When you embark on a vacation, relaxation and letting loose are often on the itinerary. However, dealing with unpredictable hair – whether it’s humidity-induced frizz or the need for a polished look for a special occasion – means air drying isn’t always a viable option. If you’ve ever relied on a hotel hair dryer only to find it broken or absent, you understand the importance of bringing your own.
But what makes a travel hair dryer truly the best travel blow dryer? The ideal choice is packable and lightweight, so it won’t burden your travel backpack. Yet, it also needs to be comfortable to use and powerful enough to effectively dry your hair without exacerbating frizz. Whether your travels take you internationally or you need to manage your curls in humid climates, we’ve curated a list of top-notch travel hair dryers to simplify your hair styling routine on your next adventure.
Why Trust Our Expertise
At Pack Hacker, we take hair care seriously, especially when traveling. As you can see from our staff photo, many of us sport longer hairstyles that demand more drying time and attention than shorter cuts. We’ve collectively spent decades navigating the world of blow dryers and the challenges of using unfamiliar tools to achieve our desired looks. Therefore, when we set out to identify the best travel hair dryer, we knew exactly what to look for and what features truly matter to travelers.
Wind blown hair
Best Travel Hair Dryer Picks | While Mother Nature has its moments, we prefer to look our best even while on vacation.
We dedicated hours to in-depth research to pinpoint the best travel hair dryers for various hair types and needs. Whether you have thick hair, waves, or curls, or you’re seeking volume for thin hair or frizz control in humid conditions, we’ve explored a multitude of options. Our rigorous testing process led us to over half a dozen hair dryers that we confidently recommend as excellent travel companions. We put these dryers to the test on diverse hair textures in confined bathroom spaces, mirroring the often cramped conditions of hotel or cruise ship bathrooms. This wasn’t for our personal enjoyment, but rather to provide you, our reader, with realistic insights into their performance in typical travel scenarios. You’re welcome! We evaluated each dryer’s strengths and weaknesses in real-world conditions, focusing on packability and drying speed, without relying on any fancy styling aids.
Our Testing Methodology
Best Travel Hair Dryer Picks Dryers on Counter
Best Travel Hair Dryer Picks | A compact bathroom counter can quickly become crowded with even travel-sized hair dryers.
To determine the best travel blow dryer, we conducted thorough testing on eight different models, focusing on key performance indicators.
Test 1: Drying Time: Our primary focus was drying time for medium-length hair. We used testers with both thin and thick hair, recognizing that a quick drying time for thin hair might not translate to the same efficiency for thicker locks. For each travel hair dryer, we started with shower-damp hair, towel-dried to remove excess moisture. We then used a stopwatch to measure the drying time. In each product description below, you’ll find the recorded drying time for a specific hair type, allowing you to select the best option for your needs.
Test 2: Temperature Measurement: We measured the air temperature emitted by each blow dryer. Using a thermometer held one inch from the nozzle, we ran each dryer on its highest setting until the temperature reading stabilized. The temperatures reported are peak values. In most cases, the temperature fluctuated slightly after reaching the maximum, cycling up and down during operation. This temperature cycling is a beneficial feature, preventing constant high heat exposure that can damage hair.
According to hair expert Nicole Sylvester, a Paul Mitchell Color Expert certified in Olaplex and Aqua Hair Extensions, excessive heat can damage hair by breaking down its protein structure. While the obvious sign of overheating is hair smoking, product buildup or insufficiently rinsed hair can also produce smoke.
Best Travel Hair Dryer Picks Thermometer
Best Travel Hair Dryer Picks | Just how hot can these travel hair dryers get? We measured to find out.
Test 3: Packability: We measured the folded dimensions of each travel hair dryer, including the cord, as product page dimensions can sometimes be misleading. Even the best travel blow dryer is useless if it doesn’t fit in your luggage!
Beyond these core tests, we also evaluated user comfort, included attachments, and international voltage compatibility. So, let’s dive into our top picks for the best travel hair dryers!
