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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

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.

It’s superlightweight, 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).

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

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. During testing, 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.

Best for Frizz

Bondiboost sonic dryer.

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 in a hotel room. 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: 4 heat settings | 3 speed settings | 12.32 ounces | 8-foot cord

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 midrange 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, and it also has an auto-cleaning feature. An added bonus: it comes with an adjustable diffuser, a comb nozzle, a smoothing nozzle, and a travel pouch.

The Details: 4 heat settings | 3 speed settings | 10.5 ounces | 1200 watts | Includes travel pouch

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 heat 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.

Best Accessories

Olivia garden high performance professional hair dryer.

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-cleaning function to eradicate any gunk that builds up over time.

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 (consider investing in some heatless curlers instead), 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. We also think it's more lightweight and easier to travel with than some blow dry brushes from other brands. When you don't have time to head out to a salon on vacation, this device is an excellent one-stop shop.

The Details: 4 heat settings | 3 speed settings | 1 pound | 4.57 x 12.7 x 7.4 inches | 9-foot cord

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 located on the outside of the handle, which makes it a bit difficult to change the settings when the dryer is in use.

First, we tested 34 of the top hair dryers in our lab, 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 , shoe bag , 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 and fly with it — 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.

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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?

In This Article

Our Top Picks
What To Look For
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Byrdie

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.

Best Overall

T3 afar travel size hair dryer.

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.

What to look for in a travel hair dryer

The 9 best travel hair dryers that won't fill up your suitcase.

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Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a weekslong 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 2024 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

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

Fastest drying: T3 Afar - See at Amazon

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

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When shopping for a travel hair dryer, there are a few things to consider. For example, stylist Shelly Aguirre at Maxine Salon in Chicago stresses the importance of dual voltage if you're an avid international traveler. "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, no styling features 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.

How do you travel with a hair dryer?

Different rules apply whether you are traveling with a carry-on or a checked bag. You can place a travel hair dryer in your carry-on suitcase as long as it meets your airline's wattage criteria. Checked luggage is a little more flexible and rarely has a wattage limit. Regardless of whatever bag you choose, you'll want to pack your travel hair dryer securely to avoid damage during the flight.

What voltage is ideal?

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

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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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.

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.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

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

The most lightweight and compact dryers to take on your travels, according to 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 will easily slot in alongside your other beauty essentials . Though small, they can still pack a punch, with some having the same power as a standard model.

These are the GHI's top-rated models but keep scrolling for our full reviews.

Best travel hair dryer

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 looking shinier.

Wattage vs weight: Wattage refers to the power of your dryer – usually, the higher it is, the heavier the hair dryer. Balance styling needs with how much you're doing to be carrying it around and bear hand luggage weight restrictions in mind too — 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

Our GHI experts recruited 60 testers with different hair types to review a range of travel hair dryers. We then asked them to provided detailed feedback, considering 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're after a glamorous, bouncy blow dry for wandering the streets on city breaks, or want to tame those fresh-off-the-beach curls on the coast, 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, 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 on test 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’, which means 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. Our panel was impressed with how powerful the airflow is 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.

The verdict on travel hair dryers

Be sure to pack the BaByliss travel hair dryer in your suitcase this summer if you want super sleek hair in those Instagram pictures.

Seawater and humidity will bring out the curls in some of us – the Remington On the Go has a handy diffusing attachment to make the most of those beachy waves.

Frequent flyer wanting to tame the flyaways? Then it may be worth investing in powerhouse haircare brand ghd’s Flight Travel Hair Dryer , for a sleek and speedy blow on the go.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

Since opening our doors over 100 years ago, the GHI has tested thousands of products to help readers buy the best for them – from massage guns and sleep masks to water flossers and IPL devices.

Each product is tested against strict protocols by our team of experts. Maria Kumar , our beauty and grooming testing manager, has a master's degree in chemical engineering, a diploma in cosmetic science, and an MBA from the London College of Fashion, combined with years of testing experience in the field.

Our senior beauty writer Florence Reeves-White has written about and reviewed hundreds of beauty products, and worked closely with the testers to turn their results into easy-to-read articles to help readers find the best travel hair dryer for them.

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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12 Best Travel Hair Dryers to Take on Your Next Vacation

Dry hair in a flash.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

We hate to break it to you, but if you’re someone who needs that perfect blow dry every time you wash your hair, nothing beats bringing your own—especially considering how many people use the same hotel blow dryer. “Hotel hair dryers are full of bacteria if the hair dryers aren't cleaned regularly,” says Julien Farel, hairstylist and founder of Julien Farel Restore Salon, Spa & Fitness in New York City. The good news is that there are some great travel hair dryers on the market you won’t hesitate to make room for in your suitcase.

When shopping for a travel hair dryer, there are certain qualities that you should keep an eye out for. “You want to look for something that has a small size and is lightweight for easy travel. If you travel abroad, you will want dual voltage since America and Europe use different voltages. Temperature and speed control are still important in a travel dryer, and a dryer with a long cord is also important since the outlets could be out of reach when traveling,” explains Jenna Spino , a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Top picks for the best hair dryers in 2024

Best for Shiny Hair

T3 fit compact hair dryer.

Best Compact

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Most Versatile

Dyson supersonic hair dryer.

At the end of the day, you still don’t want to sacrifice performance. We polled hair experts and customer reviews to find the 12 best ones. The best travel hair dryers we’ve assembled for you here will do everything you need them to do—whether that’s drying your hair as quickly as possible or helping you eliminate frizz. Ahead, find our favorite finds.

T3’s travel hair packs a lot into a small package. “This dryer is super powerful for being so small and lightweight. It features ionic technology to reduce frizz and add shine. It is also super quiet with multiple heat/speed settings,” says Spino. Those who need a diffuser can pick one up separately, and the nine-foot cord means you won’t be struggling to reach every single hair.

Wattage: 1600 watts

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Vacation is the time when all my different personalities come out to play. Do I feel like being a beach wave goddess? Or is a silky straight middle part the vibe? Whatever hairstyle I choose, having my handy T3 travel hair dryer is a non-negotiable. As an over-packer, I love how compact this tool is and all the settings it comes with to leave room for my hot comb and flat iron.”— Nerisha Penrose , ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

“This little dryer is perfect for travel of any kind. It is super lightweight and has a folding handle perfect for packing. The wattage is 1000, which means it can be safe for carrying on planes, and it also has dual voltage. I'm very impressed with its power, and it lasts forever,” says Spino. The small but mighty dryer also features nano-titanium technology to smooth away any flyaways and frizz, and its concentrator gives you plenty of control.

Wattage: 1000 watts

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Wow! This little dryer puts out the heat. Perfect for my uses and I find I use it on low 95% of the time. It is small and well made. I’d buy another one if I ever need it, and I would also not hesitate to buy it as a gift for the travelers in my life or those that also have small bathroom spaces.”

If you want the best of the best and don’t mind dropping the big bucks to get it, Dyson’s the way to go. “Dyson is my go-to when it comes to traveling. It’s very light, compact, quiet, but powerful enough to blow dry hair in no time,” says Iudina. It comes with five attachments, so you’ll be prepared for anything .

Wattage: 1,600 watts

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Whenever I’ve used a Dyson hair dryer or had one used on me, I’m amazed at how quickly my hair dries. I’m being so serious when I say that it cuts my drying time by half—and I swear it feels softer afterward, too.” — Carol Lee , ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Trademark Beauty Speedy Blo Powerful and Lightweight Blow Dryer

This dryer from Speedy Blo is effortless to handle and gentle on your hair to keep any heat damage to a minimum. “With this dryer being so compact and lightweight, it’s an easy one to pack when traveling. This one has three heat settings, a cool shot button and 1800 watts of power, meaning it’s powerful, and the motor has a longer life. It’s rare you can find such a powerful quality dryer under $100,” adds Spino. Sleek hair on a budget is within your grasp.

Wattage: 1875 watts

Trademark Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

A Trademark Beauty reviewer says: “Love this blow dryer so so much! Not only does it do an amazing job of quickly drying my hair when I am in a hurry, but it’s also super cute. The attachments make it great for all hair types.”

Harry Josh Pro Tools Women’s Pro Dryer 2000

Professionals and regular consumers alike adore this French-made hair dryer. “It’s a bit heavier than Dyson, but small and powerful. It also has a slightly curved handle, which might be more comfortable for blow drying your own hair,” explains Iudina.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Where do I start with my love of this hair dryer? I’ve used this for years and won’t go on any travel without it. It is my go to hair dryer, especially since I have long and thick hair. Other dryers fall extremely short of this.”

