hair dryer travel set

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• Hair Products And Tools

The 8 Best Travel Hair Dryers to Pack On Your Next Trip, Tested by Byrdie

Dare we say they'll blow you away?

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Byrdie / Reese Herrington

Book any hotel or Airbnb, and it’s safe to assume there will be a hair dryer there. It’s a basic amenity, after all, one necessary for getting you out the door and exploring wherever your travels have taken you. But then, there’s that one time that assumption proves false. It’s usually when you need a hair dryer the most—when you’re shortest on time, in the most humid conditions, dressing for your fanciest event. Of course .  Don’t risk it. We’re all about investing in a travel-friendly hair dryer to avoid scenarios like that. Since they’re small and mighty, you can easily sneak one into your suitcase and ditch using that weak one at your hotel.

Not all travel hair dryers are created equal, though. That’s why we set out to test a wide range of travel hair dryers, all with different features and at various price points. Our testers evaluated how well they worked (specifically how long it took to dry their hair ), while a panel of experts weighed in on more technical features, such as ergonomics, attachments, and airflow. When all was said and done, we ended up with this list of winning pint-sized options that will barely make a dent in your suitcase. 

• What To Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, t3 afar travel size hair dryer.

Bloomingdale's

Very powerful motor and airflow

Has many different heat and speed settings, including a cool-shot button

Doesn’t come with any attachments

Features : 1,500 watts, three heat and two-speed settings, cool-shot button, dual voltage | Wireless: No

T3 is well-known for its wide range of tech-y hot tools, and this travel dryer is no different. It boasts many of the same bells and whistles you’d find on full-size dryers; think a variety of heat and speed settings, a cool-shot button, and built-in dual voltage. Plus, it’s compact to begin with—and even more so given that it can be folded in half. We loved how shiny and smooth it left our strands (credit built-in ionic technology ); our expert panel raved about the convenient button placement and how lightweight it was.

Who It’s For

People with all hair types should try this, as well as those who don’t mind spending a bit more money on a travel dryer.

Best Budget

Conair minipro.

Lightweight

Handle folds up

Emits a strong airflow

Can overheat

Features: 1,200 watts, two heat and speed settings, airflow concentrator, dual voltage, velvet grip handle | Wireless: No

At this price, we truly can’t think of a reason not to pick up this pint-sized hair dryer from Conair, a long-time trusted hair care brand. It’s an Amazon favorite, too; over 3,000 satisfied reviewers repeatedly comment on how lightweight yet powerful it is, with a strong airflow that leads to dry hair in nearly no time. Its functions are pretty basic—it features just two heat and speed settings—but it gets the job done, and it folds up compactly so you can sneak it into your suitcase easily. Just beware: this one can overheat, so it’s best for those who have thinner hair that won’t take long to dry. And, again, the price.

Anyone with thin or fine hair should try this pick (it can get too hot if you have thicker hair that takes longer to dry). It’s also a great pick if you’re on a budget.

Best Foldable

Stylecraft peewee travel dryer.

Helps smooth hair

Folds into compact size

Quality could be better

Features: 1,000 watt micro-motor, built-in stand, airflow concentrator and diffuser, travel bag, dual voltage | Wireless: No

While the quality of this one isn’t particularly impressive, we do very much appreciate the lightweight feel, budget-friendly price, and the fact that it folds perfectly in half, fitting into even the most cramped of suitcases. Also noteworthy: a special Tri-Plex Fusion technology (stay with us here) with keratin, ceramic, and tourmaline for smoothing and shine-enhancing benefits . 

Anyone who tends to overpack will appreciate that this can be folded up into a tiny little size. It’s also very affordable and lightweight, too. 

Best Dual Voltage

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Small, compact size

Includes extra accessories

Only one heat setting

Cord doesn’t retract

Features: 1,000 watts, two heat and speed settings, folding handle, removable filter and stand, dual voltage | Wireless: No

Never stress about packing an adapter or frying your dryer again; with a travel-sized dual voltage option, you can dry your hair to perfection on all your international adventures. Like this one. It’s powerful, with a strong airflow that gets you out the door (and to a museum, historic site, wine bar—you name it) in no time. As mighty as it is, it’s still super compact and lightweight, so it will barely contribute to your suitcase’s heaviness and leaves more space for souvenirs too. We also love that the back pops off for easy cleaning. There are downsides, though: there’s only one heat setting—and it gets hot —and the cord doesn’t retract.

Who It’s For 

Frequent international travelers will appreciate the fact that this is a dual-voltage choice.

Best for Fast Drying

7magic fast-drying hair dryer.

Dries hair incredibly fast

Has three temperature settings

Ionic technology protects hair from heat damage

No dual voltage

Features:  1,600 watts, two speed, and three temperature settings, detachable air filter, overheating safety protection setting, storage bag |  Wireless:  No

“Fast-drying” is in the name of this foldable hair dryer for a reason. It’s that efficient—30 percent faster than a standard hair dryer, according to the brand. Even the longest, thickest locks will be dry in just five to eight minutes. Got short hair ? You’ll be ready for the day in just a minute or two. Its three temperature settings, two-speed options, and ionic technology, which protects hair from heat damage and dryness, all helped earn it our top spot. We also love how lightweight and compact it is, which is essential for ensuring it’s travel-friendly and that the price won’t give you sticker shock. Keep this hair dryer for domestic travels only, though, since it doesn’t have dual voltage.

If you like lots of different settings, pick this choice. It’s also great if you have thicker hair , as it works super fast.

Best for Curly Hair

Revlon airflow control dryer.

Comes with both a concentrator and a diffuser

Has ceramic tourmaline technology to fight frizz

Can be hard to pop on diffuser

Features : 1875 watts, built-in rotating concentrator, curl-enhancing diffuser | Wireless: No

Curly hair gals, this one's for you. If you rock spirals, this travel hair dryer checks all the must-haves. There’s a built-in concentrator that directs airflow (it rotates so that it can be vertical or horizontal), which is part of why we found this to be very powerful, with strong and even airflow. It also has ceramic tourmaline technology to fight static (a must for those with curls), not to mention a variety of heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot button.

Those with curls will like the many features of this dryer, namely a diffuser and ceramic tourmaline technology.

Best Lightweight

L'ange le styliste luxe digital salon dryer.

Slim and sleek design

Comes with three magnetic attachments

Airflow could be stronger

Features : Magnetic attachments, LCD temperature display, four heat and three speed settings | Wireless: No

Lightweight is an understatement: This little guy weighs in at less than a pound. (In fact, our experts said it was the lightest dryer they’d ever used.)  Still, despite its size, it manages to offer some pretty unique features—think magnetic attachments, an LCD temperature display, a super quiet motor, and more. While the airflow could be a bit more powerful, the shape of the dryer does make the airflow very targeted and concentrated. 

Fans of tech-y hot tools will appreciate all the bells and whistles that this blow-dryer has to offer, as well as anyone who finds that their arm gets tired of holding heavier driers.

TYMO HighSpeed Hair Dryer

Extremely quiet

Sleek and streamlined design

Auto-cleaning feature

Button placement isn’t particularly convenient

Features : 1,200 watts, digital LCD display, four heat and three speed settings, magnetic attachments | Wireless: No

Not only is this super lightweight, but it’s also very quiet, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a companion that you don’t want to disturb while you style your hair. While the long and skinny shape isn’t exactly what we’re used to, we found it easy to maneuver and hold. It does only get up to 250 degrees, meaning it’s probably best reserved for those with fine to medium hair, but the variety of heat and speed settings, as well as three magnetic attachments, further help you customize your drying experience.

Fine to medium hair types and textures should try this dryer, given that it only heats up to 250 degrees and may not be strong enough for heavier hair types.

What to Look For in a Travel Hair Dryer

• Size: Planning to take your hair dryer in your carry-on? Make sure it's compact so it won't take up valuable space. You can also choose one that's foldable, which will also help keep precious suitcase space for important things (like all the outfits you'll need!).
• Weight: Your dryer shouldn't weigh too much—in case you need to throw it into an overweight suitcase. Another thing to keep in mind? How heavy it'll be if you need to carry it around in a bag all day. Stick to under five pounds, if possible, to make the most of the in-flight weight limit (and prevent yourself from carrying a tremendously heavy weekend bag).
• Voltage: If you're planning to travel abroad, make sure your dryer has dual voltage included. Without dual voltage, you'll have to pack an adapter—which can be a costly addition. And if you choose to forgo it, you could get lucky, or you can fry your hair dryer in the outlet.

The name says it all: a hair dryer is intended to dry wet or damp hair. Instead of waiting for your hair to air dry, which can take what feels like forever , a hair dryer can speed up the getting ready process. How fast, exactly, depends on your hair’s length and thickness, how smooth you want it, and how patient you’re feeling. With different attachments or nozzles, a hair dryer can also be used to create a sleek blowout or to diffuse curls, too. And you don't need to spend a fortune for a good hair dryer, travel or otherwise. There are plenty of affordable hair dryers .

There’s no way around it: the combination of heat and hair can lead to damage. Any heat styling tool—including curling wands, straight irons, and, yes, hair dryers—may cause breakage, dryness, and dullness, so make sure you take precautions before using any heat tools. One way to reduce the likelihood of damage? Apply a heat protectant to your strands before drying, curling, or straightening. While no heat styling tools are particularly healthy for your hair, with proper (and not too frequent) usage, you can limit a hair dryer’s harm to your hair.

Hair dryers’ lifespans vary, but in general, expect one to last around 800 hours. Depending on how often (and how long) you use it, that could mean several years. Just be sure to be gentle with it, storing it safely. Hopefully, while traveling, the airlines’ bag carriers will be gentle with your suitcase, too. 

Full-time freelance writer  Megan McCarty  has been writing about the best of the best of fashion and beauty for over 15 years, and her work can be seen in InStyle, Domino, Architectural Digest, Bustle, and more. Often, she works from various locations around the world, so she’s well acquainted with travel hair dryers. To date, she’s only fried one from forgetting to switch the voltage while abroad. (Oops.) Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly fifteen years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written for Byrdie since 2020, covering hair, makeup, skin, health, wellness, fashion, and more. She’s learned the hard way that it’s always best to BYO a travel dryer with you.

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• Travel Products

The 7 Most Compact and Portable Travel Hair Dryers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Don't rely on hotel dryers — pack one of these travel-size hair dryers for your next vacation.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel & Leisure / Kevin Liang

If you’ve ever traveled with the plan to rely on the hotel hair dryer and been sorely disappointed at the quality of the item and its lack of ability to dry hair, you are not alone. Hotel hair dryers are notoriously weak, and if you have long hair, thick hair, or plan to give yourself a snazzy blowout while on vacation, they can certainly come up short. 

We recommend packing a compact, lightweight travel hair dryer so you can be sure you have a product that’ll meet all of your needs. To find the very best travel hair dryers, we conducted a four-week study in which we tested 34 products. We paid close attention to ease of use, features, drying performance, overall look, and value. 

The T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer stood out above the rest because it’s small but very mighty, and it dried our hair quickly plus left it looking shiny. But if you’re looking for other options, including a splurge-worthy dryer or a pick with lots of attachments and accessories, read on. We found the very best selections in every category. 

Best Overall

T3 afar travel size hair dryer.

Bloomingdale's

It’s super lightweight, comfortable to hold, and the sweetest shade of pink.

It doesn’t include a diffuser. 

If you only buy one travel hair dryer, let it be this super compact does-it-all product from T3, a brand known for its high-quality hair tools. Weighing in at less than one pound, this small dryer with a foldable handle won’t hog much space in your luggage at all. It even comes with a vegan leather travel pouch so you can keep it separate from your belongings, which is extra beneficial for when it’s still hot after use. 

The product works well on all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily. It uses a wide, ion-infused airstream that gently dries hair fast, and we enjoyed the strong, even air flow during testing. Meanwhile, negative ions help smooth the hair cuticle to minimize frizz. We noticed our hair looked quite shiny after use. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot setting that locks in your style. A bonus for international travelers : the dual-voltage dryer automatically adapts so you don’t need to pack a converter (though you may need a plug adapter , depending on your destination).

The Details: 12.2 ounces | 1500 watts

Best for Frizz

Bondiboost sonic dryer.

Bondi Boost

The lightweight dryer has impressive airflow and will help tame your frizz.

The attachments can be difficult to remove.

Though small and lightweight, this hair dryer has plenty of power, and the strength of the airflow impressed us during testing. Despite that, the motor is relatively quiet compared to standard hair dryers, so it’s ideal to use during early mornings or late nights while others may be sleeping within earshot. There are four heat settings and three speed settings (plus a cool shot setting) that can accommodate virtually any hair type. We found the BondiBoost dryer was able to quickly and effectively dry hair even on the lower heat and speed settings, while leaving our hair smoother and less frizzy. The product includes a concentrated airflow attachment and a diffuser. Plus, it comes equipped with a unique self-cleaning function, which helps to prolong the life of the hair dryer. It even has a smart memory function that memorizes your heat and speed settings.

The Details: 12.32 ounces

Best Foldable

Sri dryq hair dryer.

You can fold this dryer, making it easier to pack.

The setting buttons are located on the body of the dryer rather than on the handle.

A foldable hair dryer provides added convenience for travelers because it makes it easier to fit into small luggage compartments. Even if using it at home, you’ll appreciate that it takes less real estate on your vanity or in a drawer. This lightweight, foldable model uses ionic technology, which helps prevent frizz and promotes a faster drying time. It’s also equipped with red light therapy, which claims to help strengthen weak, brittle hair and promote growth. There are four modes (from 160 to 296 degrees Fahrenheit) and three speed settings, as well as a memory function. Though we appreciated the product’s quick-drying ability and the results that left hair smooth without noticeable damage, we found the button placement a tad inconvenient. 

The Details: 11.8 ounces | 8.2 x 8.7 inches | 1300 watts

Best Accessories

Olivia garden high performance professional hair dryer.

Olivia Garden 

It includes a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, two round brushes, and a paddle brush.

The attachments were a bit difficult to remove.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by accidentally switching a heat or speed setting on your hair dryer due to inconveniently placed buttons, listen up: this lightweight dryer comes with a button lock feature so you’ll never unwillingly change one of the three airflow speeds or three heat settings (from 145 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit). We found that this hair dryer’s powerful airflow made it worth the high price tag, in addition to the fact that it didn’t leave hair with any visible damage. With the plethora of included attachments and accessories, you can create virtually any hairstyle without having to pack additional tools. Plus, it features a self-clean function to eradicate any gunk that builds up over time. 

The Details: 13 ounces | 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | 1875 watts

Best Airflow

Tymo highspeed hair dryer.

Some compact hair dryers can be weak, but this one had strong airflow that helps dry hair quickly.

The power button is a bit tricky to use.

Despite its small, lightweight frame, this hair dryer packs quite the power. We were impressed with the potential intensity of the airflow, especially for the mid-range price tag. We found the dryer — which has four heat settings (up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit), three speed settings, and a cold shot — able to fully dry our hair relatively quickly when compared with other dryers we tested. The LCD display is a nice touch so you can see the exact temperature you’re dispersing onto your hair. An added bonus: it comes with a travel case for extra convenient toting. 

The Details: 10.5 ounces | 1200 watts

Best Budget

Revlon airflow control dryer.

This is by far the most affordable option on this list if you want something budget-friendly to travel with.

It works best on thin and fine hair types.

If you don’t use a travel dryer often and prefer a model with a budget-friendly price point, this Revlon model is a good bet. It has a narrowly concentrated airflow, which increases airflow speed and targets wider sections of hair than a regular concentrator, making it convenient for blowouts and styling. The nozzle can be rotated and locked into place either vertically or horizontally so you can focus air on your strands from any angle. It also includes a diffuser for use on curly hair. We found that it helped reduce frizz and boost shine thanks to its ceramic tourmaline technology. It features three heat settings and two speed settings, and we were quite happy with the effects for the price.

The Details: 2.07 pounds | 3.6 x 11.1 x 9 inches | 1875 watts

Best Blow Dry Brush

Drybar 3-in-1 interchangeable blow dryer.

You won't have to pack any additional styling tools with this handy blow dry brush.

It's not the best for curling hair.

For a classic blow-out look you can achieve at home, look to the Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer. It comes with an oval brush attachment, a paddle brush attachment, and a concentrator blow dryer. While it isn't the best for curling hair, it does leave hair looking sleek and straight with a bit of bounce at the ends. Throughout our tests, we saw no signs of heat damage on our hair and the cool temperature helped a lot with creating a final shiny and healthy look. It helped tamed our flyaways, while smoothing sections of hair that usually become frizzy and staticky after drying. When you don't have time to head out to a Drybar salon on vacation, this device is an excellent one-stop shop.

The Details: 1 pound | 4.57 x 12.7 x 7.4inches

Other Travel Hair Dryers We Liked

These two hair dryers also stood apart from the crowd during testing, although they had some minor issues that gave us pause.

Mane Addicts This Totally Blows! Compact Hair Dryer : Though we loved that this lightweight model comes with multiple attachments including a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, and a comb, it was a bit expensive considering the limited heat options.

T3 Fit Hair Dryer : We love the cord length of this small and sturdy hair dryer, but the speed and heat settings are on the outside of the handle, which makes it a bit difficult to change the settings as the dryer is in use.

First, we tested 34 of the top hair dryers in our labs, sorting through the overall results to pick out the most travel-friendly options, specifically looking for ones that were compact, portable, and lightweight. In addition to editors testing the products, we also had expert hair stylists use the products on others in our laboratory tests to get some professional insight. After the initial test, we tried the products out at home at least twice a week over the course of four weeks to make sure the hair dryers were user-friendly for everyday travelers without the help of hair professionals.

To compare how each dryer stacked up against the others, we took detailed notes on ease of use, product features, drying performance, how our hair turned out, and the value of the product. We will continue to update this article as we test more travel-friendly hair dryers that we love.

Tips for Buying a Travel Hair Dryer

Pay attention to size and weight.

If your luggage space is limited, you’ll be better off with one of the smaller items on our list. Foldable hair dryers are particularly convenient for packing because they can collapse into a more compact shape. If you’re working against suitcase weight limits, pay special attention to the weight of the hair dryer — there are great options even at under one pound. 

Make sure it works for your hair type

You don’t want a dryer that’s too weak or too hot for your hair type, which can defeat the purpose of the product or leave your hair damp or frizzy. To prevent this, buy a travel dryer with similar wattage and power settings to your at-home hair dryer, and be sure to give it a test run before you travel. Many typical dryers are about 1800 watts.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your hair dryer comes with a carrying case or pouch, place the dryer inside the pouch before adding it to your suitcase. A packing cube or any cloth bag can also help keep your dryer safe. Put the dryer in a padded part of your suitcase (for example, in a compartment where it’ll be surrounded by soft clothing). It’s a good idea to wrap the dryer’s cord with a cord fastener or twist tie so that it doesn’t get damaged or tangled in transit. Just make sure you allow your hair dryer to fully cool down before packing it. 

You can pack your hair dryer in your carry-on bag — just be sure you can fit it safely inside and that your bag adheres to all carry-on specifications .

While many hair dryers (such as our top pick!) come with automatic voltage converters, others do not. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to pack a voltage converter with the appropriate plug for your destination. If your hair dryer includes an automatic voltage converter or a voltage converter switch, just make sure you have the right plug adapter for your intended destination.

Most hair dryers have a typical two-prong U.S. plug format, so you'll need an adapter with at least that type of input. If your hair dryer has a three-prong plug format, make sure you pack an adapter that can accommodate it. In many countries, electrical voltage is 220/240V, while U.S. and Canadian devices are designed for 110/120V. Most U.S. hair dryers will also require a converter when traveling between countries that use different voltages and some products. No matter what, if you don’t use a converter and plug in your hair dryer with mismatched voltage, it’s possible to ruin your device or even start a fire. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, longtime beauty writer and editor Talia Ergas pored over copious notes from our lab and real-world tests to convey the best and lacking features of each choice. We also consulted professional hair stylists during our lab tests to get the most detailed insights.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

7 Travel Hair Dryers That Won't Take Up Your Whole Suitcase

By Meaghan Kenny

A trusty travel hair dryer is one beauty essential that's worth a spot on every packing list. As crucial as this tool is for drying and styling hair , it's not exactly the easiest thing to pack—hair dryers are often bulky, heavy, and take up way too much room in your suitcase. Because of this, I used to rely on the hotel hair dryer, which would leave me with damaged, frizzy hair after spending what felt like hours of begrudgingly drying. Now, I pack a portable hair dryer with me no matter where I'm headed.

