• Low-power hair dryer models draw around 800 to 1200 watts, using about 6.7 to 10 amps on a 120-volt circuit (common in the United States).
• High-power or professional grade hair dryer models can use anywhere between 1800 to 2400 watts, translating to 15 to 20 amps on a 120-volt circuit.
• For illustration, a popular model of hair dryer, Dyson, draws 13.3 Amps or 1600 watts.
• Low-power hair dryers are used on 15 amp circuits, while more sophisticated models are better suited for 20 amp circuits.

Does the hair dryer need a dedicated circuit?

Hair dryer is not a device required by NEC to have a dedicated circuit. However, it is a device that pulls a sudden and heavy draw, which can potentially overload electrical circuits.

Hair dryer is a portable device that can be used on various outlets throughout the home, but it can still benefit from a dedicated circuit.

For hair dryers that use 1800 watts or more, especially those closer to 2400 watts, a dedicated circuit might be necessary to prevent circuit overloads, especially in bathrooms where you might also have lighting, an exhaust fan, and possibly a heated towel rail on the same circuit.

In older homes with electrical systems designed for lower overall consumption, a dedicated circuit for a hair dryer can help prevent tripping the circuit breaker, especially if the bathroom circuit also powers other rooms or heavy appliances.

If using the hair dryer trips the circuit breaker frequently, or if lights dim when the hair dryer is turned on, this could be a sign that the circuit is overloaded and a dedicated circuit may be necessary.

In sum, while a dedicated circuit is not a requirement for hair dryers, it is a best practice, especially if you use hair dryer often.

All About Hair Dryer Cables

• Hair dryers typically use a flexible, insulated power cord that is designed to safely handle the electrical current required by the device. This power cord is a part of the device. They usually have a copper conductor and a PVC or rubber insulation. 
• A hair dryer that uses 15 amps typically needs a cord with a gauge of at least 14 AWG. 10-Amp hair dryers will typically have a 16 AWG cord, and 20-amp hair dryers come with 12 AWG cords.
• Hair dryer cords are usually designed to be long enough for convenient use, often around 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet).
• In countries with 120V systems (like the United States), hair dryer cords are often polarized and may include a grounding wire. This helps reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug will have one prong wider than the other (polarized) or a third prong for grounding.
• Many hair dryers also include a thermal fuse in the plug or the unit itself as a safety feature. This fuse is designed to cut off electrical power if the dryer overheats, to prevent fires.
• In the US, hair dryers have 2-prong type A or type B plugs. Adapters for international travel are available.
• Extension cords should not be used in combination with hair dryers.