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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).

The Details: 3 heat settings | 2 speed settings | 12.2 ounces | 1500 watts | 9-foot cord | Folding handle | Includes travel pouch

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
• PHOTO: 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.

The Details: 3 heat settings | 2 speed settings | 2.07 pounds | 3.6 x 11.1 x 9 inches | 1875 watts | 6-foot cord

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. 

The Details: 4 heat settings | 3 speed settings | 11.8 ounces | 8.2 x 8.7 inches | 1300 watts | 6.5-foot cord | Folding handle

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. 

The Details: 3 heat settings | 3 speed settings | 13 ounces | 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | 1875 watts | 9-foot cord

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.

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

Related Articles

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

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] .

• Main content

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

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.

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.

Dry Bar Baby Buttercup travel blow dryer

Best for international travel

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

Weight : 13 ounces

Conair travel hair dryer

Best compact hair dryer

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

Weight : 1 pound

Mane This Totally Blows! Ionic compact hair dryer

Best frizz-free hair dryer

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

Gama Professional IQ3 hair dryer

Best professional hair dryer

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

Weight : 10 ounces

T3 Afar lightweight hair dryer

Best lightweight hair dryer

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

Weight : 12.2 ounces

Shark FlexStyle Air Drying and Styling System

Best fast-drying tool

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

Weight : 1.5 pounds

Revlon compact hair dryer

Best affordable hair dryer

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

Weight: 1.18 pounds

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• 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.

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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?

Between weather delays, canceled flights, and unexpected traffic, travel is unpredictable, but the rest of your trip doesn’t have to be–if you pack appropriately. In addition to your clothes and dopp kit , packing a hair dryer is one way to ensure that you always look your best on your trip, but is it worth sacrificing precious suitcase space for a bulky hair tool?

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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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.

When you’re traveling, the last thing you need is another thing to pack, especially one of your many hot tools. There are so many reasons why you might be tempted to knock hair dryers off of your packing list: they’re heavy and bulky, they take up space that could be filled by another cute pair of shoes or more of your favorite makeup products , and you can always use the hotel hair dryer in a pinch…right?

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.

Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman . Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup , hair , and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market . As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms ( Frasier , Cheers , Seinfeld , New Girl , etc.) over and over again.

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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.

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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.

Meet the expert: Laurabeth Cabott is a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

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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VS Sassoon Pro Wanderlust Hair Dryer

Always have a smooth, frizz-free blow dry & look your jet-setting best, anywhere you go with this salon-grade AC motor dryer. Now there’s no need to sacrifice your blow dry while travelling; ideal for across the globe, or just across town. Designed for professional styling results, the Pro Wanderlust offers a faster drying airspeed of 95km/h & a true cold setting to set your style, while the folding handle makes it perfectly compact for storage & frizz reducing ions ensure you never have a bad hair day.

Product Features:

• All Power To You - 1600 watts gives you fast drying, on all hair types
• Superfast For Super Women - Salon-grade AC motor delivers powerful air pressure to dry hair up to 50% faster* with 3x longer motor life*, for long-lasting styling. * Than a standard VS Sassoon DC motor hair dryer
• Tame Frizz, Then The World  - Ionic Conditioning releases frizz controlling ions to eliminate static, for smooth & shiny frizz-free results
• For Your On-the-go Jet-setting Lifestyle - Dual voltage styling so you can simply flick the switch to suit the correct voltage, for wherever your travels take you.
• Your Travel Companion - Perfectly compact with folding handle so it takes up less room in your bathroom drawer or luggage
• Concentrate On Looking Amazing - Concentrator directs airflow along the length of the hair for precise, controlled styling & smoothing.

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13 Best Travel Hair Dryers, Tested by Hairstylists

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

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.

GHD Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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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

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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

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.