The best travel hair dryers are lightweight, packable, and get the job done quickly. To help you look and feel your best on every trip without sacrificing any space in your carry-on , we rounded up the best travel hair dryers from Drybar, Revlon, T3, and more. We also made sure to include some dual-voltage hair dryers that are ideal for international travel, so you don't have to worry about blowing a fuse when you're on vacation. We asked our editors for their favorites and scoured the internet for the best-selling hair dryers that weigh next to nothing and perform as well as the ones in the salon. Read on to find your new go-to hair tool, with options for every hair type.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Dry Bar Baby Buttercup travel blow dryer

Best for international travel

While I don’t travel with a hair dryer very often, when I do, this lightweight fold-up dryer from Drybar is my go-to companion. It weighs less than a pound and isn’t much bulkier than a pair of tennis shoes. Crucially, its size doesn’t impact the airflow—it’s strong and efficient, so much so that it’s my regular for blow-drying at home, too. I’ve had it for years and it hasn’t let me down yet. Plus, it offers dual voltage, making it safe to use abroad, too. — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Weight : 13 ounces

Conair travel hair dryer

Best compact hair dryer

This Amazon bestseller from Conair has racked up over 28,000 ratings with an average of 4.6 stars. It's made specifically with travelers in mind—offering dual voltage and a folding handle that makes it supremely packable. Compact enough to fit in a weekender bag or a backpack , it's a smart choice for any type of trip. It works on all hair types with two speed settings and is powered by 1600 watts, providing the styling power of a full-size blow dryer in this small-but-mighty gem.

Weight : 1 pound

Mane This Totally Blows! Ionic compact hair dryer

Best frizz-free hair dryer

Prepare to be blown away by Mane’s travel-friendly hair dryer—compact enough to pack in your carry-on. The ion-powered blow dryer may be small (only weighing 13 ounces), but it’s mighty and forceful with its 1875 watts of power. It’ll quickly give you a frizz-free blowout and have your hair looking Gone with the Wind fabulous, especially with its three-temperature and two-speed adjustable settings. The blow dryer also comes with three separate attachments to help all hair types achieve a versatile range of styles, including a nozzle, diffuser, and wide-tooth comb attachment. Not to mention, its removable back cover makes filter cleaning a breeze. The blow dryer’s coolest feature is a built-in “cool shot” button to help set and keep your new ‘dos intact. — Johnaé De Felicis, contributor

Gama Professional IQ3 hair dryer

Best professional hair dryer

My mom has been using a Gama for years and I finally just got my own. This lightweight hair dryer isn't specifically designed for travel—it's just a really good (like, professional) blow dryer that is nice and seriously packable. The newest model, the IQ3, weighs no more than an iPhone, and has a sleek profile that takes up very little space. I love how it leaves my hair (it's also fairly quiet, and quick to complete the job). What more could you ask for? — Megan Spurrell , senior editor

Weight : 10 ounces

Shannon McMahon

Mark Ellwood

Chris Schalkx

Emily Saladino

T3 Afar lightweight hair dryer

Best lightweight hair dryer

This compact hair dryer from T3 boasts impressive capabilities for being such a small tool. It offers three heat settings, two speeds, and a cool shot to lock in shape and volume. It's easy to hold, quiet, and plenty powerful—drying hair quickly while leaving you with shiny, frizz-free locks. It features auto dual voltage and a stowaway folding handle that helps it fit nicely in any suitcase.

Weight : 12.2 ounces

Shark FlexStyle Air Drying and Styling System

Best fast-drying tool

Last year I tested the Shark FlexStyle to see how it compared to the viral $600 Dyson Airwrap Complete . There was no question that when it came to dry time, the Shark FlexStyle reigns supreme. The half-the-price alternative was the best hair dryer I've ever tried—drying my very long hair in under 10 minutes with a shiny finish every time. And now, I find myself packing the Shark FlexStyle whenever I'm traveling within the US (it's not compatible with international voltage). I leave its many attachments at home and only bring the slim Styling Concentrator, which helps control where exactly I want to dry. The best part is that the multi-styler can be twisted into an L shape that resembles a classic hair dryer, making it easier to hold and use. When it's time to pack it away, I simply twist the hair tool back into its original shape so it takes up much less suitcase room.

Weight : 1.5 pounds

Revlon compact hair dryer

Best affordable hair dryer

I'm a longtime fan of Revlon hair products—especially the One-Step Volumizer that delivers a bouncy blowout at a fraction of the price of other similar tools. This small hair dryer is another one of the brand's bestsellers, and it's just $11. The lightweight, affordable hair tool has garnered over 72,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.6 stars. If you're looking for a great no-frills, travel-friendly hair dryer, this one's for you. It's simple and classic in design, offering two heat settings and an on/off switch. Price and simplicity aside, we love this one for its reliability: It dries hair quickly and completely and takes up a lot less room than the average full-size hair dryer.

Weight: 1.18 pounds

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13 Best Travel Hair Dryers, Tested by Hairstylists

By Brigitt Earley

When traveling, you have to pick and choose what to fill the confines of your suitcase with. But if you have one of the best travel hair dryers, you won't necessarily feel limited in your options. Thankfully, the current generation of portable styling tools deliver the same results as your go-to full-size hair dryer .

Our top picks:

• Best Overall: GHD Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer , $110
• Best Budget: InfinitiPro by Conair Travel Hair Dryer , $35
• Best Lightweight: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Travel Dryer , $35
• Best Dual-Voltage: Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel-Size Blow-Dryer , $139
• Best Mini Hair Dryer: Lura Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer , $36
• Best Blow-Dryer Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 , $40

Like their standard counterparts, all travel blow-dryers aren’t created equal. Look for models that are both small and lightweight—i.e., won’t send you over that 50-pound checked-baggage threshold and slim enough to tuck into a jam-packed suitcase, carry-on , or sturdy tote bag . There are plenty of travel-friendly options that weigh in at just about 1.5 pounds, and many fold to help conserve even more space.

Keep an eye out for any buzzwords or metrics that indicate speed and efficiency too. Hairstylists we spoke to told us that travel hair dryers that feature ceramic or ionic technology deliver faster, frizz-free finishes. Some may even come with attachments, like a pint-size diffuser for curly hair or a concentrator to help you nail your style.

If your travels take you abroad, dual-voltage is arguably the most important thing to look out for, since these can safely be used for international travel. The box or product listing should explicitly state either “dual-voltage” or “120/240V,” the latter of which indicates it works with outlets up to 240 volts. Since American outlets operate on 120 volts and European outlets operate on 220 volts, this is key. Without this functionality, you risk ruining your dryer the second you plug it in and power it on—yep, even with the right outlet adapter. (The same goes for your flatiron or straightener , blow-dry brush , or curling iron .)

We asked hairstylists to recommend the best travel hair dryers, plus polled Glamour editors, pro travel writers, and friends for their faves so you know what's actually worth it.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

GHD Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer

GHD recently launched a new version of its beloved travel dryer: the Flight+. This dual-voltage travel hair dryer is a high-quality model that clocks in at less than a pound and has multiple heat and speed settings. Our tester was surprised by how quickly and expertly it dried her long hair. “I loved that it didn't seem to get too, too hot, either,” she says. Bonus: It folds in half for an even more compact size and comes with a storage bag so you can fit it in luggage as small as a weekender or even a roomy backpack .

• Pros: Weighs less than a pound; multiple heat and speed settings, travel bag.
• Cons: Some users say it’s not powerful enough for very thick hair.
• Weight: 14.72 oz.
• Dual voltage: Yes

Save when you shop the best travel hair dryers with these Nordstrom promo codes .

T3 Fit Compact Professional Hair Dryer

It may be about 30% smaller than a traditional dryer, but this lightweight model packs a punch. That’s because it features much of the same technology that makes T3 dryers so well regarded—including a special IonAir Technology that dries damp hair gently but quickly, as well as an ion generator that delivers negative ions to make frizzy hair smoother and shinier. “My hair feels so soft after using this dryer… I really noticed a difference,” says our tester. It’s also more customizable than most compact design, with two speed and three temperature settings, plus a lock-in cool-shot button to set your style and seal the hair cuticle.

• Pros: Weighs less than a pound; attractive design, multiple heat and speed settings.
• Cons: Not dual-voltage
• Weight: 12.6 oz.
• Dual voltage: No

Save when you shop the best travel hair dryers with these Nordstrom promo codes and Ulta promo codes .

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

For those who like a super-sleek blowout, this lightweight and ergonomic travel dryer delivers. It features six heat and speed settings for customization, but its real claim to fame is a combination of a high-torque DC motor, nano titanium heat technology, and a true ion generator for even heat distribution and a faster frizz-free result. “It's not much bigger than the size of my hand and it's super lightweight, but the dryer packs a surprising punch—plenty of power for my long hair,” says our tester.

• Pros: Incredibly lightweight; multiple heat and speed settings, powerful motor
• Weight: 9.6 oz.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel-Size Blow-Dryer

This compact dryer is made by the popular blowout salon Drybar. Like other great designs, it’s small and folds in half for better storage. “I love that it folds up so compactly, which allows me to pack it in a bag as small as a weekender,” says our tester. But that’s not all it does—the dryer relies on ionic technology that helps increase shine, reduce frizz, and decrease drying time overall. “My hair is relatively thin, but this dryer had it dry in record time compared to other travel options."

• Pros: Dual-voltage; storage bag, two heat settings, foldable handle
• Cons: Some users say the handle is a bit wobbly.
• Weight: 13 oz.

By Héloïse Salessy

By Kathleen Walsh

By Stephanie McNeal

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

It may be pricey and it may not actually be a travel dryer, but every (and we mean every) hairstylist we spoke to said the Dyson was their go-to for both home and travel. (It's also one of the best hair dryers , period.) “The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryers are engineered to protect hair from extreme heat damage, with fast-drying and controlled styling,” says Edward Tricomi , master stylist and co-owner of Warren Tricomi salons. “This dryer is also a lot smaller and less bulky than the typical hair dryer that we're used to seeing.” Not to mention you don’t have to sacrifice quality when going for this compact dryer. “It's very powerful and will dry hair fast,” he says. Just don’t bring this one on your international travels—the last thing you want to do is fry a dryer this expensive. Glamour's commerce director, Brie Schwartz agrees. “It's light enough that I can take it everywhere, which means I don't have to rely on cruddy hotel dryers when I'm traveling. It's truly worth the hype.”

• Pros: Great for home and travel; multiple attachments; protects hair from heat damage; works for various hair types.
• Cons: Not dual-voltage, expensive
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.

Infinitipro Conair Travel Hair Dryer

Do you need to spend a ton on a travel hair dryer? Absolutely not—and this drugstore pick is proof. This attractive red dryer is a great under-$50 find that has many of the same features as its more expensive counterparts, including a folding handle, a powerful motor, and ionic technology. It even comes with a concentrator nozzle for drying long hair and a diffuser attachment for curly-hair types. “It's a little heavier and louder than I'd like, but it gets the job done, plus I love that it comes with two styling attachments,” says our tester.

• Pros: Multiple heat settings, attachments for versatile hairstyling, ionic technology
• Cons: Not dual-voltage, on the heavier side
• Weight: 2 lbs.

Revlon Compact Hair Dryer

Traveling on a budget but not willing to compromise on your beauty look? This incredibly budget-friendly pick from Revlon will get the job done. It has nearly 71,000 rave reviews on Amazon, thanks to a powerful motor and a relatively lightweight design. “It has only two options—low and high—but you can't beat the bang for your buck here,” says our tester. “Small, lightweight, and efficient…what more could you want?!”

• Pros: Very affordable
• Cons: Not dual-voltage; doesn’t fold.
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.

Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

It may be bigger than other travel-size hair dryers, but the slim design sets this apart from other full-size options, making it a worthy contender for your suitcase. Perfect for the person who wants to use the same dryer at home and on the go, this cutie weighs under a pound and is ergonomically designed to be more comfortable in hand. And despite its high-performance motor, the dryer is exceptionally quiet. It also features an LCD display so you know exactly what settings you’re using. Did we mention it comes with a diffuser and two air concentrators? “I love that they're magnetic and just click right on,” says our tester. “I just wish I could use this dryer abroad.”

• Pros: Very quiet, lightweight; slim design, attachments
• Cons: Expensive, not dual-voltage
• Weight : 0.9 lbs.

Save when you shop the best travel hair dryers with these Ulta promo codes .

Mermade Hair Compact Hair Dryer

This Australia-founded brand brings us a pint-size pick that’s both hardworking and too cute to handle. It uses ionic ceramic technology for smoother, straighter hair, and has two speed settings and two airflow settings, as well as a cool-shot function for minimizing frizz. It also comes with two concentrator attachments. “It fits perfectly in my hand, which makes it easier to hold, and it dries my hair in a flash,” says our tester.

• Pros: Attachments, cute design, multiple heat and speed settings
• Cons: On the heavier side, not dual-voltage
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.

Save when you shop the best travel hair dryers with these Anthropologie promo codes .

Hot Tools Pro Artist Ionic Compact Hair Dryer

It should surprise, well, no one to see a Hot Tools dryer among the list of the best travel options. The brand is well-known for all of its heat tools, and this one delivers just as well as any other, thanks to a powerful 1875-watt motor and two heat and speed settings. “I totally understand where the brand gets its name… this dryer gets surprisingly hot,” says our tester. “I have thin hair, so I prefer the low setting, but you definitely won't be disappointed by the power on this one!” For convenience, it also folds in half, plus is dual-voltage—key for adventures in Europe.

• Pros: Dual-voltage; powerful motor; folds.
• Cons: On the heavier side
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.

Lura Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer

On the hunt for the full package for less? Who isn’t? Luckily, Lura's mini dryer satisfies on all fronts. The tiny tool (smaller than an iPhone!) has two heat settings, two speeds, and a 1200-watt motor. It also comes with a diffuser and a concentrator to expand styling possibilities on the go. Reviewers rave about how efficient it is, noting it heats up quickly and dries hair thoroughly, but also appreciate the beauty of it. Also pretty sweet? The rose gold dryer and its attachments all comes tucked inside a cute little gold pouch.

• Pros: Attachments and a storage solution; super small, dual-voltage
• Cons: Diffuser is super small.
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.

Revlon One Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Guess what? Everyone’s favorite dryer brush may not be as small as some travel hair dryers, but its long, skinny design makes it just as easy to pack. We’ve written about the wildly popular pick before —our editors love it, our readers love it, almost everyone on TikTok loves it. (Is there anyone who doesn’t love it? Inconceivable.) And that’s likely because the brush and dryer combo is beyond powerful and gets superhot to smooth out strands, stat. “This dryer gets so hot it's crazy, but I don't mind because it delivers the smoothest, shiniest hair," says our tester. "And best of all, I don't need to pack a round brush.”

• Pros: Works super fast; easy to pack, budget-friendly
• Cons: Some users say it gets too hot; not dual-voltage.
• Weight: 1.63 lbs.

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Travel Dryer

Curlsmith's foldable travel-size dryer is a fantastic addition to your travel toolkit. The lightweight six-inch diffuser strikes the right balance between portability and performance. “We like to have it for our curly customers, but it really works for any hair type,” says Sharon Dorram , celebrity colorist and owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon. The far infrared heat penetrates the hair shaft, ensuring a speedy dry while minimizing damage that can cause dehydration and frizz.

• Pros: Multiple heat and speed settings, foldable handle; dual-voltage
• Cons: Expensive
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.

By Danielle Sinay

By Danielle Cohen

By Emily Rekstis

The Best Travel Hair Dryers in 2023, Tested by Grooming Editors

The Ghd Flight+ and T3 Afar nabbed the top spots in our testing.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair

Ghd flight+ travel hair dryer.

Best Overall Travel Hair Dryer

T3 afar lightweight travel-size hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

Curlsmith defrizzion hair dryer with extra large diffuser.

Most Compact Travel Hair Dryer

Drybar baby buttercup travel blow-dryer.

Lightest Travel Hair Dryer

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer, blue.

Best Value Travel Hair Dryer

Conair travel hair dryer.

Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

Revlon 1875w compact folding handle hair dryer.

Normal hair dryers are big, cumbersome, and take up way too much room in your luggage, especially if you’re only taking a carry-on luggage . However, travel hair dryers are much smaller than normal hair dryers and are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack in your suitcase. Many of the best travel hair dryers are foldable and take up as little space as possible, leaving you plenty of room to pack that extra pair of shoes or travel blazer . Packing a travel hair dryer helps to protect you against the unexpected, like if your hotel or vacation rental doesn’t provide hair dryers. In other words, a travel hair dryer is a must-have travel gadget , as well as a long flight essential .

If you use a hair dryer regularly in your hair styling routine, you need a travel hair dryer that can go with you on your adventures and performs just as well as your hair dryer at home. Below, we’ve tried and tested tons of tools, narrowing it down to the very best travel hair dryers that will tame your mane and take up little space in your luggage , saving you both time and frustration. If you want guaranteed good hair days on your next vacation, here are the best travel hair dryers you should consider bringing with you.

With 77% of the power of Ghd’s Air blow dryer, this tiny hair dryer will blow you away with its powerful airflow. It folds completely in half and features Ghd’s hair safeguard technology, which automatically switches off the device when it’s being held too close to the hair to prevent damage to your strands. The precise nozzle delivers a concentrated airflow temperature of 149°F to allow for flexible styling without overheating. Plus, it works at 240V and 120V so you can take it with you anywhere you go.

Testing Notes: While the luxury hard-shell travel case is great for storing the device at home, we found it takes up way too much room in our suitcase to be practical to pack. You’re fine without it because the dryer folds up very small and fit nicely in our bag. It doesn’t have a cool shot, which is great for setting your style once you’ve blow-dried it into place, but that’s something we could live without. It’s incredibly light, which makes it much easier to dry our very long hair without feeling like we’re giving ourselves carpel tunnel. Its small size had no impact on drying time, which took about as long as it would with a regular-sized dryer, if not less because we were spending fewer minutes fighting with a bulky hair dryer. Unlike other travel hairdryers, the handle is sturdy and won’t accidentally fold down in the middle of your styling session.

T3 hair tools are meticulously engineered to offer ​​superior drying power without damaging your hair, and if you have a T3 hair dryer at home, you know you can really tell the difference when you use anything else. Luckily, you don’t have to with the brand’s travel version of their famed Featherweight dryer. T3’s Afar Travel Hair Dryer has all the same smart technology that delivers frizz-free results while minimizing heat exposure in a travel-friendly tool that’s 25% lighter and 30% smaller than its full-sized counterpart.

Testing Notes: We love that this travel hair dryer comes with a matching travel pouch, which makes it easy to pack. It dried our hair just as quickly as our normal-sized T3 dryer, and it also has the same heating and cooling features as bigger dryers, so we don’t feel like we’re missing out on anything with the smaller size. The concentrator attachment might be the best thing about this travel dryer, as it’s not always standard in other travel devices. If you have a problem with frizz, blow-drying your hair using the concentrator is a non-negotiable. The small size actually makes blow-drying your hair with a round brush so much easier. Our only gripe with this dryer is that it doesn’t fold completely in half; it bends about 80% flat before it hits the handle. However, once it’s stowed away in the pouch, it easily fits into your luggage.

It’s rare to find a travel blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, which is most commonly used on curly and textured hair to define natural curls. This travel dryer from Curlsmith comes with three attachments to cater to every hair type and style, including curls, coils and waves. The extra-large six-inch diffuser attachment reduces your drying time and creates voluminous curls. It comes in a sleek black travel pouch, which also holds all your attachments when not in use. The foldable handle makes it super easy to slip into the travel pouch and in your luggage.

