travel blow dryer target

13 Best Travel Hair Dryers That Are Tiny But Mighty

They pack a powerful blow.

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While travel hair dryers serve the same fundamental purpose as their full-size counterparts (drying and styling hair), they're "usually more compact and lightweight, and are designed to work with a variety of voltage standards and adaptability to different outlets in ways regular dryers typically are not," says Sabina Wizemann , director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. "Travel blow dryers usually have lower wattage to meet the voltage requirements of various countries," she adds.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Drybar baby buttercup travel blow dryer.

Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer

Best Travel Hair Dryer With Diffuser

Stylecraft peewee dual voltage travel dryer.

Slimmest Travel Hair Dryer

L'ange le styliste luxe digital salon dryer.

Best Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

Revlon fast dry travel styler.

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair

T3 afar lightweight travel size hair dryer.

Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

Dyson supersonic hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer for Thick Hair

Fhi heat innovator dryer.

Best Customizable Travel Hair Dryer

Bio ionic smart-x high efficiency hair dryer + diffuser.

Our Beauty Lab analysts regularly test hair dryers, hair dryer brushes , curling wands and other types of hair tools for performance, styling ability and ease of use. In our most recent test of travel hair dryers, we evaluated 11 models and recorded over 2,000 data points to determine which delivered the most gorgeous, salon-level blowouts. Our final list of recommendations includes the winning models from our test, as well as editor favorites, plus tips from celebrity hairstylists Clariss Rubenstein and Nick Stenson .

Our analysts were impressed by the travel-sized version of Drybar's best-selling hair dryer — in fact, it came out on top in our travel hair dryer tests.

The dual-voltage model delivers fast-drying power in a conveniently compact package that folds at the handle and offers two heat settings plus a cool shot button to lock in your style. It landed perfect scores in our Lab evaluations for its easy-to-use controls , quick drying time and strong airflow. "Wow, this is powerful," said one tester. "It's the right size and doesn't look like a travel dryer until you fold the handle."

While it is pricey for a travel dryer, Wizemann notes that it's powerful enough to pull double-duty as a home and away option. One other thing to note: Some testers commented that it was a bit heavier than other models they've tried, and the attachments weren't always easy to get on and off.

This Conair dryer scored high in our travel hair dryer test and it's a GH Beauty Award winner . It blew away the competition when it came to drying speed, drying standardized human hair samples fastest of all the travel hairdryers we tested (in just 60 seconds!).

While a little bulky for a travel dryer, we think it's a versatile and budget-friendly option, complete with three heat and two speed settings. “It has strong airflow and high heat,” one tester said, while another said they liked that it “offered the most control options.” It does have a shorter cord length than others, though, so you'll need to plug it in close to a mirror if you need one.

Impressively lightweight, this hair dryer is the quick fix you need for a weekend trip if you rely on using a hair diffuser . The Lab found it one of the most consistent models we tested across the board when it came to comfortable hold, quiet airflow and easy-to-use buttons . Plus, it comes with that diffuser, making it a great choice for those with curly hair.

Testers loved that "there is a convenient stand for hands free styling" and that it was "light yet feels substantial." According to our Lab experts, it can get hot, so it's best for quick dries that don't require a cool shot button.

In our testing, our Beauty Lab pros found the Le Styliste Luxe to be a great option for travel. Though it's not technically a travel dryer and doesn't fold, its compact size and weight are on par with other travel hair dryers we've tested.

For being so slender and petite , this 1875-watt hairdryer produced an impressively powerful airflow, drying hair quickly. It comes with two attachments and a diffuser and weighs 1.2 pounds with a cord. It was also quieter than many of the other hair dryers we evaluated.

While we haven't yet fully evaluated this model in the Lab, we had to include it on our list because it's one of the most sought-after travel hair dryers on Amazon , where reviewers say you'll be particularly impressed by how powerful it is, despite its small handheld size. We also give it bonus points for its dual voltage feature and its concentrator nozzle. That said, it may not be ideal for those with curly hair, as there is no diffuser attachment.

One Amazon reviewer, who claims to be an avid traveler, said they've relied on this dryer for 15 years. "I ALWAYS take this with me, period," the reviewer wrote. "I just got back from a 10-day trip to the northern coast of Spain, and my hotel had a blowdryer that I didn't even touch."

Revlon's Fast Dry Travel Styler checks off all the boxes of a good travel hair dryer: It's dual-voltage and offers two heat and speed settings, a cool shot button and a folding handle. Though sleek in design, our Lab testers did find it to be a bit loud and a little difficult to switch between attachments, though. But we're giving it points for being extremely powerful. In fact, it's the only dryer we tested that earned a perfect airflow score .

T3's now-discontinued Featherweight compact hair dryer was a GH favorite. While we haven't yet gotten our hands on this updated version from the brand, we trust that it will prove to be just as great. Why? It has a foldable handle for easy storage, plus it offers dual voltage, meaning you can leave your adapter at home when traveling internationally.

Celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein says she also loves T3 hair dryers for their speedy dry time and frizz-free results . The Afar offers two speeds, three heat settings and a cool shot button. Sephora reviewers say they love the multiple setting options and folding handle — though some note that it is on the noisier side.

While it's not technically a travel hair dryer, the Dyson Supersonic is lightweight and compact, making it a solid travel companion. In our tests, its one-of-a-kind design dried hair fastest and has become the overall standard in our blow dryer tests. It dried an eight-inch hair sample in only 54 seconds due to its impressively strong airflow. How? Its motor is lighter and smaller than most, and it lives in the handle rather than the end of the typical dryer head.

Although it carries a hefty price tag, Deputy Editor Jessica Teich attests that it's worth buying, especially when it comes to domestic travel (it's not dual voltage, so international travelers beware). Our Lab testers agree. "Of all of the dryers, I had the best experience with this one — largely because I felt like on the most humid of days, it got my hair smoother and straighter in less time than any other one I've ever used," shared one.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Dyson Supersonic Is Worth the Money

A GH Beauty Award winner , this sleek dryer delivered the strongest airflow and dried hair fast in testing despite its slim design and compact size, making it ideal for thick hair.

While it's technically a full-size hair dryer and wasn't created for travel, our Lab pros found it to be lightweight, with one saying it was "very comfortable to hold with easy-to-reach controls." Two things to watch for: The nozzle can pop off mid-blowdry when it gets hot and we found it to be slightly more noisy than others tested.

While it is a splurge, Bio Ionic's Smart-X Dryer has a lot of unique features that help justify the price. It allows you to personalize your styling experience with an auto-memorization feature that learns your chosen settings, has a self-cleaning function and uses more air pressure and less heat for an overall healthier dry, according to the brand.

It isn't designed to be a travel dryer, but its lightweight and slim design make it a good option. In testing, Lab analysts noted its strong airflow — a feature echoed by Amazon reviewers. "The concentration of the airflow is [so] amazing that I rarely use the concentrator," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "The dryer is compact in size and perfect for traveling."

Skin Research Institute DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer

In Lab testing, this quiet and compact hair dryer received the best score for drying hair quickly, making hair look smooth (and not frizzy) and for overall satisfaction when using it . Testers also loved the quality, durability and temperature range of the tool and found it easy to attach and detach accessories, while also folding up nicely.

"I liked how light it was to use and how quickly my hair dried even on the coolest temperature," says one tester, while another loved how smooth and shiny her hair was. "It looked like a professional blowout!" The only downside? The accessories may get hot and controls weren't the easiest to operate.

CHI LAVA PRO Hair Dryer

Lightweight and quiet, this dryer from CHI was another top contender in the Lab's testing due to its good air flow and high heat options . You can't help but notice its unique shape at first glance; it provides a straight shot of air, which reduces drying time using less electricity while producing a stronger air flow, according to the brand. Plus, it has four heat settings, three speed settings and a super quick (seven seconds!) auto-cleaning function.

Since it isn't technically a travel dryer, it doesn't fold up, but reviewers love it nonetheless. "I just started using this hair dryer and love it," shares one reviewer. "It dries my hair so fast and it's so lightweight!"

YA-MAN Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage

Comfort is key and Ya-Man's dryer proved that point in our Lab testing. One hundred percent of testers found it ergonomic and comfortable to hold, safe to use and that it didn't cause any discomfort or burns on skin .

The comfort applies to your head and scalp as well: It has a Scalp Lift attachment, inspired by a traditional Japanese head spa, which "combines warm airflow and soothing vibrations to relax and soften the scalp and promote healthy hair," according to the brand. The tool also received the best score in our Lab tests for creating a desired style and 94% of reviewers liked the weight of dryer. While they appreciated the length of the cord, some testers found it to be heavy and also noted that the cool shot button can be easily pressed while blow drying.

"The lightweight and sturdy design makes it easy to maneuver while styling and the airflow dried my hair very quickly (more so than my previous dryer)," shares one tester. "The massage tool is a nice feature — it's very relaxing."

How we test travel hair dryers

When it comes to testing hair dryers, our Beauty Lab pros measure everything from the surface temperature to the ease of use, including the comfort of hold, its weight and its cord length.

In our most recent travel hair dryer test, we evaluated 11 top-rated travel hair dryers by measuring drying speed on standardized human hair samples, as well as airflow and the temperature they reach. We also rated noise level and ease of use, including the comfort of hold, ease of putting on and removing attachments and location of controls and buttons.

Overall, our beauty analysts recorded over 2,000 data points to determine which delivered the most gorgeous, salon-level blowouts . In this list, we included the final seven that outperformed all the others.

If you are traveling internationally, take note that every travel dryer we tested in our Lab features dual voltage, meaning these mini blow dryers can function in the United States and abroad with a compatible travel adapter unless otherwise noted — so no worries about blowing a fuse here.

What to look for when shopping for a travel hair dryer

We called on hair pros celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein and Matrix Artistic Director Nick Stenson for their best shopping advice on mini hair dryers:

✔️ Speed and efficiency: It's the top priority for a travel hair dryer, according to Rubenstein. "Look for features such as ceramic that result in frizz-free and shiny hair," she says. "There is no use in bringing one along if it doesn't make your hair look great." The hairstylist recommends the ion-charged T3 , which dries hair super fast and leaves hair shiny. "It also cuts major frizz," she says. "I would use it even when not traveling."

✔️ Size: The lighter the better! "There are so many that come in compact, lightweight sizes that still pack a major punch," she says. " T3 , Harry Josh and GHD make my favorite travel sizes." You’ll find varied weight and size options with travel dryers, but Stenson suggests keeping it under 1.5 pounds. Another bonus with purchasing a travel dryer is finding one that collapses or folds to allow for easier packing, he adds.

✔️ Wattage: Voltage and wattage should be more of a concern if you’re traveling internationally. Stenson recommends 1875 watts as the sweet spot for most hair dryers. For international travel, you’ll want to invest in a travel adapter as well, no matter the wattage.

✔️ Attachments: A great travel dryer should also come with a concentrator and diffuser attachments for versatility, says Stenson.

Is a travel hair dryer worth it?

Absolutely! Especially if you use a blowdryer daily. "For the moderate to the avid traveler, travel dryers are a fabulous investment that saves space and unnecessary weight in your luggage and keeps you looking your best on the go," says Stenson. Plus, they're likely better than what you'll find in your hotel. "Even though a hotel blowdryer will do its job, it almost never has the same features as higher quality brands," Rubenstein adds. "You won't regret it."

Do mini hair dryers work?

"Travel blow dryers work, but they may not have the same performance, so it's advisable not to have the same expectations as for full-sized hair dryers," Wizemann says. "They may be slower in drying hair and require more time for styling."

That said, the technology has certainly improved in recent years. While regular dryers used to "typically emphasize power and are known to have more advanced styling features for faster and more efficient drying," says Wizemann, many current travel hair dryers have multiple speed and heat setting options just like their bigger, bulkier counterparts.

Can you bring a travel hair dryer in a carry-on?

Yes. "As per TSA regulations, it is allowed to carry a hair dryer as a personal belonging on board ," says Wizemann. She recommends packing it in a separate plastic or Ziploc bag if you are also carrying liquids and place the hair dryer between soft clothing for additional protection.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price is the most recent updater of this article. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos , conditioners, treatments , styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.

To update our picks, Price worked closely with Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann , who contributed her expertise, providing information from Lab testing and about travel hair dryers generally. With a background in hair dye research and synthesis, Wizemann loves all things hair-related. Over her many years in the GH Beauty Lab, she has fashioned Lab and consumer studies on at-home hair coloring , shampoos for colored hair , hair serums , dry shampoos and more. She also tests hair styling tools like hair dryers while continuously checking for the latest innovations in hairstyling.

Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin wrote the original version of this article, compiling picks and interviewing experts for commentary. She covers all things home, lifestyle, style, beauty and beyond. Before GH, she worked on Insider's style and beauty reviews vertical, where she evaluated skincare, makeup, travel accessories, social media trends and more.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping , Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com , E lle.com and HealthCentral.com .

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The 8 Most Compact and Portable Travel Hair Dryers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Don't rely on hotel dryers — pack one of these travel-sized hair dryers for your next vacation.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

If you’ve ever traveled with the plan to rely on the hotel hair dryer and been sorely disappointed at the quality of the item and its lack of ability to dry hair, you are not alone. Hotel hair dryers are notoriously weak, and if you have long hair, thick hair, or plan to give yourself a snazzy blowout while on vacation, they can certainly come up short. 

We recommend packing a compact, lightweight travel hair dryer so you can be sure you have a product that’ll meet all your trip needs. To find the very best travel hair dryers, we conducted a four-week study in which we tested 34 products. We paid close attention to ease of use, features, drying performance, overall look, and value. 

The T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer stood out above the rest because it’s small, but very mighty, and it dried our hair quickly plus left it looking shiny. But if you’re looking for other options, including a splurge-worthy, luxury option or a pick with lots of attachments and accessories, read on. We found the very best selections in every category. 

Best Overall

T3 afar travel size hair dryer.

Bloomingdale's

• Ease of Use 4.7 /5
• Features 4.7 /5
• Drying Performance 4.8 /5
• Overall Look 4.3 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

It’s super lightweight, comfortable to hold, and the sweetest shade of pink.

It doesn’t include a diffuser. 

If you only buy one travel hair dryer, let it be this super compact does-it-all product from T3, a brand known for its high-quality hair tools. Weighing in at less than one pound, this small dryer with a foldable handle won’t hog much space in your luggage at all. It even comes with a vegan leather travel pouch so you can keep it separate from your belongings, which is extra beneficial for when it’s still hot after use. 

The product works well on all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily. It uses a wide, ion-infused airstream that gently dries hair fast, and we enjoyed the strong, even air flow during testing. Meanwhile, negative ions help smooth the hair cuticle to minimize frizz. We noticed our hair looked quite shiny after use. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot setting that locks in your style. A bonus for international travelers: The dual-voltage dryer automatically adapts so you don’t need to pack a converter (though you may need a plug adapter, depending on your destination).

The Details: 12.2 ounces | 1500 watts

Best for Frizz

Bondiboost sonic dryer.

Bondi Boost

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Drying Performance 5 /5
• Overall Look 4.9 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

The lightweight dryer has impressive airflow.

The attachments can be difficult to remove.

