News story

UK public urged to stop using heated hairbrush and dryer model

Urgent product safety warning to the public.

One Step hairdryer and styler.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is urging the public to stop using a heated hairbrush and dryer which can catch fire during normal use.

The product, originally branded ‘One Step model SM-5250’, was initially subject to a Safety Gate alert, notified by the UK in 2020 but OPSS has since identified a number of similar models that are still being sold through online marketplaces.

As a result, the public are being asked to check the design of any heated hairbrushes in their home. If they are similar in design to the recalled product, even if under a different brand, they must stop using them immediately and contact the seller for a refund.

OPSS is issuing this urgent warning to the public following its own tests of models it purchased through online marketplaces in recent weeks. All were found to be non-compliant, and a number caught fire during testing.

In the meantime, OPSS is in contact with suppliers to require them to stop the sale of these or similar dangerous models.

OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell said:

OPSS is issuing this urgent warning to the public because we believe there is real danger that these products will cause serious harm if used. The fact that they are still available for sale two years after the initial alert is a matter that we are currently investigating.

Read the initial alert in 2020 – Safety Gate

Published 8 July 2022