Whether you’re traveling across the country or overseas, carrying a large bulky hair dryer can be a hassle. This is especially true if you’re flying to your chosen destination and have weight and size restrictions to deal with.

So, what’s the solution? Find the best travel hair dryer!

These are smaller and lighter than a regular or professional hair dryer, but still have the power you need for fast drying and easy styling.

Along with being a mini hair dryer, these models also have multiple speed and heat settings. Some even include foldable handles, safety features, and hair dryer attachments for added convenience.

Whether you’re traveling for a business trip, going on vacation, or just need something to dry your hair fast when camping with your friends, having the best travel hair dryer tucked into your bag can keep you looking your best.

And when your trip is over, their small size makes them easy to store until your next adventure.

For our top hair dryer reviews and some tips on how to choose the right one for you, keep reading.

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Best Travel Hair Dryers

Name	Image	Watts	Dual Volatage	Price	Our Rating
Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Styler		1875	Yes	$	4.5
BabylissPro Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer		1000	No	$$	4.5
6th Sense Styling Technology Dual Voltage Folding Travel Hair Dryer		1200	Yes	$$	4.5
Brookstone Ionic Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer		1875	Yes	$$$	5
Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle		1400	Yes	$$$	4
MHD Dual Voltage Foldable Handle Travel Blow Dyer		1875	Yes	$$	4
Remington D5000 Compact Travel Dryer		1876	No	$	5
Andis 1600-Watt MicroTurbo Dual Voltage Hair Dryer		1600	Yes	$	4.5
Vidal Sassoon 1875w Stylist Travel Dryer		1875	Yes	$	4
Wazor Hair Dryer Ionic Ceramic Mini Blow Dryer		1000	No	$$	4.5

Travel Hair Dryer Reviews

Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Styler

Though it’s small in size, the Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Styler has the power of a professional blow dryer. It’s lightweight, with a folding handle, so it won’t take up too much space in your luggage.

This portable hair dryer comes with 2 heat and speed settings for easy styling. Unfortunately, the low speed is the only one you can use when on the 250V setting. But this shouldn’t slow you down since this travel blow dryer still packs a ton of power.

Unlike some other brands, this Conair hair dryer comes with a cool shot setting, which can lock in your style for all-day hold. If you happen to be in a particularly dusty area, you’ll never have to worry about this small hair dryer dying on you because of excessive clogs. It comes with a removable filter for easy cleaning. This reduces overheating and keeps your machine running throughout your trip.

The Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Styler is a great option for those looking for a foldable hair dryer with high power and salon-quality results.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

BabylissPro Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer – Best Travel Hair Dryer

The BabylissPro Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer is the best travel hair dryer for speed and protection. It uses ionic technology to keep your hair shiny and free of static. It combines this with infrared heating, which dries your hair fast without causing damage.

With a folding handle and a short, but usable, 5-foot cord, this travel hair dryer can go with you anywhere. If you are in need of a hair dryer diffuser, look no further. One is included with the Babyliss Pro hair dryer, making it even more convenient.

There are 2 heat/speed settings, both of which are easily controlled by one button on the handle. The voltage adjustment is placed right below this and needs only a slim file to switch settings.

There is even a handy hook where the cord meets the handle, allowing you to hang your foldable hair dryer up when not in use. This is also a handy storage feature, so you’ll always know where your tourmaline hair dryer is when it’s time to start packing.

Overall, the BabylissPro Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer is the right choice for anyone who wants a compact model that gives you high heat without damaging your hair.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

6th Sense Styling Technology Dual Voltage Folding Travel Hair Dryer

At only 6 inches wide and 12.5 ounces, this lightweight hair dryer by 6th Sense can be easily tucked into your purse or the pocket of a carry-on without sacrificing any of your other necessities.

But just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it lacks in power. It has a maximum of 1200 watts blowing through it, quickly drying your hair so you have more time to enjoy your adventure.

You won’t need a converter to use this dual voltage hair dryer, either. There is a safety switch on the handle that can be turned to the proper setting using a coin or nail file. This safety feature will also keep you from accidentally switching settings while using it.

Depending on where you travel to, you may need to purchase a plug adapter, but this is a small price to pay for the best portable hair dryer you can buy. With 2 combined heat and speed settings, every hair type will wonder how they lived without this travel blow dryer.

Who should buy it? The 6th Sense Styling Technology Dual Voltage Folding Travel Hair Dryer is perfect for travelers looking for a low-priced hair dryer that that doesn’t skimp on quality.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Brookstone Ionic Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer – Best Dual Voltage Hair Dryer

The price may be a bit high on the Brookstone Ionic Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer with diffuser, but the high power and amazing features are well worth the price.