Though small and lightweight, this hair dryer has plenty of power and the strength of the airflow impressed us during testing. Despite that, the motor is relatively quiet compared to standard hair dryers, so it’s ideal to use during early mornings or late nights while others may be sleeping within earshot. There are four heat settings and three speed settings (plus a cool shot setting) that can accommodate virtually any hair type. We found the BondiBoost dryer was able to quickly and effectively dry hair even on the lower heat and speed settings, while leaving hair smoother and less frizzy. The product includes a concentrated airflow attachment and a diffuser. Plus, it comes equipped with a unique self-cleaning function, which helps to prolong the life of the hair dryer. It even has a smart memory function that memorizes your heat and speed settings.

The Details: 12.32 ounces

Best Foldable

Sri dryq hair dryer.

• Ease of Use 4.3 /5
• Drying Performance 4.6 /5
• Overall Look 4.2 /5
• Value 4.2 /5

Despite its compact size, this dryer has a generous eight-foot cord.

The setting buttons are located on the body of the dryer rather than on the handle.

A foldable hair dryer provides added convenience for travelers because it makes it easier to fit into small luggage compartments. Even if using it at home, you’ll appreciate that it takes less real estate on your vanity or in a drawer. This lightweight, foldable model uses ionic technology, which helps prevent frizz and promotes a faster drying time. It’s also equipped with red light therapy to help strengthen weak, brittle hair and promote growth. There are four modes (from 160 to 296 degrees Fahrenheit) and three speed settings, as well as a memory function. Though we appreciated the product’s quick-drying ability and the results that left hair smooth without noticeable damage, we found the button placement a tad inconvenient. 

The Details: 11.8 ounces | 8.2 x 8.7 inches | 1300 watts

Best Accessories

Olivia garden high performance professional hair dryer.

Olivia Garden 

• Features 4.5 /5
• Overall Look 4.7 /5

It includes a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, two round brushes, and a paddle brush.

The attachments were a bit difficult to remove.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by accidentally switching a heat or speed setting on your hair dryer due to inconveniently placed buttons, listen up: this lightweight dryer comes with a button lock feature, so you’ll never unwillingly change one of the three airflow speeds or three heat settings (from 145 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit). We found that this hair dryer’s powerful airflow made it worth the high price tag, in addition to the fact that it didn’t leave hair with any visible damage. With the plethora of included attachments and accessories, you can create virtually any hairstyle without having to pack additional tools. Plus, it features a self-clean function to eradicate any gunk that builds up over time. 

The Details: 13 ounces | 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | 1875 watts

Best Airflow

Tymo highspeed hair dryer.

• Ease of Use 4.6 /5
• Overall Look 5 /5

The small but mighty dryer comes with two nozzles and a diffuser.

The power button is a bit tricky.

Despite its small, lightweight frame, this hair dryer packs quite the power. We were impressed with the potential intensity of the airflow, especially for the mid-range price tag. We found the dryer — which has four heat settings (up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit), three speed settings, and a cold shot — able to fully dry hair relatively quickly when compared with other dryers we tested. The LCD display is a nice touch so you can see the exact temperature you’re dispersing onto your hair. An added bonus: it comes with a travel case for extra convenient toting. 

The Details: 10.5 ounces | 1200 watts

Best Splurge

Dyson supersonic hair dryer.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Drying Performance 4.9 /5
• Value 4.9 /5

It has a very strong airflow and dries all hair types quickly, while leaving them shiny and voluminous.

Though relatively lightweight, it’s bulkier than many of the items on our list.

No doubt about it: the Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer is the Rolls Royce of hair dryers. Though the price is steep, hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts alike swear by its unparalleled ability to dry hair more quickly and effectively than standard dryers — and after our lab tests, we agreed! We were thoroughly impressed by the hair dryer’s strong air flow and many of us never even needed to use full power because the lower settings were effective enough (still, people with very thick hair will certainly appreciate the max capacity setting). We also agreed that, with heat settings from 82 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (plus a cool shot option) and 1600 watts of power, it dried our hair in record time compared to other hair dryers, while also giving flat hair flippy, bouncy volume.

Dyson’s wide array of attachments also sets it apart from competitors. This model includes five magnetic attachments for a variety of hair types, including a styling concentrator, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, a wide-tooth comb, and a flyaway attachment that gives straight or straightened hair a smooth, sleek finish. It also comes with a convenient case cushioned with soft fabric to store all the attachments and protect the hair dryer from scratches. It is important to note that Dyson does not recommend using this product outside the U.S. as an adaptor or converter can cause permanent damage to the motor. 

The Details: 1.8 pounds | 9.6 x 3.8 x 3.1 inches | 1600 watts

Best Budget

Revlon airflow control dryer.

• Ease of Use 4.8 /5
• Features 4.6 /5
• Drying Performance 4.7 /5
• Overall Look 4 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

It’s compact and budget-friendly with a rotating nozzle.

It works best on thin and fine hair types.

If you don’t use a travel dryer often and prefer a model with a budget-friendly price point, this Revlon model is a good bet. It has a narrowly concentrated airflow, which increases airflow speed and targets wider sections of hair than a regular concentrator, making it convenient for blowouts and styling. The nozzle can be rotated and locked into place either vertically or horizontally, so you can focus air on your strands from any angle. It also includes a diffuser for use on curly hair. It helps reduce frizz and boost shine thanks to ceramic tourmaline technology. We were quite happy with the effects for the price. It has three heat settings and two speed settings. 

The Details: 2.07 pounds | 3.6 x 11.1 x 9 inches | 1875 watts

Best Brush Style

Drybar 3-in-1 interchangeable blow dryer.

• Drying Ability 5 /5
• Effectiveness 5 /5

It leaves hair looking sleek and healthy.

It's not the best for curling.

For a classic blow-out look you can achieve at home, look to the Drybar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer. It comes with an oval brush attachment, paddle brush attachment, as well as a concentrator blow-dryer. While it isn't the best for curling, it does leave hair looking sleek and straight with a bit of bounce at the ends. Throughout our tests, we saw no signs of heat damage on our hair and the cool temperature helped a lot with creating a final shiny and healthy look. Flyaways are tamed and sections of hair that usually become frizzy and staticky after drying were smoothed after using this brush. When you don't have time to head out to a Drybar salon, this device is an excellent one-stop-shop.

The Details: 1 pound | 4.57 x 12.7 x 7.4inches

Other Travel Hair Dryers We Liked

These two hair dryers also stood apart from the crowd during testing, although they had some minor issues that gave us pause.

L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer : While we appreciated the compact and quiet nature of this hair dryer, ultimately it left hair a bit frizzy and didn’t have the best air flow. 

Mane Addicts This Totally Blows! Compact Hair Dryer : Though we loved that this lightweight model comes with multiple attachments including a concentrated nozzle, a diffuser, and a comb, it was a bit expensive considering the limited heat options.

T3 Fit Hair Dryer : We love the cord length of this small and sturdy hair dryer, but the speed and heat settings are on the outside of the handle, which makes it a bit difficult to change the settings as the dryer is in use.

First, we tested 34 of the top hair dryers in our labs, searching for the most travel-friendly options. After the initial test, we continued using the products at home at least twice a week over the course of four weeks.

In addition to our team testing the products, we also had expert hair stylists use the products on others in our laboratory tests to get some professional insight. To compare how each dryer stacked up against the others, we took detailed notes on ease of use, product features, drying performance, the overall look, and the value of the product. We also paid special attention to how packable and convenient they were for travel.

Tips for Buying a Travel Hair Dryer

Pay attention to size and weight.

If luggage space is limited, you’ll be better off with one of the smaller items on our list. Foldable hair dryers are particularly convenient for packing because they can collapse into a more compact shape. If you’re working against suitcase weight limits, pay special attention to the weight of the hair dryer — there are great options even at under one pound. 

Make sure it works for your hair type

You don’t want a dryer that’s too weak or too hot for your hair type, which can defeat the purpose of the product or leave your hair damp or frizzy. To prevent this, buy a travel dryer with similar wattage and power settings to your at-home hair dryer and be sure to give it a test run before you go. Many typical dryers are about 1800 watts.

If your hair dryer comes with a carrying case or pouch, place the dryer inside the pouch before adding it to your suitcase. A garment bag or any cloth bag can also help keep your dryer safe. Put the dryer in a padded part of your suitcase (for example, in a compartment where it’ll be surrounded by soft clothing). It’s a good idea to wrap the dryer’s cord with a cord fastener or twist tie so that it doesn’t get damaged or tangled in transit. Just make sure you allow your hair dryer to fully cool down before packing it. 

You can pack your hair dryer in your carry-on bag — just be sure you can fit it safely inside and that your bag adheres to all carry-on specifications .

While many hair dryers (such as our top pick!) come with automatic voltage converters, others do not. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to pack a voltage converter with the appropriate plug for your destination. If your hair dryer includes an automatic voltage converter or a voltage converter switch, just make sure you have the right plug adapter for your intended destination.

Most hair dryers have a typical two-prong U.S. plug format, so you'll need an adapter with at least that type of input. If your hair dryer has a three-prong plug format, make sure you pack an adapter that can accommodate it. In many countries, electrical voltage is 220/240V, while U.S. and Canadian devices are designed for 110/120V. Most U.S. hair dryers will also require a converter when traveling between countries that use different voltages and some products, like the Dyson SuperSonic, should not be used outside of your home country for this reason. No matter what, if you don’t use a converter and plug in your hair dryer with mismatched voltage, it’s possible to ruin your device, or even start a fire. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, longtime beauty writer and editor Talia Ergas pored over copious notes from our lab and real-world tests to convey the best and lacking features of each choice. We also consulted professional hair stylists during our lab tests to get the most detailed insights.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

• Best overall
• Best for international travel
• Most versatile
• Best for curly hair
• Best foldable
• Most compact
• Fastest drying
• Best for damaged hair
• Best budget

What to look for in a travel hair dryer

What voltage is ideal, 9 travel hair dryers that are compact, lightweight, and won't blow out your hotel's electricity.

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Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a weeks-long trip, traveling to any destination via airplane means very minimal luggage space for full-size hair products. If you invest in a travel-size hair dryer, however, you can stuff your bag with clothes, shoes, and other essentials, and your strands won't have to suffer as a result.

Travel hair dryers often get a bad rap because people confuse the tools with the kind of low-quality complimentary blowdryers stashed under hotel bathroom sinks. But the two are not the same. On the contrary, many renowned hair tool brands sell travel-sized versions of their best hair dryers that are designed with features like manual heat and speed settings and interchangeable attachments to ensure styling on the go is just as satisfactory. If you're a carry-on person and need your hair dryer to be as small as possible, we highly recommend the Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer , which folds and is only $16.

Still, the market is saturated with travel-friendly alternatives in all categories, so it can be hard to decipher the fantastic from the flops. To save you the hassle of trial and error (and wasted cash), we've rounded up some of the best travel hair dryers of 2023 below.

Our top picks for the best travel hair dryers:

Best overall: Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best for international travel: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer - See at Amazon

Most versatile: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer - See at Dermstore

Best for curly hair: Shark HyperAir HD113BRN - See at Amazon

Best foldable: Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer - See at Amazon

Most compact: LURA Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Fastest drying: T3 Afar - See at Amazon

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer - See at Amazon

Best overall: Conair 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer

Pros: Budget-friendly, dual voltage, folding handle, two-speed settings, two heat settings, cool shot button, 1875 watts

Cons: Does not come with any accessories

The Conair 1875 Compact Hair Dryer checks all the boxes for those traveling nationally or overseas. The styler is designed with a foldable handle and weighs roughly a pound, so it's suitcase-friendly. Its dual voltage makes it ideal for worldwide jet setters and offers 1875 watts of electrical power, ensuring a faster drying experience when you're on the go. The device also features two heat and speed settings, plus a cool shot button for easy styling no matter your hair type, and is budget-friendly as it retails for under $20. 

Best for international travel: Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer

Pros: Smart voltage technology, folding handle, three heat/two custom speed settings, cool shock button, ionic output, concentrated nozzle, 

Cons: An adapter still necessary for international travel

Frequent travelers, look no further than the Conair Worldwide Travel Dryer. This savvy styler is downright genius as it's designed with smart voltage technology that detects foreign voltages and adjusts accordingly, making it the ultimate travel companion for anyone traveling all over the place. And while you can guarantee that it won't blow out the lights in your hotel, you will still need an adapter to plug it in.

This hair dryer is also an excellent model for travelers with specific style preferences, as it features three heat and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button, and an ionic output to reduce frizz and naturally enhance the shine of your strands. What's more, though the device doesn't come with multiple accessories, it does include a concentrated nozzle for focused airflow.

Most versatile: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer

Pros: 12 heat and speed settings, suitable for all hair types, patented silencer for quiet styling, weighs less than one pound, features a patented Cool Air Flex Technology, cold shot button, 94 mph motor speed, ion functionality, dual filtration, 1875 watts of electrical power, 9 foot cord, comes with traditional and long-size concentrated nozzles, hanging ring

Cons: High price point, does not fold, not dual voltage

The Ultra Light Pro Dryer is proof that Harry Josh Pro Tools understands that no one should have to sacrifice great hair days in the name of jet-setting. The list of features worth highlighting about this travel hair dryer is lengthy. For example, in terms of travel convenience, the device weighs less than a pound (so it's practically weight less ). However, it isn't foldable and has a 9-foot cord that isn't retractable. 

Still, its salon-quality styling perks are what makes this name-brand dryer worth its splurge-level price point. It features a whopping 12 heat and speed settings for optimal customization; a patented silencer technology for whisper-quiet styling, plus a patented Cool Air Flex technology to protect fingers and hands from potential burns; dual filtration to reduce the device's energy expenditure; and ion functionality to sustain your hair's health. What's more, the hair dryer is constructed with a motor that runs at 94 mph, as well as 1875 watts of electrical power to speed up the drying experience. Each purchase also comes with two attachments: One traditional and one long concentrated nozzle. 

Best for curly hair: Shark HyperAir HD113BRN

Pros: Comes with a diffuser attachment for curls, concentrated nozzle, and small cleaning brush, intelligent heat control, cool shot button, three heat, and three airflow settings

Cons: Lower wattage than other travel hair dryers on this list, is not foldable, attachments will take up extra luggage space, high price point

You might recognize Shark for its vacuum and cleaning devices, but similar to Dyson, the brand also manufactures hair dryers. The HD113BRN is an especially great travel option for curly/wavy hair types as it comes with the brand's IQ Curl-Defining Diffuser which is specifically designed for wavy, curly, and coily tresses. Each purchase also includes an IQ 2-in-1 concentrator nozzle for more focused airflow. 

The Shark HyperAir is another smart styler in the category and is designed with HyperAir IQ, a technology that combines intelligently-controlled high-velocity heated air with ionized air. Together, the air flows to speed up the drying process and protect strands from potential damage/breakage. Heat is measured up to 1,000 times per second for quick, efficient, and even distribution, while negative ions are emitted to smooth strands and reduce frizz. That said, for those who prefer a customizable styling experience, the travel hair dryer's heat and airflow settings can be manually increased or decreased at your discretion. 

Best foldable: Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer

Pros: Suitable for all hair types, emits as much power as a full-size hair dryer, folds, two heat/speed settings, concentrated nozzle, cool shot button, weighs less than one pound, designed with ionic technology, comes with a travel bag and two-year warranty

Cons: High price point, reviewers note the dryer only lasts a few years

Fans of the Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer will love its travel-size version that weighs less than a pound and folds for easy storage in a suitcase or carry-on. The Baby Buttercup provides users with the same level of power as its full-size counterpart, plus the same amount of styling features: two speed/heat settings, a cool shot button to lock in your final look, and a concentrated nozzle to dry isolated areas and ensure your hair's shine is at its most lustrous. The travel hair dryer was also designed with ionic technology to speed up styling time and keep hair looking and feeling healthy. 

