I love looking back on photos of trips we’ve taken — I like it even better when I love the way I look in those photos! One big part of that is how my hair looks. It’s not always easy to have a good hair day when you’re away from home and all your tools!
Many hotel rooms are stocked with a hair dryer, but these hair dryers usually only have one setting. If you are planning to travel for more than a couple of days, it will pay off to invest in a travel hair dryer that works with your hair.
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If you’re short on time, here’s our quick list! Keep reading for more details.
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Best Compact Hair Dryer
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Best Hair Dryer with Diffuser:
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Best for All Hair Types
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Fastest Drying Time
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Best for International Travel
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Quietest Travel Hair Dryer
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Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
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Best Budget
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Slimmest Hair Dryer
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Best Hair Dryer Brush
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Best Luxury
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Best Extras
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Things to Consider When Choosing a Travel Blow Dryer
Before you use up precious suitcase space for a travel dryer, make sure you get the one that’s right for you. Here are a few things to consider to find the best travel hair dryers for your needs.
Will you use it?
First, will you use it? If you don’t typically blow dry your hair and you’re bringing other styling tools, don’t load yourself down with an extra device. Or if you normally just let your hair air dry, you probably won’t change your style suddenly just because you’re on vacation.
What’s your hair type?
You also need to choose a dryer that is right for your hair type. If you have thin hair, you may want one that has lower heat settings and features that prevent hair damage. If you have thick hair, you might need higher heat or anti-frizz qualities. Don’t bother bringing a travel hair dryer if it’s no better for your hair than the standard hotel option!
How big is it?
Also consider the weight and bulk of whatever compact travel hair dryer you’re going to buy. Whether you’re checking or carrying on a bag (or just packing up a weekender), you want one that saves space compared to your at-home hair dryer.
Best Travel Hair Dryers
Everyone’s hair is different, so I came up with a list of 12 travel hair dryers that are best for your next trip. Whether you are looking for the fastest drying time, quietest motor, frizz-fighting technology, or the most compact hair dryer, I’ve got you covered with the best of the best.
1. Best Compact Hair Dryer: Jinri 1875W Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer
This travel hair dryer is small but mighty. Plus, it is pretty to look at. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose your favorite.
It has a foldable handle, a removable concentrator, and a hanging loop on the power cord. This is a dual voltage hair dryer with a dial on the handle that switches between 125V and 250V, so it is great for international travel.
There is one heat setting for 125V and two heat settings that work at 250V. The 1875-watt motor is quiet and powerful. The dryer has a ceramic tourmaline air outlet that blows negative ions that repel positive water ions and prevents frizzing. There is a cool shot button that sets your style with a blast of cool air.
International Dual Voltage supports in both US 110/125V and European 220/250V with help of a proper adapter, voltage switch by easily twisting the knob
Size: 9.45 x 5.5 x 4.72 inches.
Pros:
- Dual voltage hair dryer
- Frizz-reducing technology
- Foldable handle
Cons:
- May overheat
2. Best Hair Dryer with Diffuser: PeeWee 1200 Compact Travel Hair Dryer
This lightweight hair dryer has a comfortable hold, quiet airflow, and a stand that allows for hands-free styling. It comes with a diffuser that is great for curly hair, but it can get hot so it is best for quick dries.
Brand: Stylecraft
Color: Black
Material: Plastic
Wattage: 1000 watts
Power Source: Electric
Pros:
- Super compact
- Comfortable grip
- Quiet
Cons:
- May get hot
3. Best for All Hair Types: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer
The T3’s Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer is a great travel blow dryer for all hair types: long, short, curly, straight, dry, or oily. This 1500-watt hair dryer has three heat, two-speed settings, and IonAir technology to reduce frizz. The dryer is foldable and comes with a concentrator attachment and a vegan leather travel bag.
A wide, ion-infused airstream gently dries hair fast. Negative ions help smooth the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and enhance shine.
Size: 5.25 x 3 x 8.25 inches and 1.27 pounds
Pros:
- Customizable heat and airflow settings
- Frizz-reducing technology
Cons:
- Not as compact as other travel hair dryer options
4. Fastest Drying Time: Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Hair Dryer
This hair dryer is lightweight, compact, and can dry hair in as little as 10 minutes. The 1200-watt hair dryer features ionic technology to reduce frizz. It has two heat settings, a cool shot button, a collapsible handle, and a drawstring travel bag.
