travel hair dryers with folding handle

CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND JOY

Skincare Ingredients A-Z
Skin Concerns
Hair Removal
Moisturizers
Tools and Techniques
Hair Concerns
Hair Styling
Fashion Trends
What to Wear
Accessories
Clothing and Apparel
Celebrities
Product and Brand News
Trends and Innovation
Amazon Picks
Gift Guides
Product Reviews
Mental Health and Mood
The Byrdie Team
Editorial Guidelines
Editorial Policy
Terms of Use and Policies
Privacy Policy

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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?

In This Article

Our Top Picks
What To Look For
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Byrdie

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.

Best Overall

T3 afar travel size hair dryer.

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.