The 15 Best Travel Hair Dryers That Are Powerful and Lightweight
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Updated September 25, 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 for a trip, whether it’s holiday weekend travel or a mid-winter vacation, is never easy, especially when it comes time to whittle down the best beauty products you want to bring along. With the best travel hair dryers, you can rest assured that you won’t have to cut corners while styling your hair on the road. There are so many innovative stylers that are small but mighty and prioritize lightweight design, including new releases from the tool experts at Shark Beauty, Dyson, Drybar, T3, and more, that are worth the buy before you fly.
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 for any suitcase or weekender bag.
Top Travel Hair Dryers for 2023
Best Design: Amika The CEO 360 Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer
Best Budget Dryer: Conair MiniPro 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
Best Luxury Dryer: Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer
Best Hair Dryer Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush
Best for Versatility: Shark Speedstyle Hair Dryer
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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
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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you want to snag a great travel hair dryer but don’t have Dyson dollars, this affordable option 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
Related:
Best Affordable Hair Dryers
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
Settings: Two heat and speed settings
Attachments: One concentrator and one diffuser
Warranty: No
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
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
Settings: Two heat and speed settings
Attachments: One concentrator
Warranty: Two years
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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
T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer
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
Attachments: Two concentrators
Warranty: Two and three year options for an additional cost
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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
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
Attachments: One concentrator
Warranty: Two year warranty
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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
Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer
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
Warranty: No
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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
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
Warranty: No
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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
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
Attachments: One concentrator
Warranty: One year
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
“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
Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
Best Powerful Travel Hair Dryer
Size: Less than one pound
Features: Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat? for hydration, lightweight, universal voltage, far-infrared heat
Settings: Four heat and speed settings
Attachments: Concentrator
Warranty: 10 years
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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
Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Best Energy-Saving Travel Hair Dryer
Size: Less than one pound
Features: Patented silencer for nearly noiseless experience, customizable ion functionality, energy efficient dual filtration system
Settings: 12 heat and speed settings
Attachments: Two concentrators
Warranty: One year
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
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Dyson Supersonic 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
Warranty: Two years
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 waist-length hair in less than 10 minutes. And in five minutes if I wait until 80 percent dry. It comes with several attachments including the flyaway attachment which is my favorite since you don’t need to use two hands.”
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
Related:
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review
Shark SmoothStyle Review
Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer
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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush
Best Hair Dryer Brush
Size: 1.63 pounds
Features: Anti-damage ceramic titanium tourmaline technology, 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
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush
Related: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush Review
Shark Speed Style Hair Dryer
Size: 1.69 pounds
Features:
Settings: Five heat and two speed settings
Attachments: RapidGloss Finisher, QuickSmooth Brush, Turbo Concentrator or DefrizzFast Diffuser
Warranty: Two years
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Straight & Wavy
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Curly & Coily
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — Curly & Coily
Related: Shark Speedstyle Review
What to Look for in a Travel Hair Dryer
A travel hair dryer requires specific and special considerations, as opposed to an everyday, at-home hair dryer. Here are the key factors to look for when shopping for the best 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. On top of finding a tool that suits your hair type and styling preferences, you also may be wondering, “What’s a good hair dryer for travel?” Here are the main types of travel hair dryers for different needs to keep in mind.
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 Due?as. 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 dryer brushes are dual-voltage, but make sure you double check before you jet-set. The best travel hair dryer with dual voltage features is compatible with outlets from 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, Japan, Rio de Janeiro, Australia, and everywhere in between.
Travel hair dryer brushes: Travel hair dryer brushes are the most versatile 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. Learn more about us here.
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.
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 Zo? Kravitz and Gigi Hadid have on speed dial.
Justin Anderson is a celebrity colorist and founder of the hair care brand, DpHue. He’s famous for mastering multidimensional blonde hues and he’s colorist behind some of Hollywood’s most well-known hairstyles, including Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus and Kristin Cavallari.
Michael Due?as 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 Authors
Kaitlin Clark is a beauty writer based in NYC. Clark has spend nearly a decade testing the latest hair products and tools, like travel hair dryers, while writing reviews and shopping guides for publications such as Allure, Instyle, Reader’s Digest and more. Clark wrote the original version of this story.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD Shop and Footwear News. She’s spent over five 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 contributed to the 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 Amazon press-on nails on September 25th, 2023 with new releases and editor-tested product picks.
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