Best Travel Hair Dryers in 2020
Have you ever checked into a hotel or Airbnb and realized that it doesn’t have a hair dryer? To prevent this problem, pack one of the best travel hair dryers.
If you take pride in her hair and like to style it every morning, you probably own a great hair dryer. Unfortunately, your hair dryer might be too large and too heavy to fit in your luggage when you travel. That’s where a travel option comes in.
The best hair dryers for travel belong on all your packing lists so that you can always look your best.
Here are the top 5 best hair dryers and what you need to know before you buy one.
#1 JINRI Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer
JINRI’s Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer is a ceramic dryer that is powerful, compact, and perfect for carry-on luggage. Features include:
- Dual voltage
- Foldable handle makes the dryer small
- Multiple heat settings
#2 Gamma Piu ETC Travel Hair Dryer
If money isn’t an option and you’re in the market for the best dual voltage travel hair dryer, you’ll love the Gamma Piu ETC Travel Hair Dryer. It’s quiet, functions at 1,000 and 1,200 watts, and claims to reduce drying time by 25 percent. Features include:
- Beautiful turquoise color
- Dual voltage
- Small size, measuring just 5.07” long
#3 Babybliss Nano Titanium Travel Dryer
Looking for the smallest travel hair dryer around that packs a punch in terms of power? If so, you’ll love the Babybliss Nano Titanium Travel Dryer. Features include:
- Dual voltage allows you to use it anywhere
- Small size of just 6.2″
- Weight of just 9.6 ounces
#4 Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality travel hair dryer, check out the Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer. It’s small, lightweight, and dual voltage. Features include:
- Affordable price
- Dual voltage
- Two heat and speed settings
#5 JINRI 1000 Watt Professional Hair Dryer
Are you an early riser who wants a hair dryer that doesn’t wake the rest of your crew? If so, check out the JINRI1000 Watt Professional Hair Dryer. It’s small, sleek, lightweight, and quiet. Features include:
- High-low-off heat/speed settings and a cool shot
- Quiet motor
- Weight of just 11 ounces
Editors' Choice: JINRI Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer
Amazon
Our top pick for the best hair dryer on the market is JINRI’s Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer.
It’s small, powerful, and has a foldable handle that makes it easy to pack in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. Once folded, it measures just 9.45” x 5.5” x 4.72”!
It’s a ceramic blow dryer, which is safer for your hair and helps prevent heat damage.
This hair dryer with dual voltage means you can use it in New York, Paris, London, and Tokyo without having to lug around a converter.
JINRI Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer Pros
- Dual voltage: The 125-250 V means you can use this tool in the U.S. and abroad.
- Small machine: A foldable handle makes this travel hair dryer compact and easy to pack.
- Two heat/speed settings for the 125V: A hot and cold setting helps set your style.
JINRI Dual Voltage Travel Blow Dryer Cons
- Handle warmth: While the compact folding dryer is helpful, it does become hot if the hair dryer is on for a prolonged amount of time.
Best Budget: Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer
Amazon
If you’re looking for a high-quality compact and lightweight hair dryer, check out the Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer.
This hair dryer features a foldable handle (perfect for travel) and two heat/speed settings. It weighs just one pound, and it’s dual voltage so that you can use it anywhere.
The main differentiator with this travel hair dryer, however, is the price. You can’t beat it.
Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer Pros
- Dual voltage: Don’t worry about blowing a fuse if you plug this hair dryer into an outlet outside of the U.S. Dual voltage means it will work on any frequency.
- Low cost: This is one of the most affordable travel hair dryers we’ve come across.
- Multiple heat settings: This device features two heat and speed settings.
Conair 1875 Watt Compact Hair Dryer Cons
- No filter: The back of the hair dryer does not have a filter. Hair can get sucked into the fan and burn if you aren’t careful.
Best Quiet: JINRI 1000 Watt Professional Hair Dryer
Amazon
JINRI makes great products. The 1000 Watt Professional Hair Dryer is one example.
It’s small, sleek, lightweight, and most importantly, quiet.
If you travel with a group, you won’t have to worry about waking them up with this blow dryer.
JINRI 1000 Watt Pros
- Different heat settings: This hair dryer features a high-low-off heat/speed setting and a cold shot.
- Lightweight build: This device weighs just 11 ounces.
- Quiet machine: This hair dryer is powerful yet quiet, making it perfect for travel.