Gear List: Top Travel Hair Dryer Picks
- Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer
Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer
Best for: Dual-voltage convenience
Folded dimensions: 10.5 in x 5.5 in x 3.5 in (25.4 cm x 13.97 cm x 8.89 cm)
For international travel, your regular home hair dryer likely won’t suffice, even if it’s compact. You need a travel hair dryer with dual-voltage capability to switch between 110-125V (US) and 220-250V (Europe). The Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer stands out because of its automatic voltage detection. No manual switching is required! This travel hair dryer intelligently detects the voltage of the outlet and adjusts automatically. A green LED indicates 125V, while a blue LED signals 240V, depending on your location.
In our tests on thin, mid-back length hair, the Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer completed the drying process in approximately seven minutes. It reached a peak temperature of 172°F (77.77°C) and provided good airflow. It’s not weak or whisper-quiet; it effectively blows air to dry your hair.
It includes a concentrator attachment that securely clicks into place, directing airflow precisely where needed. However, we achieved smooth results even without the concentrator, so you might consider leaving it behind to save space. Speaking of space-saving, the nozzle folds against the handle, reducing its length by 3 inches – a significant advantage for a larger travel hair dryer. Despite its size, it remains comfortable to hold.
Why We Like It:
- Automatic voltage detection simplifies international use.
- Offers three heat and two-speed settings for customized styling.
What You Should Know:
- The nozzle retains heat for a while after use.
- While voltage adjusts automatically, a plug adapter is still needed for European outlets.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
Best for: International jet-setters prioritizing minimal weight and size.
Folded dimensions: 9 in x 3.5 in x 2.5 in (22.86 cm x 8.89 cm x 6.35 cm)
If you’re traveling with budget airlines across Europe or packing light in a duffle bag for post-work gym sessions, a tiny yet powerful blow dryer is essential. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer is a favorite among international travelers due to its easy voltage switching (US/Europe) via a front tab and its incredibly compact size. It’s one of the smallest hair dryers we tested, even before folding!
However, while the ideal hair drying temperature range is 125°F to 150°F (51.66°C-65.55°C), the Nano Titanium reached a scorching 200°F (93.33°C)! While it didn’t stay at that peak temperature, settling closer to 180°F (82.22°C) for most of our test, it felt intensely hot on our tester’s scalp and ears. On the plus side, it dried thick, below-shoulder-length hair in just six minutes – faster than her regular, non-travel dryer. A low-speed option is available for gentler airflow, but there are no specific heat settings. It includes a concentrator, but it feels oversized for the nozzle and fits loosely.
Hair stylist Nicole Sylvester cautions that excessive heat can damage hair over time, leading to breakage, split ends, and dryness. Therefore, we recommend this travel hair dryer for short trips of a few days to a week, not for everyday use.
However, its high heat and strong airflow make it one of the best travel blow dryers for quick styling. If speed is your priority, this might be the perfect choice.
Why We Like It:
- Extremely small, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful.
- Delivers higher heat output than most travel dryers.
What You Should Know:
- The concentrator attachment is prone to falling off.
- The folded cord is almost as bulky as the dryer itself.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- Revlon Travel Hair Dryer
Revlon Travel Hair Dryer
Best for: Packability combined with a familiar, traditional hair dryer feel.
Folded dimensions: 11 in x 4.5 in x 3.5 in (27.94 in x 11.43 cm x 8.89 cm)
For those who value the familiar ergonomics of their regular hair dryer, the Revlon Travel Hair Dryer offers a similar feel with the added benefit of a folding nozzle for compact packing. Unfolded, it provides excellent ergonomics and a long cord, delivering power comparable to standard hair dryers.
It includes a concentrator that securely locks into place yet is easily detachable if not needed. In our temperature test, it reached a peak of 175°F (79.44°C), drying our thin-haired tester’s hair in a quick five minutes – similar to a traditional dryer.
While the handle is comfortable to hold, the toggle switch for low, high, and off settings is less user-friendly. It can be tricky to operate, often skipping past “off” to low or high. We experienced accidentally blowing items off a nearby ledge during testing, highlighting a minor usability issue. While practice might improve switch operation, this might not be the ideal daily-use dryer, so that learning curve may take time.