L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

The last thing you want when you’re traveling is a bad hair day. L’ange's dryer makes getting a static-free, salon-worthy blowout a breeze. It packs a punch with four heat settings and three speed settings, and it weighs less than a pound!

Wattage: 1500 watts

An Ulta reviewer says: “It’s great for travel as it’s small, and if you have plenty of hair, it will take around 10 to 15 minutes to totally blow it out.”

Ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer

Ghd pulled out all the stops for this powerhouse dryer, which is equipped with frizz-fighting ionic technology, a safeguard feature that automatically turns off the hair dryer when it’s too close to your hair, and 77 percent of the power of Ghd’s beloved Air hairdryer. It nestles perfectly in the included travel case, so you can tote it around worry-free.

Wattage: 1300 watts

Ghd rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Ghd reviewer says: “I bought this for my friends 40th birthday and she loves it. She travels up and down the country and this has come in handy for her when she’s in hotels with rubbish hairdryers. The Ghd Hairdryer is super quick and often no need to use straighteners.”

Conair INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Travel Hair Dryer

Just like many of the other best travel hair dryers, this budget-friendly option has a fold-up handle, so it’ll take up the least amount of space possible. Other top-tier features include shine-encouraging ionic technology, an impressive motor that cuts down on drying time, and a cold shot button to cool hair quickly and lock in your style.

An Amazon reviewer says: “This dryer is lightweight an idea for travel. It has a lot of power when blow drying you hair. It was a nice Christmas present to my teen. She has curly hair so the accessories meant something to us. It works well to diffuse her hair.”

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

Ever get frustrated because your hair refuses to dry evenly? This travel hair dryer is designed to solve that issue; the device’s wave heater allows for even heat distribution and airflow. Even better, international travelers will want to snatch this one up—it’s dual-voltage, so it’ll work just fine overseas, too.

Wattage: 1200 watts

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Works just as I hoped. Used this once at a hotel that had this brand. Worked so well I had to buy one myself. Comes with a little travel pouch—great for storage. I don’t like drying my hair with a hair dryer but this does the trick without making my hair feel crunchy afterwards.”

REVLON 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer

When it comes down to the basics—that is, drying your hair as evenly and as quickly as possible—the Revlon travel hair dryer is a pro. It gets the job done without any bells or whistles.

An Amazon reviewer says: “The Revlon 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer has become my ultimate travel companion, providing convenience and efficiency in a compact design! This hair dryer is perfect for on-the-go use and has quickly become an essential part of my travel essentials.”

Julien Farel Blowdryer 1875 Watt

This is the exact model used by the celebrity hairstylists at the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa in New York City. The hair dryer has everything you need to create shiny, voluminous locks at home or in a hotel bathroom: overheating protection, three heat settings (including a cool shot setting), and two speeds.

Our expert says: “It's full-size but not overweight and comes with a nozzle and travel bag. The white gloss finish looks great on any countertop.” — Jackson Simmonds , advanced stylist and brand ambassador at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa

FHI Heat Innovator The Pro Power Speed Dryer

When you have thick or hard-to-dry hair, drying your tresses can be a real chore. Not only does this dryer’s ergonomic handle make it comfortable to hold, but it also delivers a powerful flow of air that encourages volume and eliminates dampness in record time.

Wattage: 1700 watts

FHI Heat rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’m ashamed to say that I’m most likely to skip arm day, which means I always appreciate a lightweight device. This one, with its sleek design, definitely fits the bill, and it’s pretty quiet to boot.” — Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Meet the Experts

Julien Farel is a hairstylist and the founder of Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa .

Jenna Spino is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago

Olya Iudina a stylist at IGK NYC.

Jackson Simmonds , advanced stylist and brand ambassador at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa .

What should you avoid in a travel hair dryer?

According to Spino, you should watch out for airline restrictions—typically, companies only allow hair dryers up to 1600 watts in your carry-on bag. “Also, avoid dryers that only have an on/off button because then you can’t control the speed or temperature of the dryer,” she adds. Meanwhile, Iudina warns against “heavy, big-sized dryers. An extra long cord is probably also not necessary,” she says.

Another vital piece of advice for international jet setters: “Always check voltage compatibility and ensure your hair dryer is dual-voltage or has the correct voltage settings for your destination to avoid damage or safety issues,” emphasizes Farel. Different countries use different voltages, so plugging in a hair dryer that doesn’t align with that country’s voltage could damage the dryer and could even be dangerous. Thankfully, using a dual-voltage dryer or utilizing a voltage converter or transformer with a single-voltage dryer should do the trick.

What is the best way to store your hair dryer when traveling?

“It's advised to pack your hair dryer in your carry-on luggage to prevent damage in checked baggage and for quick access during your journey.” After all, you never know when you might have a hair emergency and need a quick fix in the airport bathroom.

You also want to make sure your hair dryer stays safe and secure throughout your travels. “If you’ve got a travel hair dryer that comes with a case, that’s wonderful. If it did not, you can simply wrap the dryer in a towel before packing. Make sure to wrap the cord neatly so it does not get tangled or frayed, and keep the dryer clean and dry,” explains Spino.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee spoke with experts about the best dryers on the market and how to shop for them. Lee also tested a few top-rated products and perused reviews for dozens of others, assessing each on their features and customer evaluations.

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REVLON 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer | Great for Travel

( $15.18 / Count )

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

COMPACT CONVENIENCE: Small Design great for travel, storage or gym bag
VERSATILITY: Quickly dry and style your hair with 2 heat/speed settings to suit your personal needs
REDUCE FRIZZ: Ionic Technology helps reduce the hair frizz and static, leaving hair conditioned and smooth
LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy cleaning and maintenance, and compact and lightweight design
TRAVEL READY: Universal worldwide dual voltage so u can use anywhere
PLEASE NOTE: Wattage of this appliance may vary depending lon the location of use

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Revlon Volume Booster Hair Dryer | 1875W for Voluminous Lift and Body, (Green)

From the manufacturer

fast dry hair dryers; travel hair dryers; travel; compact hair dryers; hair dryers

Product Description

Flaunt gorgeous blowouts everywhere you go with this compact design with folding handle that fits easily into your gym bag or carry-on luggage. This blow dryer comes with a Worldwide Dual Voltage for traveling abroad. Designed with Triple Ceramic and IONIC TECHNOLOGY to reduce hair damage and unwanted frizz while delivering stunning, shiny hair 24/7. Note that wattage of this appliance may vary depending on the location of use.

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4 x 6 x 9 inches; 1.35 ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ RVDR5005
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-Adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2008
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Helen of Troy
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001AFFBCG
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
#12 in Hair Dryers

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, weight and portability of the hair dryer. For example, they mention it works well, is light and easy to pack for travel. They appreciate the dual voltage feature and the fact that it dries hair fast. Customers are also impressed with the foldability, saying it's great for storing or traveling.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the hair dryer. For example, they say it's compact, powerful, and works well. Some say the low setting could add a tad bit more air. Overall, most are satisfied with the product's quality and value.

"...Plus, the folding mechanism is sturdy and secure, so I never have to worry about it collapsing while I'm using it...." Read more

"...It worked great on low for my wavy thin to medium shoulder-length hair. It is lightweight & compact...." Read more

"...It dries quickly and it folds so I can travel with it. Power is strong , for the price under $20 it’s worth it. Cord length is decent." Read more

"...It does what it intends to do but it's very loud and feels cheap , maybe it was just the sound for me...." Read more

Customers like the size of the hair dryer. They say it's a nice compact size, great for trips, and takes up little space. Some customers also mention that the cord length is decent.

"...Speaking of performance, this hair dryer packs a punch! Despite its small size , it delivers a powerful airflow that dries my hair quickly and..." Read more

"...It is lightweight & compact . I also liked the cool shot button as most others I looked at did not have this feature." Read more

"...travel a lot so I needed a nice hair dryer that has power to it but is small , folds up & is easy to store...." Read more

"...Power is strong, for the price under $20 it’s worth it. Cord length is decent ." Read more

Customers like the weight of the hair dryer. They say it's easy to pack for occasional travel, and is good for everyday use.