JINRI 1000 Watt Cons
- Single voltage: If you tend to stay within the U.S. for your travels, this hair dryer will suit your needs perfectly. If you enjoy international travel, you’ll need a converter.
Best Small Size: Babybliss Nano Titanium
Amazon
If you’re looking for a super small, sleek, powerful hair dryer, check out the Babybliss Nano Titanium.
It’s dual voltage, meaning you can use it both in and outside the U.S.
The key thing about this option is the size. This tiny, ceramic ionic travel hair dryer measures just 6.2” at its longest. It’s perfect for carry-on luggage and can even fit into your toiletry bag!
Babybliss Nano Titanium Pros
- Dual voltage (from 110V to 250V): Feel free to use this travel hair dryer worry-free whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad.
- Lightweight materials: This travel hair dryer weighs just 9.6 ounces.
- Small size: This is the smallest hair dryer on our list, which makes it perfect for carry-on bags and weekend trips.
Babybliss Nano Titanium Cons
- Hot air: Customers say this hair dryer gets very hot, so make sure you use a heat-protecting styling spray on your hair.
Best Dual Voltage: Gamma Piu ETC
Amazon
If you’re looking for a great dual voltage travel hair dryer and budget isn’t a concern, check out the Gamma Piu ETC Travel Hair Dryer.
It’s sleek looking, functions at 1,000 and 1,200 watts, and is super quiet.
It has Evolution Turbo Compressor technology, which reduces drying time by 25 percent!
Gamma Piu ETC Pros
- Great aesthetics: Check out the trendy turquoise color. It’s not your basic black!
- Dual voltage: The hair dryer will work anywhere without a converter.
- Small device: This hair dryer measures just 5.07” in length.
Gamma Piu ETC Cons
- High price: This hair dryer is more expensive than others on our list
Travel Hair Dryer Buyer’s Guide
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Investing in a travel hair dryer isn’t the same as buying a normal hair dryer.
Yes, you’ll need to look the strength, speed, and heat, but you’ll also need to look at the size, weight, and wattage.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Will you use it mainly in the U.S. or will you use it abroad?
- Will you mainly pack it in a carry-on bag or will it go in checked luggage instead?
These questions will help determine what kind of hair dryer you need.
Keep reading to learn how to buy the best one for you.
Concentrator vs. Diffuser
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There are many basic travel hair dryers on the market. If you want something more advanced, many hair dryers have add-ons. If you have curly hair, thick hair, or frizzy hair, an add-on can help.
The most common add-ons are concentrators and diffusers:
- Concentrators are attachments that help direct the airflow. These tools can result in smoother, sleeker hair and are best for people that want a straight-hair look.
- Diffusers, on the other hand, are best for people with curly hair because these tools help to eliminate frizz and can boost curls. Diffusers can also be used by people with straight hair who are looking to add volume to their hair.
If a concentrator or a diffuser is important to you, find a travel hair dryer that comes with one.
If you don’t think you’ll use the attachment, leave it at home or find a travel hair dryer without one. Otherwise, the extra tool with take up space in your bag.
Size and Weight
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If you’re looking for a new travel hair dryer, your number one priority should be the size.
Whether you travel to Chicago or the Middle East, you’ll want to find a hair dryer that is lightweight, compact, and won’t take up too much space in your bag — especially if you often travel with a carry-on bag vs. checked bag!
Just because something is small doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. Travel hair dryers are a prime example of this principle.
Even a mini travel hair dryer can do a lot.
To cut down on size, look for features like a folding handle hair dryer or retractable cords. These features will help minimize space so you can pack even more goods.
Wattage
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If most of your travel is within the U.S., wattage shouldn’t be your main priority. If you plan to visit Europe or other countries outside of the U.S. and Central America, look at dual voltage hair dryers.
What exactly is a dual voltage travel hair dryer?
It’s just what it sounds like: a hair dryer with two voltage options: one is 110-120V, and the other is 220-240V.
With dual wattage hair dryers, you can use your blow dryer worry-free without having to worry about it catching on fire or breaking.
Even with a lower wattage, your hair dry time should still be reasonable.
Zynatis / Shutterstock
A travel hair dryer can help you dry your hair into the perfect look whether you’re at home or on an adventure.
Next time you get out your packing cubes for a trip, use this guide to find the perfect travel blow dryer for your travels.
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