It uses ionic heating, which safely evaporates the water from your hair, leaving it shiny and full of body. This also eliminates any odors that may have attached themselves to your hair during your trip, so it will smell as great as it looks.

This dual voltage hair dryer also has 2 combined heat and speed settings and a bonus cool shot button. But unlike some other models, all three settings work as well overseas as they do in North America.

The cord is almost 6 feet long, giving you the room to maneuver your ionic hair dryer wherever you need to while drying your hair. When it’s time to pack up, this dryer has a foldable handle that keeps it small enough to tuck into any bag.

The bottom line is that the Brookstone Ionic Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer combines quality heating with an elegant look, making it the best travel hair dryer for anyone who is looking for a bit of style in their machine.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle

Complete with a folding handle, the Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer uses their unique nanoe technology to speed up drying time without stripping your hair of its natural moisture. Instead, it infuses your hair with moisture inside while it dries the outside. This strengthens and protects your hair, no matter how many times you dry it.

This Panasonic hair dryer also has an exclusive Quick-Dry nozzle, giving you concentrated airflow, which dries your hair faster. This is great when you’re in a rush before work or need a quick style after working out at the gym.

There are two heat settings and a cool shot button to lock in your style. But there is no fumbling with buttons since there is only one for all three.

The folding handle makes it easy to pack this mini blow dryer in a purse or gym bag, or even a carry-on when flying across the country for a business trip. And when you get home, the filter is easy to clean, so it is ready to go when you are.

Easy to pack with it’s folding handle, the Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle is a great hair dryer whether you are someone who prefers to travel closer to home or explore far off lands.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

MHD Dual Voltage Foldable Handle Travel Blow Dyer

The MHD Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dyer uses negative ionic technology to safely dry your hair, eliminating static and leaving your locks silky and smooth. This ionic blow dryer also speeds up drying time, so you can be out the door and enjoying your day in as little as 5 minutes.

The MHD travel hair dryer can be used anywhere, since it has both 125V and 250V settings, and doesn’t require the use of a converter. It also has 2 heat and speed settings, but only the low heat works in international mode.

The cool shot button gives you the ability to lock in your style when your hair looks its best, so it will last throughout even the longest sightseeing tour.

This mini blow dryer is only 10.5 inches long, and with the handle folded is less than 6 inches wide. It takes up very little space in any bag and is light enough that you’ll forget it’s there until you need it.

If you’re looking for one of the best travel hair dryers that features dual voltage compatibility, the MHD Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dyer is a excellent option. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy to carry hair dryer with the power of a professional model.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Remington D5000 Compact Travel Dryer

Though the Remington D5000 Compact Hair Dryer is small in size, it doesn’t lack in power. It uses a high 1875 Watts to dry your hair quickly and evenly. Ionic conditioning prevents frizz and increases the shine.

This portable hair dryer also has 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings. No matter your hair type, you can use this little machine without suffering from heat damage or brittle hair. There is also a cool shot setting.

For the environmentally-conscious users, this small hair dryer also has eco options for both its heat and cool settings, which can save on energy without sacrificing power or drying time.

There are a few downsides to this Remington hair dryer. First, the handle doesn’t fold, but its small size still makes it a good hair dryer for traveling. Though this won’t affect everyone, it also isn’t dual voltage, so can’t be used overseas without a converter.

The Remington D5000 Compact Travel Hair Dryer is an excellent choice for those who wish to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible, while still maintaining their style.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Andis 1600-Watt MicroTurbo Dual Voltage Hair Dryer – Best Mini Travel Hair Dryer

The Andis Dual Voltage Hair Dryer is small in size but huge in power and ability. But even though it dries as quickly as a much larger travel hair dryer, the motor is quiet enough to use in the middle of the night without waking those sleeping nearby.

This dual voltage hair dryer doesn’t require a converter when traveling around the world, adding to its convenience. It also has two combined heat and speed settings, but only the low heat is available when using this mini blow dryer on the 220V setting.

An added bonus to this small hair dryer is the Lifeline shock protection, which keeps you and your hair dryer safe when you use it anywhere without ground fault protection.

Though the handle won’t fold, this little machine will still fit nicely into even the smallest bag, making it easy to carry it with you wherever you travel.

The Andis Dual Voltage Hair Dryer is a great option for those who need a quiet hair dryer that still packs a lot of power. With it’s micro size, it’s also one of the best travel hair dryers for space conscious packers.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Vidal Sassoon 1875w Stylist Travel Dryer

At only 1 lb, the Vidal Sassoon 1875w Stylist Travel Dryer won’t add too much weight to your bag, which is important for those who prefer to travel by air. This also makes it comfortable to work with, allowing you to dry even the thickest hair without wearing out your arm.