"...It is lightweight & compact. I also liked the cool shot button as most others I looked at did not have this feature." Read more

"Pros- I like it & the color is sleek.It folds closed so its portable ...." Read more

"...I am impressed with the lightweight and compact size of this hair dryer, ensuring it doesn't weigh down my travel bag...." Read more

"...It dries hair quickly, is not so loud, light weight , & wonderful for trips." Read more

Customers find the hair dryer excellent for travel, with its small size and lightweight design. They say the dual voltage feature is a lifesaver for international travel, as it automatically adjusts to the different voltages. Customers also say it's a small but powerful blow dryer that is easy to use and store.

"...is for the REVLON 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer | Great for Travel ...." Read more

"...a nice hair dryer that has power to it but is small, folds up & is easy to store ...." Read more

"...The built-in worldwide dual voltage feature is a lifesaver for international travel , as it automatically adjusts to the voltage of the country I'm..." Read more

"...It dries hair quickly, is not so loud, light weight, & wonderful for trips ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the drying time of the hair dryer. They mention that it dries their hair fast, and is light weight. Some are also surprised that it can dry their longish hair in literally two minutes. Overall, most are happy with the product's drying power and ability to not dry their hair out.

"...its small size, it delivers a powerful airflow that dries my hair quickly and efficiently ...." Read more

"...It dries quickly and it folds so I can travel with it. Power is strong, for the price under $20 it’s worth it. Cord length is decent." Read more

"...The 1875W motor delivers powerful airflow, allowing me to dry my hair quickly and efficiently...." Read more

"...I gave new one to daughter since she always borrows mine. It dries hair quickly , is not so loud, light weight, & wonderful for trips." Read more

Customers like the value of the hair dryer. They say it's good value for the money, it'll last a long time, and is worth the price.

"...Its also affordable so its a great hair dryer for the price!..." Read more

"...Power is strong, for the price under $20 it’s worth it . Cord length is decent." Read more

"This is a gem of a dryer; and the price is fantastic ....My other red one just up and quit on me and was very pricey...." Read more

" Great price and it worked well in Italy." Read more

Customers like the foldability of the hair dryer. For example, they say it folds up neatly, saving space in their luggage. Some appreciate the removable back for cleaning. Overall, most are happy with the compact design and the great power of this hair dryer, which is great for traveling.

"...who travels frequently, having a hair dryer that folds up neatly saves so much space in my luggage...." Read more

"...lot so I needed a nice hair dryer that has power to it but is small, folds up & is easy to store...." Read more

"...The folding handle design is brilliant for travel , as it saves space in my luggage and makes it easy to pack and carry...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the heating of the hair dryer. Some mention it has great heat, and the temperature is adjustable. They like that it heats up quickly and that it melts ice so good. However, others say that the lowest drying fan does not get hot enough, and that the dryer stopped working.

"...-Also I find the little button for cold air does not really work or at least mine doesn't work right. Other than that I really like this hair dryer." Read more

"...The heat settings are customizable, allowing me to choose the perfect temperature for my hair type...." Read more

"...used it and after nine months the heating stopped working, it only blows cold air ...." Read more

"...It's like a jet engine blowing in your face ." Read more

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13 Best Travel Hair Dryers, Tested by Hairstylists

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 are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

GHD Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer

Compact black hair dryer on a white background

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.

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.

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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

Black compact dryer and attachments next to the box on a gray background

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.

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

Image may contain Appliance Blow Dryer Device and Electrical Device

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 and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our 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

Image may contain Appliance Device Electrical Device and Blow Dryer

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

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

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.

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.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

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.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer, Blue

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.

Conair Travel Hair Dryer

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.

REVLON 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer

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.

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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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

BaBylissPRO TT Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer

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

Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer

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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13 best travel hair dryers to take on your mini-break that are just as good as your full-sized one

13 Best Travel Hair Dryers That Are Just As Good As The FullSized

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test .

Travel hair dryers are an absolute necessity if you're heading on holiday. You want to look and feel your best on your much-deserved vacay, but let's face it: a hotel hair dryer just doesn't cut the mustard.

More often than not, they’re heavy and clunky, and leave your hair feeling dry and frazzled. With frizz aplenty and zero styling ability, hotel dryers can leave you muttering obscenities and frantically scrabbling for your trusty hair straightener . But fear not, there are a multitude of impressive compact hair dryers on the market that will leave you looking like you’ve just stepped out of the salon with an expensive blow dry .

Best travel hair dryers at a glance:

Best hair dryer for all hair types: ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer, £65, LookFantastic
Best hair dryer for fine hair: BaByliss Travel Dryer 2000, £25, Beauty Bay
Best hair dryer for curly hair: TRESemmé Salon Professional 2000 Travel Dryer, £25, Amazon
Best hair dryer for afro hair: Wahl Hair Dryer Powerpik 2, £22.99, Amazon

If you’re still convinced that a mini hair dryer just won’t be the same as your standard hair dryer, think again. Many quality hair tool brands, like BaByliss, Remington, Revlon and Conair ensure that their travel hair dryers have the same watts of power, ionic technologies and heat and speed settings, just in a compact design. And they won’t break the bank either, so you can save your pennies for expenses like hotels , flights and transport (and many, many cocktails).

Tp have the ultimate good hair day, every day, it’s best to find a compact travel hair dryer that truly suits your hair type, as well as your general wants and needs. Beautiful hair can take many forms, and whether you have an afro , curly hair, dry hair , or fine, damaged, thick hair or anything in between, there is an option for you. Ready to find it? Keep reading for the holiday hair of your dreams.

What to look for in a travel hair dryer

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new travel hair dryer:

The best travel hair dryers will have a folding handle, so they don't take up too much space in your suitcase , and means more room for extra outfits. That extra pair of shoes you thought you couldn’t fit? Chuck them in.

Particularly useful in tropical climes and for curly, afro or coily hair types, cool settings will help set your hairstyle after drying and leave hair smoother, providing you with an enviable swish worthy of a L’Oréal advert.

To power your hair dryer at home, you need around 220-240V, but this can vary in different countries. If you're a frequent traveller and plan on using your hair dryer in various different destinations, dual voltage will come in handy. Make a beeline for travel hair dryers with “120/220-240V” printed on the label. This means it's a dual voltage travel hair dryer.

In our guide to the best hair dryers, we recommend (with the exception of the Dyson Supersonic - which has a wattage of 1600) opting for a wattage of above 2100. Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the faster the hair dryer will style your hair. That said, a higher wattage generally results in a heavier hair dryer, which isn't always ideal for travel. Consider how often you'll be carrying your travel-size hair dryer in your weekend bag or gym bag, and opt for something with a strong wattage but that's still lightweight. This super affordable BaByliss travel hair dryer ( £25, Beauty Bay ) is really lightweight, but it has a pretty decent wattage of 2000W.

Can you take a hair dryer through airport security?

Yep! You're permitted to take hair dryers in both cabin luggage and carry-on bags.

What voltages are used in different countries?

As we said earlier, you need around 220-240V for your hair dryer to work at home, but this can vary in different countries. So, if you’re planning some international travel to one of the destinations below (lucky you), then make sure to take a travel hair dryer that matches the country’s voltage. And don't forget to pack your travel adapter too.

Europe: 230V
USA: 120-240V
Canada: 120V-240V
Australia: 230V-240V
Thailand: 220V
Japan: 100V-200V

What is the best travel hair dryer?

This depends on your budget and hair type. The ghd Flight travel hair dryer is a popular choice - lightweight and compact while still retaining 70% of the power of other heavier ghd models, it comes with a precision nozzle, dust bag and variable heat and styling settings.

But there’s approximately *thousands* of travel hair dryers out there, and so to help you make your decision on which is best for you, we’ve assembled a comprehensive guide of the best travel hair dryers on the market, including budget buys, more premium options and cult-favourites that will never let you down (our your hair). You can thank us later.

How we chose and tested the best travel hair dryers

As a team of fashion, interiors and beauty experts, we happen to know a thing or two about which brands are the best in the business, and we love to share that with you, our loyal readers.

We’ve trawled through countless customer reviews, websites and brands to find nothing but the best travel hair dryers for your beautiful locks. We combined these findings with specific data on the kind of travel hair dryers you've been looking for, as well as checking that the products we feature are of high-quality, high-durability and inclusive of all hair types, to result in our selection of the best travel hair dryers on the market in 2023. Happy shopping!

Revamp your haircare routine with the help of our guides on the best heat styling tools , best curling wands and the best shampoos and conditioners for all hair types .