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

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

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

Top Travel Hair Dryers for 2024

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

Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer

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Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer Brush

Best Hair Dryer Brush for Travel

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

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $41

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

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

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $137

Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer 137   $64.11 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Conair MiniPro Hair Dryer

Best Budget Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $23

Conair MiniPro Hair Dryer $23 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Amika The Ceo 360 Lightweight Powerhouse Hair Dryer

Best Design Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $200

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

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer

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

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $199

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

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

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

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

Related: Shark SmoothStyle Review 

Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer

Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $400

Dyson Origin Supersonic Hair Dryer $400 Buy Now At Dyson

Related: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Review Dyson Airwrap Review

Eva Nyc Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

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

T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

Best Heat Controlled Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

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

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

BaBylissPro Travel Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for a Long Lasting Blowout

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

BaBylissPro Travel Dryer $35 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Volume

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $118.15

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

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer $139 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

L’Ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

Best Professional Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $245

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

Revlon Compact Folding Handle Travel Hair Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Shine

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $15

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

Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer

Best Foldable Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $85

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

Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer

Best Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $299

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

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

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Best Energy-Saving Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $349

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

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

What to Look for in a Travel Hair Dryer

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

The Different Types of Travel Hair Dryers

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

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

Is a Travel Hair Dryer Worth It?

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

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

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

How to Pack a Travel Hair Dryer

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

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

How We Chose the Best Travel Hair Dryers

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

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

Meet the Experts

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

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

Meet the Author s

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

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

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > 10 Best Travel Hair Dryers For Europe – Dual Voltage Blowdryers

10 Best Travel Hair Dryers For Europe – Dual Voltage Blowdryers

Hair dryers are large and bulky for travel. So, we have reviewed and found the best travel hair dryers for Europe to help you look styled.

Practically everyone owns a hairdryer, but for the most part, they are large and not suited for travel. Luckily, the travel hair dryer was born, and a humble blow dryer is an essential item for me when traveling.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Portable Travel Hair Dryer Reviews

Finding the best-rated travel hair dryer to take to Europe needs a little work, but never fear. We’ve done all the research for you with our compact hair dryer reviews. All you have to do is choose which of these beauties suits you best.

1. Conair Travel Hair Dryer With Dual Voltage, 1600W

Rating: ★★★★ 4/5 stars.

The Conair Travel Hair Dryer is a reliable companion for your travels. It has a compact design and lightweight making it easy to pack, and the foldable handle enhances its portability. With dual voltage support, you can use it internationally without worrying about voltage compatibility issues. The 1600W motor, while not the most powerful, still gets the job done, though it might take a bit longer for thick hair. The dryer’s simplicity is a plus for those who prefer a straightforward appliance without too many settings. Overall, it’s a decent travel dryer that offers convenience at an affordable price.

• Compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel
• Dual voltage support for international use
• Foldable handle for easy storage and portability
• Lower watts of power (1600W) may result in slightly longer drying times

2. Revlon Perfect Heat 1875W Fast Dry Dryer

Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 stars.

Revlon’s Perfect Heat Travel Dryer packs a punch with its 1875W motor, ensuring fast and efficient drying. Its compact size makes it suitable for travel, and the multiple heat and speed settings allow for customization based on your hair type and styling needs. While it might be slightly heavier than some other travel dryers, the performance justifies it. The dryer’s versatility and power make it a top choice for those who don’t want to compromise on quality when they’re on the go.

• Powerful 1875W motor for quick drying
• Compact size makes it suitable for travel
• Multiple heat and speed settings for customized drying
• May be a bit heavier compared to some other travel dryers

3. BayBliss PRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

Rating:★★★★ 4/5 stars.

The BayBliss PRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer is a premium option for travelers seeking professional-quality results. With titanium technology ensuring even heat distribution to avoid heat damage, this dryer is a powerhouse in a compact form. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it comfortable to use for extended periods. The dual voltage support adds to its versatility for international travel. While it comes at a higher price point, the superior performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize their hair care routine even when on the road.