This Vidal Sassoon hair dryer is dual voltage, so can be used around the world without the need for a converter to keep from frying your machine. With 2 heat settings and a cool shot button, any hair type will be able to style their hair as they want and lock it in for all-day hold.

Unfortunately, only the low heat setting works when on the 250V setting, but you can still use the cool shot. This may require longer drying times, especially for those with thicker hair.

The handle of this travel hair dryer folds for easy packing and storage, and it has a quieter motor than some other brands available.

If you’re someone that wants a professional-quality product that they can use overseas as well as at home, the Vidal Sassoon 1875w Stylist Travel Hair Dryer is a great model to consider.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Wazor Hair Dryer Ionic Ceramic Mini Blow Dryer

This Wazor Mini Travel Blow Dryer really lives up to its name. It is tiny, about the size of your hand, making it perfect for packing or for those with small bathrooms and limited storage space.

But just because it’s a mini blow dryer doesn’t mean it won’t work like a larger machine. The DC motor gives you amazing drying ability while keeping the body lightweight. This type of motor is also quieter than some other brands, so you can still chat with those around you while you style your hair.

There are 2 heat/speed settings and a cool shot for easy styling. As an added bonus there is a hair dryer diffuser attachment included with the machine, which allows you to focus the air where you need it most.

At the back of this handy portable dryer is a double safety net, which eliminates the risk of hair getting sucked into the machine. This piece is removable for easy access to the filter when it’s time to clean it out.

The Wazor Mini Travel Blow Dryer is the perfect model for those who need a tiny machine with all the benefits of a larger dryer.

You can read more reviews and see the latest price here

Tech Specs

Travel Hair Dryer Buying Guide – Finding the Best Portable Hair Dryer

Why Get a Travel Hair Dryer?

Anyone who travels regularly should own a travel blow dryer. Their compact size makes it easy to pack in a bag or purse, without adding too much weight.

But just because they are small in size doesn’t mean they are small in ability. Many travel hair dryers have the same amount of power and similar features that you’ll find on larger models. This allows you the same versatility on the road that you have at home.

Because many of them have a dual voltage feature, top rated hair dryers for travel can even be used overseas without the hassle of a converter.

As well as being a great option for those on the go, portable hair dryers are also great for home use. For those with tiny bathrooms, these take up little space. Many have hooks on the handles so they can be hung up, leaving your precious counter space clear. They can be tucked into a gym bag, too, for fast styling after your post-workout shower.

A travel blow dryer can pretty much meet the needs of anyone, men or women, and are even small enough for children who prefer to come up with their own looks.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Hair Dryer

Performance

Because a travel hair dryer is small, you may think it won’t perform the same as a larger model. But this isn’t the case. The size of the machine has nothing to do with its ability.

They have the high hair dryer wattage needed for fast drying. Full-sized hair dryers range from about 800 watts to almost 2000 watts. Travel hair dryers have the same range, allowing you to dry and style your hair quickly and easily without causing unwanted damage to your healthy strands.

Many types of portable hair dryers also have DC motors. These are lighter in weight than the normal AC motors you find in larger blow dryers, while still giving you the same performance.

Attachments

When it comes to blow dryer attachments, there are a few to choose from. The most common hair dryer attachments are the diffuser and comb attachments.

A diffuser covers the end of the hair dryer, focusing the airflow into a thinner space. This allows you to concentrate on a smaller area at a time. A travel hair dryer with diffuser attachments can be handy for those who prefer this type of styling. But using a diffuser hair dryer won’t necessarily speed up your drying time, it just gives you a different option.

Another popular hair dryer attachment is the comb. These make it easier to style your hair since the comb sits right on the end of the blow dryer. And because you can dry your hair while you style it, a hair dryer with comb attachment may even speed up the process. These can even leave one hand free to add any hair products needed, or just to take a rest before you switch sides.

Settings

The best travel hair dryer will come with at least 2 heat and speed settings. These will be combined, with the low heat having low speed and a much stronger airflow with the high heat. There may be a third medium heat setting, but this isn’t common on travel dryers.

When it comes to using your heat settings, don’t assume that you should always use the high heat for fast drying. Depending on your hair type, this could cause damage, frying your hair instead of safely drying it. Those with fine, thin, damaged, or color-treated hair should stay on the lower setting.

If you have thicker hair, the high heat will be able to penetrate it better, allowing you to dry it quicker without the unwanted damage.

Size & Foldable

The smaller your travel hair dryer is, the easier it will be to carry with you. As far as length goes, a good size is around 10-12 inches. This makes it small enough to fit into a purse or carry-on, or even a small suitcase, without taking up space you need for other belongings.

The width will vary, depending on the length of the handle. You need one that will fit your hand comfortably, but not much bigger than that. A foldable hair dryer is the best option for travel. It will make your mini hair dryer even smaller, without sacrificing on ability.