Scroll to view our edit of the best travel hair dryers for all hair types and circumstances…

1. Best travel hair dryer for all hair types

ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer, £65, LookFantastic

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it: You can’t get much better than ghd, and the brand wanted to cater for every hair type when creating their much longed-for folding hair dryer.

It’s super lightweight to use at 50% lighter than other full-size ghd hair dryers (so you won’t get that dead arm feeling, particularly if you have longer or thicker hair) but it still retains 70% of the power - pretty impressive, eh?

We like the premium, expensive feel to it, with its removable golden nozzle, ghd branding and powerful air flow, and it also offers heat protection with its safeguard technology, where the hair dryer automatically switches off if you hold it too close to the hair.

Product specifications:

Wattage: 1200W
Weight: 422 g.
Attachments: precision drying nozzle
Cord length: 1.8 metres
Speed settings: 2
Heat settings: 2
Ionic technology: no
Cold shot: yes

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these LookFantastic discount codes .

2. Best travel hair dryer for fine hair

BaByliss Travel Dryer 2000, £25, Beauty Bay

Why we love it: This travel hair dryer has a seriously impressive number of raving reviews on Amazon, many of which rate it with five stars. Despite being so small and affordable, it's insanely powerful, and many shoppers actually claimed it dried their hair more quickly than their at-home hair dryer. One said: "Wow. Blown away by this dryer (HA - geddit!)" while another posted "this hairdryer is absolutely brilliant! Given its compact size I was expecting something resembling more of a light breeze but it's surprisingly powerful on its highest level." Impressive, right?

Wattage: 2000W
Weight: 750 g
Attachments: concentrator nozzle
Cold shot: no

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Beauty Bay discount codes.

3. Best travel hair dryer for curly hair

TRESemmé Salon Professional 2000 Travel Dryer, £26.99, Superdrug

Why we love it: Coming with a nifty mini paddle brush for on the go de-tangling, this small travel hair dryer packs a punch for weighing just 700g. It has a powerful 2000W but uses tourmaline-ceramic technology to provide even heat distribution and ensure your curls are thoroughly dried, but without drying them out. Plus, the dual voltage and folding handle make it a super simple travel companion.

Weight: 700 g
Attachments: one concentrator nozzle and mini paddle brush

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Superdrug discount codes.

4. Best travel hair dryer for afro hair

Wahl Hair Dryer Powerpik 2, WAS £22.99 NOW £21.58, Amazon

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Why we love it: Yep, you’re right in thinking that this isn’t a travel hair dryer, but it’s such a fantastic option for afro, coily and textured hair types that we had to include it.

It has a salon length three metre long cord, (and you will frequently see the Wahl PowerPik 2 Hair Dryer being used in specialised Afro hair salons). It’s brilliant at taming glorious afros due to its heat-resistant pik attachment, which helps to direct airflow and evenly dry the hair, whilst the cool shot button allows your ‘fro to set.

Wattage: 1500W
Weight: 796 g
Attachments: one concentrator attachment and a OnePik hair dryer brush
Cord length: 3 metres
Heat settings: 3

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Amazon discount codes.

5. Best travel hair dryer for damaged hair

T3 Compact Hair Dryer, £125, Space NK

Why we love it: If you’re concerned about heat damage, this is the travel blow dryer for you.

It has a fast heat-up time and houses an internal microchip that intelligently monitors heat levels and distributes hot air evenly across the head. You can choose your desired heat with three different heat levels and two speed settings, further minimising damage and ensuring your hair is cared for whilst being dried.

Plus, the T3 Fit is the brand's lightest blow dryer ever – and both 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than T3's full-size professional hair dryers.

Wattage: 1600W
Weight: 400 g
Attachments: one concentrator nozzle
Cord length: 2.7 metres
Ionic technology: yes

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Space NK discount codes.

6. Best travel hair dryer for thick hair

Nicky Clarke Travel Hair Dryer, WAS £19.99 NOW £18.99, Amazon

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it: This is the travel hair dryer for thick hair, which quickly became apparent when we were reading through customer reviews.

“I was sceptical that this wouldn’t do the job on my long thick hair, and I was wrong. I thought due to the size that it wouldn’t be powerful enough, but it’s just as good as a regular dryer on my hair,” exclaimed one reviewer.

Another happy customer wrote, “Oh well what a little gem this is! I travel quite a lot with work so this has been my best friend. I have quite thick hair and it’s really good and powerful for a travel hair dryer. It’s so lightweight as well, so it’s so perfect for taking away on holiday! I have recommended it to so many people.”

“Perfect for holidays with my daughters who have thick hair,” concluded another.

Thick hair can take so long to dry, so we reckon this little number is a worthy addition to your holiday/work trip/mini break packing list.

Weight: 1000 g

7. Best travel hair dryer for frizz-free styling

Revlon Perfect Heat Frizz Fighter Hair Dryer, WAS £25.99 NOW £23.24, Amazon

Why we love it: For the price, this is a pretty impressive hair dryer - it’s one of the most powerful in our edit, boasting 2200W (in comparison the Dyson Supersonic is 1600W) but it has three layers of ceramic coating, which helps to protect the hair from overheating and causing damage.

It helps to tame frizzy hair too, as it has ionic technology to help keep your hair smooth and a precision concentrator nozzle for easy styling. Bonus? It has the longest warranty we’ve seen on a travel hairdryer with three years (most are usually just two).

Wattage: 2200W
Weight: 499 g
Attachments: one styling concentrator
Cord length: 1.6 metres

8. Best travel hair dryer for worldwide voltage

Remington Folding Travel Hairdryer, £15.99, Boots

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it: A great budget travel hair dryer is this Remington option, which folds up for stress-free packing. You can remove the concentrator nozzle (which helps you to achieve sleek locks when attached) to save space, but it also comes with a diffuser attachment to disperse the hot air evenly throughout the hair and provide va-va-voom volume.

It's fairly light and fast-drying, but its USP is that you can take it anywhere in the world due to its worldwide voltage; perfect for you globetrotters out there.

Weight: 662 g
Attachments: concentrator and diffuser

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Boots discount codes.

9. Best lightweight travel hair dryer

Flower Beauty By Drew Barrymore Ionic Travel Hair Dryer, £29.99, Sephora

Why we love it: While the wattage on this travel hair dryer isn't as high as those on the rest of our list, it's really small and lightweight, weighing just 226 g! How cute!?

It’s super affordable too, with a lengthy cable of 3 metres, so you’re not stuck with your nearest socket. Plus, its technology was designed by aerospace engineers (only the best for Drew) so you can guarantee your hair is being cared for, with its thinner and lighter blades to help provide a more powerful airflow for quick drying.

Wattage: 1000W
Weight: 226 g

Save when you shop for the best travel hair dryers with these Sephora discount codes.

10. Best small travel hair dryer

Parlux 3500 Super Compact Ionic Hair Dryer, £149.99, LookFantastic

Why we love it: One of the smallest and most lightweight travel hair dryers in this edit is the Parlux Super Compact Ionic hair dryer. It's more expensive than others, but it measures just 17cm, so it’s a no-brainer purchase if you’re tight on space.

But wait, there’s more to this small and mighty model. There are three temperature settings to customise your styling experience, with two concentrator nozzles and a cold shot button to help set your hairstyle in place. Plus, it boasts ionic technology which cleverly produces negative ions to help your hair look its shiniest and smoothest self. Yes please.

Weight: 505 g
Attachments: two concentrator nozzles

11. Best travel hair dryer for quick drying

Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler, WAS £179.99 NOW £149.99, Shark

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5

Why we love it: Ticking all the right boxes, this is the ideal choice for hair styling on the go. Powerful, compact and not too heavy – it dries hair fast (super fast, in fact) so when you’re running late, this is ideal.

What makes it so fast drying, you ask? It’s down to the iQ technology, which creates high-velocity hot air and ionised air, which speeds up the drying time, but without the heat damage.

The accompanying two in one concentrator and diffuser work magic too, as the hairdryer recognises when you attach one and adjusts its temperature and speed accordingly to give your hair the best results - think silky, shiny hair with fewer flyaways and frizz.

*Adds to wishlist*

Weight: 500 g
Attachments: one concentrator nozzle and a diffuser
Cord length: 2.5 metres
Speed settings: 3

12. Best travel hair dryer for a blow dry

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer, £85, LookFantastic

Why we love it: Drybar understood the assignment and created a travel blow dryer especially to produce a bouncy blow dry, wherever you are in the world.

