FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

I have a faulty product, what do I do?

Return the faulty product back to the place it was purchased with your purchase receipt or invoice.

Can I purchase replacement parts for my VS Sassoon products?

Replacement parts may be available for your product. All replacement parts can be purchased from Conair Customer Service. Contact us on the phone or email address provided below for more details.

Australia: 1800 650 263 New Zealand: 0800 266 247 E-mail us on: aus_info@conair.com

Dryers

Hairdryer Motors

What makes a good hairdryer?

Hair drying is all about removing moisture from the hair. The type of motor used inside a hairdryer makes the biggest difference between a good hairdryer & a great hairdryer. Heat, air speed, quality of airflow & the time needed to dry hair are all important factors that should be considered when looking for a hairdryer.

Too much heat can cause hair damage
Slow air speed means it takes too long to dry hair
Poor airflow means hair isn't dried efficiently.

Forget judging a hairdryer based on the traditional thinking that if wattage is higher, it must be best? Wrong! It’s highly likely that a hairdryer with a higher wattage may not provide the best air speed & airflow, & it could take you much longer to dry your hair, which can overwork hair, resulting in dry & dull condition.

What's the best hairdryer motor?

Hairdryer motors that provide efficient, high performance airflow & greater air speed deliver faster drying of hair, saving time & providing more even temperature for better hair protection.

The best hairdryer motor is an EC (Electronically Commutated) - or also known as a BLDC (BrushLess Direct Current) or Digital dryer motor.

What’s an EC/BLDC/Digital hairdryer motor?

EC/BLDC/Digital dryer motors are all the same type of hairdryer motor, but can be known as different names.

EC = Electronically Commutated
BLDC = BrushLess Direct Current
Digital dryer motor.

A new generation hairdryer motor that uses electronics & magnets to drive the motor. EC/BLDC/Digital hairdryer motors are sturdy & ultra-powerful, but are also lighter weight than an AC hairdryer motor. The ultimate hairdryer motor & is best for long-term hair protection as it provides the fastest air speed & strongest airflow for more efficient blow drying, using less heat. More recently designed for professional use in salons, this motor is tailor made for frequent & long lasting use, making it a better investment for daily styling routines. Backed by a longer warranty period for peace of mind.

What’s an AC hairdryer motor?

AC = Alternating Current.

An AC hairdryer motor is better performing & designed for longer-life than a DC hairdryer motor. They are the traditional choice in hairdressing salons for daily professional use.

VS Sassoon also offers Italian made AC hairdryer motors in selected models. These Italian made motors are higher quality motors that have an extended motor life & performance advantage for better long term hair protection.

What’s a DC hairdryer motor?

DC = Direct Current.

A DC hairdryer motor is a traditional style motor designed for everyday use. Typically found in lower price point hairdryers, they generally have a slower air speed/pressure, but can be higher in wattage.

VS Sassoon also offers High Torque DC hairdryer motors in selected models. These motors provide a slightly faster air speed/pressure than a standard DC hairdryer motor.

Other Features

What's wattage?

Wattage in reference to Hairdryers & Hot Air Stylers relates to the power output of a hairdryer or hot air styler. Generally speaking the higher the wattage, the hotter & faster the hairdryer/hot air styler. However, hairdryers or hot air stylers with higher wattage are now known to have slower air speed/pressure, making it slower to dry hair, hence exposing the hair to more heat over time.

What's airflow/air pressure?

Airflow/air pressure is the air output/flow speed generated by the fan design & motor type of a hairdryer/hot air styler. Both have a major impact in the efficiency of drying performance. Higher pressure air flow delivers faster drying of hair which saves time. It also reduces heat exposure for better hair protection. AC & EC Digital hairdryer motors have the best air flow/pressure performance.

What's a Quietone™ Air Intake System?

A Quietone™ Air Intake System is a specifically designed air intake system that softens the tone of a hairdryer. It provides a lower & more pleasant sound - even when you're using the higher speed settings.

What's a concentrator & how do you use it?

A concentrator is an attachment for a hair dryer to create a more concentrated & direct airflow which also increases airflow speed. It's used after rough drying hair to 80% dry (without the concentrator). Using the concentrator to finish blow dry styling (with a round brush) gives a more precise, professional styled result to the hair.

What's a diffuser & how do you use it?

A diffuser is an attachment for a hair dryer to diffuse airflow over a wider surface & reduces airflow speed. Fingers on a diffuser are designed to direct airflow to roots of the hair. It's used for drying & enhancing natural curls to help hold shape. Fingers on a diffuser can also enhance volume at the roots.

What's a cold shot (true) versus a cool shot?

