair damage. But it sounds like you've done your research and the specific tools you have are asbestos-free, which is awesome.

In terms of hair health, the older models may not have the same precise temperature controls as modern tools. So they could potentially run a bit hotter, which increases the risk of over-drying or singeing the hair. But if they still seem to be doing the job without causing major damage, that's a good sign.

As for the interchangeable attachments and brush-style curlers - my guess is that was more of a stylistic shift than a safety issue. Back in the 80s and 90s, that big, voluminous look was super popular. But as styles have trended towards sleeker, straighter styles, those more old-school tools have kind of fallen out of favor.

The nice thing is, a lot of the newer hot tools do have built-in safeguards to prevent extreme heat damage. But if your vintage stuff is still working well and not causing any noticeable issues, I'd say go for it! Just be extra mindful of heat settings and use some good heat protectant products.

The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable using the tools. As long as they're in good condition and asbestos-free, I don't see any major red flags. Just use your best judgment and listen to how your hair responds. You got this, girl!

[abc3643]

No, not at all.

That said, if you are using an old blow dryer, make sure to clean the screen. You may have to take it apart, but it's easy to do; just unscrew to remove the side and clean the screen and rescrew the side back.

When I had long hair, I kept my blow dryer in good shape by cleaning the screen. It's important because dust on fan-based heating units like a space heater or blow dryer will cause the unit to heat up too fast causing what engineers call "an overtemperature trip". So, the dryer will shut down early and can't be turned back on until it sufficiently cools. With the dust removed, overtemperature trips are likely not to occur and, if they do, the unit will cool back down more quickly.

[SuperJJ]

As long as it works, I don't see any problem with using it. You should only take care, that nothing is broken or damaged.

[AI Opinion]

Using older '80s and '90s hair tools can be both nostalgic and budget-friendly, but it's beneficial to consider a few points. Even though they're asbestos-free, safety standards have improved significantly since then. Without modern temperature controls, these tools might cause more heat damage to your hair as they often can't maintain consistent, less damaging heat levels. Additionally, the absence of advanced materials, like ceramic or tourmaline, in older tools means they may not protect your hair as effectively. The change in tool designs and the discontinuation of certain styles is largely driven by updated technology as well as shifting fashion trends. For your hair's health, consider alternating with modern tools when possible. Keep a close eye on any signs of wear or electrical issues for safety.

[princeofromance]

They may have more of a high risk than modern day blow dryers.