Testing Notes: This travel dryer is really more of a regular dryer with a foldable handle. On the plus side, it has all the bells and whistles that your normal dryer has, but it’s also a lot heavier and more bulky than other travel hair dryers. However, if you want to dry your hair with a diffuser, this is about as compact as it gets, and the foldable handle does make it easier to store in your suitcase. This hair dryer is also compatible with Curlsmith’s eight-inch diffuser if you prefer an even wider attachment. We really enjoyed the versatility of this curl-friendly dryer, but we wish it was a little more compact.

This compact dryer puts hotel hair dryers to shame. It packs a punch and even promises to deliver 100% of the performance of most full-sized dryers, which is a claim we fully stand behind. It folds out to a decent size and dries hair quickly without leaving the hair looking frizzy, which can sometimes happen with cheap hotel dryers. With two heat settings, you can control the amount of heat that’s applied to the hair, which is especially beneficial for those with dry hair that’s prone to damage. It comes with a concentrator nozzle for targeted airflow and includes a travel bag for safekeeping.

Testing Notes: We used this blow dryer for the first time on a recent vacation and would never go back to using the low-quality hair dryers typically found in hotel bathrooms. It folds up small and left plenty of room in our suitcase for other travel necessities. For being so small, it’s really quite powerful and made it super easy to style our hair like how we do it at home. Good hair days are rare on vacation, due to changes in weather and water quality, but this travel hair dryer ensured our style was set to perfection every single night. It dried our hair in no time flat and lifted it, giving us a salon-quality style from the comfort of our hotel room.

We love this budget-friendly option because of its ultra-lightweight design and foldable handle. It also has dual voltage, which makes it a great choice to take with you to any international destinations. When it comes to travel hair dryers, it doesn’t get much smaller than this; at just six inches and .8 pounds, this hair dryer takes up less space and is lighter than one shoe, so you’ll definitely be able to fit it into your carry-on bag. Boasting 1000 watts of power, it dries hair quickly and efficiently, ensuring you won’t be late to any vacation dinners. The removable filter makes it easy to keep your dryer clean and in peak working condition for many years to come.

Testing Notes: This dryer is heads and shoulders above what you’ll get at hotels or vacation rentals, but not as fancy as some of the other travel hair dryers on this list. We noticed that it’s less poweful that the other travel hair dryers we tried, but it does have two speed and heat setting to customize your style. The concentrator nozzle adds even more flexibility and helped us achieve a variety of styles, but we were disappointed that it doesn’t come with a cool shot function. For the price, it’s definitely worth it if you’re not swayed by some of the more expensive models on this list and are just looking for a dryer that gets the job done without dominating your suitcase.

Whether you’re trekking across the European continent or hitting up your local gym for your daily workout, this travel dryer ensures your hair looks its best. With a compact folding handle for easy storage and ionic technology for smooth, shiny hair, this dryer delivers a powerful and consistent airflow, significantly cutting down your styling time so you can spend less time in the bathroom and more time doing the things you love. The smart voltage technology detects foreign voltage and automatically adapts, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

Testing Notes: We love the sleek white look of this travel hair dryer, which makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. It’s a great value, especially considering you also get a concentrator nozzle and it comes with a cool shot button. The cord is much shorter than we were expecting, but it wasn’t a huge issue because we always use it near an outlet anyway, and longer cords are often cumbersome to wrap and pack. We love that it has three heat settings plus a cold shot, but you have to be careful to avoid the back filter as you’re drying your hair. It tends to grab ahold of your hair and get it stuck in the filter, and you have to turn it off in order to untangle the two. While it’s not the most powerful travel tool we’ve tried, it’s one of the most quiet, which is great if you happen to be sharing a space with someone and don’t want to wake them up by drying your hair.

Don’t let the small size fool you; this petite hair dryer packs a whopping 1875 watts of power–the most powerful travel hair dryer we tried! The included concentrator attachment funnels all that airflow into a smaller stream, allowing you to focus on individual sections of hair for a smooth and sleek style. The built-in ionic technology helps to reduce static and frizz, leaving your hair looking shiny and feeling conditioned. It folds up tightly and neatly tucks away in your drawer or cabinet when you’re not taking it with you across your worldwide travels.

Testing Notes: The problem with many travel hair dryers is that they just aren’t as powerful as normal hair dryers and can’t compare, but this one was an exception. We were pleasantly surprised by just how powerful this miniature hair dryer was. It felt comparable to the full-sized hair dryers we used a home, except way lighter. The high wattage makes it an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. Sometimes the concentrator can be frustrating to attach and remove because you have to line it up just right. If you don’t, it often falls off while you’re using it. Aside from that, we can’t complain about this portable and powerful travel dryer.

.css-1c42clk{font-family:Knockout,Knockout-roboto,Knockout-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.075rem;}}.css-1c42clk b,.css-1c42clk strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1c42clk em,.css-1c42clk i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1c42clk a{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#FFF200;text-decoration-thickness:0.19rem;}.css-1c42clk a:hover{color:#D2232E;} What to Look for When Shopping for a Travel Hair Dryer

When shopping for a travel hair dryer, it’s important to consider the folded size and weight of the tool. Some travel hair dryers claim to be foldable but don’t fold up all the way, which ends up taking up more room in your suitcase. While most travel hair dryers range typically weigh around 1 to 1.5 pounds, if you’re traveling light, every pound matters. Look for lightweight travel hair dryers that fold up into a compact size. Depending on you hair type and style preferences, you’ll also want to look for travel hair dryers that come with attachments, like a concentrated nozzle or diffuser attachments. These attachments can be helpful in reducing frizz and speeding up the styling process.

Finally, consider the wattage you need from a hair dryer. Higher wattage typically means faster drying times, which is an important detail to look out for if you have long hair that takes awhile to dry.

Do I Need a Dual Voltage Hair Dryer?

It depends on where you’re taking your travel hair dryer. Hair dryers made for United States customers are typically designed to operate at 110-120 volts, but in many other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia, the standard voltage is much higher at 220-240 volts. If you plan to travel internationally, look for a hair dryer that offers dual voltage offers dual voltage (usually 110-120V and 220-240V), which just means it can be used in both the states and across the world.

How We Selected

As a beauty and grooming editor with over a decade of experience testing the latest and greatest grooming gadgets, Cristina Montemayor is an expert in the best hair dryers for men, especially travel hair dryers. For this story, she considered the dozens of hair dryers she's tested in the past year, and considered their specs, portability, and just how well they worked. She also combed through hundreds of reviews from ecommerce sites we trust.

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These picks are tested by editors and approved by experts.

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Updated September 29, 2023: This article on the best travel hair dryers was updated with new product picks for fall and holiday shopping, plus additional recommendations and information on the different types of travel hair dryers.

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Packing is a game of prioritization — we all want outfits aplenty, which often means there’s no room for hair styling tools like your trusty hair dryer . But our experts, including Kirsten Stuke , colorist at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City, and Justin Anderson , celebrity hair colorist to stars like Jennifer Aniston and Miley Cyrus and founder of dpHue , agree that a travel hair dryer is well worth the purchase, as the built-in options at the hotel or the Airbnb are often sub-par.

“Hotel hair dryers have definitely earned their bad reputation,” says Stuke, adding that they’re infamous for damaging hair, taking forever to dry hair, and leaving you with a lackluster blowout. “Having the correct tools can make or break the health of your hair, especially on a beach vacation or just generally anytime you will be out and about in the sun.” While Stuke says that some luxury hotels are now upgrading their hair dryers to more high-quality options, it’s still “never a sure thing” and “smaller travel-sized styling tools can be a lifesaver.” 

You may be out of office, but you can’t press pause on caring for your hair, especially if it’s colored or chemically altered. Thankfully, the best travel hair dryers deliver the results you want and come in a compact size that fits in any suitcase or weekender bag . 

Top Travel Hair Dryers for 2024

• Best Hair Dryer Brush : Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush
• Best Budget Dryer : Conair MiniPro Hair Dryer
• Best Design: Amika The CEO 360 Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer
• Best for Versatility: Shark Speedstyle Hair Dryer
• Best Luxury Dryer : Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer
• Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: Eva Nyc Mini Healthy Hair Dryer
• Best for Heat Control : T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer
• Best for a Long Lasting Blowout : BaBylissPro Travel Hair Dryer
• Best for Volume : Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer
• Best Professional Dryer : L’Ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer
• Best for Shine : Revlon Compact Folding Handle Travel Hair Dryer
• Most Foldable Travel Hair Dryer: Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer
• Best Powerful Travel Hair Dryer : Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
• Best Energy-Saving Dryer : Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer

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Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush

Best Hair Dryer Brush for Travel

• Size: 1.63 pounds
• Features: Anti-damage ceramic titanium tourmaline technolog y , charcoal-infused nylon pins and tufted bristles
• Settings : Four heat settings
• Attachments : Removable oval brush
• Warranty : No
• Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.5/5 stars
• Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.8/5 stars

The One-Step Plus 2.0 is Revlon’s new and improved hair dryer brush. It’s a holy grail hybrid between a blow dryer and traditional round brush and saves so much space and styling effort while traveling or on-the-go. It effortlessly creates waves, curls, or a smooth, straight blowout in one simple step, and features an upgraded lightweight and compact design that’s perfect for packing.

What reviewers say: “I have thick but fine, wavy hair that is extremely heat sensitive. I have no skill with a blow dryer and brush, I always ended up with either a bush or everything just hanging limp, and out of patience because it took so long. This dryer is perfect for my hair! The cool setting on damp hair is perfect — just enough pull in the bristles of the brush to hold my hair and plenty of air volume to dry and shape it. Because I only have to hold this one tool, even my clumsy self can do it! I am finally impressed by a hair tool!”

Editor testing and review notes : “The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 checks off all of the boxes. From the slim oval barrel that works the roots, coaxes curtain bangs into place and delivers soft curls to the blended materials in the bristles and the optional cool setting that seals hair cuticles in place, this affordable blow dryer brush stands out among its competitors. If you struggle managing a dryer in one hand and a brush in the other, or if your hair is super curly or ultra-thick, One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 will hands down change your life. It’ll shave several minutes off your usual blow-dry time, and you won’t have to fight your hair to get it styled the way you want.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $41

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush $70   $34.41 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush $75 Buy Now AT Ulta

• Size: 1.17 pounds and foldable design
• Features: Nanoe technology for frizz-free hair, oscillating quick dry nozzle, 5.5 foot long cord
• Settings : Two heat and speed settings
• Attachments : One quick dry nozzle
• Warranty : Two years

Panasonic’s newest launch in the hair category, the Nanoe, features an innovative oscillating hair dryer head that moves back and forth to dry hair uniformly and consistently, preventing hot spots on your scalp as you dry with high heat. The brand’s unique nanoe technology hydrates hair by infusing nano particles — which hold 1000x more moisture than regular ions — into the hair shaft to prevent frizz, static and dry, scraggly ends.

What reviewers say: “I use it daily and the results make my hair feel so soft. I love it so much because I always saw my hair becoming frizzy with my basic dryer. If you need a hair dryer at a reasonable price then I’d recommend buying this one.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $137

Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer 137   $64.11 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Conair MiniPro Hair Dryer

Best Budget Travel Hair Dryer

• Size : Less than one pound and has a folding handle
• Features : Tourmaline ceramic technology to protect hair from heat and dual voltage for worldwide travel
• Settings : Two temperature and two speed settings
• Attachments : One concentrator
• Warranty: Yes, but must apply for a replacement and provide receipt
• Amazon’s Choice

If you want to snag a great travel hair dryer but don’t have Dyson dollars, this affordable hair dryer from Conair may be for you. As one of the most portable hair dryers on our list, this tool can squeeze into nearly any bag, thanks to its foldable handle, yet it doesn’t sacrifice a bit of performance. Although it’s petite, the cord is five feet long so you can easily maneuver it.

What reviewers say: “This is my go-to travel dryer as it is so small. It literally fits in the palm of your hand and I love that I don’t have to take up so much room in my luggage.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $23

Conair MiniPro Hair Dryer $23 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Amika The Ceo 360 Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer

Best Design Travel Hair Dryer

• Size : 1.45 pounds
• Features : Ion generators for volume and shine and far-infrared head to lock in moisture 
• Settings : Three temperature settings and two speeds
• Attachments : Two concentrators
• Warranty : One year
• Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.8/5 stars

For a hair dryer that offers everything you’d want in a travel hair dryer, look no further than this option from Amika . Light, fast, and powerful, you’ll want to take this hair dryer everywhere you go, and thanks to its small size, you can. It has far-infrared heat to keep your hair moisturized and soft, while the negative ions penetrate the hair follicle for a smooth, silky finish. 

What reviewers say: “The hairdryer is beautiful and lightweight as advertised. The heat settings include cool, low heat, and high heat. It is quieter than my old blow dryer, but it is not the quietest on the market. My hair did come out smoother and silkier than air drying thanks to the negative ion setting.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $200

Amika The Ceo 360 Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer $200 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer

• Size: 1.69 pounds
• Settings : Five heat and two speed settings
• Attachments : Two attachment configurations are available; one for curly and coily hair and another for straight and wavy hair

Consider the Shark SpeedStyle hair dryer as a little sister to the TikTok-famous Shark FlexStyle . The tool has fewer attachments — a factor that makes it less overwhelming to figure out and utilize — but doesn’t sacrifice power, styling speed, or results. On top of its lightweight build and hair-healthy heat limitations, the SmoothStyle is available in two configurations, catering to hair types from straight to coily (aka type 4 hair). Beyond its petite size, this hair styling tool is a breakthrough for its versatility: Where most standard or travel hair dryers come with a concentrator and diffuser attachment at most, the SpeedStyle arrives to you with three attachments for versatile styling, plus additional styling attachments available for purchase.

What reviewers say: “This hair dryer is truly high-speed and dries my hair in record time! I like that it comes with additional attachments. I have normal to dry hair with some frizz, so I often end up using a flat iron after blow drying to help smooth. With this tool, I didn’t really even need to do that! The RapidGloss Finisher took a bit of finesse to get right, but I did find it to be effective on my frizz! My favorite things about the tool are its versatility and how quickly it dries my hair!”

Editor testing and review notes : “For a multi-tasking hair dryer, the SpeedStyle is amazingly easy to navigate. It’s a lightweight hair dryer that doesn’t compromise on power — our tester was able to take her hair from wet to fully dry and styled in just 10 minutes. Of all the attachments, we were most impressed by the RapidGloss Finisher for its ability to tame flyaways and create a uniformed finish in seconds.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $199

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Straight & Wavy $200 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Straight & Wavy $199 Buy Now AT Sephora

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Curly & Coily $200 Buy Now AT Amazon

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Curly & Coily $199 Buy Now AT Sephora

Related: Shark SmoothStyle Review 

Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer

Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

• Size: 1.18 pounds
• Features: Air Multiplier technology,
• Settings : Three heat and airflow options
• Attachments : Smoothing Nozzle concentrator
• Dyson Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.0/5 stars

Want to try out Dyson’s award-winning hair dryers for $100 less? Check out the new Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer . It’s just as powerful as the first Supersonic dryer, but comes as a simplified iteration that’s lightweight for travel. Like other Dyson hair styling tools, the Supersonic Origin features specially engineered airflow that dries hair in a matter of minutes and deposits gentle, precise heat to promote smooth and healthy strands. It has three heat and airflow options for maximum styling and control and a Smoothing Nozzle concentrator attachment that come in handy whether you’re adding volume, rough drying, or creating a salon-quality blowout from home.  “I love my Dyson,” says Anderson . “Expensive, but they are durable for travel and last for years.”

What reviewers say: “As someone who needs to wash their hair daily due to sweat from exercise, this is a timesaver. The Dyson supersonic is super light, reasonably quiet, and powerful. It dries my long, thick hair in less than 10 minutes — and in five minutes if I wait until 80 percent dry. I love traveling with the Supersonic Origin, as it takes minimal space in my luggage, and minimal time to dry my hair when I’m at my destination.”

Editor testing and review notes:  “You really can’t go wrong with this Dyson hair dryer. it will undeniably dry your hair faster, smoother and shinier, regardless of your hair type. The Dyson is also a smart purchase if you’re a  beauty  fanatic who loves to change up their hairstyle often, like wearing your hair pin straight one day, then full and bouncy another. All five Dyson hair attachments are incredibly easy to use, which makes them great for experimenting with different hairstyles.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $400

Dyson Origin Supersonic Hair Dryer $400 Buy Now At Dyson

Related: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review Dyson Airwrap Review

Eva Nyc Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

• Size : 1.15 pounds
• Features : Dual-voltage, ion technology, and far-infrared technology
• Attachments : One concentrator and one diffuser
• Sally Beauty Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.7/5 stars

A travel hair dryer with diffuser and curly hair-friendly attachments, a traveling case, and a budget-friendly price is a rare find. Eva Nyc’s option ticks all those boxes. Although this dryer is small, it packs many features you find in salon-quality dryers, including negative ions to prevent frizziness and far-infrared technology to speed up the drying process without damaging your hair. Curly girls will love the diffuser attachment that effortlessly defines waves, ringlets, and coils.

What reviewers say: “This mini hair dryer exceeded my expectations. I purchased one because I was traveling from state to state and new that some hotels don’t have a complimentary hair dryer in the rooms. The size and the weight was perfect, tempature was really hot and very easy to use and mange. I would recommend this to others and it’s worth the price.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

Eva Nyc Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer $42 Buy Now AT Anthropologie

T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

Best Heat Controlled Travel Hair Dryer

• Size : 12.2 pounds with foldable handle
• Features : Auto-dual voltage, quiet motor and made with T3’s proprietary SoftAire technology
• Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.6/5 stars

With five heat and speed combinations, this travel hair dryer allows for a completely customizable blow drying experience to create a range of different hairstyles. The brand’s signature IonAir Technology and enhanced, ion-infused airstream dries hair quickly without causing damage while simultaneously smoothing the cuticle for a frizz-free, shiny blowout. Bonus: It’s 25 percent lighter and 30 percent smaller than the full-sized model , and it comes in a pretty satin blush color.

What reviewers say: “This hair dryer is perfect for anyone who travels a lot!! The compact design & luxury travel pouch make a perfect pair. I also love the flexibility of the cord on it! I have pretty thick long hair and this dries it super fast and leaves it feeling shiny and healthy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer $180 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer $180 Buy Now AT BLUEMERCURY

BaBylissPro Travel Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for a Long Lasting Blowout

• Size : 9.6 ounces
• Features : Dual voltage, nano-titanium technology to deliver heat evenly, negative ions to remove static
• Settings : Six temperature and speed settings
• Warranty: Two and three year options for an additional cost

Amazon has no shortage of travel hair dryers, but this BaByliss option takes the cake for its strong airflow, light design, and customizable settings that work together like magic to dry hair evenly and quickly while maintaining body and shine. The brand’s dryers are known for their durability over years of use, but the additional warranty options allow you to get a replacement in the off chance you encounter issues with your dryer.

What reviewers say: ”I have tried many travel blow dryers and for its tiny size, this packs the most blowing power of any on the market . You truly won’t find a smaller blow dryer that gets the job done like this little guy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

BaBylissPro Travel Dryer $35 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Volume

• Size : Less than one pound and foldable handle
• Features : Ionic technology, dries hair fast, dual voltage and comes with protective travel bag
• Settings : Three heat and two speed settings
• Warranty : Two year warranty

Built for travel, equipped for styling, Drybar’s Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer is a lightweight, easy to use ionic hair dryer that not only offers speedy drying power for all hair types, but also reduces frizz and amps up shine. Plus, it taps a wave heater to produce an even temperature for damage-free heat styling.