DC motor hairdryers can only reduce the air temperature to a lower temperature as some current is still running through the heater element. AC & EC Digital Motor hairdryers can switch off the current completely so that the air flow will feel much colder (subject to ambient temperatures). The benefit is that heat relaxes the hair cuticle bonds to allow it to be styled & shaped, straightened or curled. Using a cold blast of air after completing styling helps to seal the hair bonds to fix or hold a style in place.

What's a Waveform heating element in a hairdryer?

The heating element used in most hairdryers is a bare, coiled nichrome wire that's wrapped around insulating mica boards. The airflow generated by the hairdryer fan is forced through the heating element by the shape of the hairdryer casing. When the air initially enters the barrel, it is much cooler than the coiled nichrome wire, so heat flows from the wire to the air. As the air is pushed along by the hairdryer fan, it’s replaced by cooler air and the cycle is repeated. A waveform heating element is a more premium heating element used in the VS Sassoon Digital Sensor Hairdryer. The waveform heating element, along with the more streamlined shape of the hairdryer casing provides more consistent and even heat than that of a coiled heating element.

Usage

Can I take my hairdryer overseas?

Some VS Sassoon hairdryers have a dual voltage feature, which means they can be used in Australia, New Zealand & overseas.

To determine if your hairdryer is dual voltage, please refer to the marking printed on the handle. The marking should show either 120V/240V~ OR 125V/240V~.

If your hairdryer is dual voltage, it will have an adjustable voltage feature. The voltage can be adjusted for use at 120V/125V or 240V by adjusting the voltage using the screw on the handle.

To set the voltage to 240V, move the screw anti-clockwise until the triangle marking is pointing towards “240”.
To set the voltage to 120V/125V move the screw clockwise until the triangle marking is pointing towards “120” / “125”.

Always ensure the voltage to be used corresponds with the voltage selected. Never use the dryer on 240V if it is set to 120v/125V or vice versa.

NOTE: A suitable plug adaptor will be required - refer to chart below.

Product Care

What do I need to do to clean my hairdryer?

It’s important to always ensure the rear filter of your hairdryer is kept clean & free from any hair, lint & other debris. Blocked or clogged air intake vents will cause the dryer to overheat.

The rear filter of your hairdryer should be checked & cleaned on a regular basis - to help maintain optimum performance & prevent overheating.

To clean your hairdryer:

Unplug the dryer & allow to cool completely before cleaning or storing
Using a soft brush, clean any hair & other debris that may build up in the filter.

NB - If overheating occurs, an automatic safety device will shut the dryer or the heat off to prevent damage or personal injury. If the dryer or heat turns off, unplug the cord & allow the dryer to cool for 15 minutes before restarting. Make sure the air vents are 100% clean before using the hairdryer again.

What's the best way to store my hairdryer?

Always unplug the appliance immediately after use & before cleaning or maintenance.
Do not wrap the power cord tightly around the appliance when storing. This causes undue strain on the power cord & protective guard. Over time, this will damage the power cord resulting in an unsafe condition to the user.

How do I clean my hair straightener or styler?

VS Sassoon straighteners & stylers are designed for household use & are virtually maintenance free.

If cleaning becomes necessary, unplug the product from the power outlet & ensure the product is cool before wiping with a cloth. If any abnormal conditions occur contact Conair Customer Service.

Hair Types

My hair is fine, damaged or overly treated – what’s the best heat setting to use when drying my hair?

Hair that is fine, damaged or has been heavily bleached or chemically treated should only use the low heat setting when using a hairdryer. Please consult your hairdresser on using heated appliances if you have any concerns about the condition of your hair.

Straighteners & Curlers

Straightener & Curler Heaters

What's a Mica Heater?

A Mica Heater is a basic heater type used on entry price point straighteners & stylers. It generally has slower heat up & recovery compared to PTC & Ceramic Heaters. It is not used in straighteners & stylers that heat over 200°C & can't be used in multi-voltage worldwide styling tools.

What's a PTC Heater?

A PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) Heater is used across the majority of VS Sassoon stylers & straighteners. It has a faster heat-up & recover compared to a Mica Heater. It has high heat performance & can be used in multi-voltage worldwide styling tools.

What's a Ceramic Heater?

A Ceramic Heater is a microprocessor controlled heater. It's used in some VS Sasson stylers & straighteners. It features ultra-fast heat up with superior fast-action heat transfer that styles hair in just one pass. It intelligently maintains a constant high heat level for even heat on every section, minimising heat damage & can be used in multi-voltage worldwide styling tools.

Plate/Barrel Coatings & Technology

What is Titanium Technology?

Titanium Technology is the use of a high-strength, lightweight transition metal on the straightening or styling plates that provides high temperature stability. Its benefits are smooth styling/glide & locks in shine as you style.

What is Ceramic Technology?