Most compact: LURA Mini Portable Travel Hair Dryer

Pros: Dual voltage, smaller than an iPhone when folded, weighs less than one pound, two heat/speed settings, does not require a converter, comes with 2-pin EU plug adapter, purchase includes a travel bag, attachments include concentrated nozzle and diffuser, double-layer filter, under $50

Cons: Only 1200 watts of electrical power

This travel hair dryer from LURA is strong but mighty. When folded, the styler measures smaller than an iPhone, plus it weighs less than a pound, making it the ultimate travel companion for jet setters with very little luggage space to spare. The biggest downside to this dryer is it only runs on 1200 watts of electrical power, but what it lacks in wattage it makes up in convenience: It boasts dual voltage and doesn't require a converter, plus your purchase includes a 2-pin EU plug adapter and a travel bag for easy storage. The hair dryer is also great for on-the-go styling, with two heat/speed settings, as well as two attachments (a concentrated nozzle and curl diffuser) that cater to both coily and straight strands.

Fastest drying: T3 Afar

Pros: Auto-dual voltage, folds, suitable for all hair types, reduces frizz, comes with a travel bag, concentrated nozzle included, cool shot button, three heat settings, two-speed settings, drys quietly

Cons: High price point, some reviewers note airflow is not as strong as others on the market

While you can't judge a travel hair dryer by its color, there's no denying the T3 Afar's blush pink hue is what initially caught our attention. Fortunately, the travel hair dryer has many selling points beyond its hue, including the brand's exclusive IonAir Technology that releases ions into the air for speedy, yet gentle styling. The smart design also includes an auto-dual voltage, which automatically adapts to foreign voltages. 

As for its styling properties, the Afar features three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button. Each purchase comes with a concentrator nozzle so you can pinpoint areas you want to style and prevent frizz.

Best for damaged hair: Panasonic Nanoe Compact Hair Dryer

Pros: Folding handle, nanoe technology, emits healthy ions into its airflow, comes with a QuickDry Nozzle, 5.5ft cord, is under $100, lightweight, has three heat settings, 1400 watts of electrical power, and one nozzle attachment

Cons: Is not dual voltage, not as powerful as other travel hair dryers

If your strands are suffering from breakage, are dull from dehydration, etc., this travel hair dryer from Panasonic can help breathe new life into your tresses, even whilst on the go. Its Nanoe Technology is key in doing so; it draws moisture from the air to manufacture moisture-rich ions that are emitted through its airflow and expelled onto hair. This leads to less breakage and more healthy, shiny tresses. It's also quick-drying, thanks to the 1400 watts of electrical power generating optimal airflow, and the less time hair is exposed to heat, the better. 

Best budget: Revlon Compact Hair Dryer

Pros: Budget-friendly, comes in 3 colors (Black, Yellow, Pink), features two heat and speed settings, a hanging ring, lightweight, does not fold

Cons: Only compatible with 120 volts outlets, bulkier than other travel hair dryers  

Revlon has a reputation for its salon-quality styling tools, and its travel hair dryer is no exception. This model retails for under $10, but you can rest assured that it's a high-quality dryer. The proof: It's amassed over a whopping 68,000 reviews on Amazon alone and averages a 4.6 out of a possible 5-star rating. 

While this suitcase-friendly styler isn't foldable and it's a tad bigger than other travel hair dryers on the market,  the device is notably lightweight. It also boasts features like two heat/speed settings for easy styling, as well as a hanging ring for easy storage. The only major caveat is that, while it offers users 1875 watts of electrical power, this travel hair dryer isn't dual-voltage and is only compatible with outlets that can handle up to 120 volts, so you'll have to invest in an adapter if you're traveling internationally.

When shopping for a travel hair dryer, there are a few things to consider. If you're an avid international traveler, for example, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Shelly Aguirre stresses the importance of dual voltage. "You also don't have to compromise on power when you want a compact dryer," Aguirre tells Insider , adding that ceramic, ionic, and Tourmaline features are especially great for jet setters that require frizz control and want lots of shine.

Still, there are no styling features that are a "must" for everyone. Like any other beauty purchase, the travel hair dryer you choose has to cater to your specific needs. This also applies to things like the weight or size of the tool. It will ultimately depend on the device, where you're traveling, and how much room you have in your suitcase to store it.

In short, it all depends on where you're traveling. Different destinations require different voltages, and high-power dryers will require certain adapters. To make sure you're making the right purchase for your getaway, Aguirre recommends referencing the Ceptics Adapter Chart.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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• Hair Products And Tools

The 8 Best Travel Hair Dryers to Pack On Your Next Trip, Tested by Byrdie

Dare we say they'll blow you away?

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Byrdie / Reese Herrington

Book any hotel or Airbnb, and it’s safe to assume there will be a hair dryer there. It’s a basic amenity, after all, one necessary for getting you out the door and exploring wherever your travels have taken you. But then, there’s that one time that assumption proves false. It’s usually when you need a hair dryer the most—when you’re shortest on time, in the most humid conditions, dressing for your fanciest event. Of course .  Don’t risk it. We’re all about investing in a travel-friendly hair dryer to avoid scenarios like that. Since they’re small and mighty, you can easily sneak one into your suitcase and ditch using that weak one at your hotel.

Not all travel hair dryers are created equal, though. That’s why we set out to test a wide range of travel hair dryers, all with different features and at various price points. Our testers evaluated how well they worked (specifically how long it took to dry their hair ), while a panel of experts weighed in on more technical features, such as ergonomics, attachments, and airflow. When all was said and done, we ended up with this list of winning pint-sized options that will barely make a dent in your suitcase. 

• What To Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, t3 afar travel size hair dryer.

Bloomingdale's

Very powerful motor and airflow

Has many different heat and speed settings, including a cool-shot button

Doesn’t come with any attachments

Features : 1,500 watts, three heat and two-speed settings, cool-shot button, dual voltage | Wireless: No

T3 is well-known for its wide range of tech-y hot tools, and this travel dryer is no different. It boasts many of the same bells and whistles you’d find on full-size dryers; think a variety of heat and speed settings, a cool-shot button, and built-in dual voltage. Plus, it’s compact to begin with—and even more so given that it can be folded in half. We loved how shiny and smooth it left our strands (credit built-in ionic technology ); our expert panel raved about the convenient button placement and how lightweight it was.

Who It’s For

People with all hair types should try this, as well as those who don’t mind spending a bit more money on a travel dryer.

Best Budget

Conair minipro.

Lightweight

Handle folds up

Emits a strong airflow

Can overheat

Features: 1,200 watts, two heat and speed settings, airflow concentrator, dual voltage, velvet grip handle | Wireless: No

At this price, we truly can’t think of a reason not to pick up this pint-sized hair dryer from Conair, a long-time trusted hair care brand. It’s an Amazon favorite, too; over 3,000 satisfied reviewers repeatedly comment on how lightweight yet powerful it is, with a strong airflow that leads to dry hair in nearly no time. Its functions are pretty basic—it features just two heat and speed settings—but it gets the job done, and it folds up compactly so you can sneak it into your suitcase easily. Just beware: this one can overheat, so it’s best for those who have thinner hair that won’t take long to dry. And, again, the price.

Anyone with thin or fine hair should try this pick (it can get too hot if you have thicker hair that takes longer to dry). It’s also a great pick if you’re on a budget.

Best Foldable

Stylecraft peewee travel dryer.

Helps smooth hair

Folds into compact size

Quality could be better

Features: 1,000 watt micro-motor, built-in stand, airflow concentrator and diffuser, travel bag, dual voltage | Wireless: No

While the quality of this one isn’t particularly impressive, we do very much appreciate the lightweight feel, budget-friendly price, and the fact that it folds perfectly in half, fitting into even the most cramped of suitcases. Also noteworthy: a special Tri-Plex Fusion technology (stay with us here) with keratin, ceramic, and tourmaline for smoothing and shine-enhancing benefits . 

Anyone who tends to overpack will appreciate that this can be folded up into a tiny little size. It’s also very affordable and lightweight, too. 

Best Dual Voltage

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Small, compact size

Includes extra accessories

Only one heat setting

Cord doesn’t retract

Features: 1,000 watts, two heat and speed settings, folding handle, removable filter and stand, dual voltage | Wireless: No

Never stress about packing an adapter or frying your dryer again; with a travel-sized dual voltage option, you can dry your hair to perfection on all your international adventures. Like this one. It’s powerful, with a strong airflow that gets you out the door (and to a museum, historic site, wine bar—you name it) in no time. As mighty as it is, it’s still super compact and lightweight, so it will barely contribute to your suitcase’s heaviness and leaves more space for souvenirs too. We also love that the back pops off for easy cleaning. There are downsides, though: there’s only one heat setting—and it gets hot —and the cord doesn’t retract.

Who It’s For 

Frequent international travelers will appreciate the fact that this is a dual-voltage choice.

Best for Fast Drying

7magic fast-drying hair dryer.

Dries hair incredibly fast

Has three temperature settings

Ionic technology protects hair from heat damage

No dual voltage

Features:  1,600 watts, two speed, and three temperature settings, detachable air filter, overheating safety protection setting, storage bag |  Wireless:  No

“Fast-drying” is in the name of this foldable hair dryer for a reason. It’s that efficient—30 percent faster than a standard hair dryer, according to the brand. Even the longest, thickest locks will be dry in just five to eight minutes. Got short hair ? You’ll be ready for the day in just a minute or two. Its three temperature settings, two-speed options, and ionic technology, which protects hair from heat damage and dryness, all helped earn it our top spot. We also love how lightweight and compact it is, which is essential for ensuring it’s travel-friendly and that the price won’t give you sticker shock. Keep this hair dryer for domestic travels only, though, since it doesn’t have dual voltage.

If you like lots of different settings, pick this choice. It’s also great if you have thicker hair , as it works super fast.

Best for Curly Hair

Revlon airflow control dryer.

Comes with both a concentrator and a diffuser

Has ceramic tourmaline technology to fight frizz

Can be hard to pop on diffuser

Features : 1875 watts, built-in rotating concentrator, curl-enhancing diffuser | Wireless: No

Curly hair gals, this one's for you. If you rock spirals, this travel hair dryer checks all the must-haves. There’s a built-in concentrator that directs airflow (it rotates so that it can be vertical or horizontal), which is part of why we found this to be very powerful, with strong and even airflow. It also has ceramic tourmaline technology to fight static (a must for those with curls), not to mention a variety of heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot button.

Those with curls will like the many features of this dryer, namely a diffuser and ceramic tourmaline technology.

Best Lightweight

L'ange le styliste luxe digital salon dryer.

Slim and sleek design

Comes with three magnetic attachments

Airflow could be stronger

Features : Magnetic attachments, LCD temperature display, four heat and three speed settings | Wireless: No

Lightweight is an understatement: This little guy weighs in at less than a pound. (In fact, our experts said it was the lightest dryer they’d ever used.)  Still, despite its size, it manages to offer some pretty unique features—think magnetic attachments, an LCD temperature display, a super quiet motor, and more. While the airflow could be a bit more powerful, the shape of the dryer does make the airflow very targeted and concentrated. 

Fans of tech-y hot tools will appreciate all the bells and whistles that this blow-dryer has to offer, as well as anyone who finds that their arm gets tired of holding heavier driers.

TYMO HighSpeed Hair Dryer

Extremely quiet

Sleek and streamlined design

Auto-cleaning feature

Button placement isn’t particularly convenient

Features : 1,200 watts, digital LCD display, four heat and three speed settings, magnetic attachments | Wireless: No

Not only is this super lightweight, but it’s also very quiet, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a companion that you don’t want to disturb while you style your hair. While the long and skinny shape isn’t exactly what we’re used to, we found it easy to maneuver and hold. It does only get up to 250 degrees, meaning it’s probably best reserved for those with fine to medium hair, but the variety of heat and speed settings, as well as three magnetic attachments, further help you customize your drying experience.

Fine to medium hair types and textures should try this dryer, given that it only heats up to 250 degrees and may not be strong enough for heavier hair types.

What to Look For in a Travel Hair Dryer

• Size: Planning to take your hair dryer in your carry-on? Make sure it's compact so it won't take up valuable space. You can also choose one that's foldable, which will also help keep precious suitcase space for important things (like all the outfits you'll need!).
• Weight: Your dryer shouldn't weigh too much—in case you need to throw it into an overweight suitcase. Another thing to keep in mind? How heavy it'll be if you need to carry it around in a bag all day. Stick to under five pounds, if possible, to make the most of the in-flight weight limit (and prevent yourself from carrying a tremendously heavy weekend bag).
• Voltage: If you're planning to travel abroad, make sure your dryer has dual voltage included. Without dual voltage, you'll have to pack an adapter—which can be a costly addition. And if you choose to forgo it, you could get lucky, or you can fry your hair dryer in the outlet.

The name says it all: a hair dryer is intended to dry wet or damp hair. Instead of waiting for your hair to air dry, which can take what feels like forever , a hair dryer can speed up the getting ready process. How fast, exactly, depends on your hair’s length and thickness, how smooth you want it, and how patient you’re feeling. With different attachments or nozzles, a hair dryer can also be used to create a sleek blowout or to diffuse curls, too. And you don't need to spend a fortune for a good hair dryer, travel or otherwise. There are plenty of affordable hair dryers .

There’s no way around it: the combination of heat and hair can lead to damage. Any heat styling tool—including curling wands, straight irons, and, yes, hair dryers—may cause breakage, dryness, and dullness, so make sure you take precautions before using any heat tools. One way to reduce the likelihood of damage? Apply a heat protectant to your strands before drying, curling, or straightening. While no heat styling tools are particularly healthy for your hair, with proper (and not too frequent) usage, you can limit a hair dryer’s harm to your hair.

Hair dryers’ lifespans vary, but in general, expect one to last around 800 hours. Depending on how often (and how long) you use it, that could mean several years. Just be sure to be gentle with it, storing it safely. Hopefully, while traveling, the airlines’ bag carriers will be gentle with your suitcase, too. 

Full-time freelance writer  Megan McCarty  has been writing about the best of the best of fashion and beauty for over 15 years, and her work can be seen in InStyle, Domino, Architectural Digest, Bustle, and more. Often, she works from various locations around the world, so she’s well acquainted with travel hair dryers. To date, she’s only fried one from forgetting to switch the voltage while abroad. (Oops.) Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly fifteen years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written for Byrdie since 2020, covering hair, makeup, skin, health, wellness, fashion, and more. She’s learned the hard way that it’s always best to BYO a travel dryer with you.

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The Best Travel Hair Dryers for Fine, Wavy and Coily Hair

Best Overall for Straight/Wavy Hair: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel-Size Hair Dryer

Best Overall for Curly Hair: Bellissima Italia Diffon Supreme Ionic XL

Best Affordable: Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer

Best at the Lowest Price: Conair Travel Hair Dryer With Dual Voltage

Best Compact Design: ghd Flight + Travel Hair Dryer

Best Splurge: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Best Dyson Dupe: WizWise Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer

Best Runner-Up for Straight/Wavy Hair: Revlon 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer

Best Runner-Up for Curly Hair: PRITECH Travel Hair Dryer With Diffuser

Best for Coily Hair: Revlon One Step Volumizer, Hair Dryer and Styler

Best Anti-Frizz Dryer: TYMO Airhype Lite, High Speed Ionic Hair Dryer

Best for Thin/Fine Hair: Revlon Airflow Control Dryer

Best Hair Dryer Brush: OMOteam Professional Dual Voltage Blowout Hair Dryer Brush

Best for Thick Hair: 7MAGIC Foldable Green Ionic Travel Hair Dryer

Best Quiet Motor: Cozy Companions High-Speed Brushless Motor Negative Ionic Blow Dryer

Finding the best travel hair dryers.