What reviewers say: “My husband bought the baby buttercup by accident four years ago instead of the full sized one and it has been perfect. We travel a lot so the compact fold and the little travel bag have been such a plus.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $118.15

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer $139   $118.15 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer $139 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

L’Ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

Best Professional Travel Hair Dryer

• Size : Less than one pound
• Features : Ergonomic design, quiet brushless motor, negative ion technology, overheat protection and automatic self-cleaning
• Settings : Four heat and three speed settings
• Attachments : One diffuser and two concentrators

If super fast drying time and a comfortable, ergonomic grip are high on your priority list, you’ll love this option from L’Ange , which was created specifically for professional stylists. Although it’s not marketed as a travel hair dryer, it’s slim design and lightweight feel make it a no-brainer to take it with you when you’re on the go. Even better, the diffuser and pair of concentrators make it a multipurpose hair dryer that can be used on wash-and-go styles or for adding texture and sky high volume.

What reviewers say: “I use this every day to style my hair and it is my best friend. It’s very light but super powerful. I have very thick hair and it only takes me 10 minutes to dry where other dryers take 20 minutes or more. Additionally, it’s the perfect size for travel and the voltage is safe to use in many other countries.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $245

L’Ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer $245 Buy Now AT ULTA

Revlon Compact Folding Handle Travel Hair Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Shine

• Size : 1.35 ounces and foldable design
• Features : Dries hair fast, high heat temperature, ionic technology, dual voltage and ceramic coating
• Settings : Five heat and speed settings
• Attachments : One diffuser and one concentrator

We love Revlon’s no-nonsense travel hair dryer because of its straightforward design and protective features. Featuring an internal triple-coated ceramic material, heat flows evenly and safely onto hair, preserving the strength of the strands as well as its moisture level. And with more than 9,000 five-star reviews, it’s fair to say this tool has earned its status.

What reviewers say: “I bought this to lighten the load in my suitcase and it does just that. It’s lightweight and powerful enough for my shoulder length hair and also has a cool button to de-frizz.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $15

Revlon Compact Folding Handle Travel Hair Dryer $18   $15 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer

Best Foldable Travel Hair Dryer

• Size : One pound and foldable design
• Features : Automatic cool down, powerful motor, dual voltage, high heat
• Settings : Two heat settings

“Normal high end and professional tools tend to be quite heavy and it can be a pain when traveling,” says Stuke. “Something that fits easily into your luggage and doesn’t weigh too much can make the difference when deciding whether or not to check a bag.” You’ll have no such issues with this award-winning Ghd travel hair dryer, which weighs 50 percent less than its full-sized counterparts but still maintains 70 percent of the power for a long-lasting blowout so you can spend more time enjoying your destination, not styling your hair. Pro tip: Dry small sections at a time and brush horizontally to create more volume or vertically for more wave.

What reviewers say: “I was looking for a lightweight, small, and compact hairdryer and in this respect this Ghd dryer fits the bill perfectly. I got fed up of using big, bulky, and weighty hairdryers, so tried this instead and I have not been disappointed. It comes complete with a nozzle and hard travel case.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $85

Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer $119   $85 Buy Now AT amazon

Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer

Best Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

• Features : Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat™ for hydration, lightweight, universal voltage, far-infrared heat
• Settings : Four heat and speed settings
• Attachments : Concentrator
• Warranty : 10 years
• Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.8/5 stars

If you have thick hair or lots of it, consider this advanced dryer from Bio Ionic , which you’ll use at home and on the go. It features an insanely strong motor that operates with an impressive 1800 watts of power, promising to dry hair in less than 10 minutes (we can attest to its ability to do just that). Natural volcanic rock combined with the brand’s proprietary mineral complex produces a moisturizing heat to style-lock the cuticle, speed up the drying process and keep hair soft, conditioned and glossy. The 10-year warranty is a bonus.

What reviewers say: “I am floored! I love how light this dryer is. I sometimes get tendinitis in my elbow so I really appreciate that it is so lightweight. I felt like I could maneuver the dryer better because of that. My hair typically takes about 30 minutes to dry. This brought it down to about 12.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $299

Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer $299 Buy Now AT Amazon

Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer $299 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Best Energy-Saving Travel Hair Dryer

• Features : Patented silencer for nearly noiseless experience, customizable ion functionality, energy efficient dual filtration system
• Settings : 12 heat and speed settings
• Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  4.5/5 stars
• Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:  5/5 stars

Developed by celebrity stylist Harry Josh , this expertly engineered tool is the first energy efficient, professional-grade hair dryer of its kind. The adjustable ion button enables you to close the cuticle for next-level shine and bounce or to rock your natural texture while the airflow can reach a speed of 94 mph — meaning your hair will be dry in no time. Even better, its built-in noise reduction technology hushes the hum of the motor to a faint whisper.

What reviewers say: “I’ve been wanting this hair dryer for ages and finally invested in this dryer. The color is divine and it is definitely the lightest dryer I’ve used other than small travel hair dryers. I’d recommend this product for anyone with shoulder, arm, neck, and/or spine issues and are looking for a great light dryer option investment that won’t add extra strain on your body.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $349

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer $349 Buy Now AT DERMSTORE

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer $349 Buy Now AT SHOPBOP

What to Look for in a Travel Hair Dryer

• Size: If you’re in the carry-on only club, this is probably the most important aspect, because after all, a travel hair dryer is only useful if it’s easy to pack. Some dryers feature a shorter-than-average nozzle while others fold in half to take up a smaller amount of space. Before you purchase, take a second to think about how you travel as well as the size of the suitcase you normally travel with. 
• Weight: A solid travel hair dryer should not be heavy or bulky. Look for a travel blow dryer that is five pounds or less.
• Voltage: This is especially important for international travel, as electricity circuits vary by country, and you’ll want to make sure any hair dryer you choose has dual voltage. If you’re unsure, err on the side of safety and purchase a travel adapter to use with the hair dryer.
• Speed : “A hair dryer that doesn’t have much power can leave your hair frizzy and damp,” warns Stuke, which defeats the entire purpose of bringing it along in the first place. Look for hair dryers that offer at least two speed settings, which typically indicates a strong airflow capabilities.
• Temperature : A hair dryer that gets too hot too fast creates steam, says Stuke. “This can fry your hair, sometimes discoloring it permanently, and the high heat can melt away the glossy toner from coloring and leave it orange, which is sometimes impossible to correct.” Like at-home hair dryers, a travel hair dryer should have at least two heat settings and a cool shot button.
• Attachments : Many of the best hair dryers come with a concentrator and hair diffuser attachments, and your travel hair dryer should, too — even if it’s just for the ‘gram. “You need your hair to look good, you’re on vacation!” says Stuke.

The Different Types of Travel Hair Dryers

Since there are so many different hair dryer shapes, sizes, styles, and features to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick just one that’s right for you. Here are the main types of travel hair dryers for different needs and styling preferences.

• Ionic travel hair dryers: Ionic hair dryers are best for decreasing frizz. The technology deposits negative ions that reduce static electricity and promote shiny, bouncy strands, explains celebrity hairstylist  Michael Dueñas . Ionic travel hair dryers help to dry hair faster, since water has a positive iconic charge and negative ions work to repel H2O. This type of travel hair dryer is best for those who are prone to frizzy hair or are looking for a super speedy dry time.
• Dual-voltage travel hair dryers: Many hair dryers are dual-voltage, but make sure you double check before you jet-set abroad. The best travel hair dryer with dual voltage features will be compatible with outlets all over the world, so you’ll never have to leave your hair styling routine at home. However, make sure you bring a long a plug adapter, especially if you’re in the market for a trusty travel hair dryer for Italy or other European destinations.
• Travel hair dryer brushes: Travel hair dryer brushes are the most versatile travel hair dryer option, since they combine multiple functions in one. A hair dryer brush has the capability to dry, smooth, straighten, or curl, without the need to pack an assortment of separate hair tools on top of a typical round hair brush. While most hair dryer brushes are slightly heavier than a regular round brush, travel hair dryer brushes come in smaller sizes that are less bulky. They make for a stellar travel size hair dryer because they save tons of packing space and allow a variety of styling options.
• Mini travel hair dryers: Small travel hair dryers are another great space-saving option, and there’s a wide assortment to choose from. Even the smallest travel hair dryers pack a major punch and are often modeled by a larger iteration from the same brand. Mini hair dryers may not be most efficient when you arrive home from your trip, since the air nozzle is smaller than typical hair dryers and may take extra drying time for long or thick hair, but could serve as an evergreen tool for those with short or fine hair.
• Foldable travel hair dryers: The best compact hair dryer to stow in your luggage is most definitely a foldable tool. Foldable hair dryers often come with travel pouches and hinge at the handle for tight packing and better protection. Collapsable versions make for the best travel hair dryer for Europe or flights overseas, since they’re more crack and snap-proof and create more storage space for other essentials.

Is a Travel Hair Dryer Worth It?

Yes, according to our trio of experts, mostly because you just never know what you’re going to get with a hair dryer at a hotel or Airbnb and using a low tech or low grade hot tool can be damaging, regardless if it’s only for a few days. 

“Many cheaper hot tools can cause lasting damage to your hair,” says Stuke, who doesn’t believe that rolling the dice on a hotel providing a quality hair dryer is worth the risk. And you can forget about the hotel providing a good curling iron . “I think it’s important to use the right tools to protect your hair and I usually travel with both a blow dryer as well as a flat iron.”

You’ll still use a travel hair dryer the same way you’d use your regular hair dryer, starting with using a gentle shampoo and conditioner , then brushing your hair and applying a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant, especially if you have curly hair .

How to Pack a Travel Hair Dryer

Packing for any kind of trip usually requires a careful edit on your regular beauty go-tos, but the latest generation of travel hair dryers are supremely durable, teeny and some even have foldable handles or retractable cords for easy, clean packing. 

Most hair dryers come with a cloth bag for safekeeping and storage. To stow it away safely in a suitcase, simply put it in the bag it came with — or a Ziploc to be extra cautious — in between clothes for extra cushioning — zero hassle, zero stress.

How We Chose the Best Travel Hair Dryers

 Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

Our editors personally tested eight of the below travel hair dryers. While testing and reviewing each travel hair dryer, we evaluated specific features, including drying speed, temperature and airflow. Each travel hair dryer was packed in a carry-on suitcase to see how much space they actually took up. We also noted their weight and cord length during the testing process. In addition to testing, we tapped two celebrity hair experts for their opinions on the best travel hair dryers on the market, and what features to consider while shopping. We also cross-checked customer reviews to ensure we included options for different hair types, textures, and lengths. Learn more about us here .

Meet the Experts

Kirsten Stuke is a celebrity colorist at Sally Hershberger’s Nomad salon in New York City. She’s known for her creative vision and is the stylist that Zoë Kravitz and Gigi Hadid have on speed dial.

Michael Dueñas  is a Los Angeles-based curly hair specialist. He’s worked with celebrity clients including Rachel Brosnahan, Noah Cyrus, and Padma Lakshmi, styled for runway shows, and shot editorials for numerous brands. 

Meet the Author s

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD Shop and Footwear News. She’s spent over six years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products, like travel hair dryers, that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Claire wrote the original version of this article and contributed to a February 2023 update of this story with expert interviews and product testing.

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story for the best travel hair dryers on September 26th, 2023 with new releases and editor-tested product picks.

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• Hair Products & Tools

The 14 Best Travel Hair Dryers for a Fabulous Blowout On the Fly

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave a good hair behind.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

What to Keep in Mind

Your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Brian Kopinski

Being both beauty and travel editors has taught us many important lessons. But, perhaps this is the most valuable of them all: Hotel blow dryers are not it. Fortunately, tech has only improved and nowadays, wherever we are in the world, we can give ourselves a gorgeous blowout in minutes with a hair dryer that is lighter and much smaller – but just as powerful – as the one we leave at home. And despite their compact size, these next-gen travel hair dryers don't compromise hair health and some are even designed for specific hair types, like curly, thick or damaged hair, with settings to protect delicate strands.

“While travel blow dryers are often smaller and more compact, they typically have everything regular dryers have,” explains master stylist and founder of Yvey Salon , Yvey Valcin. “Despite the size differences, they work very well and you can get nearly the same results that you would get from your regular blow dryer.”

Best Overall

Chi 1875 series advanced ionic compact hair dryer.

What We Love: This blow dryer works exceptionally well on all hair textures, including thick and coarse.

What We Don’t Love: This device does not come with a travel bag.

This small but mighty Chi blow dryer has an 1875-watt motor to dry hair in no time, but it also features a ceramic heater that offers even heat distribution, which ultimately helps minimize damage. On top of that, the innovative tool produces negative ions that smooth and seal cuticles, while still giving hair volume and body. Plus, it comes with a removable air concentrator nozzle – a wide, flat attachment that directs airflow into smaller, more concentrated areas of your hair to help you style with ease – that can be used to create ultra-sleek blowouts. As for the best part? There are three different heat settings – lukewarm, medium, and hot – which means users can customize the heat depending on their preference. Pro tip: Top off your style with the cool shot button to lock in looks and help further eliminate frizz. 

As a fun bonus, this device has a blue LED light that creates cleaner air during the styling process by decreasing bacterial buildup inside the hair dryer. With so many stellar features there’s a lot to love about this compact dryer, but we do wish it came with a travel bag to make storing it a tad easier. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Cold shot button, included concentrator and diffuser, blue LED light | Weight: 2 pounds 

Best Budget

Lura mini portable travel hair dryer.

What We Love: When folded, this affordable blow dryer is smaller than an iPhone.

What We Don’t Love: The diffuser attachment is very small, so it may take a long time to adequately dry curly hair.

Not only can you create various styles with  this tiny tool, which is smaller than an iPhone, using its diffuser and concentrator, but it also features two heat settings (low and high), two speeds (slow and fast), and 1200 watts to get the job done quickly. That said, the diffuser attachment is very small, too, so it may take a long time to adequately dry curly hair with it.  

Complete with a shiny silver travel bag as well as a two-pin plug adapter that works in most European countries, the dryer comes with everything you’ll need to style your hair from anywhere in the world. 

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case, adapter plug | Weight: 0.68 pounds

Best with Folding Handle

T3 afar travel dryer.

What We Love: This blow dryer has three heat settings, two speed settings, and a cool shot feature.

What We Don’t Love: While this tool quickly and efficiently dries thinner hair, it can take a while for thicker, coarser hair to get dry.

This tiny tool has a foldable handle that makes it easy to store, as well as an automatic dual voltage feature that adapts based on where you are. “It's the perfect travel companion, ready to save your hair from bad hair days no matter where in the world you find yourself,” says master stylist and founder of Gregga LA , Gregga Prothero . “It may be small, but it packs a powerful punch, delivering fast and efficient drying while reducing frizz and static.” 

Thanks to three heat settings (which include warm, hot, and an innovative cool shot feature that locks in styles) as well as two speed settings (low and high), you can easily customize the settings to fit your hair’s texture, length, and dampness. (It’s worth noting that this tool doesn’t blow out extremely hot air, so if you have thick, coarse, or very long hair, you might have to spend extra time drying it.) It also has an ion generator that infuses the air with negative ions to help reduce static and frizz while also smoothing the hair cuticle to ensure a glossy, high-shine finish. As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a cute vegan leather travel case and a clip-on concentrator. 

Watts: 1500 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot, travel case | Weight: 0.68 pounds  

Best for Long Hair

Mane this totally blows ionic compact hair dryer.

Mane This Totally Blows

What We Love: Between its diffuser, nozzle, and wide-tooth comb attachment, thicker hair types have options whether they want a sleek blowout or to embrace their natural waves. 

What We Don’t Love: The additional attachments could hog extra space in your suitcase. 

Sure, thick hair is great in theory but, trust us, when it comes to wash and style days we’re ready to throw in the towel, especially when we’re bumping up against walls in tiny hotel bathrooms and cramped spaces while traveling. Mane understands that this hair type comes in all shapes in sizes, from big bouncy waves to long straight tresses, and the brand thoughtfully included three different attachments to help manage them all: A wide tooth comb for quick straightening, a nozzle that delivers hot hair right to the root for maximum volume, and a diffuser for days you want to rock your au-natural ringlets. 

Of course, no good deed goes unpunished and these added bells and whistles will take up a bit more space in your suitcase. On the flip side, you may be able to ditch some of your styling serums and oils since this hair dryer delivers great results all on its own. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Diffuser, cool shot | Weight: 0.84 pounds

Best Dual Voltage

Ghd flight+ travel hair dryer.

What We Love: This smart blow dryer automatically switches off when it’s held too close to hair, which helps protect strands from heat damage.

What We Don’t Love: This blow dryer's airflow only reaches 149 degrees, which means it’s not ideal for someone with very thick hair.

The Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer is the ideal beauty tool when it comes to traveling internationally for more than one reason. For starters, it has dual voltage capabilities, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world, no matter how dire the outlet situation may be. On top of that, it won’t weigh down luggage since it clocks in at a mere 0.99 ounces. And if you’re a carry-on-only type, you’ll love its foldable design so you can squeeze it into most totes and smaller luggage. 

This travel blow dryer has two heat settings, a cool shot setting, and one speed setting, allowing it to be customized to your liking (that said, the hot setting only reaches 149 degrees, so it won’t be very efficient at blow-drying very thick hair). Plus, it comes with a protective travel case that can shield the blow dryer from damage. As for the coolest feature, it’s quite literally the safety technology that automatically powers down the device to a lower temperature if it’s held too close to hair. This unique feature shields hair from heat damage and prevents the tool from overheating.

Watts: 1300 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 1 | Special Features: Cool shot, travel case | Weight: 1 pound

Best for International Travel

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

What We Love: Because it is dual voltage it can be used anywhere in the world.

What We Don’t Love: It does not offer a medium heat setting.

Looking for a convenient, reliable, and affordable hair dryer to accompany you on your next international trip? We have just what you need. This BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer has dual voltage, allowing you to use it no matter where your travels take you. It offers 1000 watts of power, meaning it won’t fry strands, but it will still dry them promptly. Plus, it has two different heat and speed settings (high and low), to best suit your hair type (use high heat if you have thick hair and low heat if you have thin hair). While these two settings work well, we do wish there was a medium setting for more customization.  

This compact dryer also features a nano titanium technology that emits negative ions to give strands a healthy, glossy finish. And, to top it all off, it has a foldable handle, a six-foot-long cord, and it comes with an ultra-thin concentrator nozzle. Need we say more?

Watts: 1000 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, long cord | Weight: 0.6 pounds

Best Lightweight

Drybar baby buttercup blow dryer.

What We Love: This hair dryer features a fine mesh filter on the back that prevents hair from getting sucked in.

What We Don’t Love: The concentrator can fall off if it is not attached tightly enough to the nozzle.

Leave it to Drybar to make a lightweight, cute, and compact travel blow dryer. Weighing less than a pound, this foldable device can fit in any suitcase or carry-on and is the perfect hot tool to bring along with you, even if you’re traveling light. (We will note that the width of the head is a bit bigger than some of the other blow dryers on this list.) Designed with three power options to accommodate a variety of electrical outlets across the world without needing to worry about causing a circuit break.

With two heat settings, and a cool shot feature to set styles, the high-quality dryer helps you create a salon-worthy blowout. Plus, the concentrator nozzle provides you with the targeted airflow you need to create the hairstyle of your dreams. If you want to take your hair game to the next level, we suggest getting a hair serum , for quicker drying time and to fight frizz and protect hair from heat damage.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot, travel bag | Weight: 0.8 pounds  

Most Powerful

Jinri 1875w dual voltage travel hair dryer.

Complete 1875 watts, this small but powerful blow dryer can style hair in no time. In addition to a cool shot button to hold and set your final look, you can choose between a high heat setting to get your hair dried fast and a lower heat temperature if you’re going for a bouncy, salon-like blowout. Designed with a ceramic nozzle it produces airflow filled with negative ions that cling to hair and close the follicle, preventing frizzy flyways. Plus, it has two features that make it perfect to use overseas: The dryer has dual voltage capabilities and folds up, which means you can easily pack it into crowded carry-ons. Pro tip: To change the voltage, simply twist the knob at the bottom of the handle. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot | Weight: 1.57 lbs 

Eva NYC Mini Dryer + Bag

What We Love: This powerful little blow dryer radiates far-infrared heat and emits negative ions, which keeps hair looking healthy and shiny.

What We Don’t Love: This blow dryer does not have a cool shot feature.

