The Best Travel Hairdryers For A Blowdry Wherever, Whenever

Say goodbye to terrible hotel hairdryers...

best travel hairdryer - grazia

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

Now that we've been granted access back into the world of international travel, investing in an adequate travel hairdryer has become much more of a priority than before. Whether jet-setting off to a European city break or spending an all-inclusive ten days in Bora Bora, we can admit that many hotel hairdryers just don't cut it. If you're looking for a hairdryer that's portable, and lightweight but still packs the punch of a regular-sized hairdryer, we've found the best hair dryers for your next trip away.

Finding a travel hairdryer that effortlessly combines style, convenience and functionality doesn't have to be such a difficult find and in fact, many of these smaller hairdryers are as affordable just as much as they are powerful. What you'll want to look for is a high-wattage, compact design as well as looking out for dual voltage - otherwise, you won't be able to take your new hair tool abroad.

Grazia Best Travel Hairdryers, At A Glance:

Editor's choice: ghd Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer, £99 on ghd

Best high-power travel hairdryer: BaByliss Travel Hair Dryer Dry 2000, £25 on LookFantastic

Best foldable travel hairdryer: Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer, £85 on Amazon

Many of these hairdryers even come with a diffuser, so if you're looking for a travel hairdryer for curly hair, you don't have to fret. When a diffuser is an attachment is the difference between silky curls and a frizz that only Monica Geller from Friends can compete with, travel hairdryers with diffusers included are a must-have.

So, whether you want to splash out on ghd's Flight+ travel set or want to gift a particularly stylish travel hairdryer in Flower Beauty's aesthetically pleasing travel hairdryer, there's something for everyone. Plus, every single one of these choices has dual voltage, so you'll be covered when jet-setting abroad. Here's to not dealing with those terrible hotel hair dryers anymore.

SHOP: The Best Travel Hairdryers

Editor's choice

Of course, maybe the top go-to brand for any hair tool product, ghd comes in clutch with a nifty travel hair dryer set (travel bag included, too). With a foldable body, lightweight hold and dual voltage, this is the perfect partner for any trip - whether you're taking hold or hand luggage. Plus, it looks extremely sleek. One reviewer loved how compact but powerful this travel hairdryer is. They were super impressed with how it works on their fine, frizzy hair type and were pleased with the sleek results.

Pros

  • Portable, lightweight and foldable makes it perfect for travel
  • Dual voltage for international use

Cons

  • At, 1400W this choice isn't as powerful as other brands
What's included?Hairdryer, travel case, holding strap
Weight0.45kg (hairdryer), 0.75kg (package)
DimensionsH12 x W19 x D29.5 cm
Cable length1.8m
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage1400W

Best high-power travel hairdryer

Coming in at an impressive 2000W, the BaByliss travel hair dryer is small but mighty, coming in as one of the most powerful travel hairdryers you can get. Including its foldable design and affordable price, and this is a truly tempting choice for travellers. Reviewers are impressed with the size of this hairdryer and how ideal it is for travelling.

Pros

  • Fantastic value
  • High wattage power
  • Foldable design makes it easy for travelling

Cons

  • No travel case for storage
What's included?Hairdryer, detachable concentrated nozzle
Weight0.56kg
DimensionsD21 x W16 x H8 cm
Cable length1.8m
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage2000W

Best foldable travel hairdryer

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer
Price: $85

If you're into your hair tools, you'll be aware of Drybar's infamously bright yellow design and powerful features. Say hello to the brand's compact travel blow-dryer, with a concentrated nozzle and travel bag to make it particularly easy to transport. We love that this hairdryer provides a professional blowdry experience on the go as the advanced motor works to dry the hair quickly to reduce drying time.

Pros

  • Travel bag makes for easy transport
  • Advanced motor technology and concentrated nozzle for easy drying

Cons

  • Lower wattage means less power
What's included?Hairdryer, concentrated nozzle, travel drawstring bag
Weight0.36kg
DimensionsL18 x W11.1 x H25.4 cm
Cable length2.12m
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage1200W

Best new travel hairdryer

Amika Mighty Mini Dryer
Price: $40 (was £50)

www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Amika is known for its varied hair product collection and funky packaging, and now the brand has branched into travel hair tools too with this Amika Mighty Mini Dryer, which they claim is 'the secret for quick, frizz-free drying, wherever you are'. Coming in at 1200W, it's on the lower end of the power scale but makes up for it with its portable size and uses next-gen tourmaline-infused ceramic components for less heat damage. Plus, curls will be safe with a diffuser included too. One reviewer purchased this mini hairdryer for a trip with only hand luggage and was so impressed with the size and how compact it is when travelling. They also said they'd much rather rely on this than gambling on a hotel hairdryer.