It uses a wave heater to evenly distribute the heat all over the hair, ionic technology to lessen frizz and boost shine, and it comes with a cute travel bag for you to easily transport your travel companion wherever you go.

We adore the bright buttercup colour (which also means you’re not likely to lose it or leave it behind in your hotel room) and it delivers 100% of the performance of most full sized hair dryers, so you’re definitely getting bang for your buck. As one Amazon reviewer says, “Hard to believe this is a travel hairdryer as it is just as good as a home hair dryer, if not better.” We’re sold.

Weight: 510 g
Cord length: 2.12 metres

13. Best opulent travel hair dryer

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, £329.99, Sephora

Why we love it: Get ready for an elevated experience, as the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer has landed.

Okay, it’s not technically a travel hair dryer, but it would be a sin to leave it out - after all, it is considered to be one of the best models on the market, albeit coming with a hefty price tag.

But. There’s so many things to love about it! From its five different attachments, to its lightweight motor which is small enough to be housed inside the handle, but is six times more powerful than a standard motor, to its four different heat settings (28°C for cold air, 60°C for diffusing, 80°C for regular drying, and 100°C for fast drying and styling), this is your one-and-done hairdryer that will last you a lifetime.

Weight: 659 g
Attachments: one styling concentrator, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, a wide tooth comb, and a flyaway attachment
Cord length: 2.8 metres
Heat settings: 4

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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.

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).

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

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.

Volo Beauty Go Cordless Hair Dryer

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).

T3 Afar - Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

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.

Revlon 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer

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.

llano Lightweight Folding Ionic Hair Dryer

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.

Plavogue Hair Dryer Brush

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.

Gama IQ Perfetto

"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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Updated December 10th, 2023: This article on the best hair dryers was updated with new product picks based on hands-on editor product testing, additional tips for selecting a hair dryer based on your hair type, and was fact-checked by a copy editor.

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“Using a really good blow dryer will allow you to dry your hair quickly,” says salon owner and celebrity hair stylist Kee Taylor . She adds that a high-quality blow dryer can also prevent harmful overheating that causes dry brittle strands and bacteria build-up on the scalp. Innovative hair dryer technologies specifically encourage healthy hair, with capabilities like even airflow, temperature control, and moisture retention. There are also affordable hair dryers with a myriad of settings that allow you supreme authority over the look and feel of your mane.

Choosing the right hair dryer for you “depends on what hairstyle you’re looking for,” says The Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa . “You really have to evaluate your own hair and your routine.” Different hair dryers will create disparate results, from a ’90s-inspired blowout, defined curls, or extra-shiny strands, so it’s important to keep your styling needs and natural in mind when selecting the best tool for drying your hair at home .

Since there are so many hair dryer options available with new, fancy features, WWD Shop editors put top players to the test to narrow down our picks of the litter. We consulted professional hair experts for invaluable insight and recommendations, as well as evaluated bestsellers and new releases from our favorite beauty retailers. We also dove into extensive research on hair dryer technology and evaluated key elements that benefit the range of hair types, textures, and styling preferences.

Top Hair Dryers of 2023

Best for Damaged Hair : Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Best Professional: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
Best for Travel: Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer
Best Affordable Option: Conair Infinitipro Hair Dryer
Best for Fine Hair: Bio Ionic Smart-X Hair Dryer

Moroccanoil Smart Styling Infrared Hair Dryer

Best for Thick Hair: Laifen Swift Hair Dryer
Best for Shine: Ghd Helios Hair Dryer
Best for Curly Hair: Pattern The Blow Dryer

T3 AireLuxe Professional Hair Dryer

Flower beauty ionic pro hair dryer.

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Testing Verdict: Top 3 Blow Dryers of 2024

These days, hair dryers come in all shapes and sizes, and offer benefits for different hair types and styling needs. It’s important to shop for a hair dryer based on your specific hair concerns, like if you have hair that’s prone to frizz, want to reverse prior damage, or have a curly mane to tame. Our editors selected the top three best blow dryers that offer different results, rather than one universal winner. Below, our elite picks:

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer : While it’s a splurge purchase, our testers concluded that you get what you pay for with Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer. Not only was it designed with every hair type in mind, it also provides optimal control across a range of drying and styling needs. It leaves nothing to be desired, while offering more features than its competitors with exclusive attachments, extra gentle airflow, and a super speedy dry time — all without damaging even the most delicate hair types.
Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer : This weighs in as the lightest hair dryer of the bunch — and the entire world. This dryer supports healthy hair by delivering active oxygen with antibacterial properties as you dry, and its streamlined, travel-friendly design includes versatile heat and airflow settings. We’re enthralled by its ultra efficient self-cleaning technology, too.
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer : We love this option as much as the professionals do. Its lightweight, compact design bodes well for easy travel, while its short nozzle delivers concentrated airflow with several handy settings. For a salon-quality hair dryer, it’s the most user-friendly option on our list.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Dyson’s hair dryer is definitely one of the more expensive hair dryer options, but our testers conclude that this TikTok-famous beauty tool is worth the splurge. With four heat settings and three speed settings, it was designed to be used by a variety of hair types and textures. “Thick, fine, coarse, processed and healthy hair can use this hair dryer,” says Castro. “Also, I love that it looks kind of sexy and is fun to use.” On top of looks and versatile settings, this dryer is a top option for preserving hair health: Rather than relying on high heat, the Supersonic employs ultra-fast airflow that dries your hair without causing breakage or split ends. And the latest iteration of the tool comes with five attachments suitable for pin-straight to type 4c hair. Editor testing and review notes : “I have thick, long hair, so most hair dryers take me 20 minutes to go from wet to dry and styled. The Dyson Supersonic slashes that time in half. During testing, I was blown away with this tool’s ability to quickly dry my hair (and without high amounts of heat, mind you). The attachments are versatile for different finishes, but the Flyaway Attachment stands out for its ability to tame unruly pieces near my temples. Many hair dryers with multiple attachments I tested were complicated to operate; this one is simple and straightforward. Just select the attachment of your choosing and it magnetically secures in place and adjusts the heat and airflow settings automatically for best effect.” Price upon publish date of this article: $429.99 Related: Dyson Airwrap Review

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

This Harry Josh hair dryer is one of Castro’s all-time favorites and he recommends it to those that want a tool that’s “short, easy, and fun,” he says. “Those hair dryers that have a long nose are not so easy to manage, but I recommend Harry Josh to all of my clients because it’s so easy to work with.” The Ultra Light Pro Dryer is small but mighty, weighing under one pound with six settings and a cool shot. Its ergonomic design relieves strain as you style, and ion technology makes it particularly efficient for reducing damage and dry time. Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact hair dryer to take on the go but one that can also serve as a daily hair dryer, Harry Josh’s Ultra Light Hair Dryer is for you. Many dryers are designed to be “lightweight,” but this one is noticeably lighter but still feels like it has substance. It’s easy to hold in the hand for an extended period and easy to maneuver. Even though it is compact, it has a very powerful motor, which makes for super-fast drying time. My only complaint is that since I have fine, slightly wavy hair that easily frizzes, I was hoping that the hair dryer would reduce some of the frizz, but compared to other similar tools, it did not.” Price upon publish date of this article: $349

Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer

Although this is the world’s lightest hair dryer, clocking in at just 10.3 ounces, the Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto hair dryer is shockingly powerful — with the ability to dry hair 30 percent faster than others. It’s also the cleanest blow dryer we’ve ever seen, featuring Oxy Active Technology that emits active oxygen with antibacterial properties. This travel-friendly hair dryer also includes a microfilter that blocks even the smallest lint particles from the motor and an auto-clean function for the filter. With this option, you’ll never have to deal with grime in your hair dryer’s motor again. Editor testing and review notes: “This hair tool by Ga.Ma is the ultimate travel hair dryer — it’s astoundingly lightweight and its sleek silhouette is far less clunky than traditional dryers. Yes, this hair tool is great for packing in a weekender bag, but I’m drawn to it for at-home use, too. The featherweight build is ideal for those, like me, with a lot of hair: Your arms won’t tire while you style with it. Its buttons are cleverly placed on the sides of the handles, which prevents you from accidentally adjusting the heat or airflow during your styling session.” Price upon publish date of this article: $279.96