Like most hot tools from Eva NYC, this portable blow dryer utilizes the power of negative ions. These negative ions are released from the tourmaline-infused ceramic nozzle into the hair, working overtime to lock in moisture and eliminate frizz and static. The result? Shiny, glossy hair, especially when you pair it with its dazzling shine spray . Plus, this innovative device radiates far-infrared heat, which is gentle on hair and ultimately reduces drying time, protecting strands from heat damage. 

On top of shielding hair from harm, this blow dryer allows for different styling options, thanks to the concentrator and diffuser attachments. (The concentrator is ideal for creating smooth blowouts while the diffuser helps ensure curls keep their shape, sans frizz.) As for the final touches, this Eva NYC favorite offers dual voltage, has a foldable handle, and comes with a cute carrying case.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case | Weight: 1.19 pounds 

Best for Damaged Hair

Berta hair dryer.

What We Love: This travel blow dryer emits negative ions and has a cool shot feature.

What We Don’t Love: The rear vent cap is not removable, so there is no way to clean out the grate in the back of the dryer.

If you have damaged hair and don’t want to air dry it (guilty), opt for this Amazon bestseller. This Berta blow dryer has three heat settings – low, high, and a cool shot feature. The low heat setting is ideal to use if you have damaged hair because it’s warm enough to efficiently dry hair, yet cool enough to protect strands from heat damage. Additionally, it emits negative ions into the hair, which increases shine while decreasing static. If you really want to keep your hair healthy, we suggest using a heat protectant spray both before and during your blow-drying session so you can ensure your mane is safe from harm. 

As an added bonus, this foldable tool is extremely quiet, so if you’re sharing a hotel room with someone, it won’t be bothersome. Plus, it has a handy hanging ring so you can store it on the back of the bathroom door, freeing up countertop space for your other beauty essentials. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot | Weight: 1.53 lbs  

Best Blow Dryer Brush

Plavogue hair dryer brush.

What We Love: This lightweight tool features an anti-scalding comb that protects the scalp from heat.

What We Don’t Love: It’s loud.

This 1000-watt powered hot air brush detangles, straightens, and styles strands — and quickly. What’s better, the brand designs the brush with nylon needles and tufted bristles that won’t rip out hair, and it has anti-scalding capabilities that protect the scalp from getting burned.

In terms of traveling, this blow dry brush has a dual-voltage plug you can use anywhere and comes with a carrying case that protects it from getting scratched and damaged. It’s worth pointing out that this device is a bit loud when it’s in use, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with someone or will be in close quarters. 

Watts: 1000 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 3 | Special Features: Travel bag, two hair clips, 360-degree swivel cord | Weight: 1.83 lbs

Best for Frizzy Hair

Conair mini travel hair dryer for on-the-go styling.

What We Love: This mini blow dryer features tourmaline ceramic technology that helps protect the hair from heat while also adding shine and reducing frizz.

What We Don’t Love: The cord is less than five feet long, which means it’s shorter than most.

Complete with tourmaline ceramic technology that works hard to protect hair from heat damage, this top-rated Conair hair dryer stops frizz before it happens. This technology produces negative ions that enhance shine and provide hair with noticeable glossiness. As for its features, this blow dryer offers two heat and speed settings (high and low), which work well with all hair types, and it also comes with a concentrator and diffuser, letting you get creative with your hairstyle.

Aside from getting a blow dryer with special tourmaline ceramic technology, Prothero recommends other tips for keeping frizz at bay while styling it. “To reduce frizz when blow drying your hair, you should be using the proper anti-frizz serum that also protects your hair from heat,” she says. “Apply the lightweight formula to towel-dried hair before blow drying.” By doing this, the hair oil   will be able to provide frizz control as well as heat protection.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case | Weight: 0.68 lbs  

Best with Diffuser

Ohjump hair dryer.

What We Love: This small tool has strong fans that produce fast wind speeds in order to dry hair quicker and reduce heat damage.

What We Don’t Love: The concentrator can get hot if it’s left on too long, so try to use it for 10 minutes or less at a time.

What do you get when you pair this blow dryer’s diffuser with curly hair? A match made in heaven. The Ohjump Mini Travel Hair Dryer comes with a top-rated diffuser attachment that keeps curly hair, well, curly. Thanks to strong fans that create high wind speeds, this tool can deliver hot gusts of wind straight through the diffuser to hair. The efficient diffuser helps define and set curls without the addition of frizz. 

Plus, this tool has two heat and speed settings – high heat with high speed, which provides a strong airflow that dries hair fast, and low heat with low speed, which creates a soft air flow that helps to smooth strands (this setting is great for wavy hair). On top of that, this foldable blow dryer is small and compact, and even features dual voltage options. It also comes with a travel bag and an EU plug adapter.

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case, adapter plug | Weight: 1.23 pounds  

Best for Curly Hair

Hot tools compact hair dryer.

What We Love: This small blow dryer comes with a unique diffuser that creates gorgeous curls and waves.

What We Don’t Love: This device produces very hot air that can burn the scalp if it is placed too close to the head.

This bestselling Hot Tools dryer is one of our favorite curly hair products , thanks to its slew of thoughtful features, and accompanying finger-style diffuser – a rarity among travel hair dryers! – making it especially great for coils and curls, but if you’re going for carefree beach waves, this diffuser will help keep those bends intact, too. For starters, this device has three different heat settings. On top of that, this blow dryer comes with a unique, finger-style diffuser that’s made to lift hair, add body, and maintain curls or waves without creating frizz. It also comes with a concentrator that can create bouncy blowouts. Plus, this blow dryer emits negative ions that condition and smooth hair, making it shinier and more lustrous. 

Like any worthwhile travel hair dryer, it features dual voltage properties and the easy fold-up design lets you squeeze it into an already jam-packed suitcase.

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, cool shot | Weight : 1.55 pounds

• Compact Size: The main draw for getting a travel hair dryer is its small and compact size. When shopping for a portable blow dryer, be sure that it’s foldable and under two pounds. (Luckily, all 14 devices on our list are less than two pounds!) This will ensure it can fit in tight spaces and won’t weigh down your luggage.
• Wattage/Voltage: In terms of traveling with a mini blow dryer, it’s important to keep the wattage and voltage in mind. The ideal wattage for a portable blow dryer is anywhere between 1200 and 1900 watts. Most full-size blow dryers are closer to 1800 watts. This is true in both the U.S. and overseas. However, the voltage differs. “In many countries, electrical voltage is 220/240 volts, while in the U.S., hot tools are 110/120 volts,” says Prothero. “Some travel hair dryers have dials that allow you to switch between voltage making them great for international use.” Make sure the device you have offers dual voltage (each blow dryer on this list does), and ensure you bring a travel adapter no matter what the wattage is.
• Speed: Travel blow dryers might look small, but don’t doubt their power. Most of them pack a strong punch, offering high wind speeds as well as hot heat settings. To ensure your travel blow dryer can dry your hair, be sure it has a wattage of 1200 or up. If you really want to dry your hair quickly, opt for a blow dryer with closer to 1900 watts.  The higher the watts, the speedier it’ll dry your strands.

Are travel hair dryers different from regular hair dryers?

Ultimately, the main difference between travel hair dryers and regular hair dryers is the size. Celebrity hairstylist Mario Solis adds, “Travel blow dryers may have different voltages and sometimes even plug adapters.”

When picking out a travel dryer, make sure it checks off all the boxes you want. “Look for what the dryer is made of (ceramic, titanium, etc.), its wattage, its weight, and any special features you want,” says Prothero, who adds “You also want to look for adjustable heat, a cool setting, and the ability to use attachments such as diffusers, and concentrators.”

Depending on its wattage, a smaller hair dryer might take a bit longer to dry hair than its full-size counterpart, but having a reliable travel hair dryer is worth it. As Valcin explains, hotel dryers are often terrible for your hair’s health because “The heat coming from them is not controlled, which can damage your hair.”

Can I pack a hair dryer in my carry-on?

“Absolutely,” says Valcin. “There aren't any regulations for packing your dryer in your carry-on.” Plus, the best thing about packing a travel hair dryer is that they’re ultra-compact, which means they’ll barely take up any room at all.

Lauren Harano has been in the beauty industry for over seven years. For this article, Lauren interviewed three hair experts: Master stylist and founder of Gregga LA, Gregga Prothero;  master stylist and founder of Yvey Salon, Yvey Valcin; and celebrity hairstylist Mario Solis.

Related Articles

• Best overall
• Best for international travel
• Most versatile
• Best for curly hair
• Best foldable
• Most compact
• Fastest drying
• Best for damaged hair
• Best budget

What to look for in a travel hair dryer

What voltage is ideal, 9 travel hair dryers that are compact, lightweight, and won't blow out your hotel's electricity.

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Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a weeks-long trip, traveling to any destination via airplane means very minimal luggage space for full-size hair products. If you invest in a travel-size hair dryer, however, you can stuff your bag with clothes, shoes, and other essentials, and your strands won't have to suffer as a result.

Travel hair dryers often get a bad rap because people confuse the tools with the kind of low-quality complimentary blowdryers stashed under hotel bathroom sinks. But the two are not the same. On the contrary, many renowned hair tool brands sell travel-sized versions of their best hair dryers that are designed with features like manual heat and speed settings and interchangeable attachments to ensure styling on the go is just as satisfactory. If you're a carry-on person and need your hair dryer to be as small as possible, we highly recommend the Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer , which folds and is only $16.

Still, the market is saturated with travel-friendly alternatives in all categories, so it can be hard to decipher the fantastic from the flops. To save you the hassle of trial and error (and wasted cash), we've rounded up some of the best travel hair dryers of 2023 below.

Our top picks for the best travel hair dryers:

Best overall: Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best for international travel: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer - See at Amazon

Most versatile: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer - See at Dermstore

Best for curly hair: Shark HyperAir HD113BRN - See at Amazon

Best foldable: Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer - See at Amazon

Most compact: LURA Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Fastest drying: T3 Afar - See at Amazon

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best overall: Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer

Pros: Budget-friendly, dual voltage, folding handle, two-speed settings, two heat settings, cool shot button, 1875 watts

Cons: Does not come with any accessories

The Conair 1875 Compact Hair Dryer checks all the boxes for those traveling nationally or overseas. The styler is designed with a foldable handle and weighs roughly a pound, so it's suitcase-friendly. Its dual voltage makes it ideal for worldwide jet setters and offers 1875 watts of electrical power, ensuring a faster drying experience when you're on the go. The device also features two heat and speed settings, plus a cool shot button for easy styling no matter your hair type, and is budget-friendly as it retails for under $20. 

Best for international travel: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer

Pros: Smart voltage technology, folding handle, three heat/two custom speed settings, cool shock button, ionic output, concentrated nozzle, 

Cons: An adapter still necessary for international travel

Frequent travelers, look no further than the Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer. This savvy styler is downright genius as it's designed with smart voltage technology that detects foreign voltages and adjusts accordingly, making it the ultimate travel companion for anyone traveling all over the place. And while you can guarantee that it won't blow out the lights in your hotel, you will still need an adapter to plug it in.

This hair dryer is also an excellent model for travelers with specific style preferences, as it features three heat and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button, and an ionic output to reduce frizz and naturally enhance the shine of your strands. What's more, though the device doesn't come with multiple accessories, it does include a concentrated nozzle for focused airflow.

Most versatile: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Pros: 12 heat and speed settings, suitable for all hair types, patented silencer for quiet styling, weighs less than one pound, features a patented Cool Air Flex Technology, cold shot button, 94 mph motor speed, ion functionality, dual filtration, 1875 watts of electrical power, 9 foot cord, comes with traditional and long-size concentrated nozzles, hanging ring

Cons: High price point, does not fold, not dual voltage

The Ultra Light Pro Dryer is proof that Harry Josh Pro Tools understands that no one should have to sacrifice great hair days in the name of jet-setting. The list of features worth highlighting about this travel hair dryer is lengthy. For example, in terms of travel convenience, the device weighs less than a pound (so it's practically weight less ). However, it isn't foldable and has a 9-foot cord that isn't retractable. 

Still, its salon-quality styling perks are what makes this name-brand dryer worth its splurge-level price point. It features a whopping 12 heat and speed settings for optimal customization; a patented silencer technology for whisper-quiet styling, plus a patented Cool Air Flex technology to protect fingers and hands from potential burns; dual filtration to reduce the device's energy expenditure; and ion functionality to sustain your hair's health. What's more, the hair dryer is constructed with a motor that runs at 94 mph, as well as 1875 watts of electrical power to speed up the drying experience. Each purchase also comes with two attachments: One traditional and one long concentrated nozzle. 

Best for curly hair: Shark HyperAir HD113BRN

Pros: Comes with a diffuser attachment for curls, concentrated nozzle, and small cleaning brush, intelligent heat control, cool shot button, three heat, and three airflow settings

Cons: Lower wattage than other travel hair dryers on this list, is not foldable, attachments will take up extra luggage space, high price point

You might recognize Shark for its vacuum and cleaning devices, but similar to Dyson, the brand also manufactures hair dryers. The HD113BRN is an especially great travel option for curly/wavy hair types as it comes with the brand's IQ Curl-Defining Diffuser which is specifically designed for wavy, curly, and coily tresses. Each purchase also includes an IQ 2-in-1 concentrator nozzle for more focused airflow. 

The Shark HyperAir is another smart styler in the category and is designed with HyperAir IQ, a technology that combines intelligently-controlled high-velocity heated air with ionized air. Together, the air flows to speed up the drying process and protect strands from potential damage/breakage. Heat is measured up to 1,000 times per second for quick, efficient, and even distribution, while negative ions are emitted to smooth strands and reduce frizz. That said, for those who prefer a customizable styling experience, the travel hair dryer's heat and airflow settings can be manually increased or decreased at your discretion. 

Best foldable: Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer

Pros: Suitable for all hair types, emits as much power as a full-size hair dryer, folds, two heat/speed settings, concentrated nozzle, cool shot button, weighs less than one pound, designed with ionic technology, comes with a travel bag and two-year warranty

Cons: High price point, reviewers note the dryer only lasts a few years

Fans of the Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer will love its travel-size version that weighs less than a pound and folds for easy storage in a suitcase or carry-on. The Baby Buttercup provides users with the same level of power as its full-size counterpart, plus the same amount of styling features: two speed/heat settings, a cool shot button to lock in your final look, and a concentrated nozzle to dry isolated areas and ensure your hair's shine is at its most lustrous. The travel hair dryer was also designed with ionic technology to speed up styling time and keep hair looking and feeling healthy. 

Most compact: LURA Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer

Pros: Dual voltage, smaller than an iPhone when folded, weighs less than one pound, two heat/speed settings, does not require a converter, comes with 2-pin EU plug adapter, purchase includes a travel bag, attachments include concentrated nozzle and diffuser, double-layer filter, under $50

Cons: Only 1200 watts of electrical power

This travel hair dryer from LURA is strong but mighty. When folded, the styler measures smaller than an iPhone, plus it weighs less than a pound, making it the ultimate travel companion for jet setters with very little luggage space to spare. The biggest downside to this dryer is it only runs on 1200 watts of electrical power, but what it lacks in wattage it makes up in convenience: It boasts dual voltage and doesn't require a converter, plus your purchase includes a 2-pin EU plug adapter and a travel bag for easy storage. The hair dryer is also great for on-the-go styling, with two heat/speed settings, as well as two attachments (a concentrated nozzle and curl diffuser) that cater to both coily and straight strands.

Fastest drying: T3 Afar

Pros: Auto-dual voltage, folds, suitable for all hair types, reduces frizz, comes with a travel bag, concentrated nozzle included, cool shot button, three heat settings, two-speed settings, drys quietly

Cons: High price point, some reviewers note airflow is not as strong as others on the market

While you can't judge a travel hair dryer by its color, there's no denying the T3 Afar's blush pink hue is what initially caught our attention. Fortunately, the travel hair dryer has many selling points beyond its hue, including the brand's exclusive IonAir Technology that releases ions into the air for speedy, yet gentle styling. The smart design also includes an auto-dual voltage, which automatically adapts to foreign voltages. 

As for its styling properties, the Afar features three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button. Each purchase comes with a concentrator nozzle so you can pinpoint areas you want to style and prevent frizz.

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer

Pros: Folding handle, nanoe technology, emits healthy ions into its airflow, comes with a QuickDry Nozzle, 5.5ft cord, is under $100, lightweight, has three heat settings, 1400 watts of electrical power, and one nozzle attachment

Cons: Is not dual voltage, not as powerful as other travel hair dryers

If your strands are suffering from breakage, are dull from dehydration, etc., this travel hair dryer from Panasonic can help breathe new life into your tresses, even whilst on the go. Its Nanoe Technology is key in doing so; it draws moisture from the air to manufacture moisture-rich ions that are emitted through its airflow and expelled onto hair. This leads to less breakage and more healthy, shiny tresses. It's also quick-drying, thanks to the 1400 watts of electrical power generating optimal airflow, and the less time hair is exposed to heat, the better. 

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer

Pros: Budget-friendly, comes in 3 colors (Black, Yellow, Pink), features two heat and speed settings, a hanging ring, lightweight, does not fold

Cons: Only compatible with 120 volts outlets, bulkier than other travel hair dryers  

Revlon has a reputation for its salon-quality styling tools, and its travel hair dryer is no exception. This model retails for under $10, but you can rest assured that it's a high-quality dryer. The proof: It's amassed over a whopping 68,000 reviews on Amazon alone and averages a 4.6 out of a possible 5-star rating. 

While this suitcase-friendly styler isn't foldable and it's a tad bigger than other travel hair dryers on the market,  the device is notably lightweight. It also boasts features like two heat/speed settings for easy styling, as well as a hanging ring for easy storage. The only major caveat is that, while it offers users 1875 watts of electrical power, this travel hair dryer isn't dual-voltage and is only compatible with outlets that can handle up to 120 volts, so you'll have to invest in an adapter if you're traveling internationally.

When shopping for a travel hair dryer, there are a few things to consider. If you're an avid international traveler, for example, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Shelly Aguirre stresses the importance of dual voltage. "You also don't have to compromise on power when you want a compact dryer," Aguirre tells Insider , adding that ceramic, ionic, and Tourmaline features are especially great for jet setters that require frizz control and want lots of shine.

Still, there are no styling features that are a "must" for everyone. Like any other beauty purchase, the travel hair dryer you choose has to cater to your specific needs. This also applies to things like the weight or size of the tool. It will ultimately depend on the device, where you're traveling, and how much room you have in your suitcase to store it.

In short, it all depends on where you're traveling. Different destinations require different voltages, and high-power dryers will require certain adapters. To make sure you're making the right purchase for your getaway, Aguirre recommends referencing the Ceptics Adapter Chart.

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5 best travel hair dryers for your 2024 trip away, tested by the GHI

The most lightweight and compact dryers to take on your travels, tested by our experts

We know space can be limited when it comes to suitcase allowances, but thanks to their handy compact size and lightweight design, a travel hair dryer can easily slot in alongside your other beauty essentials . Though small, travel hair dryers can still pack a punch, with some having the same power as a standard model.

Alongside other staple travel tech such as power banks , a portable charger and speakers , here are the best for slipping into your carry on, according to our testers:

Best travel hair dryer

BaByliss Travel Hair Dryer

Best for curly hair

Remington on the go 2000w compact dryer.

Best for design

Ghd flight travel hair dryer.

Best compact travel hair dryer

Vo5 on the go mini hair dryer.

Best lightweight travel hair dryer

Instyler mini travel dryer, key features to look out for.

Foldable handle: This is particularly useful for larger travel dryers as it makes packing easier.

Dual voltage: You need around 220-240V to power your dryer at home, but this varies around the world, making dual voltage essential for frequent fliers. The voltage is usually printed somewhere on devices sold within the EU, so keep an eye out for ‘120/220-240V’, which means it’s dual voltage. You’ll need to switch it manually with a coin once you reach your destination.

Cool shot: If you struggle with frizziness or regularly visit hot and humid climates, look for a cool shot button. It helps set your style and seal cuticles, keeping moisture and humidity at bay and leaving hair shinier.