• Titanium technology ensures even heat distribution
• Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use
• Dual voltage support for worldwide travel
• Higher price point compared to some other travel dryers

Brands We Use And Trust

4. andis 1875w fold-n-go iconic hair dryer.

Andis’ Fold-N-Go Iconic Hair Dryer strikes a balance between portability and performance. Its compact, foldable design is perfect for travelers. The 1875W motor ensures efficient drying, and the multiple heat and speed settings cater to various hair types. While it may lack some advanced features, it delivers reliability and convenience, making it a great choice for those looking for a straightforward and effective travel dryer.

• Compact, foldable design for easy storage and travel
• Powerful 1875W motor for efficient drying
• Multiple heat and speed settings
• May not have as many advanced features as some other dryers

5. Conair MiniPro Tourmaline Ceramic Dryer

Rating: ★★★ 3/5 stars.

The Conair MiniPro Tourmaline Ceramic Dryer offers a gentle approach to drying with its tourmaline ceramic technology. It’s compact and features a folding handle for easy packing. While its 1200W motor is less powerful than some other options, it’s suitable for most travelers’ needs. This dryer works well for quick touch-ups and is designed to reduce frizzy hair, making it a good choice for those with fine or easily damaged hair. However, if you have thick hair, you might find it takes a bit longer to achieve the desired results.

• Tourmaline ceramic technology for gentle heat and reduced frizz
• Compact size and folding handle for portability
• Suitable for all hair types
• May have a slightly longer drying time due to its size

6. JINRI Foldable Travel Hair Dryer, Dual Voltage

The JINRI Foldable Travel Hair Dryer is a lightweight and convenient choice for travelers. It folds down to a compact size, making it easy to stow away in your luggage. With dual voltage support, it’s suitable for international use. The included concentrator nozzle allows for precise styling. While its 1000W motor may be less powerful than some dryers, it’s adequate for everyday use and quick drying. This dryer is a solid option for those who want a reliable travel companion without the bulk of larger models.

• Foldable and lightweight design for travel convenience
• Dual voltage support
• Comes with a concentrator nozzle for precise styling
• You may prefer a more powerful motor

7. LURA Mini Portable Travel Dryer

Rating:★★★ 3/5 stars.

The LURA Mini Portable Travel Dryer is all about portability. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, making it ideal for those who need a dryer for quick touch-ups on the go. With dual voltage support, it’s travel-friendly. However, it has limited features and isn’t designed for extended or heavy-duty use. If you need a no-frills, ultra-compact dryer for emergencies, this might fit the bill.

• Extremely portable and lightweight
• Dual voltage compatibility
• Suitable for quick touch-ups during travel
• Limited features and may not be suitable for long hair that needs a big drying session

8. Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Dryer

Drybar’s Baby Buttercup Travel Dryer is designed with travel in mind. Its foldable handle and lightweight construction make it easy to pack, and it even comes with a travel tote for added convenience. The dryer delivers powerful airflow for efficient drying, and it’s suitable for various hair types. While it comes at a slightly higher price point, the combination of performance and thoughtful design makes it a worthwhile investment for travelers who prioritize their hair care routine.

• Designed specifically for travel with a foldable handle
• Powerful airflow for efficient drying
• Includes a travel tote for convenience
• Relatively higher price point

9. GHD Flight + Travel Hair Dryer

The GHD Flight + Travel Hair Dryer is a premium option for those who want professional-quality results on the go. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers multiple heat and speed settings. The dryer’s performance matches that of larger models, making it suitable for all hair types. While it does come at a premium price, it’s a top choice for travelers who don’t want to compromise on the quality of their hair care tools.

• Offers professional-quality drying
• Compact and lightweight for travel
• Premium price point

10. Plavogue Hair Dryer Brush, Dual Voltage

The Plavogue Hair Dryer Brush is a versatile tool that combines drying and styling functions. With dual voltage support, it’s suitable for travel. While it may have a slight learning curve for effective use, it’s a great choice for those who want to achieve salon-quality results on the go. This hair dryer brush is particularly useful for those who like to style their hair while drying it, saving time and effort.

