Hair dryers are a common appliance that most households will own and for some, they will often be used on a daily basis.

While they’re fairly small as household appliances go, they still need power to run and if you’re spending time each day drying your hair, those costs can quickly add up. Ofgem’s energy price cap will provide protection for households until the start of July, even with conflict in the Middle East pushing up wholesale energy costs, with the cap set to drop by 6.6% from April 1.

But the relief is expected to be temporary with the latest forecast from analysts Cornwall Insight warning energy bills could jump by £332 per year in July – a 20% increase on April’s cap. It marks a significant step up on its previous forecast from just over a fortnight ago when it had predicted a 10% increase from July.

An average hair dryer uses around 1700W, according to Bellissima Italia which manufactures hair dryers. Even based on April’s price cap, a hair dryer used for 20 minutes per day, which is a typical use for thick or long hair, is costing you 14p per day, or £50.52 per year on average. And if your hair dryer is being used by multiple people in your household, then the costs will be even higher.

Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make to help cut down your energy costs, including opting for a lower temperature setting or eco-mode, drying your hair to a damp state before blow-drying, or investing in a new model, as these are typically more energy-efficient.

In its advice on cutting energy costs, Bellissima Italia says: “Modern hair dryers come equipped with multiple heat and speed settings, including an eco-mode. Opting for lower power settings or eco-mode can significantly reduce your energy usage.

“Regularly clean the filter on your hair dryer and ensure it’s in good working condition for optimal performance. If your hair dryer is working to its full capacity, then it will take less time to dry your hair and use less energy.

“Pre-drying your hair with a towel before using the hair dryer can help reduce drying time and energy usage. This approach not only saves energy but also reduces heat exposure, which can be beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.”

The hair dryer manufacturer added: “Investing in a newer model of hair dryer that is designed with energy efficiency in mind can lead to long-term energy savings.

“Look for features such as ionic technology, ceramic materials, and adjustable heat settings. These features help to dry your hair more quickly and efficiently. They use less energy due to innovative technology, with airflow three times stronger than traditional dryers.

“Although you must consider the cost of the initial investment, reducing your energy usage can translate to lower bills and environmental impact over time.”