Wattage vs weight: Wattage refers to the power of your dryer and usually the higher it is, the heavier the hair dryer is. If you’ll mainly be using it to style, opt for a more lightweight model. And consider how often you’ll be carrying it around (in a gym bag, on a weekend trip etc.), while also bearing hand luggage weight restrictions in mind — every gram counts in a carry-on!

Heat/speed settings: Use the lowest heat setting and a styling nozzle for styling hair. For drying, remove the styling nozzle and use the higher settings for speed. Every product listed below has two heat/speed settings.

How we test

Here are the Good Housekeeping Institute , we asked 60 testers with different hair types to review a range of travel hair dryers. They judged them on ease of use, weight, noise level and final finish.

In the lab, we measured the temperature of the airflow, casing and nozzle, as well as assessing instructions, simplicity and design.

So, whether you want a bouncy blow dry for wandering the streets of Italy , or want to tame those fresh-off-the-beach curls in Gran Canaria , add one of these tried and tested options to your case...

Score: 81/100

With the power of a full-size hair dryer in a foldable and compact body, this BaByliss model provides ultra-fast drying. It also has a wide, detachable styling nozzle, which testers liked as it made styling easier.

Plus, the casing stayed within a safe handling temperature throughout our lab test, even on the highest setting.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

From a concentrator nozzle for ultra-smooth blow dries to a compact diffuser for beautiful waves and curls, this dryer comes with all the accessories you need to style any hair type on the go.

It even has a small key accessory to switch the voltage output with ease. This is a high performer for styling and one of the best for speed, drying hair impressively quickly on its highest setting.

Score: 79/100

This travel hairdryer ticks all the right boxes; not only is it lightweight with dual voltage and a cool shot button, it also comes with a matching dust bag for protection on the move.

It performed highly on test, scoring full marks for ease of use and overall satisfaction. The slim handle was comfortable to hold and testers liked the easy-access controls. The dryer also has ‘hair safeguard technology’— meaning it automatically switches off if held too close to the hair.

Score: 78/100

If luggage space is an issue for you, consider this Vo5 mini dryer. It measures just 22 x 14 cm, one of the smallest models on test, but its performance belies its size. It was one of our top scorers for helping to reduce frizz and testers said the cord length allowed them to reach around their head with ease.

The concentrator nozzle directed the airflow precisely and testers found the body to be sturdy and robust. It doesn’t have a foldable handle, but it’s slim enough to slip into almost any space.

Score: 70/100

Popular with testers for its sleek, stylish design and light-up filter, this was also the quietest dryer on test. The panel was impressed by how powerful the airflow was relative to its size and weight, which InStyler puts down to the same turbine technology used in its full-size dryer.

It was quick to manoeuvre around the root areas due to its slimline body and the majority of testers agreed their hair was left looking healthy and smooth after styling.

Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms. 

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE , Women’s Fitness , Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com , her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager, and since joining in mid-2022, she has managed the testing for mutiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements and retinol serums. In addition to her master's degree in chemical engineering and a diploma in cosmetic science, she recently received her MBA from the London College of Fashion, focusing on case studies within the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she worked within the global technical team at the Estee Lauder Companies for over six years, collaborating with the chemists and engineers to launch luxury beauty products at scale and to quality. She has also worked as a formulation scientist within the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence based approach into all her product testing. 

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13 Travel Hair Dryers That'll Give You Quality Blowouts No Matter Your Location

Because doing your hair shouldn't be a hassle on vacation.

Chances are, the hair dryer in your hotel room or Airbnb is just not gonna cut it, and if you're trying to pack light (ha, who are we kidding?), lugging along your favorite hair dryer might benefit from a little Honey, I Shrunk the Kids magic.

Luckily, many reputable brands offer smaller-sized hair dryers that boast carry-on-friendly features like foldable handles and dual voltage for sleek styling overseas, and these tools don't skimp out on power—nowadays, many travel blow dryers on the market offer high wattage for quick, frizz-free styling so you won't have to stress about your strands while on PTO.

Below, find the best travel hair dryers that are equally as compact as they are effective.

Best Overall Travel Hair Dryer

Ghd flight travel hair dryer.

Best Budget Travel Hair Dryer

Conair minipro tourmaline ceramic travel hair dryer with folding handle.

Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

Dyson supersonic™ hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer For International Travel

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Best Cordless Travel Hair Dryer

Volo beauty go cordless hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer For Limited Space

T3 afar - lightweight travel size hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer For Power

Revlon 1875w compact folding handle hair dryer.

Best Quiet Travel Hair Dryer

Llano lightweight folding ionic hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer Brush

Plavogue hair dryer brush.

Best Lightweight Travel Hair Dryer

Gama iq perfetto.

GHD stands for Good Hair Day, and you're bound to have a bouncy blowout that lasts if you stash this stellar travel hair dryer in your carry-on. It's 47 percent lighter and 25 percent smaller than the full-sized GHD Air while boasting 77 percent of the power. Professional hairstylist Laurabeth Cabott loves the GHD travel dryer because it has a high wattage, dual voltage, and can be folded for traveling. Plus, it comes with a durable travel case, so you can rest assured your dryer won't get damaged even if you chuck it in your checked luggage.

This small-but-mighty travel dryer comes in under $25 yet delivers just as much power (1,200 watts, to be exact) as many other higher-priced hair dryers on the market. It doesn't come with any nice-to-haves like a cool-shot button to lock in your 'do, but it gets the job done with two heat and speed settings as well as dual voltage, which deems it suitable for international travel. Plus, it's available on Amazon Prime, so last-minute shoppers can have it delivered to their door before departure time (because we'd all rather avoid a frizzy hair fiasco on vacation).

The Dyson Supersonic comes with five different styling attachments—including the flyaway attachment, diffuser, and wide-tooth comb—that help you create perfect frizz-free styles wherever you go. And all the attachments are magnetic, so you won't have to fumble around when switching them. The Supersonic weighs under 2 pounds, has a 9-foot-long cable (which comes in handy when your hotel room only has one working outlet), boasts four different heat settings, and a cold shot button to lock in the shine. But what we love most about it is that it dries your hair lightening-fast (think: 15 minutes versus 45 on coarse hair)—and anything that saves this much time is totally worth the investment. Just keep in mind that the Dyson Supersonic doesn't have dual voltage, so it's only suitable for travel within the U.S. (unless you buy a converter to use along with it).

This metallic blue BaByliss Pro hair dryer isn't only easy on the eyes, it also produces some seriously good 'dos. Users rave that it's powerful for its size and has great longevity, so it's bound to last you through many trips around the sun. Its ultra-thin concentrator nozzle means you'll be able to smooth those strands to perfection, although this dryer doesn't come with a cool shot button. But for the unbeatable $35 price tag, you really can't go wrong.

Now you can dry your hair anywhere: on the road, in bed, or in a hotel room without a mirror-adjacent power outlet. This cordless dryer is literally a dream because a full charge lasts you two hours and it's equipped with infrared technology that dries your hair quicker and sleeker with minimal damage. Plus, it comes with a dryer head, concentrator, dryer battery pack, charging base, and charging cable all nicely packed up in a cute travel bag. Just make sure to buy a voltage converter for the hair dryer charger if you're traveling internationally to avoid frying your Volo (which would be such a shame because it is so pricey).

The T3 Afar will become your ultimate travel buddy thanks to its dual voltage converter that switches automatically when plugged in and its powerful 1,500-wattage that dries hair almost instantly. Not only is it very lightweight (about 12 ounces), but it also easily folds up for quick storage in even the smallest of suitcases. It comes in a pretty vegan leather pouch that protects your dryer from scratches and scuffs. The long 9-foot cord is also a major plus, and with all these bells and whistles, the T3 might be worth the higher price tag.

If power is what you're after, you'll want to purchase this budget-friendly, dual-voltage dryer from Revlon. It packs an impressive 1,875 watts, which is what many full-sized dryers boast, as well as A+ airflow, which means you'll achieve the fastest blowout ever. The handle folds in and it's very compact. Not only that, but this Revlon dryer has two heat settings and a cool shot button as well as ceramic coating to keep frizz at bay. And that's all for under $20. However, some users complain that this dryer didn't last them too long.

If you and your travel buddies are usually on different schedules, and you'd rather get hairstyling out of the way before starting your day, you'll want to invest in this ultra-quiet Llano travel dryer. Users rave that it's whisper-quiet, reaching up to just 58 decibels (for reference, the average hair dryer produces a noise level of around 85 decibels), so you can trust it not to wake up the later risers in your crew. And this collapsible, lightweight dryer doesn't compromise in strength: The impressive 1,400-watt motor means you'll get a fast, shiny blowout in no time.

Consider this the travel-friendly version of the cult favorite Dry Bar Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush. Unlike Dry Bar's version, this Plavogue Hair Dryer Brush has dual voltage so you can take it anywhere in the world. The oval brush ensures each strand gets hit with hot air for instant smoothness, and it helps add volume to your roots or curl out your ends for more bounce and movement. This pick is perfect for travel since you won't have to pack a separate brush along with your blow dryer. Talk about a space-saver! But some users note that the handle is wide and large and may not feel comfortable in your hand after a while.

"The Gamma Pro is super small and can be stored in luggage easily," Cabott says. At 10 ounces, it's about as lightweight as your iPhone, and packs in the power, producing sleek results thanks to three different speeds and temperatures as well as a cool shot button. This light travel dryer is ideal for folks with voluminous hair that takes a while to dry as the ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to use. But because it doesn't have dual voltage, you'll have to buy a converter to safely use it while traveling in other countries.

7Magic Fast-Drying Hair Dryer

When you've got reservations booked and places to be, the last thing you want to do is spend precious minutes smoothing out your hair. That's where the 7Magic ionic hair dryer comes in: It cuts your drying time significantly, requiring just 3 to 5 minutes for medium-length hair and up to 8 minutes for long, thick hair. It's great for carrying in your gym bag or purse since it weighs just under one pound, and it boasts one of the slimmest designs we've seen as well as a foldable handle for compact storage. But unless you plan to buy a voltage converter, you should leave this dryer at home if you're traveling to countries outside the U.S. and Canada as this tool doesn't have dual voltage.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

Drybar's Baby Buttercup dryer's compact, lightweight design and collapsible handle make it super portable and perfect for travel or on-the-go styling. And with its super-cute logo travel bag scribbled with a cheeky slogan, you'll want to take this tool everywhere. Despite its small size, it delivers powerful airflow with two heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot button. And with its dual voltage feature, it can be used internationally without using a voltage converter. Any traveler can feel confident bringing this travel dryer along for the ride, as it's suitable for naturally wavy, curly, and straight hair. But one thing that's worth noting is that some users found that the handle easily broke and they didn't get much longevity out of this dryer.

It's a 10 Miracle Mini Travel Professional Hair Dryer Kit

This hair-drying kit comes with everything you need to achieve super smooth hair. The mini hair dryer is powerful at 1,200 watts, has a dual voltage switch for international travel, and is lightweight and compact. You'll also get two 2-ounce shampoo and conditioner bottles that are TSA-friendly, so you can travel with this kit in your carry-on or purse. It's worth noting that the hair dryer's handle isn't foldable, so it might require some Tetris skills to fit around the contents of your luggage.

How we chose the best travel hair dryers

For weeks, Women's Health editors, have researched the best travel hair dryers to buy online. We also consulted hairstylist Laurabeth Cabott on features to look for in a travel hair dryer and vetted thousands of online reviews to find the very best options available online.

What kind of features should you look for in a travel hair dryer?

• Compact, lightweight design: If you're looking into buying a travel hair dryer, it's probably because your full-size one is too big to carry with you. Cabbott recommends buying a travel dryer that weighs less than 3 pounds and has a foldable handle for easy storage. "You'll also want to make sure the dryer is durable, so it won’t get damaged easily if you’re storing it in a checked luggage bag," she adds.
• High wattage to cut down on blow-dry time: The higher the wattage, the quicker your blowout. Cabbott says the ideal and most common wattage (aka power) for a blow dryer is 1,200. So anything lower than that won't dry your hair fast enough (translation: you'll have less time for the fun stuff).
• Dual voltage for international travel: For stress-free styling abroad, make sure your dryer is equipped with dual voltage capability. This allows the dryer to work in different countries with varying electrical systems (FYI, the standard voltage in the United States and Canada is 110-120 volts, while many other countries operate on 220-240 volts). A dual-voltage hair dryer eliminates the need for a voltage converter or transformer. All you have to do is simply switch your dryer to the appropriate voltage setting, and start styling. But you still might need an adapter plug to fit different types of power outlets.

What are the best ways to use a hair dryer without damaging your hair?

Sorry gals, but hitting your hair with hot hair straight out of the shower isn't doing your 'do any good. "The best way to refrain from damaging hair with heat is to make sure your hair is at least 80% dry before using any hot tool, brush, or attachment," Cabbott says.

Instead of waiting forever for it to air-dry, you can use your blow dryer on the cool setting to dry your hair faster, and once it's almost fully dry, you can then use the hotter temperatures to style it to perfection.

April Benshosan is a New York City-based writer and editor. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University, and her byline appears on LIVESTRONG.com, Eat This, Not That!, Business Insider, MSN, Yahoo!, OK! Magazine, and Travel Squire. In her free time, you can catch April lifting weights, spending time with her pup, or planning her next vacation.

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The 10 Best Travel Hair Dryers to Buy in 2024

Are you gearing up for that long-awaited vacation? Don’t forget to pack the perfect travel hair dryer for the perfect travel hair. But with so many options on the market, how can you choose the best one?

Since you’ve been busy planning your trip, we’ve been busy finding the best travel hair dryers on the market for your personal needs. Read more below to find the perfect travel hair dryer for your luscious locks!

Cord Length

Foldable handle, drying power, variable heat/speed settings, dual voltage setting for worldwide travel, 1. best overall pick: conair compact hair dryer, 2. best budget pick: revlon compact travel hair dryer, 3. best premium pick: babylisspro tt tourmaline titanium travel dryer, 4. andis fold-n-go ionic hair dryer, 5. conair compact travel hair dryer, 6. babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer, 7. conair minipro tourmaline ceramic travel hair dryer, 8. conair cord keeper hair dryer, 9. conair worldwide travel hair dryer, 10. zoommate mini travel hair dryer, can you travel with a hair dryer, more wattage means faster drying, travel hair dryer portability, travel hair dryer materials, best travel hair dryers by hair type, final thoughts, how to choose the best travel hair dryer.

With limited suitcase or backpack space, size is a HUGE factor. You don’t want to choose between your favorite shoes and silky smooth hair, do you?  So leave your regular hairdryer at home and find one that’s portable enough to get the job done without being a hassle to take along. Here is what we considered when deciding which travel hair dryers to recommend.

When it comes to travel hair dryers, the smaller the size, the better the fit. Even a few inches is important because those inches could mean the difference between packing a dryer in your suitcase or going without. No one wants to have to rely on hotels for their hair-drying needs as they travel the globe.

Travel hair dryers come in a range of shapes and sizes. Backpacking around Europe for a month likely requires a smaller, more compact hairdryer. However, you could pack a larger dryer if you’re spending a week at a resort and bringing two large suitcases.

The difference between a little less than a pound and a little more than a pound doesn’t sound like much. But if you have thick hair that takes a while to dry, you’ll most certainly notice that extra weight. Hello arm fatigue! The last thing you’ll want is half-dried hair in your travel photos. So, either hit up the gym before your trip, or make sure you consider the weight of your travel hairdryer.

Not all hotels or Airbnb’s have convenient electric sockets near the bathroom mirror. To ensure you can see what you’re doing while doing your ‘do, you’ll want to ensure you have a decent cord length–at least five or six feet. It’s even better if you can find a travel hair dryer with a retractable cord. That little feature is a sweet space saver.

One way to save space in a suitcase is to eliminate odd-shaped objects. A hairdryer is definitely an odd shape. To avoid this problem, look for travel hair dryers that have a foldable handle. By folding the handle, the hairdryer forms a nice compact item to shove into any remaining space. So, of course, all of the travel hair dryers on our list have foldable handles.

Some hair dryers pack more punch than others. If your hairdresser frequently says “You have such thick hair!” then you’re going to want more power. The higher the listed watts on the dryer, the more powerful it is. Most travel hair dryers are 1000, 1200, 1600, or 1875 watts.

Hair dryers don’t just blow hot air. They use specific materials that can turn your hair from frizz to fab. Here’s where personalization really matters. You’ll want to select your hair dryer based on your hair type.

Hair dryers might use ionic technology, ceramics, tourmaline, or titanium. Read about the materials in our full buyer’s guide , and don’t fall for the marketing hype you see.

In general, ceramic hair dryers are great for most hair types, but splurge on tourmaline if you can. If you have thick hair that can withstand high heat, you might want to opt for lightweight titanium.

The majority of travel hair dryers have two heat and speed settings, low and high. Sometimes though, you’ll be treated to three heat and speed choices, or even a cool shot button. The cool shot button, often used at the end of a blow-dry, provides air without any heat to help lock in the style you just meticulously created.

You’ll have enough to keep in mind while traveling. Where’s my passport? Do I have the right type of money? Wait, which side of the road should I be driving on? The last thing you should be thinking about is if your travel hair dryer will work.

If you’re only planning to travel domestically, you’ll be good to go with any of our listed options. But international travel means you’ll need to check the voltage of your dryer. Check out this country-by-country list of plugs, sockets, and voltages. Don’t worry, we’ve indicated which travel hair dryers have a dual voltage setting.

Now that you know what to look for, here are the best travel hair dryers to buy in 2024.

Top 10 Best Travel Hair Dryers 2024

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

• Drying Power: 1,600 watts
• Speeds: 2 (High/Low)
• Cool Shot Button: No
• Dual Voltage: Yes (120V/240V)

This is it! We love how this compact hair dryer packs a large punch in such a small package. At 1600 watts, the Conair Compact Hair Dryer holds its own amongst regular-sized hair dryers. Still, it’s not too noisy for routine use. The Conair Compact Hair Dryer is also fully-featured and travel-ready.

This hair dryer is a one-size-fits-most product, amenable to a variety of hair types. It has enough power to remove natural waves easily, taming shoulder-length hair into a straight style.

While this Conair will work for most, it might not fit your needs if you have a lot of thick hair that takes a while to dry. For extra thick hair, check out the titanium-containing hair dryers, such as the BaBylissPRO TT and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer .

The Conair Compact Hair Dryer has all the right stuff where it counts. Solid power in a lightweight frame, multiple heat settings, a foldable handle, a respectable five-foot cord, and reliable hard plastic shell design. Purchase without worry and hit the road for exciting travels. The Conair Compact Hair Dryer is sure to keep up!

Travel Readiness

For the frequent traveler, size is a major consideration. This travel hair dryer is about the length of a highlighter. Its lightweight design, weighing in at less than a pound, barely adds any weight to your luggage or backpack. You won’t have to worry about tipping the weight limit scales with this choice, and your arm will thank you too!

• Small, compact size
• Lightweight (less than a pound)
• High/Low settings
• Dual voltage for international travel
• Inexpensive
• Lacks retractable cord
• No attachments

• Drying Power: 1,875 Watts
• Material: Ionic, Ceramic
• Cool Shot Button: Yes

The Revlon Compact Travel Hair Dryer is our Best Budget Hair Dryer pick for a reason. It packs in a large number of desirable features at a very low cost. Who doesn’t like that?

Let’s start with its drying power. It has a full 1875 watts, which hits the top end range for most travel dryers. This hair dryer can, and will, handle almost any traveler’s hair in a flash.

Even though this product comes in at the low end of the price range, it has high-quality materials. Utilizing ionic technology with three layers of ceramic coating means you can say goodbye to frizzy hair during your travels. We also love that this travel hair dryer includes a cool shot button to lock-in the look and lock-out that frizz. Although not the lightest or smallest, it’s the best budget travel dryer with this great feature set.

The shorter barrel of this budget-friendly dryer makes maneuverability a snap. Plus, the concentrator attachment focuses hot air, speeding up drying time.

