The best travel hair dryers in 2024 for space-saving styling on the go
Our beauty team reviews the best travel hair dryers that are lightweight and portable yet powerful
Packing for a short trip or longer holiday can be overwhelming and trying to squeeze in any hair tools only adds to that. This is precisely why the best travel hair dryers were invented: to fit their much-needed drying capabilities into a space-saving design.
As with shampoo and moisturiser minis or squeezing clothes into packing cubes, the best hair dryer for travelling will save you valuable space in your suitcase and allow you to style your hair as you usually would. (Not to mention, you won't have to do battle with a sub-par hotel room hair dryer.)
Not only are travel dryers often equipped with features like a foldable handle, dual voltage functionality and a lightweight feel. But tech specs of your chosen tool should still cater to your hair type and length – be that a low-maintenance short hairstyle for women or a long hairstyle that may require more power and attachments.
We're serious about the hot tools we use on our hair, so our beauty team got to work testing a bunch of travel-friendly tools and curated this list of the best travel hair dryers. Ahead are the need-to-knows on those that are easiest to pack in your best suitcase, lightweight to hold and hassle-free to style with.
The best travel hair dryers, reviewed by our beauty team
Why you can trust Woman & Home
1. ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer
Our expert review:
Specifications
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If you have any degree of knowledge about hair styling tools, you probably won't be surprised to see an entry from ghd, makers of some of the best hair dryers for fine hair, thick hair and everything in between. At a glance, the Flight+ Travel Dryer (which has had a very slight makeover since it first launched), has a similar design to the brand's Air model, just packed into a smaller size with a foldable handle. The travel case has also been redesigned and now takes the form of a zip-around shape with a stylish shoulder strap – updates that we are big fans of.
As for what it's like to use? There are three settings on offer here, providing decent power and a smooth stream of air. However, we would say the cool shot, used for "setting" your style, could perhaps be a little cooler for our liking. Nevertheless, it's a great little dryer; the voltage is also super easy to adjust by twisting a dial on the handle with a screwdriver (or perhaps more accessible on a holiday, a coin). Another minor quibble is that the concentrated nozzle, pictured, is a bit light and plasticky and doesn't feel as premium as the rest of the dryer. But overall, the Flight is a solid example of why ghd is a brand you can put your trust – and money – in without no real risk of disappointment.
2. Amika Mighty Mini Dryer
Our expert review:
Specifications
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The first thing to note about this fun and funky dryer, as shown in our image below, is its size; dryers that have been designed specifically for travel are almost all smaller than standard, but Amika's Mighty Mini Dryer is barely bigger than our hand. Because of this, we were genuinely impressed by how much power it managed to rev up when we first switched it on – mighty and mini indeed! But not only that, we were pleased with how well it dried our hair and it didn't take an age to do so.
Another plus point is that, along with the concentrator nozzle, this dryer also comes with a teeny tiny diffuser, which isn't that standard for travel dryers. This will be very welcome to those who usually use one of the best hair dryers for curly hair who like to define their natural curls while drying. Granted, you can't fit much hair into this tiny diffuser, but it's better than no diffuser whatsoever, and was a very beneficial inclusion in our books. For those who want or need to travel as light as possible, this will take up an incredibly small amount of space without significantly compromising the results.
3. BaByliss Travel Dryer
Specifications
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The first thing that caught our attention before trying this BaByliss dryer was the extremely accessible price point from such a trustworthy big-name brand. Sure, it doesn't feel as premium as some of the other tools we've featured in this guide, but it's also significantly cheaper – almost a quarter of the price of some of the higher-end buys. We therefore think it's extremely good value in line with its performance.
This dryer comes with just the one attachment, a narrow nozzle, which is useful for more precise and focused styling. When we used it on the higher of the two heat-speed settings we found it to be surprisingly powerful; it dried our hair pretty quickly, though we think the lower setting is better for hair that's prone to frizzing. In an ideal world, we would have liked to see a cool shot function, too, but overall this dryer does the job pretty well – and certainly better than a rogue hotel room dryer.
4. Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer
Our expert review:
Specifications
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Drybar's Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer was one of the closest options to a full-size dryer that we tested for this guide. It's extremely powerful, serving up a 1,200-watt motor and two heat settings for decent customisation and, much like the ghd Flight+, it features a folding handle for yet more space-saving capabilities. This dryer was able to dry our tester's hair in record time – all without generating the excess frizz that many other hot tools leave in their wake.