This tiny but powerful dryer may be fast, but it does get hot when the hottest setting is used for too long.
Super-lightweight design, collapsible handle and included travel bag allow for easy storage.
Size: 7.09 x 4.37 x 10 inches and 13 ounces
Pros:
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight
- Frizz-reducing technology
- Foldable handle
Cons:
- May get hot
5. Best for International Travel: BaByliss Nano Titanium Travel Hair Dryer
This hair dryer is dual voltage so it can be used anywhere in the world. It features nano titanium technology for a quick dry, two heat settings, and a folding handle.
This 1000-watt hair dryer is lightweight and compact so you can toss it in your suitcase or carry-on without compromising souvenir space — just what you want with a travel hair dryer.
The compact 1000 Watt BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer is a powerful, lightweight travel dryer. Nano titanium & ionic technology mean hair dries faster with less frizz. Removable filter & stand included.
Size: 5.5 x 2.5 x 6.25 inches and 9.6 ounces
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Dual voltage
- 2 heat and speed settings
- The back pops off for easy cleaning
- Folding handle
Cons:
- Occasionally overheats
- Occasionally shuts off during use
6. Quietest Travel Hair Dryer: Jinri 1000W Travel Hair Dryer
If you are looking for a small, efficient travel hair dryer that will not wake your travel companions, the Jinri 1000W may be for you. This tool has a low-noise DC motor that has a long life and has about the same amount of power without being loud.
There are two heat settings and a cool shot setting. The dryer uses an ionic generator to reduce frizz and comes with a detachable concentrator nozzle for more styling options. This hair dryer can only be used in 120V outlets.
- Smooth Blowouts in up to Half the Time - POWER of a Dryer, VOLUME of a Styler,you can design your amazing hairstyle easy
Size: 8 x 2 x 5 inches and 11 ounces
Pros:
- Quiet
- Lightweight and compact
- Detachable concentrator nozzle
Cons:
- Cannot be used outside the U.S. or Canada
*Find other quiet hair dryers here!
7. Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair: Hot Tools Ionic Travel Dryer
This 1875-watt hair dryer is compact, lightweight, and comes with two attachments. The Hot Tools Ionic Travel dryer comes with a wide, snap-on diffuser to dry curls without disrupting their natural pattern and an ultra-focused concentrator.
It is dual voltage and has two heat and speed settings. It uses ionic technology to reduce frizz and has a cold shot feature to help set hair.
- Direct IONIC TECHNOLOGY to help reduce frizz to give you shiny, healthy-looking hair.
Size: 3.6 x 7 x 10.2 inches
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- 2 attachments
- Dual voltage
- Frizz-reducing technology
- Folding handle
Cons:
- May overheat
- Mixed reviews about using it in Europe
8. Best Budget: Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Dryer
This 1200-watt hair dryer is basic and affordable. It is a lightweight but powerful travel hair dryer. It is dual voltage and has two heat and speed settings, an airflow concentrator, and a folding handle with a velvet grip.
Plus, you can’t beat the price. For less than $20, this hair dryer can be yours.
- Mini Hair Dryer: This hair dryer offers 1200 watts of power in a compact size with a folding handle, featuring 2 heat and 2 speeds settings for all hair types, plus dual voltage for worldwide travel
Size: 3.75 x 6 x 9.88 inches and 15.52 ounces
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Folding handle
- Affordable
Cons:
- May overheat
9. Slimmest Hair Dryer: L’ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer
L’ange Le Styliste Luxe is not technically a travel hair dryer, but it is thin and lightweight so it counts! This 1875-watt tool weighs just over a pound and produces a powerful flow of air that dries hair quickly.
It comes with two concentrators and one diffuser. It has three heat and speed settings with a cool shot to help lock in your hairstyle. This machine is quiet, self-cleaning, and has overheat protection.
This luxury salon dryer is also slim and quiet, its ergonomic design delivering a potent 1875 watts of airflow that helps dry hair 4x faster than the average dryer
Size: 14.41 x 11.1 x 4.29 inches
Pros:
- Multiple attachments
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Slender
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold
10. Best Hair Dryer Brush: Drybar The Baby Brush Crush Mini Heated Straightening Brush
This dryer brush by Drybar is perfect if traveling with your regular hair dryer, hair brush, and round brush feels too high maintenance. It comes in a full-sized version too, but this one has all of the features of the larger one wrapped up in a smaller package.