Ceramic Technology is a basic coating of ceramic (clay composite material)used on VS Sassoon dryers, stylers & straighteners. It creates far infrared heat that penetrates the hair shaft & enables hair to more easily absorb heat, drying or styling the hair follicle from the inside out. Its benefits are smooth styling/glide & helps to lock in shine as you style. It helps help to reduce damaging hot spots as it assists with even heat distribution.

What is Ceramic Tourmaline Technology?

Ceramic Tourmaline Technology is an infusion of Ceramic + Tourmaline coating, used on VS Sassoon dryers, stylers & straighteners. Tourmaline is a crushed semi-precious gemstone & natural source of negative ions. It’s benefits are smooth styling/glide & locks in shine as you style. While Ceramic helps to reduce damaging hot spots as it assists with even heat distribution & when infused with Tourmaline it helps to reduce frizz.

What is Keratin Protect Technology?

Keratin Protect Technology is an infusion of Keratin + Ceramic. Keratin is an additive that's infused with Ceramic coating. Its benefits are smooth styling/glide & locks in shine as you style. While Ceramic helps to reduce damaging hot spots as it assists with even heat distribution & when infused with Keratin it helps to nourish hair & reduce frizz.

What is Argan Infused Technology?

Argan Infused Technology is an infusion of Argan + Ceramic. Argan Oil is a plant oil that's infused with Ceramic coating. It's benefits are smooth styling/glide & locks in shine as you style. While Ceramic helps to reduce damaging hot spots as it assist with even heat distribution & helps nourish hair, while promoting smoothness.

What is Triple Infused Technology?

Tripled Infused Technology combines an infusion of Ceramic + Keratin + Argan, used on VS Sassoon dryers, stylers & straighteners. Keratin is an additive, while Argan Oil is a plant oil – both are infused with Ceramic coating. The infusion of Keratin & Almond combined with Ceramic helps keep your hair looking healthy & shiny by maintaining even heat during the drying/styling process. Static is reduced by quickly sealing the hair cuticle layer, ensuring minimal frizz making your hair easier to manage.

What is Sol-Gel Ceramic Technology?

Sol-Gel Ceramic Technology is an advanced plate coating only used on higher end VS Sassoon straighteners. 'Sol' is a solution in which particles are suspended, while 'Gel' is when the molecules join together. It offers 15x more high denisty ceramic. Its benefits are ultra-smooth glide and locks in shine as you style. It reduces damaging hot spots as it assists with even heat distribution. It has an ultra-hard, scratch resistant surface for ultimate durability & longer-lasting results.

Usage

Can I take my staightener or curler overseas?

Some VS Sassoon straighteners & curlers have a worldwide voltage feature, which means they can be used in Australia, New Zealand & overseas.

The voltage automatically converts for ease from 100-120V~, 220-240V~ without the need for a switch.

Always ensure the voltage to be used corresponds with the voltage selected. Never use the dryer on 240V if it is set to 120v/125V or vice versa.

NOTE: A suitable plug adaptor will be required - refer to chart below.

Other FAQ

Ionic & Super Frizz Technology

How is frizz caused?

Frizz can be genetic, which means you can be born with it. On the other hand, it can also be environmental. Humid weather, especially, is often the culprit. Dry, damaged hair that lacks moisture can also be a cause of frizz.

What is frizz?

The outside layer of each hair strand, called the cuticle, is made up of overlapping protein scales, kind of like the skin on a fish. When hair is dry, damaged, aggravated by weather conditions & improper brushing, the scales become raised, creating a frizzy texture. The raised cuticles then allow moisture from the atmosphere to enter, creating that extra fluffy mess! As a result, your hair appears dry, frizzy & flyaway instead of smooth & defined.

What gives hair that frizzy look?

Static electricity! Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges at the atomic level. Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles: the positive protons, the negative electrons & the neutral neutrons. The imbalance is created by a transfer of electrons from one atom to another. An atom that has gained or lost electrons is called an ion, and it’s these ions that can cause & cure frizzy hair problems.

What is Tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a crushed semi-precious gemstone & natural source of negative ions. It has less ionic properties than the use of an internal ionic generator. Its benefits are reduced frizz.

What is Ionic Conditioning?

Ionic Conditioning is the use of a single internal ionic generator used in the body of a dryer, styler or straightener that produces millions of negatively charged ions. Its benefits are greater reduction of frizz that provides smoothness & shine.

What is Super Frizz Defense Technology?

Negative ions are a gal’s best friend! The Frizz Defense range has been developed with Super Frizz Defense Technology, with each of the productsdryer, styler & straightener all featuring double ionic generators. These ionic generators release 60% more negative ions than a single internal ionic generator that combine with positively charged ions to neutralize static electricity. The negative ions cause the cuticle scales to relax, sealing in moisture, conditioning the hair cuticle for ultimate frizz-free smoothness & enhanced shine.