If you’ve ever traveled and hoped to use the hotel hair dryers, only to be disappointed by its poor quality and inability to actually dry your hair, you’re not alone. Hotel hair dryers are known for being weak, and if you have long or thick hair, or if you want to give yourself a fancy blowout while on vacation, they just don’t cut it.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of reputable brands out there that offer smaller-sized travel hair dryers perfect for travel. Best travel hair dryer with diffuser has features like foldable handles and dual voltage, different heat and speed settings, making them easy to carry and use anywhere in the world. And the best part is, they don’t sacrifice power. Nowadays, many travel blow dryers on the market have high wattage, so you can quickly and effortlessly style your hair without worrying about frizz or damage.
So, if you’re looking for a compact and effective travel blow dryers, look no further. We’ve rounded up the best options for you right here.
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Hair Dryer size mini
- 2 Best Budget: Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer carry on
- 3 Best Foldable: Stylecraft PeeWee Travel Hair Dryer
- 4 Best travel hair dryer with diffuser : BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Hair Dryer
- 5 Best travel hair dryer with diffuser : 7MAGIC Fast Blow Dryer
- 6 Best travel hair dryer for Curly Hair: Revlon Airflow Control Hair Dryers
- 7 Best Lightweight: L’ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Hair Dryer
- 8 Best Quiet: TYMO HighSpeed Blow dryer
- 9 Tips while Buying a Travel Hair Dryer
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Hair Dryer size mini
Pros
- The travel hair dryer has a powerful motor and airflow
- It offers various heat and speed settings, including a cool shot button
Cons
- Travel hair dryer doesn’t come with any attachments
If you’re looking for a travel hair dryer that’s just as impressive as a full-size one, look no further than T3’s offering. It has all the features you’d expect, including speed and heat settings, a cool shot button, and dual voltage. And it’s even more convenient because it can be folded in half. Our expert panel loved how shiny and smooth it left their hair, thanks to the built-in ionic technology. Plus, the lightweight design and convenient button placement make it easy to carry on and use on the go.
For Whom Is That?
All hair types including damaged hair can benefit from this travel hair dryer, and if you’re willing to invest a little more, it’s definitely worth it.
Best Budget: Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer carry on
Pros
- The product is lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- The handle can be folded up for convenient storage.
- It emits a strong airflow, ensuring efficient cooling or drying.
- There are two speed settings available for customization.
Cons
- Has the potential to overheat
At this price, we highly recommend considering this compact hair dryer from Conair, a reputable brand in the hair care industry. It has gained popularity on Amazon, with over 3,000 satisfied reviewers praising its lightweight design and impressive power. The strong airflow ensures quick drying, making it a convenient choice for those with limited time. Despite its simplicity, offering only two heat and two speed settings, this travel hair dryer effectively fulfills its purpose. Additionally, its compact folding handle allows for easy storage in your suitcase. However, it is important to note that this model may overheat, making it more suitable for individuals with very thin hair that dries quickly. Lastly, the affordable price makes it an excellent option for those on a budget.
For Whom Is That?
This compact dryer is recommended for individuals with thin or damaged hair types, as it may become too hot for those with thicker hair that takes longer to dry. Furthermore, it is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Price at time of publish: $23
Features: 1,200 watts, two heat and speed settings, airflow concentrator, dual voltage, velvet grip handle | Wireless: No
Best Foldable: Stylecraft PeeWee Travel Hair Dryer
Pros
- This product is great for achieving silky smooth hair.
- Affordable option.
- It is lightweight
- Folds into compact dryer
Cons
- Could use some improvement in terms of quality
This one may not be the most impressive in terms of quality, but we really love how lightweight it feels. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and folds perfectly in half, making it ideal for even the smallest suitcases. Oh, and don’t forget about the special Tri-Plex Fusion technology (stay with us here) that includes keratin, ceramic, and tourmaline for smooth and shiny hair.
For Whom Is That
Perfect for those who tend to overpack, this little gem can be folded up into a super compact size. And the best part? It’s not going to break the bank and won’t weigh you down either.
Price at time of publish: $40
Features: 1,000 watt micro-motor, built-in stand, two heat settings, airflow concentrator and diffuser, travel bag, dual voltage | Wireless: No
Best travel hair dryer with diffuser : BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Hair Dryer
Pros
- Compact and petite dimensions
- Comes with additional add-ons
- Produces a powerful gust of air
Cons
- Limited to just one heat option
- The cord doesn’t have a retractable feature.
Say goodbye to the hassle of packing adapters and worrying about frying your hair dryer while traveling. This mini hair dryer comes with a dual voltage option, making it perfect for all your international adventures. With its powerful airflow, you can dry your hair to perfection in no time, whether you’re rushing out to explore a museum, historic site, or cafe. Despite its might, this hair dryer is super compact and lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your suitcase and leave more space for souvenirs. Plus, the back pops off for easy cleaning. The only downsides are that it only has one heat setting (which gets hot) and the cord doesn’t retract.
For Whom Is That
This travel dryer is a must-have for frequent international travelers.