As a travel hair dryer, it’s perfect to toss in a gym bag or a carry-on bag. It is a straightening iron and paddle brush in one design. It has two temperature settings, an automatic shut-off, and ionic technology for less frizz.
The quickest way to smooth and reduce frizz! Compact and travel-friendly, The Baby Brush Crush helps create a smooth, frizz-free look in one easy step.
Size: 2.6 x 2.6 x 10.2 inches and 13.12 ounces
Pros:
- 2-year warranty
- 2 temperature settings
- Automatic shutoff
Cons:
- Heating components can be finicky
*Find more blow dryer brushes here!
11. Best Luxury Hair Dryer: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is a luxury item with a luxury price tag. Reviews say this hair dryer’s price is worth it though. It has impressive quick-drying abilities, a digital motor in the handle and uses intelligent heat control to leave hair super shiny.
The unique design makes it easy to pack in a bag or suitcase. It is also said to be one of the quietest hair dryers on the market, which is essential for a travel hair dryer when you’re getting ready in close quarters with other travelers.
This 1600-watt dryer quickly and quietly dries your hair so you can be out of the door in a snap.
The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is ultra-fast drying and has intelligent heat control to protect against extreme heat damage. Now with five attachments to style your hair your way, including the new Flyaway attachment.
Size: 9.6 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches and 1.8 pounds
Pros:
- Super quiet
- Fast-drying
- Compact
Cons:
- Pricey
12. Best Extras: Eva NYC Mini Healthy Heat Hair Dryer
This dryer by Eva NYC is the best travel hair dryer with all the extras you could want. It comes with a mini diffuser attachment, a mini air concentrator attachment, and a cute traveling case.
The 1200-watt dryer is small but powerful. It is dual voltage so it can be used on international trips. The dryers reportedly do not get as hot as some other dryers and the lifespan is shorter than some of the more expensive travel hair dryers.
If you are looking for even more travel-size hair styling options, the brand also makes a miniature hair straightener and miniature straightening brush.
Mini healthy heat pro-power dryer is a powerful 1200-Watt tool that harnesses the latest technology and innovative materials to deliver results.
Size: 9.5 x 3 x 6 inches and 1.14 pounds
Pros:
- 2 attachments
- Travel case
- Super compact
Cons:
- Lower heat than other hair dryers
- Doesn’t have the longest lifespan
FAQ
IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer by Gama Professional claims to be the lightest hair dryer out there, weighing just over half a pound. This makes it a good travel hairdryer or even an at-home dryer if you’d like a lighter one to be easier on your wrists.
Of course there is a wide range of weights and sizes for travel hair dryers, but experts say you should buy one under 1.5 pounds. Finding a travel hair dryer that folds makes for easier packing too.
Voltage becomes a concern when traveling internationally. (This is one of the reasons it’s a bad idea to buy hair dryers made for a different country.) Using the wrong voltage can cause the travel dryer to shut off automatically, heat up too much, and/or shorten its life, making you need to buy a new one.
The best voltage for a hair dryer is the correct voltage for whatever country you’re using the hair dryer in. For the U.S., that’s 120V. You can buy a dual voltage travel hair dryer so you can use it around the world.
Yes, but keep in mind that you will probably need a power adapter or voltage converter. Appliances in the U.S. and Canada are designed for 110/120V while many other countries use 220/240V.
Dual voltage hair dryers make the best travel hair dryers because they are designed to work with both voltage levels. Adapters don’t always work very well or for very long, so you could be harming your travel hair dryer or could blow the adapter or outlet.
Yes, Dyson hair dryers are good to use while traveling. But they are not dual voltage hair dryers, so they are best to use if you’re traveling within your home country.
Again, if you are going to a different country, you should check the voltage and possibly use a travel adapter. Dyson recommends only using the hair dryer in the country in which you purchased it because using an adapter can shorten the life of these hair dryers.
The Dyson Supersonic weighs 1.8 pounds, so it is a little lighter than the average hair dryers (which are over 2 pounds), but you can find lighter travel hair dryers.
Need more hair tool tips? Check out the best flat irons for curling hair, the best hot rollers for long hair, and the best blow dry brushes for fine hair!