All this is thanks to the negative ion generator, which seals the cuticle and keeps flyaways at bay while drying. This is a big plus if you want to keep your destination's weather – be it humidity or wind – from impacting your hair. This model also comes with a concentrator nozzle for more precise styling, which is also very beneficial when you're relying on a travel dryer. We're fans of Drybar's signature canary yellow-hued products and, though a sturdier case like ghd's would have been nice, we appreciate that the brand also includes a dust bag in this bundle to keep this dryer protected.
5. mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer
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One of the quietest hair dryers that we've ever tried, thanks to its brushless motor, mdlondon's BLOW Hair Dryer may not have a foldable handle, but its small size does lend itself extremely well to travel. As it hasn't been designed for travel specifically, like some of the other models in our guide, there's no option to change the voltage – if you require this function you'll need to look to ghd, BaByliss or Drybar's tools instead. However, at just under 1.5lbs, it certainly won't add much weight to your holdall or weekend bag and packs some serious power into its tiny frame, making it a good choice for travel within the UK.
As for the actual user experience? We found it was a powerful little dryer that impressed us from the moment we switched it on. It zips between the heat and speed settings impressively quickly – so there's no delay when you're ready to set your style with the cool shot – and it comes with two handy magnetic narrow nozzle attachments that secure onto the dryer easily. In other words, you can tell that the brains behind this dryer are those of a pro hairdresser.
6. T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer
Our expert review:
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If you're willing and able to invest in a reliable, high-quality model, we recommend trying this one from T3. Lauded for its frizz-reducing and volume-inducing properties, this dryer incorporates the brand's IonAir Technology, which dries hair quickly and keeps it looking smooth for days. It also boasts three heat and two speed settings, offering excellent customisation for various hair textures and styling preferences.
What sets this model apart from others, though, is its auto-dual voltage, which automatically shifts depending on your location. This meant we could enjoy worry-free styling, as we had no concerns that we'd forget to adjust it to the correct setting in whichever country. We also appreciated being able to pop on a concentrator nozzle for smoother looks. All in all, this is a winning dryer that'll give you great results with every use.
7. Conair Compact Hair Dryer with Folding Handle
Our expert review:
Specifications
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Conair's compact hair dryer makes it easy to achieve salon-worthy hair on the go. During testing, it performed consistently and was able to dry and style our hair in a variety of weather conditions. When comparing it to other models, we noticed that the nozzle isn't as long as the others and that the handle is shorter when folded, meaning it takes up less space in your suitcase. Win win.
Though the heat flow was even and it dried our tester's hair quickly, one thing we noticed was that the dryer wasn't as powerful as the others we tested. In other words, keep this in mind if you have long and/or dense hair or if you want to create an ultra-controlled bouncy blow dry. This model is only available in the US, so look to the BaByliss travel dryer for something similarly affordable; they are comparable as both brands are part of the Conair group.
8. Eva NYC Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer + Bag
Our expert review:
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The compliments will come pouring in after whipping out this mini dryer from Eva NYC – not just for the gorgeous hair it yields, but for the eye-catching carrying case that makes it so easy to throw in your duffel, carry-on, and even your best gym bag. Like the Amika model, despite its small size it doesn't lack power or strength. It features tourmaline-infused ceramic components and a 1,200-watt motor, giving you the same speed and intensity as your standard-sized dryer but in compact form.
We appreciated the concentrator and diffuser attachments that came with this dryer, which allowed for more customized styling. But most importantly, it never left hair looking frizzy, making it a solid option if you're travelling to a humid destination (though do note it's another that is US-only).
9. Skanwen Professional Hair Dryer
Our expert review:
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Though it's the priciest model on our list by some way, this highly-rated US option is also the slimmest when folded, making it ideal to fit into tight spaces for those really packing in their luggage. It has several heat and speed functions to choose from, which makes it great for all hair types, whether you have a fine, medium, or thick and curly hairstyle.
We found its 360-degree rotatable nozzle particularly useful – it made it easy to smooth harder-to-reach areas, such as the nape of the neck. We also appreciated how quiet the model was compared to the others that we tested, giving even the quietest hair dryers a run for their money. Finally, that the concentrator nozzles are magnetic meant we had no struggles attaching and removing them from the dryer, which can add to styling time if you're in a rush.
10. It's a 10 Miracle Mini Travel Kit
Our expert review:
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Looking for a no-fuss option that'll have you covered fore multiple steps of your styling routine? This set from It's A 10 will be your newest travel companion, featuring the brand's best shampoo and conditioner in addition to the hair dryer. The haircare duo is formulated with aloe vera and sunflower seed extract to nourish the hair and seal the cuticle before you style.