While this Revlon hair dryer competes well on power, material quality, and cost, it’s not the most compact or lightweight hair dryer on our list. If size and weight are your most important features, check out the ZOOMMATE Mini or the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium travel dryers.

• Full 1,875 watts of drying power
• Concentrator attachment included

• Drying Power: 1,000 Watts
• Material: Tourmaline, Titanium

The BaBylissPRO TT is great for all hair types, including thick and coarse hair, which can be especially difficult to dry. For fine hair, the lower setting works great to prevent damage to fragile hair.

At first, we were skeptical of the drying power of this product, but it’s clear that this travel hair dryer is at the top of its game. Travelers shouldn’t worry that 1000 watts will be underpowered. For such a tiny hair dryer, it proves its worth in power. Plus, a provided concentrator nozzle allows for quicker hair drying.

This premium product uses tourmaline crystals to emit static-fighting ions, revealing shiny, healthy hair. At the same time, the inclusion of titanium provides an incredibly lightweight product- essential for the frequent traveler. If you’re willing to forgo the tourmaline, the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer is an even lighter product for the minimalist adventurer.

Titanium-based products are superior travel accessories given their minimal weight. If you’re looking for a travel-friendly, dual voltage, premium product that’s great for all hair types, the BaBylissPRO TT would be an excellent fit for your needs.

Unfortunately the BaByliss PRO TT lacks a retractable cord for ease of packing. If you don’t want a cord unraveling in your luggage, the retractable cord feature can be found in the Andis Fold-N-Go Ionic Hair Dryer and the Conair Cord Keeper Hair Dryer .

• Lightweight thanks to titanium material usage
• Low drying power of 1,000 Watts
• No cool shot button

• Material: Ionic, Tourmaline, Ceramic

The Andis Fold-N-Go Ionic Hair Dryer has several attractive features, with multiple speed settings, a tourmaline ionic element to reduce frizz, a folding handle, and a retractable cord. At this price point, it makes a good choice for travelers who want fast, efficient drying and a range of styling options.

With 1875 watts and three heat/speed settings, the Andis Fold-N-Go provides maximum flexibility for your hair drying needs. It also sports a cool-shot button to secure your style! A concentrator adds more capability to this travel dryer, leaving you with unlimited styling options.

With a retractable cord, it also packs up easily and won’t get tangled in your belongings. If it wasn’t for the larger size of this travel hair dryer and lack of built-in dual voltage, we’d give it five out of five stars.

Andis makes a compelling product for the style-conscious traveler who doesn’t want to break the bank.

Travel readiness

The Andis Fold-N-Go brings high 1875 watt power with three heat/speed settings and a cool shot button. The folding handle and retractable cord are nice travel features, but the larger size and weight counteract some of the benefits. This dryer also lacks dual voltage, which could require additional hardware to work properly in some countries.

• Sports a retractable cord
• Full, 1,875 watts of heating power
• Not dual voltage

Almost everyone will recognize this hair dryer, but don’t let its standard look fool you. The Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer is a sleeper pick: not much to look at, but it packs a real punch where it counts.

The Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer brings you 1,875 watts and will dry any hair quickly, while the cool shot button holds that perfect style right where you want it. With two heat/speed settings, a foldable handle, and dual-voltage, it’ll meet nearly any travelers’ needs. The Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer doesn’t include any features to contain frizz, and it doesn’t have a retractable cord or any additional attachments. Some consumers expect more, but this dryer performs its basic functions really well.

With powerful heat and strong air movement, it’s still surprisingly quiet compared with other similar options. The Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer is a tried-and-true design that will keep you going worldwide. Trust us when we say: sometimes, stick with what works!

This dryer has high-power hair drying capability, with a cool shot button to hold your style in place! While not the lightest dryer, it still provides the essential features for international travel with dual voltage capability and a hard outer shell for repeated jostling and movement in your luggage.

• Super compact

• Material: Ionic, Titanium

Lightweight travel dryers often leave something to be desired, but not the BaByliss Nano Titanium Travel Dryer! With decent power and multiple desirable features, it’s a good contender for your travel hair drying needs.

While 1000 watts is the minimum for any decent hair dryer, the BaBlyiss Nano Titanium makes up for that shortcoming with ultra-low, sub-10 ounce weight, dual-voltage capability, and nano titanium ionic technology for frizz control. It also has two heat/speed settings, a foldable handle, and a concentrator for broad styling options.

Some may not like the higher price, and its lower power rating won’t wow many consumers, but you’d be hard-pressed to find this broad range of features in any other dryer. It’s an ultra-small dryer that can go almost anywhere in the world and provides steady hair-drying capacity for space-minded travelers.

This dryer is small and very lightweight, with multiple speed settings, a foldable handle, and dual voltage. It may not dry all hair types as well as higher-power options, and doesn’t include cool-shot or a retractable cord. Plus, the higher price could dissuade those looking for an inexpensive travel hair dryer.

• Lightweight due to titanium material usage

• Drying Power: 1,200 Watts
• Material: Tourmaline, Ceramic

The Conair miniPRO Tourmaline hits the mark for a good price, styling capability, and reliability. When looking for a compact travel dryer that stands out from the rest, look no further.

Conair has a wide range of hair-drying and hair styling products, and the miniPRO Tourmaline lives up their reputation for efficient and effective products. Weighing in as one of our lightest overall travel dryers, the miniPRO Tourmaline sports a respectable 1200 watts of power with two heat and speed settings, as well as other expected features in a modern travel hairdryer such as q foldable handle, dual voltage, and a concentrator for close styling.

Because it’s small and lightweight, that leaves little room for a retractable cord or additional features, like a cool-shot button. But those are acceptable trade-offs for the miniPro Tourmaline’s overall performance.

And with its exotic tourmaline ceramic ionizer, this dryer will keep your hair fabulous without frizz! Its bright red finish provides a fun accessory for your beauty routine. This provides great, no-fuss hair from a compact powerhouse of a travel hairdryer. The Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic is a solid choice for all your travels far and wide.

You’ll be ready for the jet-set lifestyle, with a foldable handle, dual-voltage capability, and multiple heat settings. This hair dryer will easily fit in luggage and work in most travel destinations without a problem.

• Ultra light

Who wants a bunch of cords getting tangled in their suitcase? The Conair Cord Keeper Hair Dryer takes care of this with a retractable cord. Paired with the foldable handle, this hair dryer is an obvious choice when you need a compact way to dry your hair on the go.

While a little bigger than other hair dryers on our list, the Conair Cord Keeper Hair Dryer makes up for it with a full 1,875 watts of drying power. If you know your destination can handle it, this is definitely a hair dryer to keep in mind.

Dual voltage means you’re ready for international travel anywhere in the world. While dual speeds means you have precision control. The cool shot button lets you lock in the perfect look.

While on the bigger side, the Conair Cord Keeper Hair Dryer makes up with a retractable cord, full heating ability, and dual controls.

Designed to go around the world with you, the Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer is the perfect companion for your travels. A bit on the bigger and heftier side than other hair dryers on our list, the combination of 1,875 watts, concentrator attachment and separate heat and speed settings really sets this hair dryer apart.

Smart voltage technology automatically adjusts to whatever voltage you plug it into. You don’t need to worry about accidentally plugging in this hair dryer before switching voltage.

This is the only hair dryer on our list that allows you full separate control over heat and airflow speed. This gives you full control over the heat and amount of air.  With you in control, you can style your hair exactly like you want it.

With both the semi-precious tourmaline and ceramic technology, you’ll get the most negative ions blasting into your hair, giving you the smooth and shiny look you’re after.

The combination of full 1,875 watts of heating power and separate heat and speed settings make this travel hair dryer the ultimate choice when you want control over your hair drying needs.

• Detects foreign voltage and adjusts automatically
• Separate heat and speed settings
• Cool shot button
• Concentrator included
• Large and heavy

• Material: Negative Ion Technology

The ZOOMMATE Mini Travel Hair Dryer is a minimalist’s dream. Throw it in your backpack and go. A tiny black carry bag keeps the cord from tangling amongst your other items, further enhancing its compact design.

This little guy lacks the power of other hair dryers in our list, but we don’t think it’s meant to be a power player. This is a product for someone who’s backpacking around a country, never staying in the same place twice. The user of this hair dryer doesn’t really care what the hair dryer is made out of or if it can provide a certain hairstyle. This hair dryer is for travelers who just want to remove the dampness from their hair before heading out on the day’s adventures!

We picked the ZOOMMATE Mini Travel Hair Dryer for a reason. It’s tiny! Pack it and go. We only wish it had a dual voltage feature to make this option more international travel friendly.

• Comes with a storage bag
• Ultra-low weight
• Relatively inexpensive
• Low drying power
• No attachments are provided

Guide to Buying the Best Travel Hair Dryer for 2024

Your travel hair dryer is the difference between Wow, you look incredible in that picture and Wow, that day of your trip must have been humid! We get it; it’s an important decision. You probably have a lot of questions. Don’t worry. We have answers!

You can absolutely travel with a hair dryer. In fact, we think you should travel with one! There is no guarantee that your travel accommodations will provide a hair dryer, and sometimes it’s a necessity, not just a luxury.

Imagine, you just hopped out of the shower before your glacier expedition in Alaska, and your hotel room failed to provide a hair dryer. This is quite the predicament. You’re going to see icicles up close and personal. They won’t be on the mountains in the distance–they’ll be hanging from your head!

There are a few things to keep in mind, though, about traveling with a hair dryer:

• First, you’ll need to understand the Transportation Security Association (TSA) guidelines about what you’re allowed to pack in carry-on bags and checked luggage if you’re traveling by airplane.
• Second, you’ll need to understand that international travel requires a different voltage for electronics than we use in the United States.
• Third, you’ll want to know that not all travel hair dryers have a convenient way to switch voltage–so you’ll need to keep an eye out for dual voltage features!

TSA Guidelines on Hair Dryers

The TSA advises and monitors what people can and can’t bring on airplanes. They have created an extensive list of what you can bring on planes . Thankfully, hair dryers are safe to bring in both carry-on and checked luggage. Be sure to check the TSA guidelines before you travel in case there’s a change to accepted items.

Dual Voltage Hair Dryers for International Travel

We’ve talked a lot about the wattage of hair dryers, but another term you’re going to come across is volts. You can think of the watts as the horsepower of your hair dryer, while the volts are the speed of the horse.

In the United States, plugging things into the wall will give you 120 volts of power. And you’ll actually be safe if you travel to Canada, Mexico, most of South America or Japan. Almost anyplace else you go will deliver around 240 volts. Plug a non dual-voltage hair dryer into one of those outlets and you may learn that your hair dryer can get a lot hotter than you’re used to.

Most hair dryers on the market can handle both voltages. But definitely not all. In fact, a couple of the ones on our list can only do 120 volts. So, if international travels are on your horizon, make sure to pay attention to this feature.

What Is the Best Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer?

Most dual voltage hair dryers require you to move a switch before plugging them in. Definitely doable, but not the most convenient. The Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer actually will sense the voltage coming in and just adapt. It even has a little LED light on it letting you know what voltage it’s operating at.

Now that we talked about voltage, let’s look at wattage. While the country you’re in sets the voltage you get, the hair dryer determines the wattage, and generally speaking, you want more.

Hair dryers have a heating element in them that will take electricity and produce heat. So a heating element that uses 1,000 watts of power will produce around half the heat that a 1,875 watt heating element does.

How Many Watts Is Good for a Hair Dryer?

You might think this is an easy question: just choose the one that uses the most watts. But hold up!

If the only thing you care about is getting dry hair, then definitely go for the highest wattage. And you’re in luck, half of the hair dryers on our list use the maximum 1,875 watts. Turn any of these babies on and you’ll be blasted with hair-drying heat in no time.

Why would you ever want to go lower? There are actually two good reasons!

If your hair is of the thinner variety, you may actually want to hold back on the heat. While the scalding temperatures will quickly dry your hair, thin hair may be damaged by the heat. Even more important, thin hair allows more of the heat to reach your scalp. This can lead to damage of the hair follicles themselves, which can in turn lead to hair loss. Definitely steer carefully here.

If you want the ability to choose between high or low heats, then the Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer is the only one on our list that has separate heat and speed controls.

Another reason you might want to avoid the super-powered hair dryer choices is that you might not be able to get the power you need.

Hair dryers use a lot of power. Really, a lot! In fact, the electrical systems of bathrooms in the United States are now actually designed around hair dryers. So if you’re going to plug into a place built in the last couple of decades, you’re probably safe. But not necessarily so if you’re planning an overnight at a bed and breakfast in a colonial-built farmhouse.

Plug an 1,875 Watt hair dryer into an older electrical socket, and you’re likely to end up in a dark room holding a powerless dryer. You’ll soon find yourself having to search for a breaker to switch.

We’ll spare you the math, but many older circuits will lose their power if you plug in anything past about 1,800 watts. Manufacturers know this and used to go up to 1,600 watts for exactly this reason. Since electrical systems were upgraded in newer houses, manufacturers also upped the wattage. Now, we regularly see travel hair dryers that go up to 1,875 watts.

So if you know you’re staying in a newer place, and if you want an 1,875-watt hair dryer, then you’re set. Many times when we’re traveling it’s not so clear. A safe bet you can take is to get a 1,600-watt hair dryer. Our best pick, the Conair Compact Hair Dryer is a perfect choice for you with an optimal 1,600 watt heating power.

Let’s face it, there’s never enough space to take everything you want to bring. If size is all you care about, then you’ll definitely want a small hair dryer.

One of the main features that makes for a good travel hair dryer is having a foldable handle. There’s a basic shape that any blow dryer is going to take and having a handle that can fold will let it squeeze into a smaller space.

This feature is so important that all of the travel hair dryers on our list sport a foldable handle. If you’re looking for the most compact folding handle possible, we recommend the BaByliss PRO TT Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer .

Looking at a hair dryer, you might think they’re all made of the same thing: plastic. But what makes up the parts inside make a huge difference in how your hair gets dried. Let’s look at the most common materials and technologies used by hair dryers:

Ceramics are clays that have been heated up to make the internal parts of a hairdryer. They’re really good at getting hot and staying at a specific temperature. That’s important if you find yourself drying your hair frequently.

Ceramics make a specific kind of heat called infrared. This type of heat actually penetrates the hair, drying it from the inside, leaving natural moisture on the surface. This will leave your hair looking shiny.

Ceramics are a natural source of ions, they actually just pump them out when heated. Some hair dryers have whole parts made out of ceramic. These will produce more negative ions than a hair dryer where the parts are just coated with ceramic.

Tourmaline is actually a semi-precious gemstone. But don’t bust open your tourmaline hair dryer looking for anything shiny. Manufacturers grind up this mineral and use them to make or coat the parts of your hair dryer.

As you might guess, grinding up gems to make a hair dryer seems a little extreme, this is why hair dryers that tout they use tourmaline are going to be a little spendy.

Like ceramic, tourmaline is a natural source of negative ions. Just like ceramics, it’s better to have whole parts made of tourmaline and not just coated. You likely won’t be able to know which way it’s used since it’s typically not marketed.

Tourmaline is known for producing a lot of negative ions compared to the other materials. What this means is that it will dry your hair quickly. So if time is of the essence, definitely opt for this gem-laden choice.

You might think of planes, buildings or wedding bands when you hear titanium. But there’s one reason why titanium might be in your hair dryer: weight.

Titanium parts weigh in at 40% lighter than their ceramic counterparts. So if you’re looking for a hair dryer that’s good for a quick style, then titanium is what you want.

Titanium isn’t known for producing infrared heat. That means the heat is going to be applied from the outside of your hair and have to make its way in.

This isn’t a bad thing, but the quick heating of the hair surface makes titanium a better choice for those of us with thicker hair. If you have thin hair, you may want to look at ceramics or tourmaline.

Titanium doesn’t naturally produce negative ions like the other choices. So if you’re looking at a titanium hair dryer choice, make sure to check if it says it includes this feature. Most of the manufacturers do this by incorporating a small piece of ceramic or tourmaline somewhere inside to produce a small amount of ions.

To fight the frizz and tame the mane, you’ll want a travel hair dryer targeted to your individual needs.

It’s true that everybody’s hair is made of the same stuff. This might lead you to think all hair dryers will work the same for everybody, but that’s not the case.

Hair can be thick or thin, or it can be straight or curly . These differences in hair structure mean that the hair dryer you use can have a huge effect on what happens to your hair. It can mean the difference between frizzy hair and smooth, silky hair.

We’ll look at the four main types of hair and how to choose a hair dryer for them here:

Straight Hair

Assuming you want to keep your hair straight, you’re in luck! Pretty much any hair dryer will work with your sleek hair. Really, what we suggest is not using your hair type to lead you to select a hair dryer. Instead focus on other factors. Do you care about space in your luggage, drying time, ease of travel? Choose your hair dryer based on that. Your hair will accommodate.

Hair gets curly due to disulfide bonds that bend the shaft. But you don’t need a degree in chemistry to figure out how to choose a hair dryer that will give you salon-like results.

Blow drying curls can be an anxiety-inducing ordeal. One small slip, and your curl ends up pointing the wrong direction. There are two things to keep in mind to help make the process flow smoothly.

Curly hair responds a lot better to far infrared heat. What that means is choose a hair dryer made of ceramics or tourmaline. You want to avoid titanium that tends to throw a lot more heat and works on just the surface.

Second, working on small parts of your hair, just a curl or two at a time can be critical. To do this, you’re going to want a concentrator attachment. You can always go after-market and get one that fits onto your hair dryer, but save yourself the hassle and choose a hair dryer that comes with one already.

Many of the hair dryers on our list include a concentrator attachment, but the Revlon Compact Travel Hair Dryer is a great choice!

Thick or Coarse Hair

So let’s start this off by clearing the air: thick hair and coarse hair are two different things. Thick hair means you have a lot of hair. Coarse hair means that the individual hairs you do have are thick.

So why are we grouping them here? Because you can choose hair dryers for both types the same way.

The main thing you want for these hair types is heat. You need the wattage. If you know you’ll be staying at newer places, then opt for a hair dryer with 1,875 watts. Something like our Revlon Compact Travel Hair Dryer makes a great choice for this.

If you want to play it safe, then choose a hair dryer that puts out a perfectly decent 1,600 watts. Our number one choice, the Conair Compact Hair Dryer is an obvious pick here.

Your fine hair needs protection so they don’t end up split or frizzed. Like curly hair, fine hair is best heated drom a distance. So stick with ceramics or tourmaline and you’ll be safe. Don’t feel like you need to get the highest wattage hair dryer either. Using a moderate heat dryer works just great for fine hair.

Making sure your hair stays in top shape while traveling is a top priority. Choosing the right travel hair dryer is a critical part of this. You’ll need to choose carefully based on what material your travel hair dryer is made of, it’s size, the type of power it needs, and how much power it uses. And you have to do this all while keeping in mind the type of hair you have.

So enjoy choosing your travel hair dryer and rest assured that your hair will be in great shape for your next trip- wherever your journeys might take you!

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Ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer

Online only | Item 2612854

Ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer. A small but mighty travel friendly hair dryer that is powerful, premium & portable. Includes a luxe travel case to protect your dryer when traveling.

• The new Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer is powerful, premium and portable. Weighing in at less than 1lb, it's designed to be the perfect travel companion.
• Features a compact powerful motor, with 77% of the power of a full size hair dryer* for fast drying results, every single time.
• At 47% lighter, 25% smaller* and with a foldable handle, this travel hair dryer is ideal for saving room when you travel.
• With advanced ionic technology, achieve sleek and smooth, shiny blow dries with reduced frizz.
• With dual voltage functionality, suitable for around the world, you'll say goodbye to hotel hair dryers and hello to good hair days.
• BONUS: Accompanied by an exclusive luxurious travel case to protect your dryer when travelling.
• DISCLAIMER: *vs ghd air
• Ideal for on the go travelling - it is powerful, premium, portable.
• Compact but powerful with 77% of the power of a full sized hair dryer, 47% lighter and 25% smaller.*
• Comes with an exclusive luxurious travel protective case.
• Lightweight design, with foldable handle for easy packing.
• 2 speed & temperature settings combined with a removable nozzle
• Use it anywhere with dual voltage.
• 2-year warranty for peace of mind
• Unfold the handle until you hear a click.
• For more wave: Dry small sections at a time, holding a round brush vertically.
• For more volume: Dry small sections at a time, holding a round brush horizontally.
• Lift and separate your hair as you dry to create soft volume as well as giving a frizz-free finish.
• Set your style with the cool setting.

