Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (2024)

Table of Contents
Our top picks: Best Overall Best Value Best Travel Hair Dryer With Diffuser Slimmest Travel Hair Dryer Best Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer Best Travel Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer Best Travel Hair Dryer for Thick Hair Best Customizable Travel Hair Dryer Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer Stylecraft Peewee Dual Voltage Travel Dryer Stylecraft Peewee Dual Voltage Travel Dryer L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer Revlon Fast Dry Travel Styler Revlon Fast Dry Travel Styler T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer FHI Heat Innovator Dryer FHI Heat Innovator Dryer Bio Ionic SMART-X High Efficiency Hair Dryer + Diffuser Bio Ionic SMART-X High Efficiency Hair Dryer + Diffuser Skin Research Institute DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer Skin Research Institute DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer CHI LAVA PRO Hair Dryer CHI LAVA PRO Hair Dryer YA-MAN Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage YA-MAN Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage How we test travel hair dryers What to look for when shopping for a travel hair dryer Is a travel hair dryer worth it? Do mini hair dryers work? Can you bring a travel hair dryer in a carry-on? Why trust Good Housekeeping? References
Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If you're unwilling to sacrifice great hair while on vacation, then pack like a pro with the ultimate space saver: a top-performing travel hair dryer. But don't let the small size deceive you: The best travel hair dryers on the market today are mightier than ever, with some of the same bells and whistles you'd find on a standard-size hair dryer.

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:

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.

    1

    Best Overall

    Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (13)

    1

    Best Overall

    Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (14)Quick drying
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (15)Perfect score for easy-to-use controls
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (16)Longest nozzle and handles
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (17)Folds up easily
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (18)Pricey
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (19)Attachments don't always come on and off easily

    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.

    Watts1200
    Weight1.3 lbs
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings2

    2

    Best Value

    Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (20)

    2

    Best Value

    Conair Worldwide Travel Hair Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (21)Dries hair quickly
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (22)Affordable
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (23)Three heat settings to choose from
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (24)Short cord
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (25)Bulky

    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.

    Watts1875
    Weight1.32 lbs
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings3

    3

    Best Travel Hair Dryer With Diffuser

    Stylecraft Peewee Dual Voltage Travel Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (26)

    3

    Best Travel Hair Dryer With Diffuser

    Stylecraft Peewee Dual Voltage Travel Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (27)Super compact and easy to maneuver
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (28)Comfy to hold
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (29)Runs quietly
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (30)Can get very hot

    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.

    Watts1200
    Weight0.5 lbs
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings2

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    4

    Slimmest Travel Hair Dryer

    L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (31)

    4

    Slimmest Travel Hair Dryer

    L'ange Le Styliste Luxe Digital Salon Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (32)Multiple attachments
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (33)Runs quietly
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (34)Lightweight
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (35)Doesn't fold

    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.

    Watts1875
    Weight1.2 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings4

    5

    Best Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer

    BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (36)

    5

    Best Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer

    BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (37)Ideal for international travel
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (38)Good value
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (39)Powerful for its size
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (40)No diffuser attachment

    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."

    Watts1000
    Weight9.6 oz
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings2

    6

    Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

    Revlon Fast Dry Travel Styler

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (41)

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (42)

    6

    Most Powerful Travel Hair Dryer

    Revlon Fast Dry Travel Styler

    Now 16% Off

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (43)Dries hair fast
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (44)Budget-friendly
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (45)High heat temperature
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (46)Difficult to switch attachments
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (47)Loud

    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.

    Watts1875
    Weight1.18 lbs
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings2

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    7

    Best Travel Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair

    T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (48)

    7

    Best Travel Hair Dryer for Damaged Hair

    T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (49)Cool shot button
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (50)Easy-to-use controls
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (51)Loud

    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.

    Watts1500
    Weight12.2 oz
    Speed Settings2
    Heat Settings3

    8

    Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

    Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (52)

    8

    Best Luxury Travel Hair Dryer

    Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (53)Quick drying time
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (54)Multiple attachments
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (55)Easy grip
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (56)Not dual-voltage, making it incompatible for international travel
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (57)Pricey

    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

    Watts1600
    Weight1.8 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings4

    9

    Best Travel Hair Dryer for Thick Hair

    FHI Heat Innovator Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (58)

    9

    Best Travel Hair Dryer for Thick Hair

    FHI Heat Innovator Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (59)Lightweight
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (60)Ergonomic
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (61)Strong airflow
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (62)Nozzle can pop off during use
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (63)Louder than others tested

    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.

    Watts1700
    Weight1.2 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings3

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    10

    Best Customizable Travel Hair Dryer

    Bio Ionic SMART-X High Efficiency Hair Dryer + Diffuser

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (64)

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (65)

    10

    Best Customizable Travel Hair Dryer

    Bio Ionic SMART-X High Efficiency Hair Dryer + Diffuser

    Now 21% Off

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (66)Has an auto-memorization feature
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (67)Self-cleaning
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (68)Good air flow
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (69)Pricey

    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."

    Watts1600
    Weight1.35 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings3

    11

    Best Folding Travel Hair Dryer

    Skin Research Institute DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (70)

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (71)

    11

    Best Folding Travel Hair Dryer

    Skin Research Institute DryQ “Smart” Hair Dryer

    Now 10% Off

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (72)Dries hair quickly
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (73)Leaves hair smooth, not frizzy
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (74)Good temperature range
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (75)Accessories can get hot
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (76)Controls aren't easy to use

    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.

    Watts1300
    Weight1.2 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings4

    12

    Most Versatile Travel Hair Dryer

    CHI LAVA PRO Hair Dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (77)

    12

    Most Versatile Travel Hair Dryer

    CHI LAVA PRO Hair Dryer

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (78)Lots of setting options
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (79)Self-cleaning function
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (80)Good air flow
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (81)Doesn't fold up

    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!"

    Watts1200
    Weight1.2 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings4

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    13

    Most Ergonomic Travel Hair Dryer

    YA-MAN Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (82)

    13

    Most Ergonomic Travel Hair Dryer

    YA-MAN Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage

    Pros
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (83)Comfortable to hold
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (84)Lightweight
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (85)Has a soothing scalp attachment
    Cons
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (86)Heavy cord
    • Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (87)Cool shot can be easily pressed while drying

    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."

    Watts1200
    Weight0.86 lbs
    Speed Settings3
    Heat Settings3

    How we test travel hair dryers

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (88)

    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.

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (89)

    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.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    What to look for when shopping for a travel hair dryer

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (90)

    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?

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (91)

    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?

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (92)

    "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.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

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

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (93)

    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?

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (94)

    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.

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (95)

    Jacqueline Saguin

    Commerce Editor

    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.

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (96)

    Dori Price

    Contributing Beauty Editor

    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, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

    Amazon Reviewers Claim This $18 Travel Dryer Can Dry Hair in Three Minutes Flat (2024)

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6186

    Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

    Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

    Birthday: 1996-05-19

    Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

    Phone: +5983010455207

    Job: Legacy Representative

    Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

    Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.