Babyliss Pro Hairdryers

CPSC Recall #02-238 — August 28, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-238
Recall DateAugust 28, 2002
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 23,000

Where It Was Sold

Duane Reede Drug Stores in the metropolitan New York area; Metro Beauty in Miami
Fla.; and Bu-Ba Beauty in Reseda
Calif. sold these hairdryers between December 2000 and January 2002 for about $50. These hairdryers were intended for professional use
but could have been sold to consumers for personal use.

Product

Babyliss Pro Hairdryers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Babyliss Pro, of Stamford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 23,000 hairdryers. The hairdryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if exposed to water. CPSC and Babyliss Pro have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The recalled hairdryers have the model number BAB2002BLX, are rated at 1875 watts, and are pistol-shaped. The model number is printed on the barrel of the hairdryer and a label on the side reads, "BABYLISS 2002BLX." The hairdryer also has a hang tag that reads in part, "FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR LICENSED COSMETOLOGISTS. THIS UNIT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ALCI OR GFCI DEVICE...WARNING - KEEP AWAY FROM WATER." These hairdryers were manufactured in China. Duane Reede Drug Stores in the metropolitan New York area; Metro Beauty in Miami, Fla.; and Bu-Ba Beauty in Reseda, Calif. sold these hairdryers between December 2000 and January 2002 for about $50. These hairdryers were intended for professional use, but could have been sold to consumers for personal use. Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately and return them to Babyliss Pro for a free replacement unit with an immersion protection device. For information on how to return the hairdryer to the company, call Babyliss Pro at (800) 726-4202 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. 

Hazard

The hairdryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if exposed to water.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Babyliss Pro have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately and return them to Babyliss Pro for a free replacement unit with an immersion protection device.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.