Shipping & Coupon Restrictions

This brand is excluded from most Ulta Beauty coupons.

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The best travel hair dryers for space-saving styling away from home

Our beauty team reviews the best travel hair dryers that are lightweight and portable – but, crucially, still powerful

• Sign up to W&H Newsletter Newsletter

Packing for a vacation can be overwhelming, and trying to squeeze in hair tools adds to that stress – which is precisely why the best travel hair dryers were invented. 

Just like packing miniature bottles of your favorite liquids, or organizing your clothing items into packing cubes, the best hair dryer for travel will save space in your suitcase and allow you to achieve your go-to styles wherever you are. Not to mention, you won't have to do battle with a hotel room hair dryer.)

Not only do travel dryers tend to come with features like a foldable handle, dual voltage functions, and an incredibly lightweight feel, the tech specs should still fit your specific hair type and length – be that a low-maintenance short hairstyle for women , or a long hairstyle that requires more power and attachments. 

We're serious about the hot tools we put on our hair, so we've curated this list of the best travel hair dryers that are easy to pack in your best suitcase , lightweight to hold, and foolproof to style with. 

The best travel hair dryers, chosen by our experts

Why you can trust Woman & Home At woman&home we test hundreds of products and would never recommend something that we wouldn't personally buy, use or give as a gift to a loved one. Find out more about how we research and test products.

1. ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you have any level of knowledge about hair styling tools, you are probably not surprised to see an entry from ghd, makers of some of the best hair dryers for fine hair , thick hair, and everything in between. To look at, the Flight Travel Dryer, which has had a very slight makeover since it first launched, has a similar design to the Air dryer, packed into a smaller size with a foldable handle. The travel case has also had a bit of a zhush, now a zip-around shape with a stylish shoulder strap – updates that we are big fans of. 

As for what it's like to use? There are three settings on offer, providing decent power and a smooth stream of air – though the cool shot, used for "setting" your style, could perhaps be a little cooler for our liking. Nevertheless, it's a great little dryer; the voltage is also super easy to adjust by twisting a dial on the handle with a screwdriver (or perhaps more accessible on a holiday, a coin). Another minor quibble is that the concentrated nozzle, pictured, is a bit light and plasticky and doesn't feel as premium as the rest of the dryer. But overall, the Flight is a solid example of why ghd is a brand you can put your trust – and money – in without no real risk of disappointment.

2. Amika Mighty Mini Dryer

The first thing to note about this fun and funky dryer, as shown in our image below, is its size; dryers that have been designed specifically for travel are almost all smaller than standard, but Amika's Mighty Mini Dryer is barely bigger than our hand. (Currently it is only available in the UK, so look to the Skanwen model for something smaller in the US.) Because of this, we were genuinely impressed by how much power it managed to rev up when we first switched it on – mighty and mini indeed! But not only that, we were pleased with how well it dried our hair and it didn't take an age to do so. 

Another plus is that, as well as the concentrator nozzle, this dryer also comes with a teeny tiny diffuser, which isn't that standard for travel dryers. This will, therefore, be very welcome to those who usually use one of the best hair dryers for curly hair who are wanting to define their natural curls while drying. Granted, you can't fit a lot of hair into this tiny diffuser at one time, but it's better than no diffuser, and was a welcome inclusion in our books. For those who are traveling as light as possible, this will take up an incredibly small amount of space without compromising too much on results. 

3. BaByliss Travel Dryer

The first thing that caught our attention before trying this dryer was the extremely accessible price point from such a trustworthy big-name brand. Sure, it doesn't feel as premium as some of the other tools we've featured in our guide, but it's also significantly cheaper – almost a quarter of the price of some of the higher-end buys – so we think it's extremely good value for how it performs.

The dryer comes with just the one attachment, a narrow nozzle, which is useful for more precise styling. When used on the higher of the two heat-speed settings it's surprisingly powerful, and dried our hair pretty quickly, though the lower setting is better for hair that's susceptible to frizzing. In an ideal world, we would have also liked to see a cooler setting, but overall this dryer does the job pretty well – and certainly better than a rogue hotel room dryer! Although this specific hair dryer is only available in the UK, BaByliss is part of the Conair corporation, so look to the Conair model included in our guide for something of a similar price and specs.

4. Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

We'd go as far as to liken Drybar's Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer to your hair stylist in a hot tool. The dryer is extremely powerful, serving up a 1200-watt motor and two heat settings for complete customization, and, much like the ghd Flight, has a folding handle for all even more space-saving. This dryer was able to dry our hair in record time – and without generating the excess frizz that many other hot tools leave in their wake. 

That's all thanks to the negative ion generator that seals the cuticle and keeps flyaways at bay while drying, which is helpful if you want to keep your destination's weather (be that humidity or wind) from ruining your hair. It also comes with a concentrator nozzle for more precise styling, which is a nice option to have when you're on the go. We're fans of Drybar's signature canary yellow-hued products, and – while a sturdier case like ghd's would have been nice – we appreciate that the brand includes a dryer dust bag to keep it protected while traveling.

5. Mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer

One of the quietest hair dryers on the market, thanks to its brushless motor, the mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer may not have a foldable handle but its small size does lend itself extremely well to travel. As it hasn't been designed for travel like some of the other models in our guide, it doesn't have the option to change its voltage, so if you are set on that function you may find that ghd, BaByliss or Drybar's tools are more up your street. But at just under 1.5lbs, it certainly won't add much weight to your holdall or weekend bag, and packs some serious power into its tiny frame. 

As for the actual use? This is one powerful little dryer that impressed us from the moment we first switched it on. It zips between the heat and speed settings impressively quickly – so there's no delay when you're ready to set your style with the cool shot – and comes with two handy magnetic narrow nozzle attachments that secure onto the dryer easily. In short, you can tell that the brains behind this dryer are those of a pro hairdresser.

If you're willing and able to invest in a high-quality model that will give you reliable results, we recommend trying this one from T3. Lauded for its frizz-controlling, volume-inducing properties, this dryer features the brand's IonAir Technology, which quickly dries hair and keeps it looking smooth for days. It also offers three heat and two speed settings for complete customization depending on your hair texture and how quickly you need it dry. 

What sets this model apart from the others, though, is its auto-dual voltage, which automatically shifts depending on where you are – which we found yielded worry-free styling, as there was no worry that we'd forget to adjust it to the correct setting for our location. We also appreciated being able to pop on the concentrated nozzle for smoother looks; all in all, this is a winning dryer that'll give you flawless results every time.

7. Conair Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle

Jet setters, rejoice! Conair's compact hair dryer makes it easy to achieve salon-worthy hair on the go. During testing it performed consistently, drying and styling our hair in a variety of weather conditions. When comparing it to other models, we noticed that the nozzle isn't as long as the others and that the handle is shorter when folded, meaning it takes up less space in your suitcase. 

While the heat flow was even and it dries quickly, one thing we noticed was that the dryer wasn't as powerful as the other ones we tested, so keep this in mind if you have long, dense hair or want to create an ultra-controlled bouncy blow dry . This one is only available in the US, but look to the BaByliss travel dryer for something similarly affordable—they are comparable as both brands are part of the Conair group.

8. Eva NYC Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer + Bag

The compliments will come pouring in after whipping out this mini dryer from Eva NYC – not just for the gorgeous hair it yields, but for the eye-catching carrying case that makes it so easy to throw in your duffel, carry-on, and even your best gym bag . Like the Amika model, despite its little size it doesn't lack power or strength. It features tourmaline-infused ceramic components and a 1200-watt motor, giving you the same speed and intensity as your standard-sized dryer but in compact form. 

We appreciated the concentrator and diffuser attachments that came with the dryer, which allowed for more customized styling. But most importantly, this dryer never left hair looking frizzy, making it a solid option if you're traveling to a humid destination.

9. Skanwen Professional Hair Dryer

Though it's the priciest model on our list by some way, even outranking T3 in that respect, this highly-rated option is also the slimmest when folded, making it ideal to fit into tight spaces for those really packing in their luggage. It has several heat and speed functions to choose from, which makes it great for all hair types, whether you have a fine, medium, or thick and curly hairstyle . 

We found the 360° rotatable nozzle a particularly useful feature here – it made it easy to smooth out hard-to-reach areas like the nape of the neck. We also enjoyed how quiet the model was compared to the others that we tested, giving the quietest hair dryers a run for their money. And finally, the fact that the concentrator nozzles were magnetic meant that we didn't need to fuss with putting them on and taking them off, which can add to styling time if you're in a rush.

10. It's a 10 Miracle Mini Travel Kit

Looking for a no-fuss option that'll have you covered during every step of your styling? This set from It's a 10 will be your newest travel companion, featuring the brand's best shampoo and conditioner in addition to the hair dryer. The haircare duo uses aloe vera and sunflower seed extract to hydrate the hair and seal the cuticle pre-styling. 

As for the dryer, it's small but mighty, featuring a removable filter that makes it easy to clean out and prevents lint buildup from impeding your style. One thing we docked a point off for is that the dryer isn't foldable, which can make it difficult to pack into smaller bags.

11. Hot Tools Pro Signature Ionic Travel Hair Dryer

Traveling to a humid destination? We recommend this hair dryer from Hot Tools. At 1875 watts it's the most powerful model we tested – and the results showed for it. 

When testing on extremely coarse, flyaway-prone hair, we found this model was able to dry the hair efficiently and without frizz. The drying and styling process was also made easy thanks to the swivel cord, which allowed us to rotate the dryer without rotating our hands (no sore arms here!). We're fans of the sleek black and gold signature Hot Tools color, too.

12. Mayraki Straightening/Volumizing/Wavy 3-in-1 Styler

We found that this do-it-all hot tool dries, straightens, and waves hair to perfection. Though it may look intimidating, we found it quite easy to use – the heated teeth provide even heat distribution while the variety of heat settings makes it easy to customize your look. 

It also features a 360-degree swivel power cord, so you won't get tangled up during styling. Plus, the automatic shut-off function is good for forgetful types. While it doesn't fold or have dual-voltage capabilities, the tool is extremely compact and won't take up too much space in your bag, making it a great travel-friendly option.

13. Calista StyleDryer Pro Hair Drying Brush

If you want to look like you just stepped out of the salon, the Calista StyleDryer Pro Hair Drying Brush is a hot tool you need in your arsenal. The brush comes with two attachments: an oval brush for giving your ends a polished flip seen in youthful hairstyles and a styling brush for detangling and giving major volume. It is only available in the US, but for a similar dryer brush with two attachments look to the T3 AireBrush Duo – though it isn't a smaller travel size.) Each tourmaline-infused brush offers even heat distribution and reduces frizz, static, and flyaways. 

We like that this is a two-in-one product and that you won't need another tool to finish off your style. During testing, we appreciated the brush's feather-light feel and slim, suitcase-friendly design. This tool doesn't have dual-voltage functions, so keep this in mind if you're traveling overseas.

How we tested the best travel hair dryers

To provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best tools on the market, we tested dozens of dryers from various price points in different scenarios, both at home and on the go. We also assessed how easily they packed away in a carry-on or suitcase, and how their performance compared with our usual hair dryer. During the testing process, we took each of the below factors into account. 

• Design 
• Any included attachments, e.g. concentrated nozzles or diffuser
• If the dryer came with a case
• How well and how quickly it dried our hair

How to choose a travel hair dryer

Whether you're traveling internationally, domestically, or locally, there are a few different important factors to take into account before you purchase your travel hair dryer, which we've expanded on below. 

• Size and weight: The first thing to consider is where you're traveling and what mode of transport you'll use, which will determine how big and heavy the hair dryer should be. "If you are taking it on a plane, you'll want something that's lightweight and small enough to fit in your carry-on bag," says Asako Ito , beauty expert and founder of Divine Lashes. If you're traveling by train or car, you may be able to get away with something a bit heavier and bigger. Some travel dryers are small enough to fit into a small duffel bag or purse, which can be helpful for quick on-the-go touchups if you're running in between meetings or stopping by Happy Hour after work.
• Dual voltage: Many travel hair dryers come with dual voltage functionalities, and it's definitely an option to seek out if you make frequent international trips. According to Jasmine Rilington , hairstylist and founder of The Glam Room: "using a non-dual-voltage hair dryer overseas could cause a fuse to be blown at best and damage to your hair at worst." 
• Material: As with tools such as the best hair straighteners , materials matter. "Ceramic is a great option as it puts out non-damaging infrared heat, which is good for frizzy hair and protects the hair from heat damage," says Rilington. "Tourmaline emits infrared heat too but also negative ions, which can make the styling process easier and provide a glossy finish." This material is a great option for anyone wondering how to get shiny hair .

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Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty writer with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is an editor and writer on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, The Zoe Report, HelloGiggles, Yahoo, Byrdie, Well+Good, Reviewed, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, The Girlfriend, and more.

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GHD FLIGHT+ TRAVEL HAIR DRYER

Small but mighty – 78% of the power of a full-sized hair dryer* (includes luxury travel case)

• Free UK Next Day Delivery
• 21 day no quibble returns policy
• 2 year warranty

The new ghd flight+ travel hair dryer is powerful, premium and portable. Holidays are for all year round and so are travel friendly blow dries.

With 78% of the power of a full-sized hair dryer*, ghd flight+ is fuelled by a DC motor and improved heater for fast drying results, every single time.

At 49% lighter* and 25% smaller* this ultimate travel hair dryer delivers effortless, long-lasting blow dries on all hair types due to the advanced ionic technology. Also featuring a foldable handle ghd has your travel experience in mind, giving you extra space in your suitcase.

With dual voltage functionality and a premium design you'll say goodbye to hotel dryers and hello to good hair days with ghd flight+.  

*vs. ghd air

COMPACT DESIGN FOR EASY PACKING

49% lighter*, 25% smaller* with a folding handle to neatly fit into your luggage, you can make more room for your holiday wardrobe.

(*vs ghd air)

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Harnessing 78% of the power of a full sized hair dryer*, you can achieve a good hair day wherever life takes you.

ROUND THE WORLD STYLING

With dual voltage functionality, you can style stress-free wherever you are in the world.

Winning over 400 beauty awards worldwide to date, for over 20 years ghd have championed innovation, performance and design to bring you good hair days every day.

What's included?

New ghd flight+ travel hair dryer and stylish carry case.

Luxury travel case

Protect your ghd flight+ with the coordinating travel case with a branded strap.

Speed & temperature settings

Variable speed and temperatre controls for drying control.

Compact, ergonomic design

Ergonomic travel-sized hair dyer with folding handle for easy packing. Lightweight at just 453g (with cord and nozzle).

Powerful airflow

Compact but powerful, the ghd flight® delivers an airflow temperature of 65°C

ghd hair safeguard technology

Automatically switches off when held too close to hair to prevent overheating.

Dual Voltage

Works at 240V & 120V so you can achieve a good hair day anywhere.

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Ghd flight+ travel hair dryer rating review, awful service, obsessed this is the best hairdryer, travel hair dryer but with power, great travel hairdryer.

The Best Travel Hair Dryer in Australia for 2024

Written by: The Adventure Lab

Last Updated: August 13, 2022

We are reader-supported and may receive a commission on purchases made through links on this page.

Styling stubborn locks on your travels is a daunting task unless you have a good-quality hair dryer with you.

However, finding a reliable travel-size unit that can successfully replace your full-size one can be a challenge.

To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up the best travel hair dryers currently on the market in Australia and assessed them against key criteria such as size, power, and reliability.

After the reviews below we discuss the key things to look out for when choosing your travel hair dryer.

Our top pick: GHD Flight Saharan Gold

Pros: Compact and foldable, removable nozzle for precision drying, two variable temperature settings Cons: Some users may desire a bit more power on the lower setting

Coming from one of the most popular hair styling product manufacturers in the world, the Saharan Gold is the best travel dryer you can get your hands on.

This lightweight and foldable hair dryer impresses with a truly compact size.

It fits easily in a carry-on or backpack and comes stylishly packed in a luxurious black travel case.

Despite its size though, it has a powerful motor and dual voltage capability that adapts to use in all countries.

Combining performance and portability, this is a must-have travel companion.

Best value: VS Sassoon Pocket Rocket Dryer

Pros: Dual voltage for worldwide use, extremely lightweight, foldable handle Cons: None

The VS Sassoon Pocket Rocket Dryer is a small, reliable, and cheap travel hair dryer to slip in your carry-on. Although it may look tiny, performance is delivered thanks to a ceramic tourmaline element and high-quality components.

Ideal to use on all types of hair, the dryer also comes with a concentrator nozzle and lets you choose from two speed and heat settings for added control.

Upgrade pick: Parlux 385 Powerlight

Pros: Lightweight and ergonomic design, four temperature and two-speed settings, long lasting motor Cons: Doesn’t have dual voltage capabilities, doesn’t fold, expensive

The Parlux 385 Powerlight is not designed specifically for travel, but it’s compact enough to fit in a carry-on. And thanks to its full-size capabilities, it’s an excellent choice to style your hair while on the go.

It packs 2,150 watts of power and uses ionic and ceramic technology that helps you handle all types of hair.

Remington Jet Setter Travel Dryer

Pros: Dual voltage capabilities, removable filter for easy maintenance, two speed and heat settings Cons: It may a little tricky to slide between low and high-speed settings

The Remington Jet Setter Travel Dryer is a surprisingly powerful travel hair dryer that can help you style even the most stubborn locks.

Putting out a whopping 2,000 watts and small enough to fit in a carry-on or handbag, this dryer boasts two speed and heat settings, and it even comes with a convenient concentrator nozzle.

A foldable handle and built-in hanging loop make it convenient to store, either at home or on the go.

Silver Bullet Baby Travel Hair Dryer

Pros: Comes with both a concentrator nozzle and curls diffuser, extremely compact and lightweight design, multiple colour options Cons: No foldable handle

The Silver Bullet Baby Travel Hair Dryer is another great option and comes at a reasonable price point.

It is a truly compact dryer, designed to fit seamlessly in a carry-on, and it’s incredibly lightweight.

Two powerful airflow and heat settings make it suitable for all hair types. And like most travel hair dryers, it also comes with dual voltage settings for convenient worldwide use. 

RELATED:  The Best Travel Iron

How To Choose A Travel Hair Dryer

A travel hair dryer should be smaller and more compact than your full-size one, but ideally it should still pack a similar level of power and features. Here are the most important things to look for:

• Ceramic element : The ceramic element is essential in a hair dryer if you want to reduce frizz and speed up the drying process. This element ensures an even distribution of heat that dries uniformly and prevents hair damage.
• Ionic technology : Almost all dryers with a ceramic element are also ionic in nature. The discharge of negative ions is essential if you want shinier and fuller hair.
• Foldable handle : All travel hair dryers are compact by definition. However, a foldable handle can make it even easier to fit in your luggage. If the unit also comes with a storage case or pouch, that’s even better.
• Dual voltage : Dual voltage capabilities ensure you’ll be able to use your travel hair dryer in all countries and on all continents.
• Heat and speed settings : Also check the heat and speed settings. Make sure you can control them separately, especially if you have stubborn hair that requires particular a particular configuration. 

RELATED:  The Best Travel Pillow for Long Haul Flights

Our favourite travel hair dryer is the  GHD Flight Saharan Gold . This product is part of a limited edition series and is designed to meet the needs of all hair types. It is truly compact and lightweight and comes with a foldable handle that makes it fit seamlessly in your luggage. 

Powerful enough to address all styling needs and boasting dual voltage capabilities, this is a great hair styling tool to take on your adventures. It might not be the cheapest, but it’s performing and reliable, packing all you could wish from a best-in-class pick.

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The Adventure Lab