• Combines drying and styling functions
• Suitable for various hair types
• May have a learning curve for effective use

Why buy a travel hair dryer?

A travel hairdryer, sometimes also referred to as a portable blow dryer, is a must-have for those who travel regularly. Most are dual-voltage hair dryers, so you won’t worry about them not working at your destination. A slim design hairdryer is also much more lightweight than regular blow dryers, reducing your weight allowance when you’re flying.

What is the difference between a travel hair dryer and a regular blow dryer?

A travel blow dryer is generally smaller and more compact, and they often collapse down, e.g., the handle flattens against the drying unit to make it easier to take with you on your travels. A compact blow dryer is also often more lightweight, which means they have fewer features.

The best travel hair dryers have dual voltage, too. (See above to find out what that means exactly.)

There are many types on the market, from a professional blow dryer to an ionic hair dryer where you have different heat settings, hot and cold, diffusers, etc. These hair dryers also come with dual voltage, but their size is the problem . On the other hand, regular home hair dryers tend to be larger and usually have more features.

What does a dual voltage hair dryer mean?

A big plus of travel blow dryers is the dual voltage feature. If you plan to travel from the United States to Europe , having a dual voltage travel hair dryer is a must, or you’ll be left with wet, limp hair. A dual-voltage professional hairdryer allows you to use your small travel hair dryer overseas.

What to look for in a small travel hair dryer?

When you are shopping around for the best hair dryer for international travel, you should look for the following:

• Value for Money
• Lightweight
• Dual voltage ( get a travel surge protector to take with you as well )
• Hot and Cold Heat Settings

What are the best features of the best travel hair dryers?

• Attachments
• Heat and Speed Settings
• Safety and Durability

What are the differences between cordless and plug-in hair dryers?

Cordless hairdryers mean they don’t have a cord and, therefore, don’t need plugging in. They are charged up before use, and you, as a result, don’t need to look around for a plug while you’re styling. And that means you can style anywhere.

The downside is that you are limited by the battery life of the small travel blow dryer. So it would help if you were disciplined with charging the battery, or you could get caught.

On the other hand, a plug-in hairdryer does precisely that and plugs into your power outlet. Many of these blow dryers have long swivel cords, making it easier to style your hair, and some even have retractable cords, making it simpler to travel and store the machine.

The downside is that you need to be close to a power outlet at all times.

Now that we have found models that have all of have must-have features for your travels in European countries we know that the good hair days for all now are possible on the road. Curly hair girls included.

More Packing And Travel Products Tips

• Best Travel Bras
• Best Compression Socks For Flying
• Best Family Passport Holder
• Travel Cross Body Bag: The Best Cross Body Bags For Travel
• Best Travel Umbrellas To Keep You Dry
• Best Toddler Travel Bed Reviews (aka Travel Crib)
• The Best Travel Flat Iron Reviews
• Best Baby Carrier For Travel Review
• Best Packable Ultralight Down Jacket + Bonus Ultra-Light Winter Packing List
• Ultimate Guide to Buying The Best Travel Wallet
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• Long Haul Flight Essentials: Carry on Packing List to Travel Lighter
• Best Travel Pillow for Long Haul Flights:
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• Ultimate Guide to Buying Packing Cubes
• Best Shoes For Travel
• What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
• Croatia Packing List: What to Pack for Croatia
• Our Guide to Travel Necessities
• Smart Luggage Tracker Tags

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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

The hair dryers provided by hotels can be pretty basic at best and can leave your hair looking less 'elegant blow dry' and more 'frazzled mess.' So, if you're after good hair days for, well, days, wherever you are in the world, we suggest packing one of our best travel hair dryers.

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.

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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