The weight of your travel hair dryer is also important. Air travel means weight restrictions, so you want a hair dryer that about 1 lb at the most, to keep your bag as light as possible. As an added bonus, the lightweight hair dryer will also be easier to use, without straining your wrist while you style. For those with joint issues or smaller children who love to style their own hair, this is especially important.

Dual Voltage

If you’re traveling close to home, a dual voltage hair dryer may not seem important. But the day you head overseas on vacation and fry your hair dryer the first time you use it, you’ll wish you paid closer attention to this feature.

So, what is dual voltage? Well, this means that your travel hair dryer can work worldwide. Because there are some areas that use 100-127 volts and some with a higher 220-250 volts, it is important to know which to use, for your safety as well as your hair dryers.

In most of North and South America, the lower voltage range comes into play. European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries pretty much stick to the 220V or higher. But there are areas that use both, including Belize, Brazil, and Cuba, so make sure you do your research before you travel.

Special Features

Along with heat settings, top rated blow dryers for travel come with a cool shot. This feature gives you a blast of cooler air to use after you finish drying it. Using this feature helps you to lock in your style so it doesn’t fall flat before your day is over.

When it comes to heat technologies, there are a few to choose from.

An infrared hair dryer heats hair from the inside out. This allows your hair to maintain its natural moisture while reducing the damage to your strands. Infrared heating leaves your hair smooth and soft. The best blow dryer for fine hair is one with infrared heating.

An ionic blow dryer emits negative ions, which meet the water’s positive ions and break them down quickly and safely. This dries your hair faster, without damaging it. This type of heating also helps reduce static, giving you glossy hair that feels great. This is the best hair dryer for frizzy hair or thick locks.

A tourmaline hair dryer uses this rare gemstone to safely heat your hair. It works similar to ionic technology, generating negative ions when it is heated to break down the water molecules.

The best hair dryer for travel combines these technologies into one fabulous machine.

Cords are also something to consider. You want one that is long enough to give you the room you need to work with, but also take up little space. There is the option of a hair dryer with a retractable cord, but this isn’t available on every model.

If you prefer no cord, check out a cordless hair dryer. Of course, these will need batteries and a charging base, which may make them a bit more bulky and harder to pack.

Safety

One safety feature to look for in a travel hair dryer is the voltage switch. You don’t want one that you can accidentally turn while using your hair dryer. These switches usually require a screwdriver, nail file, or some other slim device to turn them. This keeps you and your machine safe no matter where you use it.

A removable filter is also a necessary feature in your hair dryer. Dust and dirt can be sucked into the back of the machine, clogging it. This can lead to overheating, damaging the motor and internal parts of your travel hair dryer. Easy cleaning can keep this from happening, and the more often you do it, the better.

Another safety feature to look for is an internal safety switch. This will automatically shut down your hair dryer while you’re using it if it starts to overheat. Most new hair dryers include these, but it’s best to check out the specs to be sure.

Price

Despite their small size, some travel hair dryers can come with a hefty price. But don’t worry, you don’t have empty your bank account to afford one. A high-end model with a bunch of features, including hair dryer attachments, multiple heat and speed settings, and a cool shot button can be priced over $100.00.

Of course, skimping on the frills can lower the price. For instance, if you don’t have any use for a comb or brush hair dryer, skip these features to save a bit of money. You can still find a decent, nearly silent hair dryer for under $20.00, making these little machines great for those on a budget.

You also want to consider how often you’re going to use your travel hair dryer. If it’s going to be put to work every weekend away from home, or a couple times a week at the gym, you may want to invest in the best blow dryer money can buy.

But if you only plan to use it on an annual vacation, you can spend a bit less. Just make sure you store it well, so it doesn’t collect dust and die on you while it waits for its turn on your hair.

The Bottom Line

Everyone travels at some point in their life, which means the need to style your hair on the go. Whether you head out on a road trip, spend a few weeks at a summer home, or fly overseas for a much-needed vacation, having a decent travel hair dryer is almost a necessity.

A mini hair dryer is small in size and high in power. They give you the versatility of larger models, thanks to their multiple heat and cool settings and the dual-voltage option to go anywhere you do.

For those looking for a cheap hair dryer that still gives you fast drying time, try out the Remington D5000 Compact Travel Dryer. It has a low price without sacrificing on quality.

The Wazor Hair Dryer Ionic Ceramic Mini Blow Dryer is super small, allowing you to fit it into even the smallest bag.

If you prefer a quiet hair dryer, the Andis 1600-Watt MicroTurbo Dual Voltage Hair Dryer is nearly silent, so there are no worries about waking the little ones napping nearby.