Expert reveals why you shouldn’t use hotel hair dryers
An expert has shared why you should avoid using hair dryers that are provided in hotels.
Many travellers rely on these handy devices that are often found in bathroom drawers in hotels, instead of packing your own hair dryer that can often take up valuable luggage space.
However, trichologist Jacqui McIntosh, who focuses on diseases related to the scalp and hair, said travellers should avoid these appliances at all costs.
According to the expert, there's a high chance there are bacteria and germs lurking inside the hair dryer that have been passed between hotel guests.
"Using a hairdryer riddled with bacteria and germs does pose health risks and can be detrimental to your hair health," she told The Mirror.
McIntosh says when the microorganisms inside a hairdryer make their way onto your hair and scalp, "they can spark infections and irritations, disrupting your hair follicles and slowing down healthy growth."
Even without the worry of bacteria and germs, there's a chance of dust and mould lurking inside the appliance, which she says are "troublemakers for your scalp".
"Neglected hair dryers are time bombs waiting to go off. Debris buildup inside the device spells overheating, increasing the risk of singeing your hair or scalp," she explained.
McIntosh also clarified that, as pointed out in a 2009 study, hairdryers are one of the handful of items that are missed by hotel cleaning staff, so next time you’re staying in a hotel, probably best to bring your own hair dryer.
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