Why We Like It:
- Combines the comfort of a traditional hair dryer with a convenient folding design.
- Ceramic coating helps reduce frizz.
What You Should Know:
- Dual-voltage function reliability has been questioned, making it potentially less suitable for European travel.
- The nozzle remains hot for a considerable time after use, requiring cool-down time before repacking.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Bambino Compact Dryer
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Bambino Compact Dryer
Best for: Ultra-lightweight travel and longevity.
Folded dimensions: 8 in x 5 in x 2.5 in (20.32 cm x 12.7 cm x 6.35 cm)
Seeking expert recommendations for the best travel blow dryer? Salon professionals often recommend the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Bambino Compact Dryer. “Bambino,” Italian for “baby,” accurately describes its petite size. It’s similar in size to the Nano Titanium Travel Dryer but without the folding handle. For such a small dryer, we find the non-folding design advantageous, potentially contributing to its durability. Folding mechanisms can sometimes weaken over time, and eliminating it may enhance longevity. It’s also dual-voltage for European travel.
Regardless of its durability factors, we appreciate its powerful airflow. Combined with a peak temperature of 178°F (81.11°C), it dried thick hair in eight minutes. It lacks specific temperature settings, offering only low and high-speed options. However, it’s comfortable to hold, featuring finger indentations for a secure grip, preventing hand cramping despite its small size. This compact hair dryer is also ideal for bathrooms with limited counter space.
Why We Like It:
- Recommended by hair stylists.
- Known for its durability compared to other travel dryers.
What You Should Know:
- Non-folding design, but still exceptionally small.
- Requires constant movement during use to prevent overheating the scalp.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- Wavytalk Portable Hair Dryer
Wavytalk Portable Hair Dryer
Best for: Curly and wavy hair types.
Folded dimensions: 8 in x 4 in x 3 in (20.32 cm x 10.16 cm x 7.62 cm)
Curly-haired individuals have unique hair drying needs, and finding a travel hair dryer that caters to them isn’t always easy. The Wavytalk Portable Hair Dryer addresses this with both a large diffuser and a small concentrator. This versatility makes it suitable for sharing among travelers with different hair types. It’s not the most powerful dryer we tested. Using the diffuser, it took our tester with thin, wavy hair approximately nine and a half minutes to fully dry her hair. Wavytalk advertises “five-minute rapid drying,” but we believe this is only achievable with concentrated airflow on thinner hair.
We primarily tested this hair dryer for its diffuser, and it performed well, effectively diffusing airflow when hair is directed into its wide opening. However, the dryer’s short nozzle, designed for packability, can pose a minor issue. Longer hair can get caught in the back of the dryer if it falls along the side (ouch!). This is easily avoidable once recognized, so consider this a heads-up!
This travel hair dryer reached a peak temperature of 160°F (71.11°C). Drying takes a bit longer, particularly with the diffuser, but if a diffuser is crucial for your hair styling needs while traveling, the extra minutes are worthwhile. Note that this is not a dual-voltage dryer, so it’s not suitable for international travel to countries like Paris or Rome without a travel adapter that converts voltage.
Why We Like It:
- Includes a diffuser attachment for drying curly or wavy hair.
- Comes with a drawstring pouch for organized storage of attachments and the dryer.
What You Should Know:
- The concentrator is difficult to remove without extra grip, while the diffuser detaches easily.
- Longer hair can be drawn into the back of the dryer if not carefully directed towards the diffuser.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer
Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking value.
Folded dimensions: 8 in x 4 in x 2.5 in (20.32 cm x 10.16 cm x 6.35 cm)
Believe it or not, one of the best travel blow dryers we tested is available for under $20! The Conair Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer, typically retailing for under $17, delivers impressive hair drying performance at an exceptional price. Its compact size, whether folded or unfolded, makes it travel-friendly, and it features dual-voltage capability for European travel. Remember to manually switch the voltage on the front before use and pack a plug adapter, as it uses a standard US plug.
