💇 Hair straightener and curler

How much electricity does a hair straightener use? Cost per styling

Electricity use of straighteners, curling irons and hot air brushes per styling and per year, with the running cost.

Per styling

20 Wh

Cost per styling

$0.004 · £0.005

Per year · 4 kWh

$1 · £1

With 4 times a week, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A hair straightener draws 30–80 W: heating two ceramic plates takes little energy. A 20-minute session uses about 20 Wh, under a cent.

Hot air brushes and especially hair dryers use far more, because they heat air with a 1,000–2,000 W element.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Straightener (20 minutes)20 Wh / styling4$1 · £1
Curling iron (15 minutes)15 Wh / styling3$1 · £1
Hot air brush (15 minutes)0.15 kWh / styling31$6 · £8
Hair dryer, for comparison (10 minutes)0.25 kWh / styling52$9 · £14

Yearly cost with 4 times a week.

Work out your cost

Per styling
$0.004
Per month
$0.06
Per year
$1
Energy per year
4.2 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

  • Unplug the straightener when done: many don’t switch off on their own.
  • Towel-dry well before using the dryer: less water means fewer minutes at 2,000 W.
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FAQ

How much electricity does a hair straightener use?
About 20 Wh per styling, from 5 Wh to 0.3 kWh depending on model and programme.
How much does it cost per year?
With 4 times a week it uses about 4 kWh a year: about $1 · £1 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Unplug the straightener when done: many don’t switch off on their own. Towel-dry well before using the dryer: less water means fewer minutes at 2,000 W.

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