Decimeter
    Sound Reference

    How Loud Is a Hair Dryer?

    80–90 dB
    Safe exposure
    2 hours per day at 90 dB
    Risk category
    warning

    What does 80–90 dB sound like?

    A standard hair dryer produces 80–90 dB at close range. Professional salon dryers can push above 95 dB.

    How it compares

    Daily use for 10–15 minutes is safe for most people, but professional stylists using dryers for hours a day are at meaningful risk of hearing damage.

    How to protect your hearing

    • Use a lower heat and speed setting when possible
    • Look for "quiet" hair dryers rated at 70–75 dB
    • Stylists should consider light hearing protection

    Measure the actual dB level of your environment with our free online decibel meter, or estimate your cumulative daily exposure with the noise exposure calculator.

    Learn more

    See the full dB chart
    Compare hair dryer with other common sounds
    What is a decibel?
    Understand the dB scale and how it works

    Related sounds

    130–150 dB
    Jet Engine
    70–80 dB
    Vacuum Cleaner
    85–95 dB
    Lawn Mower
    100–120 dB
    Rock Concert

    Frequently asked questions

    How loud is a Hair Dryer?

    A hair dryer measures 80–90 dB. A standard hair dryer produces 80–90 dB at close range. Professional salon dryers can push above 95 dB.

    What is the safe exposure time for a hair dryer?

    The recommended safe exposure time for a hair dryer is 2 hours per day at 90 dB.

    How does a hair dryer compare to other sounds?

    Daily use for 10–15 minutes is safe for most people, but professional stylists using dryers for hours a day are at meaningful risk of hearing damage.

    How can I protect my hearing from a hair dryer?

    Use a lower heat and speed setting when possible Look for "quiet" hair dryers rated at 70–75 dB Stylists should consider light hearing protection