Conair Infinitipro Hair Dryer

You heard it here first: You can still get one of the best hair dryers on Amazon without dropping a small fortune. “Price and quality are a big misconception when categorizing dryers,” says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims . “It’s important instead to consider technology versus price, what the dryer does, and how it reacts to the hair.” Don’t let the price tag fool you on the Conair Infinitipro. It’s the best Conair hair dryer because it’s loaded with all the good stuff, like a pro-AC motor and gentle ceramic and ionic technologies to dry hair up to 50 percent faster with less damage, less frizz, and more shine. According to our testers, this is hands-down the best hair dryer under $50, and a top Amazon beauty product to boot. Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a no-frills blow dryer that gets the job done, this Infinitipro Conair option is for you. It gives incredible volume and ensures a fast drying time so there’s less heat exposure for your hair. Plus, it comes with a sleek concentrator that helps focus the airflow for precise drying. This is especially great for someone whose hair doesn’t need a lot of attention, just a quick dry so you don’t have to run out of the house with a wet head.” Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99

Bio Ionic Smart-X Hair Dryer

This high-tech Bio Ionic hair dryer weighs in under one pound and will make you feel like a pro in the comfort of your home salon. Whether you’re straight-drying or crafting a bouncy blowout, the Smart-X Hair Dryer was engineered with high efficiency in mind, by focusing on the power of air rather than high heat. Its system features a broad-flowing brushless motor and technology that balances air and temperature at 100 times per second, which softens the impact of heat and results in a super soft sound. It also encourages moisture retention by emitting natural negative ions that push water molecules deeper into each strand. Editor testing and review notes: “The shape of this hair dryer lends itself to great styling control. Its long, narrow nozzle allows me to blow air directly into the root and follow through to the ends of my hair with ease. While I’d normally reach for the concentrator attachment that comes with this hair dryer, it didn’t feel necessary. It has very powerful airflow, and I like that there are three intensity settings for both cool and hot temperatures. In just a few minutes, it leaves my hair smooth, shiny, and super soft. If you have super sensitive ears, keep in mind that this dryer emits a subtle hissing sound as it blows air.” Price upon publish date of this article: $329

To revive damaged goods or maintain healthy locks, try an infrared technology hair dryer , like this one from Moroccanoil. The tech gently warms up strands while reducing thermal exposure and sealing in moisture for maximum shine. It uses far-infrared rays to deliver gentle heat and features a ceramic core that cuts down on dry time and leaves your mane smooth and sleek. Plus, it has three settings that allow for plenty of heat control. Editor testing and review notes: “Those who frequently color their hair know that dye often leads to dullness. While hair masks are one way to boost luster, I found this hair dryer equally helpful in imparting shine. Compared to others on our list, the Moroccanoil hair dryer outperformed in its ability to make thirsty, drab hair look hydrated and feel soft to the touch. Note that it’s on the heavier side: Short, thin hair types won’t mind this, but if you have long, thick hair, you may want to take a breather between sections.” Price upon publish date of this article: $190

Laifen Swift Hair Dryer

This Laifen hair dryer is not for the faint of heart — or hair. While it has a similar appearance to the Dyson blow dryer, our testers discovered that its airflow is significantly stronger, though it does weigh in slightly heavier. It’s equipped with negative ion technology that preserves hydration as it dries, while its innovative brushless motor gets the job done in no time. The Swift Hair Dryer’s sleek design also features an LED ring light that changes color as you switch through its settings — one of which is a unique temperature cycle mode that makes small airflow adjustments to avoid excessive heat exposure. Editor testing and review notes: “When I first turned on this hair dryer, I was taken aback by its power. It created a large gust of wind that rattled the shower curtain in my bathroom — and that was on the low setting. Its strong airflow is great for super speedy hair drying, though it may be overwhelming for those who want tons of control with styling. I tend to dread drying my long hair because hair dryers can feel heavy after a while, but this one is compact, lightweight, and makes the entire experience feel less bulky and burdensome. This also may be the most quiet hair dryer I’ve ever used. I can tell its small size will be perfect for travel too. Overall, this innovative hair dryer is very efficient and adds a lot of volume to my heavy hair.” Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99

Ghd Helios Hair Dryer

If shine is your end-all, be-all, add this Ghd hair dryer to your beauty routine. The extra boost of gloss is attributed to the blow dryer’s aerodynamic technology, which promises a 30 percent increase in sleek shine, coupled with ionic technology that smooths flyaways and frizz. It has a fast-drying air motor that travels at 75 mph from a concentrated, contoured nozzle to deliver consistent and even airflow. While this salon-quality hair dryer is ultra powerful, it has a whisper-soft hum that won’t overwhelm your senses, thanks to its low-acoustic system. This option won’t be the best hair dryer for oily hair, but if you deal with damage and dryness, this one’s for you. Editor testing and review notes: “This dryer is my total lifesaver. It dries my hair in a flash and leaves it looking flawless — I see a difference in results with regard to smoothness, shine, and the frizz factor. The Ghd hair dryer has very simple airflow and heat settings, letting me control the dryer quite easily; however, my favorite feature is the contoured nozzle that focuses the high-power airflow for precise styling control. While this tool is slightly heavy, it’s worth it for its results.” Price upon publish date of this article: $279

Pattern The Blow Dryer

Curly hair requires an extra level of care, which is why Tracee Ellis Ross specially developed Pattern’s blow dryer with a wide array of hair dryer attachments. The dryer itself is designed with a ceramic coated grill to reduce damaging hot spots, while a powerful airflow motor deposits even heat. It also provides the option to activate ion technology to smooth cuticles or turn them off to hone in on added volume. The set offers some of the best hair dryer attachments for curls, like an aluminum-plated bowl hair diffuser that heats up quickly to shorten dry time, and a comb that works to detangle coils while you style. You can click on the concentrator nozzle for more controlled airflow, or opt for the brush to stretch and smooth ringlets. Our editors agree that this is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair , and you can’t deny its super chic aesthetic as a notable bonus. Editor testing and review notes: “Consider Pattern’s The Blow Dryer a Dyson Airwrap that’s been carefully designed for curly and coily hair textures. Rather than smoothing and curling attachments, the hair dryer includes three attachments that enhance hair types from 2A to 4C, plus a concentrator for days you want to stretch or smooth your curls. The device feels — and looks — like pure luxury, courtesy of its caramel color and sleek design. Its heat and airflow settings also cater to curly hair; you have the option to use low, gentle heat with the diffuser to dry your curls without blasting them through the roof.” Price upon publish date of this article: $189

Sims never goes on set without his favorite T3 hair dryer, which offers a range of different heat and speed settings that allow you to master your strands. “For type 4 textures, you can use a higher setting for a smoother finish,” he says, adding that a good rule of thumb is “the looser the curl pattern you want to achieve, the lower the heat you should apply on the hair.” While heat levels determine how straight and smooth your strands lay, the T3 AireLuxe Professional Digital Ionic Hair Dryer adds an extra shot of an ion-infused airstream for super sleek results. “If you have a kinky texture, the hair needs more moisture,” Sims says, “leave-in conditioner is a must.” He also recommends the Flawless by Gabrielle Union heat protectant spray for more moisture and protection before you blow dry. Note that while this is a great hair dryer for curly hair, you’ll need to purchase the diffuser separately. Editor testing and review notes: “T3’s Cura Professional Hair Dryer may look like a standard hair dryer, but it has near-magical capabilities of volumizing hair. I love using it on days when I’m wearing my hair wavy or curly, as it provides a nice lift at the root without overly smoothing out the lengths of my hair. For the price, I was impressed with the tool’s special features and extensive settings that allow a customized blowout at home. My only critique has to do with the cool shot button, which is placed where your hand naturally wraps around the dryer’s handle, so you may accidentally press it while styling.” Price upon publish date of this article: $149.99

Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty brand is constantly coming in hot with must-have beauty buys, and we’re especially impressed with the Ionic Pro Hair Dryer. Not only does the dryer’s playful colorway remind us of Barbie’s Dream House, it also creates a doll-like ‘do, too. This top hair dryer uses aerospace-designed airflow with an ion boost to bust frizz, plus offers you supreme authority over its force with a rotating dial. It also comes with a pink concentrator nozzle for added control. A tool this pretty shouldn’t be stowed away, and it doesn’t have to, thanks to its diamond-patterned head that sits solidly on your vanity. Editor testing and review notes: “I was astonished at how shiny this dryer left my hair. I love to use the nozzle to dry my hair straight, which usually takes a substantial amount of time since my hair is so long. But with this, I can get the job done in well under 10 minutes. If you’re in the market for a new blow dryer but your budget caps at 100 dollars, this is a great option for smooth blowouts and simple drying. And can we talk about the design? It’s easily the cutest hair tool in my rotation.” Price upon publish date of this article: $76.97 Related: Best Barbie Pink Dresses Best Pink Lipsticks

