More than 1.2 million AuraBeauty ProStyle 1200 hair dryers are being recalled across North America due to a significant manufacturing defect that poses a serious risk of electric shock. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the joint hair dryers recalled with manufacturer AuraBeauty Inc. on Tuesday, urging consumers to immediately stop using the affected models.
The recall was initiated after regulators discovered the popular hair dryers were sold without a required safety device designed to prevent electrocution if the appliance comes into contact with water. AuraBeauty has received dozens of reports of the dryers malfunctioning, including five confirmed incidents where users received an electric shock.
Key Facts of the AuraBeauty Recall
| Key Information | Detail |
| Product Name | AuraBeauty ProStyle 1200 Handheld Hair Dryer |
| Hazard | Lacks an integrated immersion protection plug, posing a severe electric shock risk. |
| Affected Units | Approximately 1.2 million in the U.S. and 85,000 in Canada. |
| Remedy for Consumers | Stop use immediately. Contact AuraBeauty for a free replacement or a full refund. |
Details of the Widespread Hair Dryer Recall
The CPSC stated that the AuraBeauty ProStyle 1200 models were manufactured without an Appliance Leakage Current Interrupter (ALCI) plug. This safety mechanism is a federal requirement for all handheld hair dryers sold in the United States. An ALCI plug can quickly shut off the electrical circuit if the device is submerged in or exposed to water, preventing a potentially fatal shock.
According to the recall notice, the affected units were sold at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other stores nationwide from January 2023 through July 2025. The hair dryers, which retailed for approximately $45, were sold in three colors: black, white, and teal.
“The absence of a proper immersion protection device on an appliance used so close to water is an unacceptable hazard,” said CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric in a statement. “We urge all consumers to check their hair dryers today. This hair dryer recall is a critical step in preventing further injuries.”
How to Identify and Respond to the Recall
Consumers can identify if their hair dryer is part of the recall by checking for the model name “ProStyle 1200” printed on the handle and a date code between 0123 and 0725 stamped near the electrical cord. The most critical identifying feature, however, is the plug itself. Recalled units have a standard, two-prong plug without the “Test” and “Reset” buttons characteristic of a compliant ALCI safety plug.
Officials advise the following steps for consumers:
- Immediately unplug the hair dryer and ensure it is not used again.
- Do not attempt to repair the device or dispose of it in a way that others might find and use it.
- Contact AuraBeauty Inc. to receive a free, compliant replacement hair dryer or a full refund.
The company has established a dedicated recall website at AuraBeautyRecall.com and a toll-free number, 1-800-555-0199, available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Company Response and Broader Safety Context
In a press release, AuraBeauty Inc. stated it is “working closely with the CPSC to conduct a comprehensive recall and ensure the safety of our customers.” A company spokesperson, Jane Miller, added, “We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience this has caused. We are taking immediate steps to rectify our manufacturing oversight and strengthen our quality control processes to prevent this from happening in the future.” This type of product recall highlights a persistent issue in consumer safety. Federal law has required ALCI protection on hair dryers since the late 1980s, a regulation that has been credited with significantly reducing electrocutions related to small appliances.
“An ALCI is a non-negotiable safety feature, not a premium add-on,” said Dr. Elena Vance, a product safety expert at the Consumer Advocacy Group. “When a company distributes over a million non-compliant units, it represents a systemic failure in the supply chain and quality assurance process. It puts a large, unsuspecting population at risk for a well-understood and entirely preventable danger.” The recall process is expected to continue for several months as the company works to notify retailers and consumers. The CPSC will monitor the effectiveness of the recall and has not ruled out potential penalties against the company for distributing a non-compliant product.
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