While it might be tempting to bring your regular hair dryer on an international trip, it isn’t always practical. Most hair dryers are heavy and bulky, so they’re difficult to pack. Typically, they have just one voltage setting. Buying a separate dryer designed for frequent travel can save you packing headaches and future embarrassment — you don’t want that dryer to short circuit a whole hotel!

However, travel dryers often sacrifice power and precision temperature control for a compact, lightweight style. To make sure that your dryer will perform well during your time abroad, we recommend checking out the product’s weight, size, features, attachments and voltage before buying.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Hair Dryer

Hair dryers can weigh as much as three pounds, which is a lot of weight to hold above your head as you’re trying to dry your hair. Ideally, your travel dryer will weigh less than two pounds, and it’s even better if it weighs less than one pound. This will also give you peace of mind as you pack other heavy items into your carry-on and checked bags.

Traditional dryers don’t make the greatest travel buddies because they’re bulky. Travel dryers, on the other hand, usually have a small and compact design so you can make the most use of your luggage space. Cylindrical dryer heads (as opposed to the contoured, bulb-shaped heads) are great for this purpose. We also recommend getting a dryer that has a foldable handle.

While the features on travel dryers are usually paired down, we recommend getting a device that has at least two speed and two heat settings. Bonus features that make for a great blow dry include ionic technology to reduce frizz, precision temperature control, a 360-degree swiveling cord and attachments you need for your hairstyle (like a diffuser).

Attachments

If you’re hoping to achieve a classy, voluminous blowout on vacation, opt for a dryer that comes with a concentrator nozzle for focused blasts of air. A comb attachment is great for drying roots, and a diffuser is essential if you want to dry curly hair without frizz.

Different countries — especially European countries — use different voltage systems, which can affect the performance of your hair dryer. Make sure you know whether your dryer has dual voltage, meaning it can switch manually or automatically between 120 and 220 volts. If it doesn’t have dual voltage, you must buy a separate converter. You will also need a plug adapter, such as a European adapter.

What Are the Different Types of Travel Hair Dryers?

A tourmaline hair dryer is one that emits infrared heat and negative ions as it blows air. This results in gentler heat while you are styling, which can reduce frizz, improve your hair’s shine and lower the overall damage to your strands from heat.

A ceramic hair dryer is one that contains ceramic material in the dryer’s body or heating element. This helps create infrared heat, which creates shinier, frizz-free hair and reduces the amount of moisture your strands lose as you dry. Note that ceramic dryers don’t have the highest heat settings like tourmaline. If you have curly hair, a ceramic dryer with lower heat settings may be ideal.

A titanium hair dryer is any dryer that contains titanium ionic technology. The titanium material in the device helps create even levels of heat as you dry your strands, which results in a quicker drying time and less frizz. Note that titanium dryers reach higher temperatures than ceramic ones. This feature is great if you want a fast drying session, but it may cause more damage to your strands over time.

• Weighs less than a pound
• Dual voltage
• Ion infuse to reduce frizz
• Diffuser sold separately
• May not last past a year

There isn’t much that the T3 Afar Travel Size Hair Dryer can’t do. This small but mighty dryer uses ion technology to reduce frizz and improve shine, and it has three heat and two speed settings. We like that the dual voltage is automatic (so you don’t have to worry about changing it when you travel outside of the states) and the handle folds for compact storage. A nice plus: It comes with a vegan leather storage bag.

Bad news for curly hair: The diffuser is sold separately. It’s also not easy to tell whether the lock cool shot button is on or off, and when it’s on, it reduces the dryer’s overall power. A few customers found that the dryer doesn’t work well after about a year of use.

• Dries quickly and efficiently
• Even air flow
• Lightweight
• Purchase converter separately
• A few customers say it stops working within a year

If you struggle to tame your curly hair with a traditional dryer, it’s time to try something designed just for curls. The Bellissima Italia Diffon dryer is the best curly hair dryer we’ve tried. Though at first it seems like it lacks power, it dries curls quickly and efficiently without blowing strands in every direction. The secret is in the micro-perforated grid, which creates a very even air flow, and the lower heat settings which reduce frizz. We think it also makes for a great travel dryer because it’s lightweight and easy to handle.

The downsides: The U.S. version of this dryer doesn’t have dual voltage, so you will need to buy a separate travel adapter and converter. A few customers have found that the dryer stopped working within a year.

• Smart technology automatically changes voltage
• Foldable handle
• Removable filter
• No diffuser attachment
• May last for only 3 years

If you already have a great, at-home dryer and just need something simple for travel, try the Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer. This compact tool has a foldable handle and smart voltage technology that automatically changes the voltage when needed. It also has three heat and two speed settings and a removable filter, so you can clean it regularly, prevent lint buildup and extend the life of the dryer.

However, this dryer doesn’t come with a diffuser attachment, so it isn’t great for curly hair. The cord is also on the shorter side, and a few customers have found that it lasts for only about three years.

• Compact design
• Folding handle
• May get too hot
• No attachments
• On/off switch can stick

Looking for the best dryer at the lowest possible price? Try the Conair Travel Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage. This miniature, no-fuss dryer still delivers the necessities, including two heat and speed settings with ample power, a cool shot button to lock in your style, a folding handle and automatic dual voltage.

A few customers note that the air coming out of the dryer gets too hot. The device also doesn’t come with any attachments, and the on/off switch can get a little sticky.

• Ionic technology
• May overheat
• Noisy on high speed and heat
• No diffuser

If your suitcase doesn’t have much room to spare, a compact dryer that folds and doesn’t stick out too far is a great solution. We like the ghd Flight + Travel Hair Dryer because it meets these needs while still providing a great hair drying experience. The dual voltage system uses ionic technology to reduce frizz, and it has two temperature and speed settings. It also weighs less than one pound.

The downsides: Several buyers noticed that this dryer overheated when taken abroad. It also gets noisy on the high speed and heat settings, and it doesn’t come with a diffuser.

• Sleek, compact design
• Quick drying
• Five magnetic attachments
• No dual voltage
• May last only a few years

If you don’t want to compromise on quality, opt for the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. The ionic dryer has a V9 motor to create a fast, precise blast of air and smart technology that regulates temperature. It has three speed settings, four heat settings and five magnetic attachments so you can style your strands any which way.

On the other hand, this dryer doesn’t have dual voltage, so you’ll have to purchase a separate converter. A few customers have found that their Dyson dryers stopped working after a few years of use.

• 2 speed and 4 heat settings
• Elongated handle

Hoping for a similar drying experience to the Dyson without spending a fortune? We recommend the WizWise Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer. With two speed and four heat settings, this device can dry hair quickly and efficiently without creating excessive frizz. We also like the lightweight feel and the elongated handle, which makes it easy to maneuver around your head without your arm getting tired.

Like the Dyson, the WizWise does not have dual voltage. A few customers complain that it isn’t long lasting, and the device is noisy.

• Easy-to-use dual voltage
• Cold blast button is faulty
• Dryer may not last longer than a few years
• Temperature drops on low speed

Trying to achieve a non-frizzy blowout on vacation? We think the Revlon 1875W Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer is up for the job. This affordable, lightweight and foldable dryer uses ionic technology to reduce frizz, and it has dual voltage for international trips (use a simple button to flip it from 125 to 220 volts). Buyers love that the power doesn’t increase or decrease depending on the voltage setting.

The downsides? The cold blast button doesn’t work for very long. This dryer also didn’t last longer than a year for a few buyers, and the temperature drops when you use lower speed settings.

• European converter plug
• Could have more power
• Sharp diffuser prongs

If you want a curly hair dryer that’s more compact than the Bellissima and designed for small luggage, take a look at the PRITECH Travel Hair Dryer. This mini dryer has a folding handle, dual voltage, anti-frizz ionic technology and even a European converter plug.

What could be improved: It isn’t very powerful, and a few buyers have had issues with the device overheating. The diffuser attachment also has sharp prongs which don’t feel great against the scalp.

• Can use as a blowout or diffuser tool
• Negative ions reduce frizz
• Flat design fits into luggage
• May need to use flat iron afterward for blowout look
• A few customers complain about overheating

Looking for an affordable dryer that caters to tight ringlets, coils or zig zags? If so, the Revlon One Step Volumizer is a great dryer for you. You can use the bristles to detangle and comb out your hair as you dry, or you can use them to keep your roots in place while diffuse. We also like that this dryer uses ionic conditioning to reduce frizz and drying damage.

The downsides? While the dryer fits easily into luggage, it doesn’t have dual voltage — you’ll need to purchase a separate converter. Also, you may need to use a flat iron to get your hair completely straight if you prefer a blowout look.

• Lower heat settings than most dryers to reduce frizz
• Under 1 pound
• Ion technology
• Noisy on high settings
• Buttons are in an inconvenient spot

If you struggle to tame frizz, the TYMO Airhype Lite is a great dryer for you. Its heat settings are lower than most dryers which helps reduce hair damage and frizz, and it uses ion technology to keep strands hydrated. What makes it great for travel: It weighs just 0.8 pounds and the compact design can easily fit in a suitcase.

However, the dryer gets noisy on high settings, and a few buyers report that the comb attachment doesn’t work well. We also think the buttons aren’t in the best place on the handle — if you grip it the wrong way, you can change the settings while drying your hair.

• Two rotating positions
• End cap removes for easy cleaning
• Not the most powerful
• Priced higher during holidays

Thin or fine hair benefits from a dryer that can add volume without scorching strands or creating frizz, and the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer does just that. We like that it has ceramic technology to reduce frizz, two rotating positions (horizontal and vertical), three heat settings and two speed settings. We also like that the end cap is easily removable for cleaning.

Though this dryer is small and light, making it great for tight storage space, it doesn’t have dual voltage. In addition, we’ve noticed that Revlon prices this dryer higher during the holiday season — it is usually under $30.

• Swivel cord
• European plug
• 360-degree air flow
• The dual voltage is only available on Amazon
• May not be long lasting

Using a hair dryer brush like the Dual Voltage brush from OMOteam is a great way to tame scraggly ends and frizz while on vacation. We like that this device has 360 degree air flow and a swivel cord, plus it comes with a European plug. Overall, it creates a salon blowout style with less effort than most dryers.

While the traditional OMOteam brush is available at other retailers, the dual voltage version is only available on Amazon. Also, it can get quite noisy and may not be long lasting, based on the experiences of several customers.

• 5-8 minute drying time for long, thick hair
• Body of dryer gets hot

To dry thick hair in a reasonable amount of time, you’ll need a high-speed, efficient dryer like the 7MAGIC Foldable Travel Dryer. It has three temperature and two speed settings, ionic technology to reduce frizz and a drying time of five to eight minutes for thick and long hair. What makes this great for travel: It has a folding handle and a storage bag, and it weighs less than a pound.

However, this dryer doesn’t have dual voltage and it doesn’t come with a diffuser. The body of the dryer can also get hot, so be careful when handling.

• Quiet brushless motor
• Precise temperature control
• Not available at many retailers

Tired of those extremely noisy air dryers? We recommend the Cozy Companions Blow Dryer. It has a brushless motor which creates high-power airflow without excessive noise, so you can dry your strands sans headache. We also like that this dryer measures temperature 100 times per second to ensure you aren’t overheating your locks. At 0.82 pounds, this compact dryer is a great travel companion as well.

The downsides: Any dryer with a brushless motor will be on the pricier side. This dryer also doesn’t have dual voltage, and it isn’t available at other retailers.

People Also Ask

Q: what is the best hair dryer for traveling.

A: We recommend the T3 Afar Lightweight Travel-Size Hair Dryer sold on Amazon.

Q: What should I look for in a travel hair dryer?

A: A dryer that is lightweight and compact will save you many headaches while traveling. Dual voltage is a bonus, though many dryers that have this feature also get less powerful in one setting or the other.

Q: What kind of hair dryer can I use in Europe?

A: Any dryer that uses 220 voltage will work in Europe. You can also use a 120 volt dryer designed for the US as long as you bring a voltage converter.

Q: Which hair dryer is dual voltage?

A: Our top recommendations for dual voltage hair dryers include the T3 Afar Lightweight Travel-Size Hair Dryer, the Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer and the ghd Flight + Travel Hair Dryer.

Q: How much does a travel hair dryer cost?

A: Most travel hair dryers cost between $10 and $500, though we believe you don’t have to spend more than $200 on a great dryer.

Why trust Us

At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.

We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.

On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.

By Jenna Cartusciello

Affiliate Commerce Writer Jenna loves recommending great products to her friends and family, so helping the rest of the internet on their quest to find the best stuff makes tremendous sense! Though she mainly writes in-depth buyer’s guides these days, Jenna still enjoys crafting the occasional health article. In her spare time, she loves immersing herself in creative writing. Her favorite authors (for anyone who is willing to geek out with her) include Neil Gaiman, Cheryl Strayed, and Jennifer Egan.

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• Hair Products & Tools

The 14 Best Travel Hair Dryers for a Fabulous Blowout On the Fly

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave a good hair behind.

In This Article

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• Our top picks

What to Keep in Mind

Your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Brian Kopinski

Being both beauty and travel editors has taught us many important lessons. But, perhaps this is the most valuable of them all: Hotel blow dryers are not it. Fortunately, tech has only improved and nowadays, wherever we are in the world, we can give ourselves a gorgeous blowout in minutes with a hair dryer that is lighter and much smaller – but just as powerful – as the one we leave at home. And despite their compact size, these next-gen travel hair dryers don't compromise hair health and some are even designed for specific hair types, like curly, thick or damaged hair, with settings to protect delicate strands.

“While travel blow dryers are often smaller and more compact, they typically have everything regular dryers have,” explains master stylist and founder of Yvey Salon , Yvey Valcin. “Despite the size differences, they work very well and you can get nearly the same results that you would get from your regular blow dryer.”

Best Overall

Chi 1875 series advanced ionic compact hair dryer.

What We Love: This blow dryer works exceptionally well on all hair textures, including thick and coarse.

What We Don’t Love: This device does not come with a travel bag.

This small but mighty Chi blow dryer has an 1875-watt motor to dry hair in no time, but it also features a ceramic heater that offers even heat distribution, which ultimately helps minimize damage. On top of that, the innovative tool produces negative ions that smooth and seal cuticles, while still giving hair volume and body. Plus, it comes with a removable air concentrator nozzle – a wide, flat attachment that directs airflow into smaller, more concentrated areas of your hair to help you style with ease – that can be used to create ultra-sleek blowouts. As for the best part? There are three different heat settings – lukewarm, medium, and hot – which means users can customize the heat depending on their preference. Pro tip: Top off your style with the cool shot button to lock in looks and help further eliminate frizz. 

As a fun bonus, this device has a blue LED light that creates cleaner air during the styling process by decreasing bacterial buildup inside the hair dryer. With so many stellar features there’s a lot to love about this compact dryer, but we do wish it came with a travel bag to make storing it a tad easier. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Cold shot button, included concentrator and diffuser, blue LED light | Weight: 2 pounds 

Best Budget

Lura mini portable travel hair dryer.

What We Love: When folded, this affordable blow dryer is smaller than an iPhone.

What We Don’t Love: The diffuser attachment is very small, so it may take a long time to adequately dry curly hair.

