The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·97106·Announced 1997-04-21

Division Sales Recalls 8,000 Professional Styler Hand-Held Hair Dryers

Division Sales Inc. is recalling about 8,000 Professional Styler hand-held hair dryers because they lack ground fault circuit interrupter plugs, posing a risk of electrocution if dropped in water.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (electrocution) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Illinois, is recalling approximately 8,000 Professional Styler hand-held hair dryers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled hair dryers are made of white plastic and feature the text "PROFESSIONAL STYLER...ASBESTOS FREE...HD-20...MADE IN CHINA" on the body. They are packaged in triangle-shaped cardboard boxes labeled "Professional HAIR~DRYER HD-20." These units were sold at independent discount and variety stores nationwide from December 1994 through February 1997 for approximately $11 each.

The recall is being conducted because the hair dryers do not have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug. This design flaw presents a risk of electrocution if the dryer is dropped in water while plugged in, regardless of whether the switch is in the "on" or "off" position. Current voluntary industry standards, effective since January 1, 1991, require hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection. While CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these specific units, the recall aims to prevent potential harm.

Consumers should stop using the recalled hair dryers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Division Sales Inc. at (800) 621-8134. When purchasing hair dryers, consumers are advised to look for a large, rectangular-shaped plug indicating the presence of a GFCI and to ensure the certification mark of a recognized testing laboratory is visible on the product or packaging.

The recalled product

Product
Professional Styler hand-held hair dryers
Manufacturer
Professional Styler
Category
Consumer Product — Personal Care Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

See all →