Staying in a hotel room while traveling abroad increases the likelihood that the hair dryer will not be in perfect working order or, let me just say, that it is not hygienic to use the same product that many people have used.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll need to bring your hair dryer if you’re the type that demands a flawless blowout after every wash.
Not all hair dryers are created equal, but I set out to test different products myself to ensure you have a good hair day (no matter where you travel).
Below is my list of the best hair dryers out there. Trust me, they are durable, and you can rely on them to last for many years and still provide consistent performance.
Quick Takeaways
- The CHI 1875 hair dryer dries damp hair like hot air, eliminates frizz, and is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle.
- The GHD Flight+ hair dryer is small, ideal for any style, and fits neatly into a suitcase without adding unnecessary weight.
- The Revlon 1875W hair dryer, meanwhile, is an enduring product that has proven itself time and again thanks to its sturdy construction, long lifespan, and accessible cleaning technology.
Top Hair Dryer for International Travel
From the ones with stylish designs to those with exceptional performance, I have compiled the best for you right here.
1. CHI 1875 Series Hair Dryer
This compact Chi blow dryer quickly dries your hair thanks to its 1875-watt motor and ceramic heater, which distribute heat evenly and help prevent heat damage. It also provides a pleasant treatment for your hair while also producing negative ions that seal and smooth cuticles.
With the included detachable air concentrator nozzle, you can easily target specific sections of your hair with concentrated airflow for easier styling. Moreover, you can adjust the heat to your liking with this product’s three settings: lukewarm, medium, and hot.
The stylish CHI 1875 Series has a blue LED light that reduces bacterial buildup inside the hair dryer, making the air cleaner while you style. However, since it does not come with a bag, you must purchase one separately or find another way to transport it.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Compact size | A bit loud |
| Lightweight | |
| Easy to handle | |
| Gives a smooth finish |
2. GHD Flight+ Travel Hair Dryer
The GHD Flight+ hair dryer is the way to go for all your international travel beauty needs. Firstly, it can be used almost anywhere globally, regardless of the bad outlet situation, because it has dual voltage capabilities.
Plus, at just 0.99 ounces, it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your travel bag. Also, its foldable design makes it perfect for smaller bags and carry-ons so that it won’t weigh you down.
You can customize this travel blow dryer with its two heat settings, one cool shot setting, and one-speed setting. However, remember that the hot setting only goes up to 149 degrees, so it will only be effective when blow-drying extremely thick hair. Furthermore, it has a sturdy carrying case that will keep it safe.
My favorite feature of the GHD Flight+ hair dryer is its safety technology, which prevents the device from overheating and automatically lowers the temperature when held too near to your hair, protecting it from heat damage.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Super light | Not ideal for thick hair |
| Very durable | |
| Dual voltage | |
| Foldable |
3. Revlon Compact Hair Dryer
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this inexpensive hair dryer performed. It may lack the fancy features of more expensive models, but it serves its purpose perfectly.
Thanks to its minimalist design, the Revlon compact hair dryer is an understated but chic addition to my travel gear. Trust me when I say you will want it because it dries your hair fast and effectively, even after a shower, and has a pleasant and remarkable heat output.
With its variable, user-friendly temperature controls, you can achieve the ideal styling temperature for your hair type without damaging it.
I love how compact and light this hair dryer is; it won’t take up much room in my bag and won’t add any extra pounds I don’t need.
If you’re in the market for a basic hair dryer that won’t break the bank but will get the job done, drying hair quickly and efficiently—and is suitable for domestic and international travel, then this is the one for you.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Quick drying time | Nozzle size |
| Lightweight and compact | It doesn’t come with a diffuser |
| Easy storage | |
| Minimizes heat damage | |
| Convenient folding handle |
4. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer
Of all hair types, drying hair can be a real pain, but those of us with thick locks know this more than anyone.
I have medium-textured, naturally wavy-curly hair that falls about 11 inches below my shoulders. This BaBylissPro hair dryer exceeded my expectations by transforming my wet and messy hair into a beautifully styled look in just 15 minutes.
I also found this product quite impressive, with its lightweight design (0.9 pounds) and well-placed buttons that added to its overall comfort.
Because the BaBylissPRO cord is neither too long nor too tangled, it’s easy to move around while you style your hair, which is a nice feature.
The dryer’s reversible buttons are a nice feature; they’re in the middle, so both right- and left-handed users won’t have any trouble finding them and won’t have to worry about accidentally changing the settings.
If you’re a regular hair dryer user like me, I guarantee this product will blow your mind.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Sleek design | Too small |
| Comfortable to hold | |
| Variety of speed and heat settings | |
| Budget-friendly |
5. Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer
You can tell this high-end hair dryer is from Drybar because of its distinctive bright yellow color. With the Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer, you can effortlessly achieve healthy-looking, shiny, and incredibly straight hair.
Whether you’re traveling light or not, this compact device—which weighs less than a pound—is the ideal hot tool to have on hand. Its features include ionic technology, a robust 1,875-watt motor, a 9-foot cord, six adjustable settings, and an impressive heat range with distinct low, medium, and high settings.
While using it, I couldn’t help but notice how silent it is compared to other dryers. The vibration is barely audible and easily works with different hair types.
Plus, it comes with two different nozzle attachments, one for smoothing and one for concentrator. Even while it’s in use, you can quickly change settings by pressing buttons inside the handle.
Please note that if you’re looking to level up your hair game, a hair serum can help with drying time, frizz, and heat damage protection.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Doesn’t last longer |
| Comfortable to hold |
6. Olivia Garden SuperHP Hair Dryer
You will love how versatile this compact product is. With its diffuser and concentrator, you can easily create different styles.
