With so much sophisticated technology at our feet, there’s no reason why you cannot look your best, wherever you are in the world. Travel hair dryers are a valuable tool for those who love to roam, because they are compact, powerful, and fully mobile. If you pick a high-quality product, you’ll be able to style your hair just like you would at home, whether you’re in a budget hostel in Budapest or a luxury hotel in Dubai.
We’ve put together this list of the five best travel hair dryers on the market. So, keep reading to find out which one you need in your suitcase.
Travel Hair Dryer Reviews
Ranking | Company | Watts | Colors | Our Hair Dryer Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 2000w | Blue | ||
#2 | 1875w | Black + Red | ||
#3 | 1875w | Silver | ||
#4 | 1875w | Grey or Black | ||
#5 | n/a | Pink |
This is the big draw of the product. According to customers, it leaves even coarse, curly hair feeling smooth and sleek. If you’ve got a natural wave to your hair, the Nano Titanium dries but it also coaxes out more definition. With a removable filter for easy cleaning, it is also simple to use and maintain. There six heat and speed settings, so it’s a hair dryer to suit everybody.
The BaByliss Pro Nano is our top pick for the best professional blow dryer.
What We Liked
- Six heat and speed settings for optimized drying
- Frame is lightweight and comfortable to grip
- Removable filter for easy/fast cleaning
- Cool Shot button for instant cool down
Not Crazy About
- Quite bulky compared with other dryers
- Cord is very long (8 feet) and prone to tangling
- Highest setting is VERY hot (not suitable for all hair types)
Plus, it comes with two speeds and three temperature settings for variable drying. The ability to switch settings is really useful if you want to create different styles and textures. The Cool Shot button, which is typical of high-end hair dryers, is a useful feature when traveling. It instantly reverse the process and, instead of producing heat, the dryer rapidly cools. The Nanoe comes with three nozzle attachments for combined drying and styling on the road.
What We Liked
- Proven to repair damage while drying (locks in moisture)
- Includes three styling nozzles for different drying textures
- Two speeds/three temperature settings for precision styling
- Removable, easy clean filter makes it simple to maintain
Not Crazy About
- On the bulky side, so more suitable for big cases
- Cord is very long (9 feet) and prone to tangling
- Fan can be a little noisier than with some other models
The Tourmaline Iconic drying system promises shine, volume, and healthy hair no matter where you are in the world. The dryer has an ion indicator light, separate heat and speed rocker switches, variable heat settings, anti-skid bumpers, and much more. If you’re looking for a dryer with all the bells and whistles, this superstar from Revlon is perfect.
What We Liked
- Triple baked ceramic shell for better heat distribution
- Two heat/speed settings for targeted, controlled drying
- Cold Shot Button for instant cooling and to lock in styles
- Concentrator and diffusion attachments included
Not Crazy About
- Expensive even for a high-end dryer
- Hottest heat setting isn’t suitable for fine hair
Best Dual Voltage Hair Dryer
One especially great feature is that it has a variable voltage setting. This means that it can be used in different places around the world without fear of the fuse blowing. Plus, the Cool Shot Button, changeable heat/speed settings, and powerful fan make it very efficient too. The Conair is easily the best travel hair dryer for those who like to pack light when they roam.
What We Liked
- Innovative folding design is ideal for travel
- Two heat/speed setting for controlled drying
- Unique ‘ion shine’ system reverse styling damage/stress
- Dual voltage for safe use around the world
- Superb price for the quality of the product
Not Crazy About
- Voltage not suitable for all countries (check first)
- Not as powerful as some of the big name brands
As is typical for compact dryers, the device comes with two speed & heat settings. You can switch it up and change the settings to get different textures and styles. The dryer also comes with a safety cut off feature, so you never have to worry about leaving it on in a hotel room. It will always switch itself off before posing any kind of danger.
What We Liked
- Hot pink design is perfect for the style conscious
- Two speed/heat settings for controlled styling
- Overheat ‘cut out’ feature for safety
- Tiny size is ideal for slipping into a suitcase
Not Crazy About
- Not as powerful as some larger hair dryers
- Might not be hot enough for very thick hair
Side by Side Comparison
Category | Our Top Pick | Best Travel Dryer | Most Versatile | Best Dual Voltage | Best Travel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated |   |   |   |   |   |
Brand | |||||
Weight | 1.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 1.0 lbs |
Dimensions | 4 x 11.5 x 10 in. | 4.6 x 13 x 10.1 in. | n/a | 4.7 x 9.1 x 3.2 in. | 8 x 4.5 in. |
Colors | Blue | Black + Red | Silver | Grey or Black | Pink |
Learn More |
Buying Considerations
If you need a new hair dryer and you want a product which complements a travel filled lifestyle, the best place to start is with compact and folding designs. However, it is worth remembering that you can only pack so much power into a little frame. So, for the fastest, hottest products, focus on full-size dryers. Ideally, you want a balance between portability and performance.
Are Added Attachments Important?
If you’ve done some browsing already, you probably know that many mainstream products come with separate attachments. The question is, do you really need a diffuser and a concentrator nozzle or is it just a sales trick? Well, it is actually worth spending a little more for a hair dryer with a diffuser, because it prevents frizz. The downside is that it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to remove the lint and debris.
Are Safety Features a ‘Must Have?’
When traveling with a hair dryer, it is really important that you use the product correctly, store it securely, and avoid heat-related mishaps. In fact, the only way to be 100% safe is to invest in a dryer with a cut-off function. This causes the device to shut down if it reaches a temperature which is deemed unsafe. The other advantage of this is that it stops you from styling your hair on an unsuitable setting and causing damage with excessive heat.
How Much Should a Good Hair Dryer Cost?
To find the best travel hair dryer, you’ve got to look at a range of features. Price is really important, but it can be misleading. It is possible to pick up dryers which are very cheap but perform as well as much more expensive brands. On the other hand, there is also a great number of low-quality devices on the market, so you have to be cautious. Read reviews, take a look at what customers are saying about the dryer, and make your choice based on whether the features are worthy of the price.
Conclusion
For most ladies, a good hair dryer is essential. It is a necessity whether you’re getting ready at home or styling up a storm in a hotel room. Our list of the best dryers on the market should help you pick a product which offers all the right features – targeted drying, damage control, increased safety, tons of power, and a lightweight, compact frame.
Bottom Line:
- Best Performance Travel Hair Dryer: BaByliss Pro Nano
- Best Value Travel Hair Dryer: Conair Dual Voltage Folding Hair Dryer