Not only can you create various styles with  this tiny tool, which is smaller than an iPhone, using its diffuser and concentrator, but it also features two heat settings (low and high), two speeds (slow and fast), and 1200 watts to get the job done quickly. That said, the diffuser attachment is very small, too, so it may take a long time to adequately dry curly hair with it.  

Complete with a shiny silver travel bag as well as a two-pin plug adapter that works in most European countries, the dryer comes with everything you’ll need to style your hair from anywhere in the world. 

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case, adapter plug | Weight: 0.68 pounds

Best with Folding Handle

T3 afar travel dryer.

What We Love: This blow dryer has three heat settings, two speed settings, and a cool shot feature.

What We Don’t Love: While this tool quickly and efficiently dries thinner hair, it can take a while for thicker, coarser hair to get dry.

This tiny tool has a foldable handle that makes it easy to store, as well as an automatic dual voltage feature that adapts based on where you are. “It's the perfect travel companion, ready to save your hair from bad hair days no matter where in the world you find yourself,” says master stylist and founder of Gregga LA , Gregga Prothero . “It may be small, but it packs a powerful punch, delivering fast and efficient drying while reducing frizz and static.” 

Thanks to three heat settings (which include warm, hot, and an innovative cool shot feature that locks in styles) as well as two speed settings (low and high), you can easily customize the settings to fit your hair’s texture, length, and dampness. (It’s worth noting that this tool doesn’t blow out extremely hot air, so if you have thick, coarse, or very long hair, you might have to spend extra time drying it.) It also has an ion generator that infuses the air with negative ions to help reduce static and frizz while also smoothing the hair cuticle to ensure a glossy, high-shine finish. As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a cute vegan leather travel case and a clip-on concentrator. 

Watts: 1500 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot, travel case | Weight: 0.68 pounds  

Best for Long Hair

Mane this totally blows ionic compact hair dryer.

Mane This Totally Blows

What We Love: Between its diffuser, nozzle, and wide-tooth comb attachment, thicker hair types have options whether they want a sleek blowout or to embrace their natural waves. 

What We Don’t Love: The additional attachments could hog extra space in your suitcase. 

Sure, thick hair is great in theory but, trust us, when it comes to wash and style days we’re ready to throw in the towel, especially when we’re bumping up against walls in tiny hotel bathrooms and cramped spaces while traveling. Mane understands that this hair type comes in all shapes in sizes, from big bouncy waves to long straight tresses, and the brand thoughtfully included three different attachments to help manage them all: A wide tooth comb for quick straightening, a nozzle that delivers hot hair right to the root for maximum volume, and a diffuser for days you want to rock your au-natural ringlets. 

Of course, no good deed goes unpunished and these added bells and whistles will take up a bit more space in your suitcase. On the flip side, you may be able to ditch some of your styling serums and oils since this hair dryer delivers great results all on its own. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Diffuser, cool shot | Weight: 0.84 pounds

Best Dual Voltage

Ghd flight+ travel hair dryer.

What We Love: This smart blow dryer automatically switches off when it’s held too close to hair, which helps protect strands from heat damage.

What We Don’t Love: This blow dryer's airflow only reaches 149 degrees, which means it’s not ideal for someone with very thick hair.

The Ghd Flight Travel Hair Dryer is the ideal beauty tool when it comes to traveling internationally for more than one reason. For starters, it has dual voltage capabilities, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world, no matter how dire the outlet situation may be. On top of that, it won’t weigh down luggage since it clocks in at a mere 0.99 ounces. And if you’re a carry-on-only type, you’ll love its foldable design so you can squeeze it into most totes and smaller luggage. 

This travel blow dryer has two heat settings, a cool shot setting, and one speed setting, allowing it to be customized to your liking (that said, the hot setting only reaches 149 degrees, so it won’t be very efficient at blow-drying very thick hair). Plus, it comes with a protective travel case that can shield the blow dryer from damage. As for the coolest feature, it’s quite literally the safety technology that automatically powers down the device to a lower temperature if it’s held too close to hair. This unique feature shields hair from heat damage and prevents the tool from overheating.

Watts: 1300 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 1 | Special Features: Cool shot, travel case | Weight: 1 pound

Best for International Travel

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

What We Love: Because it is dual voltage it can be used anywhere in the world.

What We Don’t Love: It does not offer a medium heat setting.

Looking for a convenient, reliable, and affordable hair dryer to accompany you on your next international trip? We have just what you need. This BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer has dual voltage, allowing you to use it no matter where your travels take you. It offers 1000 watts of power, meaning it won’t fry strands, but it will still dry them promptly. Plus, it has two different heat and speed settings (high and low), to best suit your hair type (use high heat if you have thick hair and low heat if you have thin hair). While these two settings work well, we do wish there was a medium setting for more customization.  

This compact dryer also features a nano titanium technology that emits negative ions to give strands a healthy, glossy finish. And, to top it all off, it has a foldable handle, a six-foot-long cord, and it comes with an ultra-thin concentrator nozzle. Need we say more?

Watts: 1000 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, long cord | Weight: 0.6 pounds

Best Lightweight

Drybar baby buttercup blow dryer.

What We Love: This hair dryer features a fine mesh filter on the back that prevents hair from getting sucked in.

What We Don’t Love: The concentrator can fall off if it is not attached tightly enough to the nozzle.

Leave it to Drybar to make a lightweight, cute, and compact travel blow dryer. Weighing less than a pound, this foldable device can fit in any suitcase or carry-on and is the perfect hot tool to bring along with you, even if you’re traveling light. (We will note that the width of the head is a bit bigger than some of the other blow dryers on this list.) Designed with three power options to accommodate a variety of electrical outlets across the world without needing to worry about causing a circuit break.

With two heat settings, and a cool shot feature to set styles, the high-quality dryer helps you create a salon-worthy blowout. Plus, the concentrator nozzle provides you with the targeted airflow you need to create the hairstyle of your dreams. If you want to take your hair game to the next level, we suggest getting a hair serum , for quicker drying time and to fight frizz and protect hair from heat damage.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot, travel bag | Weight: 0.8 pounds  

Most Powerful

Jinri 1875w dual voltage travel hair dryer.

Complete 1875 watts, this small but powerful blow dryer can style hair in no time. In addition to a cool shot button to hold and set your final look, you can choose between a high heat setting to get your hair dried fast and a lower heat temperature if you’re going for a bouncy, salon-like blowout. Designed with a ceramic nozzle it produces airflow filled with negative ions that cling to hair and close the follicle, preventing frizzy flyways. Plus, it has two features that make it perfect to use overseas: The dryer has dual voltage capabilities and folds up, which means you can easily pack it into crowded carry-ons. Pro tip: To change the voltage, simply twist the knob at the bottom of the handle. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot | Weight: 1.57 lbs 

Eva NYC Mini Dryer + Bag

What We Love: This powerful little blow dryer radiates far-infrared heat and emits negative ions, which keeps hair looking healthy and shiny.

What We Don’t Love: This blow dryer does not have a cool shot feature.

Like most hot tools from Eva NYC, this portable blow dryer utilizes the power of negative ions. These negative ions are released from the tourmaline-infused ceramic nozzle into the hair, working overtime to lock in moisture and eliminate frizz and static. The result? Shiny, glossy hair, especially when you pair it with its dazzling shine spray . Plus, this innovative device radiates far-infrared heat, which is gentle on hair and ultimately reduces drying time, protecting strands from heat damage. 

On top of shielding hair from harm, this blow dryer allows for different styling options, thanks to the concentrator and diffuser attachments. (The concentrator is ideal for creating smooth blowouts while the diffuser helps ensure curls keep their shape, sans frizz.) As for the final touches, this Eva NYC favorite offers dual voltage, has a foldable handle, and comes with a cute carrying case.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case | Weight: 1.19 pounds 

Best for Damaged Hair

Berta hair dryer.

What We Love: This travel blow dryer emits negative ions and has a cool shot feature.

What We Don’t Love: The rear vent cap is not removable, so there is no way to clean out the grate in the back of the dryer.

If you have damaged hair and don’t want to air dry it (guilty), opt for this Amazon bestseller. This Berta blow dryer has three heat settings – low, high, and a cool shot feature. The low heat setting is ideal to use if you have damaged hair because it’s warm enough to efficiently dry hair, yet cool enough to protect strands from heat damage. Additionally, it emits negative ions into the hair, which increases shine while decreasing static. If you really want to keep your hair healthy, we suggest using a heat protectant spray both before and during your blow-drying session so you can ensure your mane is safe from harm. 

As an added bonus, this foldable tool is extremely quiet, so if you’re sharing a hotel room with someone, it won’t be bothersome. Plus, it has a handy hanging ring so you can store it on the back of the bathroom door, freeing up countertop space for your other beauty essentials. 

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, cool shot | Weight: 1.53 lbs  

Best Blow Dryer Brush

Plavogue hair dryer brush.

What We Love: This lightweight tool features an anti-scalding comb that protects the scalp from heat.

What We Don’t Love: It’s loud.

This 1000-watt powered hot air brush detangles, straightens, and styles strands — and quickly. What’s better, the brand designs the brush with nylon needles and tufted bristles that won’t rip out hair, and it has anti-scalding capabilities that protect the scalp from getting burned.

In terms of traveling, this blow dry brush has a dual-voltage plug you can use anywhere and comes with a carrying case that protects it from getting scratched and damaged. It’s worth pointing out that this device is a bit loud when it’s in use, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with someone or will be in close quarters. 

Watts: 1000 | Heat Settings: 3 | Speed Settings: 3 | Special Features: Travel bag, two hair clips, 360-degree swivel cord | Weight: 1.83 lbs

Best for Frizzy Hair

Conair mini travel hair dryer for on-the-go styling.

What We Love: This mini blow dryer features tourmaline ceramic technology that helps protect the hair from heat while also adding shine and reducing frizz.

What We Don’t Love: The cord is less than five feet long, which means it’s shorter than most.

Complete with tourmaline ceramic technology that works hard to protect hair from heat damage, this top-rated Conair hair dryer stops frizz before it happens. This technology produces negative ions that enhance shine and provide hair with noticeable glossiness. As for its features, this blow dryer offers two heat and speed settings (high and low), which work well with all hair types, and it also comes with a concentrator and diffuser, letting you get creative with your hairstyle.

Aside from getting a blow dryer with special tourmaline ceramic technology, Prothero recommends other tips for keeping frizz at bay while styling it. “To reduce frizz when blow drying your hair, you should be using the proper anti-frizz serum that also protects your hair from heat,” she says. “Apply the lightweight formula to towel-dried hair before blow drying.” By doing this, the hair oil   will be able to provide frizz control as well as heat protection.

Watts: 1200 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case | Weight: 0.68 lbs  

Best with Diffuser

Ohjump hair dryer.

What We Love: This small tool has strong fans that produce fast wind speeds in order to dry hair quicker and reduce heat damage.

What We Don’t Love: The concentrator can get hot if it’s left on too long, so try to use it for 10 minutes or less at a time.

What do you get when you pair this blow dryer’s diffuser with curly hair? A match made in heaven. The Ohjump Mini Travel Hair Dryer comes with a top-rated diffuser attachment that keeps curly hair, well, curly. Thanks to strong fans that create high wind speeds, this tool can deliver hot gusts of wind straight through the diffuser to hair. The efficient diffuser helps define and set curls without the addition of frizz. 

Plus, this tool has two heat and speed settings – high heat with high speed, which provides a strong airflow that dries hair fast, and low heat with low speed, which creates a soft air flow that helps to smooth strands (this setting is great for wavy hair). On top of that, this foldable blow dryer is small and compact, and even features dual voltage options. It also comes with a travel bag and an EU plug adapter.

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, travel case, adapter plug | Weight: 1.23 pounds  

Best for Curly Hair

Hot tools compact hair dryer.

What We Love: This small blow dryer comes with a unique diffuser that creates gorgeous curls and waves.

What We Don’t Love: This device produces very hot air that can burn the scalp if it is placed too close to the head.

This bestselling Hot Tools dryer is one of our favorite curly hair products , thanks to its slew of thoughtful features, and accompanying finger-style diffuser – a rarity among travel hair dryers! – making it especially great for coils and curls, but if you’re going for carefree beach waves, this diffuser will help keep those bends intact, too. For starters, this device has three different heat settings. On top of that, this blow dryer comes with a unique, finger-style diffuser that’s made to lift hair, add body, and maintain curls or waves without creating frizz. It also comes with a concentrator that can create bouncy blowouts. Plus, this blow dryer emits negative ions that condition and smooth hair, making it shinier and more lustrous. 

Like any worthwhile travel hair dryer, it features dual voltage properties and the easy fold-up design lets you squeeze it into an already jam-packed suitcase.

Watts: 1875 | Heat Settings: 2 | Speed Settings: 2 | Special Features: Concentrator, diffuser, cool shot | Weight : 1.55 pounds

• Compact Size: The main draw for getting a travel hair dryer is its small and compact size. When shopping for a portable blow dryer, be sure that it’s foldable and under two pounds. (Luckily, all 14 devices on our list are less than two pounds!) This will ensure it can fit in tight spaces and won’t weigh down your luggage.
• Wattage/Voltage: In terms of traveling with a mini blow dryer, it’s important to keep the wattage and voltage in mind. The ideal wattage for a portable blow dryer is anywhere between 1200 and 1900 watts. Most full-size blow dryers are closer to 1800 watts. This is true in both the U.S. and overseas. However, the voltage differs. “In many countries, electrical voltage is 220/240 volts, while in the U.S., hot tools are 110/120 volts,” says Prothero. “Some travel hair dryers have dials that allow you to switch between voltage making them great for international use.” Make sure the device you have offers dual voltage (each blow dryer on this list does), and ensure you bring a travel adapter no matter what the wattage is.
• Speed: Travel blow dryers might look small, but don’t doubt their power. Most of them pack a strong punch, offering high wind speeds as well as hot heat settings. To ensure your travel blow dryer can dry your hair, be sure it has a wattage of 1200 or up. If you really want to dry your hair quickly, opt for a blow dryer with closer to 1900 watts.  The higher the watts, the speedier it’ll dry your strands.

Are travel hair dryers different from regular hair dryers?

Ultimately, the main difference between travel hair dryers and regular hair dryers is the size. Celebrity hairstylist Mario Solis adds, “Travel blow dryers may have different voltages and sometimes even plug adapters.”

When picking out a travel dryer, make sure it checks off all the boxes you want. “Look for what the dryer is made of (ceramic, titanium, etc.), its wattage, its weight, and any special features you want,” says Prothero, who adds “You also want to look for adjustable heat, a cool setting, and the ability to use attachments such as diffusers, and concentrators.”

Depending on its wattage, a smaller hair dryer might take a bit longer to dry hair than its full-size counterpart, but having a reliable travel hair dryer is worth it. As Valcin explains, hotel dryers are often terrible for your hair’s health because “The heat coming from them is not controlled, which can damage your hair.”

Can I pack a hair dryer in my carry-on?

“Absolutely,” says Valcin. “There aren't any regulations for packing your dryer in your carry-on.” Plus, the best thing about packing a travel hair dryer is that they’re ultra-compact, which means they’ll barely take up any room at all.

Lauren Harano has been in the beauty industry for over seven years. For this article, Lauren interviewed three hair experts: Master stylist and founder of Gregga LA, Gregga Prothero;  master stylist and founder of Yvey Salon, Yvey Valcin; and celebrity hairstylist Mario Solis.

