The Best Travel Hair Dryer with Diffuser for Curly Hair: Say Goodbye to Frizz on the Go

Packing for a trip can be a challenge, especially for those blessed with curly hair. Like many curly-haired travel enthusiasts, I used to dread the thought of leaving my trusted BaBylissPRO dryer at home. It’s a fantastic dryer, but its hefty weight of nearly 2 pounds isn’t exactly travel-friendly. My quest began for a lightweight, space-saving hair dryer that could still deliver beautifully defined curls without breaking the bank. After much searching, I struck gold! I discovered an amazing mini travel hair dryer and diffuser combination that has revolutionized my travel hair routine.

Update: For those curious about long-term performance, keep scrolling to the bottom of this post where I’ve included updates on my wash day results using this compact travel hair dryer over several months.

Not a traveler but love diffusers? Don’t miss my Black Orchid Diffuser Review!

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My Travel Hair Dryer Discovery: The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

After extensive research, I purchased the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer! This dryer is essentially a miniature version of my beloved full-sized BaByliss hair dryer, and incredibly, it performs just as well. Let’s dive into a quick list of pros and cons for this portable hair styling tool.

PROS

Compact and Lightweight: This travel hair dryer is incredibly small and light, making it perfect for packing in any suitcase without taking up precious space or adding extra weight.
Powerful Performance: Don’t let the size fool you! This dryer packs a punch and dries hair efficiently, comparable to larger, non-travel dryers.
Nano Titanium Technology: Like its full-sized counterpart, the nano titanium technology helps distribute heat evenly, reducing heat damage and promoting healthy-looking curls.
Dual Voltage: Essential for international travel, the dual voltage feature ensures you can use this dryer anywhere in the world without needing a voltage converter (you might still need a plug adapter depending on the country).
Foldable Handle: The foldable handle further enhances its portability, making it even more compact for storage.

CONS

Noise Level: Being a small, powerful dryer, it does produce a noticeable amount of noise. However, for the few times a year you might use it while traveling, it’s a manageable trade-off.
Diffuser Compatibility: Finding a diffuser to fit its small barrel size (1.5” diameter) can be challenging. But don’t worry, I have a fantastic solution for you below!
No Cool Setting: For those with heat-sensitive curls, the lack of a cool setting might be a drawback. Using the low heat/low speed setting can increase drying time.

The Perfect Travel Diffuser Solution: Segbeauty Universal Diffuser

The biggest hurdle with travel hair dryers, especially for curly hair, is finding a compatible diffuser. With the BaByliss Pro Travel Hair Dryer’s petite 1.5” diameter barrel, my options were limited. Luckily, my search led me to the Segbeauty universal diffuser, a collapsible hair dryer diffuser that works wonders!

Travel Diffuser for Curly Hair Review and Styling Demonstration

Made from flexible silicon, the Segbeauty universal diffuser is designed to fit most hair dryers, making it incredibly versatile. This means you can use it not only for travel but also with your regular hair dryer at home! Its collapsible design is perfect for travel, taking up minimal space in your luggage.

Now that we’ve covered the pros, cons, and the diffuser solution, let’s see how this travel hair dryer and diffuser combo performs in action!

Real-Life Test: Travel Hair Dryer and Diffuser in Action

To put this travel hair dryer and diffuser to the test, I followed my normal curly wash day routine. I easily attached the hair dryer diffuser to the mini travel dryer. *Tip: To ensure a secure fit, after placing the diffuser over the dryer nozzle, twist it clockwise to tighten. This will prevent it from falling off during use.* I have to admit, the diffuser looked quite large and comical on the small dryer, but functionality is key!

Travel Hair Dryer with Universal Diffuser for Curly Hair Styling

With my head flipped upside down, I began diffusing on the low speed/low heat setting for 10 minutes. I was pleased to note that the hair dryer didn’t emit any burning smells, nor did it overheat, which can be a concern with smaller appliances.

After 10 minutes, my hair was approximately 50% dry. At this point, I applied a bit more gel using the Smasters method to enhance curl definition. I then continued diffusing for another 10 minutes on the high speed/high heat setting.

Despite its small size, the travel hair dryer produced a surprising amount of heat. I initially worried that it might overheat and dry out my curls, leading to frizz. However, to my delight, it had the opposite effect!

The dryer itself remained cool to the touch in the engine area, the diffuser maintained its shape perfectly, and my curls dried beautifully with minimal frizz! In just 20 minutes of total diffusing time, my 2c/3a curls were about 90% dry, which is fantastic. Take a look at the results:

Review of Mini Hair Dryer for Travel on Curly Hair

Shoulder Length 2c 3a Curly Hair Styled with Travel Dryer

Tip: Allow both the travel hair dryer and the universal curl diffuser to cool down for a few minutes before attempting to detach them. The silicon collapsible diffuser can get quite warm to the touch after use.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Curly Hair Travel Duo

I am incredibly excited to travel with this curly hair travel duo. Finally, I can pack more clothes in my suitcase without sacrificing great hair days! Knowing that my curls will look fantastic wherever my travels take me is a huge relief and confidence booster.

Long-Term Updates

02/26/2019 – As with any product review, it’s essential to assess performance over time. For today’s wash day, I used my travel hair dryer again to show you how my curls continue to turn out!

Shoulder Length Natural Curly Hairstyle Dried with Travel Hair Dryer

Curly Hair Travel Hair Dryer Results – Defined Curls

Travel Hair Dryer Curly Hair Results – Frizz-Free Finish

Curly Hair Products Used:

Cleansed with As I AM Coconut Cowash. Thoroughly rinsed.
Scrunched in Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler.
Plopped for one hour.
Scrunched in Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
Diffused on low setting for 10 minutes using the travel hair dryer.
Added a touch more Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
Finished diffusing on high setting until hair was 100% dry. Scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) with Righteous Roots RX Oil.

06/12/2019 – With a trip to New England this August on the horizon, I wanted to practice using my travel hair dryer again. Since this extra-small dryer lacks a cool setting unlike my full-size dryer, my styling product combination needs slight adjustments. I’m working on perfecting my summer curly hair styling routine before my trip. Here are my most recent results:

2c 3a Naturally Curly Hairstyle with Travel Dryer and Green Glasses

Shoulder Length Curly Hairstyle with Glasses and Travel Hair Dryer

Natural Curly Hairstyle Wash Day Results with Portable Hair Dryer

Layered Curly Hairstyle Wash Day with Travel Hair Dryer

Top Travel Hair Dryer for 2c 3a Curly Hair Results