As for the dryer itself, it's small but mighty with a removable filter that makes it easy to clean, preventing lint buildup from impeding your style. One thing we did knock a point off for is that this dryer isn't foldable, which can make it more difficult to pack into smaller bags.
11. Hot Tools Pro Signature Ionic Travel Hair Dryer
Our expert review:
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Travelling to a humid destination or simply have hair that's very frizz prone (or both)? We'd recommend this hair dryer from Hot Tools. At 1,875 watts, it's up there as the most powerful model we tested and the results showed as much.
When we used this model on extremely coarse, flyaway-prone hair, we found it dried the hair efficiently and without frizz. The drying and styling process was also made easy thanks to the swivel cord, which allowed us to rotate the dryer without contorting our hands, too (no sore arms here!). We're also fans of the sleek black and gold signature Hot Tools design, too.
12. Mayraki Straightening/Volumizing/Wavy 3-in-1 Styler
Our expert review:
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We found that this do-it-all hot tool dries, straightens and waves hair seamlessly. Though it may look intimidating at first glance, we found it was quite easy to use – the heated teeth provided even heat distribution, while the variety of heat settings makes it easy to customise the styling process and the final look.
This tool also features a 360-degree swivel power cord, so you don't need to worry about getting tangled up during styling. Plus, the automatic shut-off function is good for forgetful types. Though it doesn't fold or have dual-voltage capabilities, the tool is extremely compact and won't take up too much space in your bag, making it very travel-friendly.
13. Calista StyleDryer Pro Hair Drying Brush
Our expert review:
Specifications
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If you want to look more like you've stepped out of the salon, Calista's StyleDryer Pro Hair Drying Brush could be the hot tool you need. It comes with two attachments: an oval brush for giving your ends the polished flip of youthful hairstyles and a styling brush for detangling and giving major volume. It is only available in the US, so if you're UK-based and want a similar dryer brush and attachments, look to the T3 AireBrush Duo (though it isn't a smaller travel design.) Each tourmaline-infused brush offers even heat distribution and reduces frizz, static and flyaways.
We liked that this is a two-in-one tool, meaning you don't need another to finish off your hair's styling. During testing, we appreciated its feather-light feel and slim, suitcase-friendly design. This model doesn't have dual-voltage functions, so keep this in mind if you'll be travelling overseas.
How we tested the best travel hair dryers
To provide a truly comprehensive guide to the best tools on the market, we tested dozens of dryers from various price points in different scenarios, both at home and on the go. We also assessed how easy it was to pack each one into a carry-on or suitcase, as well as how their performance compared with our usual full-size hair dryer. During the testing process, we took each of the below factors into account when making our assessments.
- Design
- Size and weight
- Any included attachments, e.g. concentrated nozzles or diffuser
- If the dryer came with a case or dust bag
- How well and how quickly it dried our hair
- How the results looked
- Price
How to choose the best travel hair dryer for you
Whether you're travelling internationally, domestically or locally, there are a few different important factors to take into account before you purchase a travel hair dryer, which we've expanded on below with the help of some experts.
- Size and weight: The first thing to consider is where you're travelling and what mode of transport you'll use, which will determine how big and heavy the hair dryer should be. "If you are taking it on a plane, you'll want something that's lightweight and small enough to fit in your carry-on bag," says Asako Ito, beauty expert and founder of Divine Lashes. If you're travelling by train or car, you may be able to get away with something a bit heavier and bigger. Some travel dryers are small enough to fit into a small duffel bag or purse, which can be helpful for quick on-the-go touchups if you're running in between meetings or stopping by Happy Hour after work.
- Dual voltage: Many travel hair dryers come with dual voltage functionalities, and it's definitely an option to seek out if you make frequent international trips. According to Jasmine Rilington, hairstylist and founder of The Glam Room, "using a non-dual-voltage hair dryer overseas could cause a fuse to be blown at best and damage to your hair at worst."
- Design and materials: As with tools like the best hair straighteners, a tool's materials matter. "Ceramic is a great option as it puts out non-damaging infrared heat, which is good for frizzy hair and protects the hair from heat damage," Rilington explains. "Tourmaline emits infrared heat, too, but also negative ions, which can make the styling process easier and provide a glossy finish." This material is a great option for those wondering how to get shiny hair.
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Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty writer with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is an editor and writer on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, The Zoe Report, HelloGiggles, Yahoo, Byrdie, Well+Good, Reviewed, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, The Girlfriend, and more.
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