What to Look for in the Best Blow Dryers

Heat and airflow settings: The more settings a hair dryer offers, the more control you have over potential heat damage and styling results. “It’s important that the hair dryer has at least three different heat settings with two speed options and a cool shot button,” says Kee. Additional ion-release regulation is a plus, because it can determine the level of volume and sleekness you achieve.
Versatile attachments: Kee explains that a hair dryer should come with attachments, like a concentrator and diffuser nozzle, because they “will give you enough versatility to create various hairstyles from the same blowdryer.” Attachments should also coincide with your hair type and texture. For curly and coily manes, diffuser attachments are a must-have, while straight and wavy hair will shine best from a concentrator nozzle.
A comfortable weight: Mastering your own blowout is an art — and not an easy one at that — but modern hair dryer models are lighter and stronger to give your arm a break. “I think the most important thing to consider is the weight of a hair dryer,” says Castro. “It needs to be light and easy to handle in your hand. As a professional, I’m standing above the hair, so getting the angle right is easy, but when someone’s doing their own hair, it’s such an uncomfortable position. It’s a workout, basically.” Keep in mind that weight also plays a factor if you anticipate traveling with your tool, as well as its size and assortment of attachments.
Special technology features : The best home salon hair dryers on the market will include features like ceramic, ionic, or infrared technology. Ion-emitting hair dryers are widely available, and Potempa says this quality particularly makes a big difference. “More ions equal less frizz,” she says. “As the negative ions come through the airflow toward the water molecules, which have a positive charge, they’re split and scattered quickly. This reduces the drying time but also neutralizes the positive charge, which causes frizz. That ionic output is really meant to make it easy for you to get that polished, soft finish.” Additionally, keep an eye out for temperature-regulating and self-cleaning features that simplify the entire drying process.

The Best Hair Dryers for Different Hair Types and Concerns

Best Hair Dryer for Fine Hair: Fine hair is most prone to damage and breakage, so it’s best to choose hair dryers with gentle airflow. It’s also important to select a hair dryer with hot and cold settings, so you have the option to dry on the cooler side. For thin locks, choose ceramic over ionic. “Ceramic generates infrared heat, which heats up evenly across the surface,” says Kee. “This helps prevent damage.”
Best Hair Dryer for Thick Hair: If you have a heavy head of hair, it can be a challenge to dry every strand in a reasonable time frame. Kee recommends selecting the best tourmaline hair dryers or blow dryers with ionic and ceramic technology, because they heat up quickly and do a thorough job. It’s also good to consider blow dryers with a stronger or faster airflow to cut down on drying time.
Best Hair Dryer for Frizzy Hair: Frizz-prone hair will benefit from hair dryers that support healthy shine. They likely use infrared heat or tourmaline ceramic technology to lock in moisture and smooth out each unruly strand, making a pass with a hair straightener purely optional. Make sure to select one with a hair dryer concentrator, as this will allow optimal heat control in various sections, which is especially helpful for type three and four hair.
Best Hair Dryer for Damaged or Color-Treated Hair: Applying heat to already compromised hair is a careful dance. If you have dehydrated, color-treated, bleached, or damaged hair, preserving moisture and minimizing heat is key. The best ionic hair dryer is the safest bet, but make sure you choose one that has a significant range of heat and speed options. “The trick here is to use a light power setting,” says Castro. “If you use a high heat or power setting on processed or bleached hair, you’d break your hair down.”

How We Selected the Best Blow Dryers

There’s an overwhelming amount of hair dryers to choose from on the market, which is why our WWD shop editors hunkered down to test over a dozen hair dryers to inform your next beauty buy. We examined best-selling tools, revisited old favorites, and made sure to address options from a wide range of price points. Our extensive product testing is based on thorough beauty market research, as well as expert insight and recommendations from professional hair stylists. We also sifted through and compared customer reviews to pinpoint the most user-friendly and satisfactory hair dryers. Out of over 25 hair dryers, our testers landed on a stellar 11-item lineup for different hair types and styling goals.

Elchim 8th Sense Hair Dryer: A true professional hair dryer, this option is lightweight, powerful, and durable. A close runner-up to making our list, we excluded it from the top 11 hair dryers as it features bells and whistles that many may deem unnecessary for everyday styling.
Revlon Airflow Control Dryer : This budget-friendly hair dryer has a uniquely chubby nozzle that caters well to curly hair types. However our testers found that with attachments clicked into place, the tool felt cumbersome to work around hair, particularly for those with short, fine hair.
Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer : While we appreciate this tool’s no-fuss design, our testers were able to pin down hair dryers that deliver similar results with a lower price tag, like Conair’s Infinitipro Hair Dryer. We also noted that this dryer heats up quickly to a high temperature, which caused some heat flares during styling.

How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Hair Dryers

Three WWD editors and product testers put more than 25 hair dryers to the test. Each hair dryer was used for various results, such as drying sopping-wet locks, straight-styling, or creating voluminous blowouts, across a three-week testing period. On top of personally testing these tools, we also evaluated them on different hair textures, including type 2a to 4c curls, on human hair wigs. During testing, we paid attention to key factors including airflow power, hand comfortability, setting variety, technology features, sound levels, tool size, and whether our hair was left feeling soft or dehydrated. Our testers also used infrared heat thermometers to evaluate the minimum and maximum heat settings of the tools. We examined whether hair dryers lived up to fast-drying or moisture-enhancing claims, so you can feel confident about your next hair dryer purchase.

Our list of the best blow dryers were tested across different hair lengths, types, textures, and concerns, so you can select the best blow dryer for your own hair goals. Below, our testing criteria for the best hair dryers:

Ease of use : The best blow dryers have professional technology and innovative features, but it shouldn’t be overly complicated to use. We judged hair dryer usability based on comfortable design, straightforward buttons and settings, and whether it dried hair in a reasonable time frame. We also paid attention to factors that impact a hair dryer’s overall experience, such as sound levels, weight, or if the tool overheated during use.
Durability : Hair dryers tend to travel with you, whether you’re packing them in a tote bag to use after the gym or in a weekender bag for a trip. Our testers put each tool to the test during long commutes to assess whether the dryers stayed in good shape after rattling around in suitcases and bags for hours. We also dropped the dryers from countertop height onto tile floors, making sure these tools can withstand everyday wear and tear without breaking or malfunctioning.
User-friendly attachments : Hair dryer attachments are important to keep in mind for your hair type, texture, and intended result for styling. Our list includes a variety of blow dryers with attachments for different uses, such as concentrator nozzles, diffusers, and combs, as well as specific functions like flyaway tamers or attachments that transform the tool into a hair dryer brush . We gave kudos to hair dryers that came with a full suite of attachments and paid attention to how attachments clicked into place on the hair dryer.
Weight : A hair dryer can have high-tech features and a large collection of attachments, but its weight and size can largely impact the entire experience. It also plays a role in its ability to pack well as a travel hair dryer. Throughout our examinations, our testers noted if their arms or wrists grew tired while drying their hair, and any hair dryers that were far too bulky were not included in our list.

Why Trust WWD

Meet the experts.

Kee Taylor is the owner of the Deeper Than Hair salon in West Philadelphia, founder of the hair care line of the same name, and a hair content creator on YouTube . She specializes in afro-textured hair, sew-in extensions, and straightened hair styles. Her porfolio of celebrity clients include Keke Palmer, Amber Riley, Estelle, Tika Sumpter, and Nafessa Williams. She’s also authored the children’s book All Hair is Good Hair.

Sarah Potempa is the founder of the Beachwaver hair tools brand, which employs innovative rotating technology to curling irons, along with offering smooth-gliding flat irons. As a celebrity hair stylist , she’s worked with the likes of Margot Robbie, Lea Michelle, Camila Cabello, Busy Phillips, Ashley Benson, Chrissy Teigen, Miranda Cosgrove, Reese Witherspoon, and magazines including Teen Vogue, L’Officiel, and Marie Claire.