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The 12 Best Travel Hair Dryers to Keep Your Hair on Point While on the Go

Easy, breezy styling without the bulk.

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As Best Products beauty editor , who travels cross-country frequently and has lived in hotels for months at a time, I can safely say all hotel hair dryers are lackluster. (Sorry, not sorry!) Investing in a travel hair dryer saves your giftee precious suitcase space and guarantees you or your giftee will always have a great hair day without heading to the salon. Most importantly, travel hair dryers are lightweight and deliver similar results to your favorite full-sized model .

Don't believe me? Celebrity hairstylist and author Kee Taylor , who works with Keke Palmer and Tika Sumpter, agrees. “Travel hair dryers are amazing as they offer the power of a full-sized tool, but are portable and more convenient,” she says. Between their compact size, strong drying power, and convenient styling features, who knows — your loved one might just find themself working these tiny dryers into their hair routine post-trip.

Best Travel Hair Dryers

Best Overall

T3 afar lightweight travel size hair dryer.

Best Budget

Conair minipro tourmaline ceramic travel hair dryer.

Best Foldable

Babylisspro nano titanium travel dryer.

Best for Blowouts

Drybar baby buttercup blow dryer.

Best Under-$100

Ghd flight travel hair dryer.

Created by a Hairstylist

Harry josh pro tools pro tools pro dryer 2000.

Best Dyson Dupe

Tymo highspeed hair dryer.

Most Durable

Hot tools pro signature travel hair dryer.

Best Ceramic Model

Revlon compact folding handle travel hair dryer.

Best for Dry Hair

Chi 1875 compact hair dryer, what to consider.

Selecting the best travel hair dryer for your giftee will require a little work, but luckily, I'm here to help. Not only have I covered and tested travel hair dryers for several years, but I chatted with two of my most-trusted hair experts about all things travel hair dryers to help streamline your gift-giving needs. Their most important advice: make sure your giftee's potential travel hair dryer is aligned with their lifestyle, which we explore below.

Functionality

Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons advises shoppers to pay close attention to which settings and functions a travel hair dryer has to offer. He says, "The more versatile the product is, the more looks you can achieve with packing less!" For example, consider the wattage of the hair dryer and throw in a universal travel adapter if your loved one frequently travels abroad.

Attachments

Taylor, the creator of Deeper Than Hair , says if you or your giftee want to get many looks out of one tool, ensure your dryer comes with attachments. For example, the HOT TOOLS Pro Signature Travel Hair Dryer has a traditional nozzle for smoothing the strands during blowouts and a hair diffuser for enhancing waves , curls, and coils .

Size and Weight

Fitzsimons, who founded his namesake haircare line , recommends travel hair dryers that are relatively small or easily foldable. Taylor adds foldable models to help limit the awkward shape of the hair dryer. The pretty pink T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer and BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer are just two of our favorite foldable hair dryers.

Taylor also suggests considering the weight of a hair dryer. The Best Tested Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer isn't technically a travel-sized hair dryer. Still, it is incredibly lightweight, and multiple experts travel with the Supersonic because it doesn't add unnecessary bulk to the suitcase. Don't worry: Our other travel-sized products are petite in form and incredibly lightweight, but don't skimp on quality.

How We Chose

I’ve tested a seemingly infinite number of travel hair dryers over my 6-plus years in beauty journalism, and I can assure you that these are truly the best of the best. Some are personal favorites I keep in my suitcase for impromptu trips or have gifted loved ones who fly, while others earned snaps from Taylor and Fitzsimons.

I also researched dozens of models, looking for various prices, functions, and features to ensure you find the best gift option within your budget. Plus, each travel hair dryer is rated at least 4 stars out of hundreds (or thousands!) of reviews on Amazon, Sephora, Dermstore, and more. These are the best travel hair dryers that will hardly fill your giftee’s precious packing space and beat out any hotel hair dryer during their travels.

Our best overall recommendation is a personal favorite and one I like to gift loved ones at the top of my nice list. T3 makes the prettiest romantic pink and white hot tools on the market, and its latest innovation — a foldable hair dryer — doesn't skimp on form or function. Afar is 25% lighter than its full-size T3 equivalent and boasts the same IonAir Technology to dry the hair quickly. Celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim calls this an amazing option for travel because it weighs practically nothing in a carry-on bag. She says, “It’s so cute, you will be traveling in style. It’s also really great for all hair types because it comes with all three heat settings and two speeds like the original!”

I'm obsessed with Afar because can easily toggle between the multiple heat and speed settings, then engage the cool shot button to seamlessly lock my look into place. The dryer also comes with a travel bag for worry-free storage.

More: How to Buy a Flat Iron for Natural Hair

For just under $23, the Conair miniPRO delivers 1,200 watts of power, two heat and speed settings, and dual-voltage for international travel. It’s super lightweight, and Taylor is a fan because it features a collapsible handle, optimizing its already small size for easy storage.

Taylor says, “I love the Conair, as it comes with the folding mechanism, which is so convenient when I am only working with a small bag.”

If that’s not enough bang for your buck, the miniPRO also boasts tourmaline-infused ceramic technology, which minimizes frizz and static caused by the positive ions in wet hair’s water molecules. Negative ions, released from the dryer during airflow, secure the hair’s cuticle layer, locking in moisture and elevating shine.

Taylor loves her red BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer , but it's unfortunately sold out online. Lucky for your giftee, the brand makes a similar alternative in blue. The best part? This version earned snaps from Fitzsimons. “I love the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer. It is small and super easy to pack, which helps when I am trying to keep my bags as light as possible,” he says.

Don’t let the tiny size of this dryer fool you. It can fit in the palm of your hand when folded, but the 1,000-watt motor is just as powerful as any full-sized alternative.

It’s just 0.6 pounds and dual-voltage, which is handy for international travel. There are two heat and speed settings, plus a removable filter. Not to mention, it’s an impressive price for a BaByliss product — most typically retail between $100 and $200.

Amazon reviewers agree that this small, but mighty travel hair dryer is on point! “This little guy does the job for me, and it looks exactly like its bigger brother. My first Babyliss hair dryer lasted over 10 years. So even if they are a little spendy, they are worth it,” says one reviewer.

Drybar’s full-sized Buttercup is one of the most sought-after blow dryers out there. So it’s to be expected that the mini version is just as popular. It packs 1,200 watts of power and operates at two different voltages for both stateside and overseas use.

I can safely say your loved one will be obsessed with this butter-yellow travel hair dryer because it’s equipped with everything they need. Ionic technology surges through two heat settings, while a cool shot button ensures a long-lasting blowout. It maintains Drybar’s iconic butter-yellow hue, but we’d argue that its 13-ounce (0.81-pound) weight is its most defining feature. Kim also gave this gorgeous dryer praise. She says, “The Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer is also amazing for travel. It is foldable, powerful, and has ionic technology, which is great for smoothing down that frizz. It has a 7-foot cord on this baby, so you can move around freely as you get ready on your vacation. [And it] has a strong voltage for oversea travel!”

Not only does the convenient travel hair dryer pack easily into their carry-on bag, but it includes a wide nozzle that’s ideal for long or thick hair and a narrow nozzle for an extra intensity that’s ideal for precise styling. It even comes with a fun “I’m full of hot air!” travel bag.

ghd hair tools are incredibly high-tech, so when I saw the brand create a compact travel-sized dryer, I knew it was worth your hard-earned coins. Want more reassurance? Kim, who styles Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Esposito, and Uma Thurman, considers this one of her favorite travel hair dryers.

She says, “It folds, so it takes up so little room to allow you to carry more in your luggage. It’s also so light (50% lighter than the original dryer), making it easy to travel with. It also has GHD’s safeguard feature to cool down when close to the hair which is great for protecting your hair. Plus, it’s very chic!”

Speaking of the safeguard technology, Amazon reviewers also vouch for its efficacy. To quote one 5-star Amazon review, “I just love that it doesn’t get too hot like other hair dryers that are high powered, and they can get too hot and fry up my hair.”

The compact hair dryer, cord, and airflow nozzle all weigh less than 1 pound or about the same weight as a loaf of sandwich bread. Although it only has one temperature setting, it can still work on drying all hair types fast and effectively without damage.

I love all things Harry Josh Pro Tools, and so will your very lucky giftee. Not only are his products of top-tier quality and available in a luxe, mint green color, but they're a dream to use, including his lightweight travel hair dryer.

Designed to be much quieter than a typical hair dryer, I find this powerful model cuts down my drying time and doesn't disturb my roommates in the morning.

So what makes it so effective? Well, your giftee will be impressed that it sports a motor speed of 94mph, meaning they can shampoo and condition in the morning and head out to school, work, or last-minute dinner much quicker than other cheaper models on this list.

Celebrity hairstylist Madison Clifford works with everyone from Dove Cameron and Lady Gaga, so I had to ask her about her no-fail travel hair dryer picks, and was pleasantly surprised it's from an Amazon favorite brand: TYMO.

Although she's keen on both the AIRSPEED and AIRHYPE dryers, we prefer the former because it's cheaper and designed with traveling in mind. Clifford describes the AIRSPEED as “sleek, compact, and perfect for fast drying at low temperatures with no heat damage, using ionic protection, providing volume and smooth finish.” Notably, it's equipped with an ergonomic grip and comes with a travel case and magnetic attachments, including a diffuser, a comb, and a narrow nozzle for airflow control.

A $48 hair dryer can't compete with the specs that pricier options offer — but the HOT TOOLS travel hair dryer's impressive tech and accessories make it a great starter model option.

Notably, it boasts ionic technology that will finally tame your frizzy hair and speed up drying time. And it doesn't stop there: A concentrator and diffuser are included, so you won't have to track down compatible attachments, while a roomy travel pouch simplifies storage.

It's also a must for overseas adventures, given its 1,875 watt motor and dual-voltage capabilities. Weighing under 1 pound and measuring 3.6 x 10.2 inches, it's one of the smallest dryers on this list that still packs a lot of punch. And get this: this model is durable AF. One Amazon reviewer had theirs for 11 years until it conked out because they didn't regularly clean the filter. That is not bad, considering the price tag.

Revlon's biggest TikTok beauty hit is the One-Step Volumizer , but its travel hair dryer is also worth incorporating into their beauty routine.

Beyond the impressive $18 price tag, this option utilizes ceramic material to heat up quickly and evenly. Plus, it’s gentle enough for anyone with fine, dry, or damaged hair to use. Those with thicker hair will find it practical to use as well. “It’s lightweight, but works well and [is] powerful. It dries my thick, coarse long hair in about the same time (less than 10 mins) as my $500 powerful hair dryer I use at home,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

Most of the affordable options on this list only provide two heat and speed settings and a cool shot button if you're lucky. Fortunately for your giftee, Revlon's hair dryer features three preset heat settings, two speed levels, and a cool shot.

Although it doesn't include a curl-enhancing diffuser attachment, they get a concentrator that will help smooth and straighten their hair on a budget.

Your loved one can achieve shiny, hydrated, and frizz-free strands by using this travel hair dryer from CHI. It boasts a powerful combination of ceramic material and ionic technology that heats up evenly and minimizes drying time.

It sports everything they could want in a travel hair dryer: a 1,875-watt motor, several heat and speed settings, and a cool shot button to set your hair. Plus, it features a foldable design and weighs one pound.

With hundreds of glowing Amazon reviews, we have no doubt your loved one will also enjoy using this product. “I have thick, waist-long hair that takes forever to blow dry. This dryer significantly cut down on my drying time, and it’s super small (travel size) and lightweight,” says one highly satisfied reviewer.

EVA·NYC Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer

You might’ve noticed that tourmaline-infused ceramic components are a must in good-quality dryers, and this EVA NYC one does not skimp out on it.

A powerful 1,200-watt motor emits frizz-eliminating negative ions and gentle far-infrared heat. It’s dual voltage and it features two speed settings — plus a removable air filter to clean out blockage and prolong product life.

“This mini hair dryer exceeded my expectations. I purchased one because I was traveling from state to state and knew that some hotels don’t have a complimentary hair dryer in the rooms. The size and the weight was perfect, temperature was really hot and very easy to use and manage. I would recommend this to others, and it’s worth the price,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

For under $40, your giftee will get a concentrator, diffuser, and portable pouch. Aesthetics reign supreme here, too — pick between trendy shades like Mint Leopard or Moon Dust.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

It's not technically a travel hair dryer, but the Dyson Supersonic's quick-drying capabilities and easy-to-use magnetic styling attachments are worth the sacrifice of suitcase space. Even so, the device's dimensions are minimal — it measures a little over 11 inches tall and 3 inches wide and weighs just under 2 pounds (including the cable and plug).

With the provided concentrator, smoothing nozzle, and diffuser attachments, it's unlikely your loved one will ever need to pack another styling tool. Plus, the Supersonic is designed to protect their strands from heat damage via regulatory sensors, which measure the temperature 20 times per second. This, coupled with negative-ion technology, reduces frizz and flyaways.

In my review of the Dyson Supersonic , I highlighted its mighty motor, relatively quiet noise level, and compatibility with all hair types as reasons to buy this hair dryer. Everyone can safely use this dryer regardless of skill set or hair length, thickness, and texture .

I'm not the only fan — Man Addicts Artist Reagan Link and Fitzsimons says it’s well worth the princely price tag and their go-to when traveling. Fitzsimons says, “Its lightweight body maximizes efficiency, and I can dry and style hair without damage in a short amount of time. The additional attachments allow for multiple styling options and are super convenient when I’m on the road.”

Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

Leah is the Editorial Planning Associate for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group, which encompasses BestProducts.com , Runner’s World , Bicycling , and Popular Mechanics . She’s been with the team since 2019, engaged in various editorial tasks across both print and digital. She’s an avid lover of platform shoes, all things Bravo (power players of past and present include: Real Housewives of New York City, Real Housewives of Potomac , Ladies of London —the list goes on), and tracking down the next vintage print for her apartment’s gallery wall.

Ashley is the beauty and style editor at BestProducts.com, and her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan and Town and Country. She has an obsession with designer handbags, Liberty prints, 1960s fashion, and owns more shoes than she’s willing to admit. She's been using her learnings from owning a boutique and her shopping addiction for good since 2015. She’ll never accept that black isn’t a color. Away from the computer, you’ll likely find the Texas native binging on a British period drama or theorizing over Game of Thrones . She has yet to find a real cup of queso in NYC.

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By Pooja Shah

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Let's face it: we're all busy running errands or attending virtual (or in-person) meetings. Sometimes that means our self-care and hair routines take a backseat. Though I love to treat myself every once in a while to a professional blowout at a salon, it can get expensive.

You can achieve a professional-level blowout from the comfort of your own home, but this requires having the right tools at your disposal. The key factor, most would say, is to have a hair dryer that works for your hair type whether it is thick, fine, frizzy , curly , wavy, textured, or straight, and has all the necessary features to lock in heat and keep the hair looking freshly styled all day long.

There are hundreds of different hair dryers on the market, but not all are created equally. At Target , you can find multiple, affordable options that work to produce that gorgeous hair — heck, you may even forget that you once used to go to the salon. When navigating the endless aisles at Target, keep the following in mind. "If you are looking for hair tools for everyday [use], you want something that is strong, powerful, and hot, but won't damage your hair," says hairstylist Stephanie Angelone at RPZL salon in New York City. "Make sure the hair dryers include ceramic plates to prevent heat damage, and also pick hair dryers that aren't too heavy so they don't hurt your wrist and arms with continued use."