Price at time of publish: $35
Features: 1,000 watts, two heat and speed settings, folding handle, removable filter and stand, dual voltage | Wireless: No
Best travel hair dryer with diffuser : 7MAGIC Fast Blow Dryer
Pros
- Dries your hair super quick
- Comes with three heat settings
- Ionic technology safeguards hair from heat harm
Cons
- Not dual voltage hair dryer
This foldable blow dryer is called “Fast-Drying” for a reason – it’s incredibly efficient. According to the brand, it’s 30 percent faster than a standard hair dryer. Even if you have long and thick hair, it will be dry in just five to eight minutes. And if you have short locks, you’ll be ready for the day in just a minute or two. Its three temperature settings, two-speed options, and ionic technology not only protect your hair from heat damage and dryness but also helped it earn our top spot. We also love how lightweight and compact it is, making it perfect for travel. Plus, the price won’t give you sticker shock. However, keep in mind that this hair dryer is only suitable for domestic travels since it is’t not dual voltage.
For Whom Is That?
Well, if you like having lots of different settings to choose from, this is the perfect choice for you. It’s also great if you have thicker hair, as it works super fast.
Price at time of publish: $40
Features: 1,600 watts, two speed, and three temperature settings, detachable air filter, overheating safety protection setting, storage bag | Wireless: No
Best travel hair dryer for Curly Hair: Revlon Airflow Control Hair Dryers
Pros
- This product includes a concentrator and a diffuser for your convenience.
- It’s equipped with ceramic tourmaline technology for frizzy hair.
Cons
- Keep in mind that attaching the diffuser can be a bit tricky.
This hair dryer is perfect for all you curly-haired ladies out there. If you have spirals, this travel-friendly hair dryer has everything you need. It comes with a built-in concentrator that can rotate to direct airflow either vertically or horizontally, making it super powerful and providing strong and even airflow. Plus, it has ceramic tourmaline technology to combat static, which is a must for those with curls. Not to mention, it also offers a variety of heat and speed settings, along with a cool shot button.
For Whom Is That
So, if you’re looking for a hair dryer that caters to your curly hair needs, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Price at time of publish: $50
Features: 1875 watts, built-in rotating concentrator, two speed settings, curl-enhancing diffuser| Wireless: No
Best Lightweight: L’ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Hair Dryer
Pros
- The design is both slim and stylish.
- It includes three magnetic attachments for convenience.
Cons
- When making a decision, keep in mind that the airflow may not be as strong as desired.
This little guy is unbelievably lightweight. Our experts were amazed at how light it was, calling it the lightest dryer they’ve ever used. Despite its small size, it still manages to pack in some pretty cool features like magnetic attachments, an LCD temperature display, and a super quiet motor. Plus, the shape of the dryer allows for targeted and concentrated airflow, protects hair, although some users may find it could be a bit more powerful.
For Whom Is That
If you’re a fan of high-tech hot tools or just tired of holding heavier dryers, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Price at time of publish: $245
Features: Magnetic attachments, LCD temperature display, four heat and three speed settings | Wireless: No
Best Quiet: TYMO HighSpeed Blow dryer
Pros
- This product is super hushed.
- The appearance of this item is modern and smooth.
- It has a self-cleaning function.
Cons
- When deciding on this product, take into account that the buttons are not placed in the most convenient spot
This dryer is not only super lightweight, but it’s also incredibly quiet, making it perfect for those who don’t want to disturb their travel companion while styling their hair. Although the long and skinny shape may seem unusual, we found it easy to handle and maneuver.
For Whom Is That
Fine to medium length hair. While it may not be suitable for thicker hair types, the variety of heat and speed settings, along with the three magnetic attachments, allow for a personalized drying experience.
Price at time of publish: $170
Features: 1,200 watts, digital LCD display, four heat and three speed settings, magnetic attachments| Wireless: No
Tips while Buying a Travel Hair Dryer
Consider size and weight
When it comes to size and weight, keep in mind that if you have limited luggage space, it’s best to go for one of the smaller options on our list. Foldable hair dryers are especially handy for packing because they can easily collapse into a more compact shape. And if you’re worried about exceeding suitcase weight limits, pay close attention to the weight of the hair dryer. You’ll be happy to know that there are some great options out there that weigh less than a pound.
Be sure it works for your hair type
Another important factor to consider is whether the hair dryer will work well with your specific hair type: fine hair or thinner hair. You definitely don’t want a dryer that’s too weak or too hot, as it can ruin the whole purpose of using it and leave your hair either damp or frizzy. To avoid this, make sure to buy a travel dryer that has similar wattage and power settings to your regular at-home hair dryer. And don’t forget to give it a test run before you embark on your journey. Most typical dryers have a wattage of around 1800.
Take a voltage convertors for international travel
Lastly, if you’re planning on traveling internationally, don’t forget about voltage converters. While some hair dryers come with automatic voltage converters, others may not. So, it’s always a good idea to pack a voltage converter with the appropriate plug for your destination. If your hair dryer already has an automatic voltage converter or a voltage converter switch, just make sure you have the right plug adapter of high quality dryer for the country you’re visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diffusers be attached to any hair dryer?
Yes, you can attach diffusers to any hair dryer to regulate the airflow. They are connected to the end of the hair dryers to protect your hair from excessive heat.
Do diffusers make hair curlier?
No, diffusers do not make hair curlier. They help enhance and define your existing curls, giving them more bounce and volume.
Is it better to air dry curls or diffuse them?
Diffusing your curls is better if you want them to appear more voluminous. While air drying can give a natural look to your hair, diffusing helps add texture and definition to your curly locks.
How long does it take to dry hair with a diffuser?
It usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes for people with average hair volume to dry their hair using a diffuser. The drying time may vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
Should I brush my hair before using a diffuser?
If your hair is tangled, it’s a good idea to gently comb through it with a wide-toothed comb before using a diffuser. However, avoid excessive brushing as it can disrupt the shape of your curls.