Larry Sims is a celebrity hair stylist, who’s work has been seen across the entertainment industry, from television programs, such as Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, and Entertainment Tonight, to the magazine covers of Vogue, Allure, Elle, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Essence . He’s responsible for Victoria Beckham’s iconic “bob” hairstyle, as well as looks seen on celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Laverne Cox, and more.

Meet the Testers and Author

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD 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 hair care products and styling tools on her naturally curly hair during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting hair dryers that make a meaningful difference in your beauty routine.

Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found searching for a holy grail in a Brooklyn thrift store or surveilling newsstands for fashion magazines. She’s undergone several phases of her hair care journey, from trendy cuts to bleach damage and everywhere in between, so she feels confident recommending hair tools for different hair styling preferences and care concerns.

This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip , a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.

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Best Travel Hair Dryers

Conair Vagabond Compact 1875 Watt Folding Handle

This hair dryer is perfect for travel, yet works well as a full-size dryer.

Despite being small and quiet, this dryer is powerful. Folds at the handle and fits comfortably in the hand. Dual voltage for use internationally. Good for all hair types.

The highest setting doesn't seem powerful enough, and it can pull your hair into the motor if it gets too close.

Unbeatable in price, this hair dryer is compact and lightweight but not as small as some travel models tend to be.

Not just for travel, this dryer is powerful and quiet and quickly dries hair. Has 2 speed settings, including a cool shot button to set the hair. Comes fitted with a hanging ring on handle for easy storing.

There are only 2 temps; low temp seems too weak and high temp gets extremely hot.

Remington Compact Ionic Travel Hair Dryer

This small, well-priced hair dryer features ionic conditioning technology.

Has cool, warm, and hot temperature settings and an option for 2 speeds. Has an eco-setting to help conserve energy. The small size fits easily into a travel bag. Customers appreciated that the temperature doesn’t get too hot.

Doesn’t come with any attachments.

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer

The folding handle on this hair dryer makes this already compact option even more of a space-saver.

A 1,000-watt and dual-voltage hair tool. The tourmaline crystals help increase smoothness and shine as it combats static during use. Folds at the handle for more room in packing or storage. Can be used on all hair types.

Some buyers have reported it dying out shortly after purchasing.

This dryer comes with additional attachments for added versatility when styling the hair.

Lightweight and easy to store. Comes with 2 speed settings and a separate cool shot button. Has a quiet and reliable DC motor. Lint filter is removable for simple cleaning.

The handle is pretty small, making it difficult to hold, and the barrel can get too hot.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Buying guide for best travel hair dryers.

Updated April 2023

Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, no one wants to experience a bad hair day away from home. An effective hair dryer can do wonders when it comes to styling your tresses, but you can’t always expect your hotel or host to have one on hand. That’s why a travel hair dryer can be an important investment for frequent travelers.

A travel hair dryer is essentially a slimmed-down version of a standard hair dryer that’s more portable. It is typically smaller and lighter than your at-home model and can be made even more compact for easy packing. A travel dryer usually has most of the same features as a standard dryer, though it may not be quite as powerful.

If you want a reliable, effective travel hair dryer, it all comes down to choosing the right model. That means figuring out the best weight, whether you need dual voltage, and what wattage best fits your needs, among other features.

Key considerations

A travel hair dryer should be easy to pack, so its weight is crucial. You don’t want a heavy model that will weigh down your suitcase , especially if you’re flying and checking your bag. Some models weigh as little as one pound, which is lightweight enough that you likely won’t notice it in your bag. Avoid any travel hair dryers that weigh more than two pounds, though, because they’re usually too bulky and heavy for easy travel.

While travel hair dryers are smaller in size than standard hair dryers , the awkward shape of hair dryers can make them difficult to pack. If you want a travel hair dryer that’s more compact, opt for a model that can fold. It will usually fold in half, so you can fit the dryer in a small compartment in your suitcase.

Dual voltage

If you travel abroad frequently, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of not being able to use an appliance because it’s meant for the voltage of U.S. outlets. You can get around the issue if you bring a plug adapter with you, but that’s just one more item that you’ll need to remember to pack.

Some travel hair dryers offer dual voltage, so you’re able to use the dryer abroad without bringing an adapter with you. If you only travel in North America, the voltage won’t matter, but for anyone who travels worldwide, it can be an important feature.

Just as with a full-size hair dryer, it’s important to consider the wattage of a travel hair dryer to determine how quickly it will be able to dry your hair. Most travel dryers offer at least 1,000 watts, which is usually enough if you have short or fine hair. However, if you have long, thick, or coarse hair, you’ll probably want a dryer that offers at least 1,800 watts to make sure you don’t have to spend too much time drying your hair.

Heat and speed settings

A travel hair dryer with multiple heat and speed settings is more versatile and allows you to dry your hair effectively without causing any damage. Most travel dryers offer two heat settings, high and low, but some models also have a medium setting.

It also helps to choose a travel dryer with a cool button that allows you to seal the cuticle once your hair is fully dry to boost its shine and lock your style in place.

Retractable cord

When you’re packing a travel hair dryer, its cord can get in the way, and you’ll usually have to wrap it around the dryer’s body. For easier packing, opt for a model with a retractable cord, which coils up inside the dryer.

Removable filter

Just like a full-size hair dryer, a travel dryer can pick up dirt, dust, hair, and other debris that clogs its vents and affects performance. Cleaning a travel hair dryer is much easier if it has a removable filter because you don’t have to disassemble the dryer to clean it.

Attachments

While a travel hair dryer is meant to be compact and lightweight, you may still want a model that includes accessories that make it easier to dry and style your hair. If you want to minimize frizz, opt for a model that includes a concentrator attachment. If you have curly hair, you may want a model with a diffuser attachment to keep your curls intact while you dry your hair.

Travel hair dryer prices

Travel hair dryers vary in price based on their wattage, heat and speed settings, and special features. Most models range from $6 to $80 .

Inexpensive

The most affordable travel hair dryers are models that offer 1,000 watts or less and only have two settings. They typically cost between $6 and $20 .

These travel hair dryers are models that offer 1,000 to 1,600 watts and have two heat settings as well as a cool option. Some in this price range also offer dual voltage. They usually cost between $20 and $52 .

The most expensive travel hair dryers are models that offer 1,600 watts or more, two speed settings, and a cool option. They offer dual voltage as well and often include attachments. They usually cost between $ 52 and $80 .

A travel hair dryer isn’t just for vacations or business trips – it can be the perfect addition to your gym bag to help get your hair in shape after a workout.
It’s a good idea to put your travel hair dryer in some type of bag or pouch before packing it in your suitcase. That will keep dust and dirt out of your dryer and prevent hair product residue on the dryer from getting on your clothes.
If your travel hair dryer isn’t quite as powerful as your home model, it helps to allow your hair to air dry about 30% before blow drying it. Gently towel drying your hair after you wash it and then air drying it for 10 minutes usually does the trick.

Q. Can I pack a travel hair dryer in my carry-on bag?

A. According to TSA regulations, hair dryers are allowed in both checked luggage and carry-on bags . Even travel models can be somewhat bulky, though, so you may prefer putting your dryer in a checked bag where you have more space.

Q. What type of travel hair dryer is best if I have fine or damaged hair?

A. If you have thin, fine, or damaged hair, you don’t want too much heat on your hair. You can always use the lowest heat setting on any travel dryer that you choose to avoid damage, but it’s usually not worth it to invest in a dryer with more than 1,000 to 1,300 watts of power if you’ll only use low heat.

Q. Do I need to pack a hair straightener in my bag if I’m bringing a travel hair dryer?

A. It depends on how textured your hair is and how straight you want it to be. You can get your hair fairly straight with a travel hair dryer if you use it with a round brush. If you have extremely curly hair, though, you likely won’t be able to straighten your hair completely with just the dryer, so you may want to bring a travel straightener with you as well.

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Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
Peter the Great Military Academy
Bykovo Manor
Balashikha Arena
Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
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Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Cities near Elektrostal

Places of interest
Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
Peter the Great Military Academy
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Bykovo Manor
Balashikha Arena
Fryazino Centre for Culture and Leisure
Military Technical Museum
Church of Our Lady of Kazan
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Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
Pekhorka Park
Ramenskii History and Art Museum
Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
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Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
Malenky Puppet Theater
Church of Vladimir
Shirokov House
Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
Saturn Stadium
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Best overall: Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer

Best for international travel: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer

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Fastest drying: T3 Afar

Most compact: LURA Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer

Most versatile: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Best for curly hair: Shark HyperAir HD113BRN

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