Our Target list also includes blow-dry brushes for less experienced hairstylers. "Blow-dry brushes are great for a quick and smooth blowout and they are not as damaging," Angelone adds. "Just make sure to [apply] some heat protectant before use."

Now, go hop into your car and make your way to Target or stay where you are and hop on over to target.com where the largest selection of efficient yet affordable hair dryers await you and your cart.

Traditional Hair Dryers

Chi Touch Activated Hair Dryer

Andis Pro Dry Soft Grip Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic 1875W Hair Dryer

The 1500-watt powered CHI Touch Activated Hair Dryer is not only stylish in its baby-pink color but also highly functional for quick-drying. The built-in ion generator will reduce frizz and minimize flyaways, so you definitely don't need to worry about the weather toying with your hair. If you're the type who's always in a rush in the morning, you'll especially love the one-hour auto-shut-off safety feature. Don't you wish all appliances were like that?

At under $30, the Andis Pro Dry Soft Grip Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer is a no-brainer addition to your hot tool collection. This hair dryer comes with two attachments, a small-sized comb and a diffuser, and three heat settings that make styling easier. The heat settings in particular have a 30-second heat-up option and a range of heat settings at a maximum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, max. 

Pro tip: if you have thinner hair, opt for lower heat to avoid excess heat to your scalp. When you're done with drying and styling, there is a convenient hanging loop for easy storage or a quick break in between sections.

Kristin Ess

Kristin Ess Ionic Professional Blow Dryer

InfinitiPro by Conair

InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap Dryer

Clocking in at 1875 watts, this fast-drying Kristin Ess Ionic Professional Blow Dryer will have you showered, styled, and dressed in half your usual time. This powerful tool will get the job done quickly and efficiently while keeping the hair hydrated for that shiny "I just went to the salon" glow.

You'll notice that the hair dryer has an "ionic" button. When you turn it on, it creates smooth, sleek styles that are ideal for thick and curly hair. When you turn it off, it opens your hair cuticles to give your tresses body and bounce. Finish your styling with a smoothing nozzle and you are guaranteed to be nominated to do all of your friends' hair before night outs.

Are you in love with the baby-blue color of the InfinitiPro by Conair SmoothWrap Dryer as much as we are? Besides the aesthetic, this hair dryer will be a favorite amongst science lovers who are interested in the inherent technology that promotes fast drying, without over-drying the hair. 

Essentially, the hair dryer will bring equilibrium to your hair (thanks to the positive and negative ions in the hair technology) and will leave hair left looking full-bodied. Just in case you're concerned about whether or not the styling will last, do not fret, because the cool-shot trigger sends a blast of cool air to lock everything in place.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer

Remington Shine Therapy Hair Dryer

If you've heard about Drybar, the blowdry-centric salon, you know that the "rescue crew" (a.k.a. the brand's hairstylists) will restore and strengthen your tresses in record time. For the busy bee who can't make it in person, the Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow-Dryer is the best next thing. The super-light tool is the ultimate travel-friendly dryer so that you can have your perfect blowout no matter where in the world you're located — it even operates at different voltages when traveling overseas, but don't forget to pack your converter.

By Aliza Kelly

By Annie Blay

By Marci Robin

For hair that's in serious need of shine or a quick boost, grab your Remington Shine Therapy Hair Dryer . The shine-enhancing technology includes antioxidant-rich argan oil , which is known for its moisturizing properties, to breathe life back into dull hair. When you are drying hair, there is a built-in micro-conditioner that will nourish frizzy hair to add radiance. You're basically going to look like you're about to walk a red carpet.

Blow-Dryer Brushes

Revlon Oval One Step Volumizer Plus Hair Dryer

Trademark Beauty

Trademark Beauty Easy Blo Dryer and Styler

Hot Tools One Step Hair Dryer

For all of you with long hair, Revlon's Oval One Step Volumizer Plus Hair Dryer is a lifesaver because it can dry, detangle, and style hair in minutes. This slimmer model is a sequel to Revlon's best-selling Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer (which also won an Allure Best of Beauty Award ). The smaller oval barrel, compared to its predecessor, has a slimmer handle that allows for more control and works on all hair types. Overall, the 2.0 version allows for more styling options like flips and soft waves – this was previously more difficult to do with the thicker barrel found in the original version.

The soft nylon-pin bristles of the Trademark Beauty Easy Blo Dryer and Styler are gentle on the scalp but still leave the hair tangle-free and shiny post-styling. There are three heat and speed settings on this brush for styling flexibility and varied drying time. If you have thicker hair, opt for the highest setting for a quicker dry. Plus, the round edges of the brush head create volume at the hair's roots and flawless curls. (Sounds like a good excuse to go on a date night.)

Hot Tools' Pro Signature One Step Volumizer and Hair Dryer is every amateur's dream because of how quickly and easily effortless hair is achieved. The best part is how it adds shine to your tresses, thanks to the "Thermaglide" ceramic coating, which is a technological feature that essentially distributes heat evenly. This heat distribution minimizes friction and gets rid of the annoying frizz. Easy, peasy.

Shop all of these user-friendly hot tools and more at target.com right now, starting from just $13 all the way up to $199 (for the larger "adult" size of the Drybar Buttercup mentioned earlier).

Read more about our favorite hair-care products:

• Best of Beauty 2022: Hair
• Upgrade Your Hair-Care Routine With These Ouai Products
• The Best Affordable Hair Care Your Money Can Buy

Now, watch Ellie Goulding break down her most iconic music videos:

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The 12 Best Blow Dryers, According to Editors and Hair Experts

From TikTok-famous blow dryers to classics from Dyson and Drybar.

• How We Chose Them
• What to Look For

The Best Blow Dryers

How to blow dry your hair, meet the experts.

In a perfect world, we'd all indulge in a blowout from a pro on a daily basis. But who has the time (or budget) for that? Fortunately, there are salon-quality blow dryers that will provide a similar look from the comfort of your own bathroom—and I’ve scoured the internet to find the best blow dryer for you at any price point. From the most sought-after luxury blow dryers to the high-performance, budget-friendly options, our curated list is here to address every texture and hair care need.

I also spoke to celebrity stylists about the dryers—and tips!—that make styling a breeze. Because even with the launch of hair dryer brushes and the resurgence of Velcro and hot rollers , figuring out how to master a blowout was, for years, little more than an elusive pipe dream. I would simply load up my hair with heat-protectant products and rough-dry away, leaving me with frizz and flyaways.

• Best Overall Hair Dryer: Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer
• Best Under-$50 Hair Dryer:  INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hair Dryer with Diffuser
• Best Travel Blow Dryer: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer
• Best Blow Dryer for Curly Hair: DevaCurl Dryer & Diffuser Combo
• Best Blow Dryer for Thick Hair: ghd Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer

How We Chose Blow Dryers

The blow dryers on this list have been tested, reviewed, and selected by Marie Claire' s Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla (a.k.a. yours truly), Beauty Editor Samantha Holender , Beauty Director Deena Campbell, our team of expert editors, and celebrity hair stylists who use them on a daily basis.  While the *best* blow dryer for you will vary based on your hair type and desired result, you can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation, or if you have any concerns, check with your hair stylist.

What To Look For

The blow dryers on this list aren’t the same ones your mom or grandma used. Modern dryers come with tons of promises these days, from shorter dry times to higher-shine finishes, while others promise to be virtually silent. Regardless of your hair type and texture, there are a few key features to look out for.

• High Wattage: "Wattage corresponds to the amount of power in your blow dryer," says New York City-based stylist Alexandra Efstratiou. "Ideally, your hair dryer should have 1600 watts, at least. I think high wattage is absolutely critical—I personally hate the type of dryer that gets super hot but doesn’t have a strong wind flow. Both are important but air pressure is a non-negotiable in having a quick, smooth blow dry."
• Type of Dryer : There are three common types of hair dryers that you’ll see on the market right now—ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium ionic—and they’re all great for different reasons. Ceramic hair dryers “allow for a frizz-free blowout” says stylist Venner James, who has worked with Megan Thee Stallion and Nathalie Emmanuel. James says that ceramic dryers are better for thick or coarse hair because it can be “smoothed out with ease without changing the integrity of the hair” and “dries hair fast without causing damage.” These machines also have the technology to set a style using the cool shot feature. Meanwhile , tourmaline dryers use negative ions to emit heat, making them gentler on the hair and providing a shinier finish. Titanium ionic dryers maintain an even temperature and provide an even dry that takes less time.
• Adjustable Heat Settings : Three heat settings—low, medium, and high— are generally the standard for dryers in 2023. Having several allows you to customize your experience as you go. High heat settings are great for rough drying and can shorten your drying time.
• Several Speed Settings : Just like with heat settings, having several speed settings allows you to get the most out of your blow dryer. Dryers will most commonly have three speed settings: low, medium, and high.
• A Cold Shot Function : If you're like me, you never really considered the cool shot button your dryer. But, they're actually incredibly important when it comes to setting your style. "Think about it like taking your clothes out of the dryer: if they sit in there until they cool off all the way they will be extremely wrinkly," says Efstratiou. "If you take them out and fold or hang them while they’re still hot, they’ll take the shape of whatever position you put them in. Hair is a fabric in a way, and it follows those same principles. I always use a cool shot over the entire head of hair after finishing the style whether it be sleek and straight or curly and bouncy. It just gives the hair the opportunity to lock in the desired outcome before destructive elements like humidity, wind, and even it bending and resting on your own shoulders changes the look." 
• Attachments: Attachments like diffusers and concentrators are the key to achieving a versatile array of styles at home. The former is usually used with curly and wavy hair types to maintain your original curl texture by—as the name might suggest—diffusing the hot air throughout a larger area. Concentrators, on the other hand, are great for sleeker, straighter styles.

Deals on Blow Dryers

Ga.Ma Italy Professional IQ Perfetto, Rose Gold, $400 $320 at Ulta

Style Editor Emma Childs loves this blow dryer from Ga.Ma Italy Professional because "it's the lightest hairdryer on the market at only 0.65 lbs" and iss designed to dry your hair 30% faster. Shop it now for $80 off. 

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hair Dryer with Diffuser, $47 $30 at Amazon  

If you want to spend less than $50 on a dryer, try this best-selling option from INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR. As one Amazon reviewer put it: "This dryer is really powerful for being 1/2 the size of a regular blow dryer. My hair is nice and smooth after. I have thick wavy hair and like to use the blow dryer to straighten. This dryer worked great. It’s not as light as I expected but it is much lighter than a full size. I like that it’s small with all the power of a full size." 

This best-selling hair dryer is "the best overall blow dryer for all hair types with four precise heat settings and three airflow settings as well as five styling attachments," says stylist Frankie Calire . "I feel as though this is the fastest dryer I’ve ever used when it comes to styling clients," he continues. Venner James also says that it has "ceramic and ionic technology," which are "all about keeping the curls soft, voluminous and intact; it is an all in one diffusing and hair drying tool. The airflow is amazing." 

Pros: Stylist-approved; Great for all hair types; Comes in several colors; Comes with five attachments; 

Cons:  Filter can get clogged over time. 

Customer Review:  "I've owned a few professional hair dryers, so was a bit skeptical at how much better it could get than the ones I've used in the past. I have pretty average hair: in the middle of thick and thin, wavy, and can go about 3 days without washing before it gets oily. This hair dryer has significantly cut down my drying time, and is so powerful! I think some of the reviews that mention it makes their frizzy probably aren't brushing or using one of the head attachments to achieve the results they want. I've also noticed my hair is much healthier after a half of year using this dryer vs. my old ones and I think it has everything to do with Dyson's heat control." — Sephora 

"When I travel the last thing I want is to use a hotel’s old hairdryer that I know will inevitably burn my hair and scalp. I also want to cut down on the clutter on my vanity. The new Olivia Garden SuperHP Hair Dryer somehow packs professional-grade hair drying and styling into a lightweight tool that weighs less than a pound. And as you can see it is compact and won’t take up too much space in your travel bag. It comes with easy controls for heat and power, a concentrator nozzle, and a diffuser. But most importantly it gets the job done safely and effectively in minutes, without the bulk and hassle of a traditional heavy hairdryer." — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor

Pros: Editor-approved; Small size; Comes with a concentrator and a diffuser nozzle; Sleek size. Lightweight. 

Cons: Louder than other devices. 

Customer Review: None available. 

"On a recent trip to my parent's house, I had to borrow my sister's blow dryer and was immediately blown away (pun intended) by the quality of it. This blow dryer packs a mighty punch—so much so that my hair completely dried in minutes. It's also lightweight, comes with two heat settings, a cool setting, and two attachments. When my sister told me she had gotten it for $30 on Amazon, I was even more shocked and immediately added it to my cart." — Brooke Knappenbeger, Editorial Fellow 

Pros: Editor-approved; Costs under-$100; Good for curly hair; Good for thick hair; Top-rated. 

Cons: Some reviewers said it's too heavy. 

Customer Review: "I needed a new dryer with a diffuser so I randomly bought this and I'm so glad I did. This dries my hair so much quicker than my old dryer. It doesn't get super hot so my hair feels soft after drying. For reference, I have very thick hair, past shoulder length." — Amazon

"My favorite blow dryer is the GHD Helios Dryer," says Ellis. "It is super powerful and has different heat settings to ensure the right temp for any hair type." Available in three colors, this GHD dryer is a fan favorite. It uses ionic technology to reduce frizz and add shine, and blows hot hair at a top speed of 75 mph through the concentrated nozzle. And Ellis isn’t its only die-hard fan—this dryer also has over 300 glowing five-star reviews on Sephora’s website to boot. 

Pros: Stylist-approved; Comes in several colors; Has a top speed of 75mph; Top-rated; Speeds up drying time on longer hair; Good for thick hair; Lightweight. 

Cons: Some reviewers say that it's louder than others on the market. 

Customer Review:  "Beautiful hair dryer and leaves my hair shiny and silky smooth. Cuts my styling time in half - which says a lot for my thick haired girlies. Looks professional each time I use it and I’m not great with styling my hair by any means!" — Sephora 

"I am very lazy with my hair—a roll-out-of-bed, call-it-messy-à-la-Chloë-Sevigny kind of girl. But when I need to make a smidge more effort, I use GAMA Italy Professional's iQ Perfetto Hairdryer. It's the lightest hairdryer on the market at only 0.65 lbs, and its compact design makes it the ideal gadget for those living in small spaces with limited storage (someone like me, for instance, who's in an NYC shoebox). And not only does its air flow-optimized design dry hair 30 percent faster, but it emits active oxygen with anti-bacterial properties while in use to make your hair shinier." — Emma Childs, Style Editor

Pros: Editor-approved; Lightweight; Good for long hair. 

Cons: Some reviewers say that the on-off switch is very touchy. 

Customer Review: "This is seriously the best hair dryer ever made. I first saw it used at a salon where I get my hair done. It was quiet, light weigh and dried my hair so fast and it didn't feel dried and crispy the way some hair dryers do. Now I wash my hair once a week, have bleached, thin, fine, straight hair down to my lower back, and almost never use heat on my hair. With that being said, I threw away all my other hair drying devices for this one, the rare occasion I do heat style my hair, this is all I want to use." — Ulta 

BaBylissPRO is known for its high-performing straightening tools, and their blow dryer is no different. It has six different heat and speed settings (plus a cold lock button!) to give you a smooth salon-worthy blowout, this best-selling bright blue titanium dryer checks all my boxes. Priced at just under $100, it’s a great mid-point option for those looking to invest in a quality device without splurging.  The nine-foot-long power cord also guarantees easy styling, no matter where the outlet is placed in your bathroom.

