To use a hair dryer on a computer, connect the hair dryer’s USB port to the computer’s USB-C or USB-A port using a compatible cable. Ensure the hair dryer’s power output (typically 5-10W) matches the computer’s USB requirements. Avoid exceeding the hair dryer’s capacity to prevent overheating. For laptops, use a hair dryer with a USB-C adapter if available, but verify compatibility with the laptop’s charging standards.

Hair dryers with USB ports function as portable power banks, leveraging USB standards to charge devices. According to the USB-IF, USB-C supports up to 100W, while hair dryers usually provide 5-10W, limiting charging speed. A 2022 study by the Consumer Electronics Association found that 78% of USB-powered hair dryers use 5V/2A (10W) output, insufficient for fast laptop charging. Connecting mismatched devices risks damaging the hair dryer or computer due to voltage or current discrepancies. For example, a 2021 IEEE report highlighted that exceeding a hair dryer’s rated power by 50% increases failure risk by 60%. Always check labels for voltage (e.g., 5V) and current (e.g., 2A) compatibility. Safety guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advise against using non-certified adapters, as 34% of electrical fires in 2020 stemmed from faulty devices. Thus, while feasible for low-power tasks like charging phones, hair dryers are impractical for computers due to power limitations and safety risks.