This “General Electric Hair Dryer” is a portable electric hair dryer manufactured by Canadian General Electric (CGE) in Barrie, Ontario in the 1960s. The 120V dryer consists of four main components: an outer carrying case, a round machine, a flexible bonnet, and a flexible hose that connects the two. The round carrying case, which also functions as storage for the dryer, features a canvas-textured exterior, a softer fabric interior, a metal zipper closure, a handle for portability, and four metal feet on the bottom. The bonnet is double-layered, made from a soft pink-coloured flexible plastic and a decorative white lace fabric with a gold-coloured drawstring at the top. The machine component is made from a hard pink plastic with gold-printed labels. Notably, the hair dryer appears to be missing a removable shoulder or waist strap, as indicated by the metal hardware on the back of the machine component and through advertisements of the product where a strap is showcased.

When examining the production of the General Electric Hair Dryer, it is important to consider the company’s long history of technological innovation and manufacturing when it comes to various industries. The General Electric Company was incorporated in 1892, and during the 19th century, the company became known for revolutionizing and shifting the perspective in already existing industries by introducing advanced technologies (Montevirgen, 2007). In 1947, General Electric introduced automatic laundry machines, which marked a significant advancement when it came to household appliances. By 1955, General Electric had expanded to supply locomotives to Union Pacific (Montevirgen, 2007). 

Throughout the 1960s, the company became a major manufacturer of hairdryers, designing models which eventually became known for their durability, as well as their more modern design with innovative features. It was crucial for General Electric to prioritize safety by designing hair dryers with motors enclosed within the casing, which would reduce the risk of electrical hazards for users (CultureNL Museums, n.d.). During the 1950s and 60s, bonnet hair dryers like this GE model gained popularity because they allowed for even heat distribution across the head (CultureNL Museums, n.d.). Continuing into the late 19th century, General Electric eventually ventured into lazer development in 1962 (CultureNL Museums, n.d.).