Pros

  • Travel bag makes for easy storage
  • Diffuser also included, if you've got curly or wavy hair

Cons

  • 1200W is quite low for power
What's included?Hairdryer, concentrated attachment, diffuser, travel bag
Weight0.45kg
DimensionsHairdryer: 15 x 12.7cm; Travel bag: 20.3 x 7.6 x 15cm
Cable lengthN/A
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage1200W

Best travel hairdryer with diffuser

Remington Folding Travel Hairdryer
Price: $14.99

When you've got curly hair to think about, the idea of drying your hair without a diffuser can be pretty daunting. Luckily, Remington's Folding Travel Hairdryer means that you don't have to travel without one, as it comes included in the set. Just pop in your suitcase, and you'll be ready to go. A reviewer stated how difficult it is to dry curly hair with a hotel hairdryer and this one from Remington solved that problem. They went on to say that it's a lightweight yet powerful device that can be taken anywhere.

Pros

  • Foldable design for easy storage
  • Diffuser attachment for curly and wavy hair
  • 2000 wattage is very high for a travel hairdryer

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it doesn't last very long
What's Included?Remington D1500 dryer, concentrator, compact diffuser
Weight0.68kg
DimensionsL17 x H15 x W6 cm
Cable length1.8m
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage2000W

Best basic travel hairdryer

Sometimes, we just need a hair tool that gets the job done for a great price. If you're looking for a last-minute basic option that has all the features you need from a travel hair dryer, the Boots Essentials travel dryer might be the top choice to go for, with 1600 wattage - higher than most travel hairdryers. With a two-year guarantee, dual voltage and a compact small frame, it will sit happily in your luggage. Reviewers say its lightweight quality makes it the ideal travelling companion.

Pros

  • Small, lightweight and compact
  • Comes with a two-year guarantee

Cons

  • Not as powerful as other hairdryers on the market
What's included?Compact hairdryer
Weight0.34kg
DimensionsN/A
Cable lengthN/A
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage 1600W

Best travel hair dryer design

Just because you want a travel hairdryer, doesn't mean you have to cut back on design. This Flower Beauty Ionic Travel Hairdryer (brand owned by Drew Barrymore) has all of the important features of a travel hairdryer and also looks very aesthetically pleasing. With a thinner turbine fan and concentrated airflow, this is a powerful and pretty tool. We love that it's suitable for all hair types, with Barrymore's message being, 'It's a celebration of what makes you uniquely you, whenever and however you want'.

Pros

  • Celebrity-endorsed
  • Ionic technology makes for a powerful drier

Cons

  • Not foldable, a little bit bulky
What's included?Hairdryer, concentrator nozzle
Weight0.52kg
DimensionsL22.3 x H18.4 x W7.4 cm
Cable lengthN/A
Dual voltage?Yes
Wattage2000W

What Is A Travel Hairdryer?

A travel hairdryer is a smaller, compact and portable version of those larger and more powerful hairdryers. They're made - often including dual voltage - with travel in mind, so you're likely to find them very lightweight and with foldable or portable designs.

Convenience is key when thinking about purchasing a travel hairdryer and many of these sets also include a nifty travel bag if you want to store them properly in your bag or suitcase. You'll be having fresh locks that compete with Kate Middleton's blow-dry in no time.

Can I Use A Travel Hairdryer Abroad?

If you're looking for a proper travel hairdryer that will keep you blowdrying in every country, you'll want to make sure that the voltage is right so that you don't fall at the first hurdle before you've even started. To use it both at home and away, you'll want to ensure it's compatible with the UK's voltage (230-240V) and then, if you plan to travel abroad, choose a dual-voltage travel hairdryer that can switch between voltages, making it suitable for various countries.

Are Travel Hairdryers Less Powerful Than Regular Ones?

You'll want to keep an eye on the wattage of your chosen hairdryer, to really know whether or not it's less powerful than your typical hairdryer. Usually, you'll find that portable and travel-sized hairdryers come in at around 800 watts to 1600 watts, whereas larger options can go over 2000 watts.

So, travel hairdryers are known for having a lower power but if you keep an eye out, you can find options that are almost as strong as the larger-sized counterparts. In fact, the Dyson Supersonic comes in at 1600W, so some of these travel hairdryers are just as (and even more so) than the Dyson bestseller.

Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, women's lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.

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