This travel hair dryer reached a peak temperature of 180°F (82.22°C) and dried our thin-haired tester’s hair in a quick five and a half minutes – quite respectable. The heat level felt comfortable on the scalp. We also achieved added volume and a smooth finish using a simple round bristle brush, without needing extra styling products or tools. Beyond its performance, the small handle is surprisingly comfortable to hold, ergonomically shaped like our favorite full-size hair dryer at home.
Why We Like It:
- Extremely small and lightweight, comfortable even for users with weaker hands or wrists.
- Feels surprisingly powerful for its size.
What You Should Know:
- Folding doesn’t drastically reduce its overall footprint, but rather redistributes the dimensions.
- Noise level is comparable to a full-size hair dryer.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- Panasonic nanoe Compact Oscillating Quick-Dry Hair Dryer
Panasonic nanoe Compact Oscillating Quick-Dry Hair Dryer
Best for: Premium features and innovative technology.
Folded dimensions: 9 in x 5.5 in x 3 in (22.86 cm x 13.97 cm x 7.62 cm)
While attachments are often left behind when traveling, the unique oscillating nozzle of the Panasonic nanoe might be worth making space for in your toiletry bag. This nozzle, with built-in fins, oscillates automatically, eliminating the need to manually move your hand back and forth. For proper oscillation, ensure the fins are vertical. Once oriented correctly, it’s quite impressive. However, while not overly loud for others, the oscillating nozzle can sound somewhat like a helicopter near your ears, especially when directed close to them. If the sound becomes bothersome, the oscillation can be locked or the nozzle removed entirely.
Panasonic’s nanoe™ technology claims to draw moisture from the air to penetrate the hair shaft, combining with oscillation for gentler drying. However, our tester with thick hair didn’t notice a significant difference in hair feel after using this travel hair dryer. Its gentler drying is likely due to its lower peak temperature of 147°F (63.88°C). It still dried shower-damp hair in approximately eight minutes and 40 seconds. Its size and shape are closer to standard blow dryers, making it a comfortable option for extended trips, but it lacks dual-voltage and is not suitable for European travel.
Why We Like It:
- Unique oscillating nozzle effectively eliminates hot spots.
- Nozzle is easily removable for streamlined packing.
What You Should Know:
- Oscillation only functions correctly with vertical fin orientation.
- The noise can resemble a helicopter to the user.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
- Beurer HC25 Travel Ionic Hair Dryer
Beurer Travel Ionic Hair Dryer
Best for: Frizz control, especially in humid climates.
Folded dimensions: 9 in x 5 in x 3 in (22.86 cm x 12.7 cm x 7.62 cm)
For frizz-prone hair, particularly in humid environments, an ionic travel hair dryer is a must. The Beurer Travel Ionic Hair Dryer utilizes ionic technology to seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Our tester with thick hair experienced noticeably sleek and shiny results after using this dryer, although drying took approximately eight minutes. We were surprised the drying time wasn’t longer, considering its lower peak temperature of 150°F (10°C) and seemingly gentle airflow.
The Beurer HC25 is suitable for international travel thanks to its voltage switch. However, a plug adapter is required, as is typical with most dual-voltage hair dryers. Be mindful of noise levels – it’s quite loud, especially considering its gentle airflow.
Why We Like It:
- Concentrator attachment is easily removable.
- Features a handle loop for hanging storage.
What You Should Know:
- Offers only two-speed settings without temperature adjustments.
- Can become quite hot to the touch after about five minutes of continuous use.
See Details & Buying Options View on Amazon
Ultimately, the best travel blow dryer for you depends on your individual needs and hair type. However, any of these options will likely provide a more polished look than simply resorting to a messy bun or ponytail. While we appreciate the convenience of a quick updo, sometimes a more styled look is desired. Whether you have curly hair, fine hair needing volume, or anything in between, you’ll find a suitable travel hair dryer on this list to keep your hair looking its best on your travels.