Pros: Has a 9-foot chord; Has 6 heat and speed settings; Best-selling; Costs under $100; Top-rated. 

Cons: Some reviewers say that the attachments fall off as you use; Some reviewers say it gets too hot. 

Customer Review: "Every blower I've tried either doesn't get hot enough, isn't strong enough or leaves my hair frizzy. This is the first one I've tried that I didn't have to iron my hair afterwards. No frizz and dried quickly. Plenty of power and lightweight. Try it!" — Amazon

"There's nothing more I hate than getting to a hotel room and realizing there's no blow dryer—or a weak one at that. To avoid bad hair days (and irritation) I always sneak this T3 into my carry-on. It's super compact so I don't have to worry about it taking up a lot of space. But don't let the small size throw you off—this is still extremely powerful. My whole head is dried (and frizz-free) in no more than 15 minutes" — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor  

Pros: Travel-sized; Editor-approved; Powerful for its size; Has dual-voltage capability; Great for short to length hair; Comes with a travel pouch. 

Cons: Doesn't have attachments. 

Customer Review: "PERFECT! The color is beautiful, the perfect rose gold tone! It is the perfect travel size to fit in any luggage or duffle bag. Most importantly it gets the job done, hair is super sleek and voluminous." — Sephora

"The Sedu has become a favorite among the Mark Ryan Salon stylists," says Trygstad . "The two things we always look at are how compact the dryer is and how powerful it is (without causing significant damage through its power). This is a great blow dryer for someone with a lot of hair that wants to blow their hair out quickly.”  This sleek tool also promises to cut frizz by 90 percent and to dry your hair in 70 percent less time. 

Pros: Stylist-approved; Great for thicker or those with a lot of hair; Cuts frizz; Protects against heat damage. 

Cons: Some reviewers say that it doesn't get as hot as other dryers. 

Customer Review: "This is a very powerful dryer that cut my hair drying time down by a significant amount of time. Additionally, it gives me a sleek, no frizz look that I barely have to use any product. The ionic setting is pretty incredible. I was initially hesitant about the price of this dryer and justified using much cheaper hair dryers for a long time and finally decided to go for it. And my expectations were exceeded - I’d recommend this dryer to anyone!" — Amazon

"My 4C curls require a lot of time to dry—it’s incredibly thick and heavy, so when I tell you the CHI Lava Pro is a beauty game changer, I mean it. Because the body of the CHI Lava Pro is made of a volcanic-lava-and-ceramic heater, it provides gentle, consistent heat; that means it affords me the ability to dry my curls at lower temperatures. Sure you could spend half the cost on a typical, garden-variety hair dryer, but if you want precise heat and reduced drying time, the CHI Lava Pro hair dryer will quickly become your holy grail hot tool, too." — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director

Pros: Editor-approved; Lightweight; Has 4 heat settings; Some reviewers say it was quieter than others on the market. 

Cons: Some reviewers say it takes a long time to dry thicker hair. 

Customer Review: "Just had the chance to try this new  dryer  out in our salon and the power to weight ratio is amazing! Cord doesn't tangle and with the added digital LCD display, you've got the total package in this LAVA PRO!" — CHI 

If you've spent any time on TikTok, you'll no doubt have seen this versatile dryer from Shark. Reviewers say it's both lightweight and quieter than other dryers on the market, and cuts down drying time. Plus, the hard bristles on one of the attachments make blow-drying curly hair a breeze. Plus, the concentrator attachment is great if you're looking for a super sleek look. There are several options available to purchase with different attachments, including a wider diffuser.

Pros: Comes with several attachment options; Quieter than other options; Lightweight; Great for tighter curls. 

Cons: Reviewers say it gets too hot on their head. 

Customer Review: "This is an awesome dryer. I decided to treat myself and it really does the trick. I have curly hair and when I use this dryer it makes it nice and straight I don't even have to use a flat iron ." — Best Buy 

You'll know this is a salon-quality hair dryer, thanks to the fact that it has an extra-long cord and the many mix-and-match concentrators that fit the nozzle. The bright yellow pro tool is beloved by hair stylists and us normal folk alike for its shine capabilities (thanks to the fact that it’s an ionic dryer), and the fact that the heat settings (three of them) don't scorch hair. It features three heat and two speed settings for a customizable drying experience. 

Pros: Reviewers say it's great for adding volume; Adds shine; Dries quickly. 

Cons: Some reviewers say the attachments don't stay on. 

Customer Review: " After 7 years of use it finally gave up. This is the best blow dryer I've used and I've used many. I will be repurchasing again maybe I'll get the new one. It was well loved. This dryer gives amazing volume and a smooth style." — Sephora

Blow-drying your curls straight or shaping them without creating frizz is no easy feat, but DevaCurl has the solution. When it comes to this best-selling dryer, it’s all about the different accessories: The hand-shaped diffuser works to dry curls from root to tip, revealing fluffy and defined waves and curls thanks to the help of positive ions. The concentrator nozzle helps achieve a sleek finish with minimal effort. The dryer also uses negative ions to reduce the look of frizz. 

Pros: Good for curly hair; Comes with several attachments. 

Cons:  Some reviewers say that the hand diffuser attachment is too big. 

Customer Reviews:  "I am absolutely In love with this hair dryer. I have always struggled with finding the right hair dryer for my curls. It helps keep the frizz down. It was a little pricey but money well spent." — Ulta 

Sure, you could just rough-dry your hair, but mastering the perfect at-home blowout is key to amazing hair days. The most important tip? Use tension with going in with your round brush. “Tension is your best friend,” says Calire . “The style and brush size also are a huge factor here! I love using the Y.S. Park G series Styler Round Brush this is a boar bristle, great for the perfect smooth blowout.” Ahead, James shares his tips for blow-drying at home.

• After shampooing your hair , remove excess moisture. This not only reduces drying time but minimizes frizz due to less heat needing to be used.
• Leaving the hair damp, section your hair out. 
• Use a heat protector spray and brush through to make sure hair is detangled,
• Then you can start round-brushing your hair section by section [with the dryer]
• To finish, you can use a lightweight hair oil, evenly distributing it throughout the hair. 
• Spray with a humidity spray, avoiding moisture and the use of too much product thereafter is a key step in making sure your blowout will last.

Tips for Your Best Blow Dry

“The best way to reduce frizz is making sure that you have enough tension when you’re using the brush to smooth the hair out,” explains Glenn Ellis, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Olivia Wilde and Chloe Fineman. 

Also key to achieving your best hair day: Taking your specific hair texture into consideration as you blow dry. “Someone with finer and straighter hair can rough dry their hair 70 percent before going in with a brush,” continues Ellis. “If you have curly hair, you want to go in straight away with a brush from towel-dried hair to ensure no frizz,” he says. Your technique should be tailored for your hair type: Ryan Trygstad, the co-owner of the Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, says that “you may be able to go rough-dry until 90 percent of the moisture is out of the hair” if you have a finer hair texture.

Finally, make sure that you use the devices and tools that your dryer comes with. ”Concentrators and diffusers make a world of difference when using them to blow dry,” says Trygstad. “They really help focus the air how you want, making it easier to get to your end goal of a nice shiny blowout!” 

BIO: Michigan native Ryan Trygstad has become one of the country’s most in-demand precision stylists. His innovative cuts and trend-setting styles have won him a devoted celebrity clientele –– including Laura Dern, Emma Roberts, Penn Badgley, and Kelly Ripa –– as well as editorial recognition in Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. Ryan spent his formative creative years at the Illinois School of the Arts and the Aveda Institute before developing an impressive repertoire of experience, education, and personal styling. He then honed his craft at the iconic John Frieda Salon and became one of the brightest in the business after assisting the legendary Sally Hershberger. He is best known for his mastery of hair cutting, as well as an ability to translate trends and harness texture to create customized looks. As Mark Ryan Salon opens its doors, Ryan is excited for the new opportunity to help clients live life beautifully.

Venner James is an internationally - acclaimed celebrity and personal stylist the founder of the Venner-James Brand. After many years in the industry starting off and better known to be a Loctician, Venner-James developed a interest in hair loss and in October 2018 became a certified hair loss practitioner. Venner-James has worked with a number of celebrities including- Precious Mustapha, Priscilla Anyabu, Emma Katherine McDonald, Solea, Kenya Moore, and Kelvin Harrison Jr, to name a few. With the skill set of wig making and application prior to this training Venner-James has incorporated the classic male toupe as a premium private service and is now one of the leading male non surgical hair replacement unit stylist in London. Alongside installing custom female units. Venner-James has an extensive portfolio which includes, short cuts, relaxers, Locs, custom wigs, barbering, braiding and much more.

Alex Efstratiou is a hair stylist and colorist in New York City. Hailing from the Hudson Valley, after graduating from hair school she quickly found herself in Soho immersed in an intensive apprenticeship at Arrojo. After many years of traveling the country as a sought out haircutting educator, she decided to shift her focus and incorporate hair coloring into her salon repertoire. With over 14 years in the industry, she is known for her dynamic haircutting skills and sun-kissed hair colors.

Originally from Southern California, hair stylist Glenn Ellis is praised for his ability to adapt to different hair types and textures. Glenn is just as skilled at taming the most rebellious curls as he is at creating voluminous manes out of lifeless hair. Glenn’s talent and versatility has garnered the attention of the film, fashion, television, and music industries. He has earned accolades within the hairstyling community for his work featured in CR Fashion Book, Vogue, and Nylon Magazine, and he has had the privilege of working with renowned personalities, including Olivia Wilde, Tinx, Sara Paulson, Meg Ryan, Jane Fonda, Sienna Miller, and Sia. 

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Frankie Calire moved to New York City in 2018 where he began his freelance hair styling career. While he’s been doing hair since he was a child, Calire started professionally hairstyling in 2016. Prior to his solo career, Calire assisted industry experts such as Evanie Frausto and Dimitri Gianneots in the fashion and celebrity hairstyling spaces. His editorial experience includes spreads in Vogue Japan, Glamour and Tmrw Magazine. While he is trained in all hair types, he excels in working with extensions and wigs. Calire is open working bicoastally, from Los Angeles to New York.

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Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire , where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle , InStyle , The Zoe Report , Who What Wear , and STYLECASTER . In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen. 

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JINRI Travel Hair Dryer Review

This hair dryer is aesthetically pleasing but its performance is basic at best

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

JINRI Travel Hair Dryer

TripSavvy / Stacey Nash

Powerful 1875-watt airflow

Works quickly

Velcro strap keeps the cord under control

Concentrator attachment falls off easily

Cool shot is too weak

The JINRI Travel Hair Dryer has excellent power and enough heat to shorten your drying time, but it loses its punch on the cool setting.

• Performance
• Portability
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the JINRI Travel Hair Dryer so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the JINRI Travel Hair Dryer makes quick work of away-from-home hair drying. Traveling with a full-size device is impractical for a number of reasons, but a good travel-size dryer packs just as much power into a petite, suitcase-friendly package. To see whether the JINRI could hold up to the demands of the road, we put it to the test, evaluating its design, performance, price, and competition. Read on for our verdict. 

Design: Pretty cute, but not much to it

Based solely on looks, the JINRI doesn’t disappoint. The body is a combination of matte rose gold and white—far from the bland, beige shade of hotel hair dryers. The ceramic tourmaline body feels solid in your hand, too; it’s evident that the manufacturer didn’t cut any corners on the construction. 

The mini blow dryer comes with two heat settings: low and high, as well as a Cool Shot button which reduces heat as needed. As with all travel hair dryers, the JINRI folds in half to save space. When fully extended, it measures 4.7 x 5.5 x 9.4 inches. 

The JINRI travel hair dryer puts out a powerful airflow that makes quick work of wet tresses.

Many travel hair dryers drop the ball when it comes to cord storage. Since most don’t offer a retractable cord, you have to wrap it around the body of the blow dryer—which is actually not recommended as it can cause the device to short circuit. While the JINRI doesn’t have a retractable cord, it does have is a Velcro strap that keeps the cord coiled while in your suitcase. A hanging hook at the bottom of the handle also gives you some extra storage options.  

The JINRI offers dual voltages , so you can easily use it abroad. We always recommend checking the voltage setting when you’re traveling to make sure you’ve adjusted it according to your location. To switch it, simply turn the small dial on the back of the handle using a screwdriver or other narrow tool. 

Performance: Power and heat shorten drying times

The JINRI travel hair dryer puts out a powerful airflow that makes quick work of wet tresses. More specifically, the device uses ionic technology to swiftly dry your locks and reduce frizz. Essentially, the blow dryer emits negative ions which break down the slightly positive ions of water molecules, speeding up the drying process. 

That JINRI’s powerful airflow is coupled with a good dose of heat, as well. The blow dryer wasn’t the hottest model we tested, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The device is hot enough to make quick headway without overheating your scalp (the same can’t be said for others we tried).

Unfortunately, the blow dryer does a less than stellar job with its Cool Shot setting. When enabled, the blow dryer’s power substantially drops. This is fine for times when you’re just using the cool air to set your style, but it’s not very helpful on days when it’s too hot outside to dry your dripping mop on high heat. In those cases, the low-powered cool setting takes a considerable amount of time to dry a full head of hair. 

Unfortunately, the blow dryer does a less than stellar job with its Cool Shot setting.

In our test of the two power settings, we found low power was best for those with curly hair and those prone to frizz. In general, lower power agitated our hair less, but we also found the amount of frizz was most determined by the fashion in which we dryed our hair. For best results, we pointed the hair dryer down our hair shafts so it smoothed the cuticle and reduced frizz as we worked. 

The JINRI also comes with a concentrator attachment, so we gave that a go. The extra accessory performed its job admirably, focusing the airflow when straightening with a comb or brush. That said, it also popped off fairly easily. If we set the hair dryer on the counter, it came off. If we bumped it too hard with the brush, it came off. In the end, it was more hassle than help.

Portability: Long but light

The body of the JINRI—with the concentrator attached—measures 7.9 inches. While that’s smaller than a standard hair dryer, it is the longest travel model we tested by nearly 2 inches. Though the additonal body length takes up extra storage space, it does weigh just 1.57 pounds—similar to comparable travel models. All in all, it’s not the most portable hair dryer, but it’s not too bad, either. 

Price: High for basic functionality 

With a retail price of roughly $45, the JINRI is at the high end of the mid-price range. Overall, it’s a good hair dryer, but the extra length and weak Coot Shot setting cut down on the value for us. We’d rather save money and go for a $15 blow dryer—with a more basic design—that offers the same functionality. 

Competition: A better balance is out there

Andis Fold-N-Go Ionic Hair Dryer: The Andis Fold-N-Go (MSRP $34.99) has everything the JINRI lacks. With three power settings and a Cool Shot option that doesn’t decrease power, it’s a better deal for more features. 

Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer: This tiny but powerful hair dryer lacks a Cool Shot button, but it makes up for it with a low price—just $15—and impressive airflow. If you like to travel light and dry your hair quickly, this one’s worth considering.

The JINRI works okay, but there are more feature-rich models that are similarly powered and lower priced.

• Product Name Travel Hair Dryer
• Product Brand JINRI
• UPC X001JL867T
• Price $42.99
• Weight 1.6 oz.
• Product Dimensions 4.7 x 5.5 x 9.4 in.
• Color Rose gold and red
• Output 1875 W
• Warranty 1-year replacement, 2-year warranty
• What’s Included Hair dryer, concentrator attachment, user manual

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