Plus, it has two heat settings (low and high), two speeds (slow and fast), and 1200 watts of power to get the job done in no time. By the way, the diffuser attachment is quite tiny, so it might take a while to dry your curly hair fully with it.
The design is slim, allowing for simple movement. Additionally, it is lightweight and comfortable to hold, ensuring that your arms won’t tire out during the blow dry. You have the option to lock your settings with a quick switch, so you can avoid any mishaps if you happen to lose your grip.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | A little bit expensive |
| Gives smooth blowouts | |
| Easy to handle |
7. T3 Afar Travel Dryer
This compact device comes with a handle that can be easily folded, making it convenient to store. It also has a handy automatic dual voltage feature that adjusts according to your location. It’s like having the ultimate travel buddy, always there to rescue my hair from those bad hair days, no matter where I am.
Yeah, I get it. It might not be the biggest, but it has some amazing features. It dries your hair quickly and efficiently, all while keeping it safe from heat damage.
Additionally, with three heat settings (warm, hot, and a cool shot feature to lock in styles) and two speed settings (low and high), you can adjust the settings according to your hair’s texture, length, and dampness.
Just a heads up, this product doesn’t blow out super-hot air. So, if you have thick, coarse, or long hair, you might need to spend more time drying it.
Moreover, the T3 Afar lightweight dryer comes with an ion generator that adds negative ions to the air, reducing frizz and giving your hair a smooth, glossy finish. It also includes a stylish vegan leather travel case and a clip-on concentrator.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Auto dual voltage | A bit noisy |
| It comes with a storage bag | |
| Easy folding handle | |
| Multiple heat settings | |
| Sleek design |
8. BERTA 1875W Hair Dryer
Consider using this incredible product if you have damaged hair and prefer not to air dry it. The Berta 1875W hair dryer offers three heat settings – low, high, and an excellent shot feature.
The low heat setting is perfect for those with damaged hair as it effectively dries hair while safeguarding strands from heat damage.
In addition, this dryer releases negative ions into the hair, resulting in enhanced shine and reduced static. To maintain the health of your hair, I will advise you to use a heat protectant spray before and during blow-drying, as this will help safeguard your hair from any potential damage.
Moreover, this foldable dryer operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful environment in a shared hotel room for you and your roommate. It also features a convenient hanging ring that allows you to easily store it on the back of the bathroom door, creating more room for your other beauty essentials.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Portable | No travel case for storage |
| Very easy to clean | |
| Features a removable filter |
9. Plavogue Hair Dryer Brush
If you’ve never seen a hair dryer shaped like a hand brush before, consider today your lucky day.
This hot air brush, powered by 1000 watts of electricity, swiftly and easily detangles, straightens, and styles hair. Its anti-scalding features prevent the scalp from being burned, and its brush-like design with nylon needles and tufted bristles ensures that it won’t pull your hair out.
When it comes to portability, the Plavogue hair dryer brush is ideal. It includes a carrying case to keep it safe from scratches and damage, and it has a dual-voltage plug so you can use it anywhere. If you’re traveling with someone or will be in close quarters, consider that this device can be loud when turned on.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Very noisy |
| Very easy to use | |
| Dual Voltage | |
| Budget-friendly |
What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Hair Dryer?
Are you deciding on a travel hair dryer? Yes, I have been in your shoes, so I can relate; therefore, I have compiled some ideas to help you find the perfect one.
Adjustable Heat Settings
Higher temperatures do not always result in straighter or smoother hair, so don’t assume that a hair dryer with a higher temperature setting is better for your hair.
You might discover that a certain setting burns your scalp or scorches your hair, so it’s better to have adjustable heat settings than just one hot temperature.
In addition to being great for different hair types, adjustable temperatures allow you to customize the heat to your preferred level.
Lightweight Design
Only a hair dryer that is comfortable to hold and control for more than 20 minutes at a time can be considered great.
Thankfully, all the devices I listed in this article can do that, as they all weigh 0.8 to 1.8 pounds.
Suitability for Hair Types
It might be more challenging to achieve a classic blowout style on hair that is naturally wavy or curly. While it’s certainly doable, reducing frizz will require a high-quality hair dryer—ideally one with ionic technology or smoothing capabilities—or a hair dryer brush, such as the Plavogue hair dryer brush.
On the other hand, if you love rocking natural curls, a diffuser attachment might be the perfect tool to spice up your hairstyle, so the Olivia hair dryer, which includes a diffuser, might be an excellent choice.
Thicker hair is usually the most convenient hair type to blow dry since it doesn’t need extremely high heat settings to achieve a frizz-free result.
So, if you have fine hair, it’s best to avoid ionic hair dryers. The technology in these dryers can make your already smooth strands look even softer, eliminating the volume you were going for when you blew out your hair.
For thick hair, a versatile blow dryer with higher temperature (and speed) capabilities will be necessary. The BaBylissPRO compact hair dryer is an example of a model that provides sufficient drying power to ensure your arms won’t get tired midway through a blowout.
Final Thoughts
Travel can be quite unpredictable, with weather delays, canceled flights, and unexpected traffic. However, when preparing for your international trip, you can make the rest more manageable by bringing a hair dryer alongside your clothes and other travel essentials. This small addition can make a big difference in helping you maintain your best appearance wherever you are.
So far, the Revlon compact hair dryer has genuinely impressed me. Its design is simple yet stylish, with a convenient folding handle and despite its small size, this hair dryer delivers impressive airflow and heat, ensuring that my hair dries quickly and efficiently.
