Top 10 Best Travel Hair Dryer (Foldable & Portable)
We all know this to be true, I mean, it’s science. But guess what; you can’t look your best without great hair.
So how do you look your best when traveling the world, or on a business trip? Hope that your hotel room will have a hair dryer? GOD NO! You bring your own. In this post, we are looking at the best travel hair dryers.
You know, one that is made just for traveling 😄 Now, let’s get to the top travel hair dryers you’ll find on the market.
Table of Contents
- 1 Dyson Supersonic – The “Rolls Royce” OF Hair Dryers
- 2 Andis 1875-Watt Fold-N-Go – Lightweight Folding Ionic Hair Dryer
- 3 6th Sense Masterpiece – Handcrafted European Ionic Hair Dryer
- 4 Philips BHD006 – Foldable & Dual Voltage For Worldwide Use
- 5 Jinri 1875 Travel Dryer – Small but Powerful
- 6 Revlon 1875w Compact Travel Hair Dryer – Best Bargain Travel Dryer
- 7 T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer – Best-Seller For A Reason
- 8 Jinri Professional 1000-Watt Mini Hair Dryer – Size A – Built To Last
- 9 Conair Vagabond Compact – Tiny but Mighty
- 10 Travel Smart by Conair – Runner-Up for the Lightweight awards
- 11 Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Dyson Supersonic – The “Rolls Royce” OF Hair Dryers
The Dyson company chose to solve the dilemma of styling on the clock by producing a premium hair dryer that’s so powerful, it’s scary.
There’s no question that Dyson knows how to build a quality motor. It appears that they’ve used their technical and mechanical expertise to create this utility-friendly and stylishly innovative multi-purpose styling tool.
It combines utility and design with innovative technology that allows you to style your hair quickly and travel light. This just may be the hair dryer of the future.
The sleek quality crafted design of this hair dryer is not only technologically advanced but equipped with a 27mm digital motor and 13-blade impeller.
The motor and ultra-fast rotating blades send amplified air gusts out constantly and at a low volume. This digital motor is fitted smartly into the handle for a well-balanced design that allows air to travel with higher velocity for maximum efficiency and pressure power.
So what will that mean for you?
Well, for starters This design allows for faster hair drying. You won’t have to stand around waiting for moisture to evaporate.
Additionally, the air power means you blow dry at lower temperatures. This will ultimately shield your hair from heat damage and dryness while promoting growth and natural shine.
This system also allows you to style your hair more easily. All hair types are different; you can set the speed and temperature of this dryer to your exact specifications.
If you get the Dyson Supersonic Kit with Travel Storage Bag, three premium magnetic styling attachments are included, including a diffuser:
The entire system fits perfectly into the super-chic grey and fuschia travel-friendly storage bag.
As far as downsides go, this dryer uses a good bit of power. To use it reliably when traveling abroad, you may wish to purchase a converter like the Foval Power step-down converter. This is especially true if you find yourself using an outlet of 220v (like in Europe)
Other than that, this is a genius styling tool that can actually improve the health of your hair.
- Genius design – This is an innovative product with a super smart design.
- Extremely powerful – You’ll be able to dry your hair faster and with less heat.
- Improves hair health – Low-temperature drying brings out the natural beauty of hair.
- Chic carrying case – Fuschia and grey carrying case is included.
- Premium attachments included – Three magnetic attachments allow styling with ease.
- May need outlet converter – If you don’t have adequate power this dryer will shut off.
- Expensive – With the dryer and converter, things may start to get expensive.
Andis 1875-Watt Fold-N-Go – Lightweight Folding Ionic Hair Dryer
It’s a totally portable option that features smart ceramic drying technology and a unique folding design. Every traveler knows that space can be a real issue when packing, unpacking, and weighing luggage at the airport.
Lightweight travel gear is a must for many frequent flyers. The handle of this hair dryer collapses and folds, protecting its mechanical component from damage and allowing it to fit easily in a bag, drawer, or suitcase.
It’s also considerably lighter than many other ceramic hair dryers, as most tools of this kind weigh around 3-lbs.
The ceramic plating gives you a fast and efficient drying experience. This dryer heats up quickly which can save you time.
As far as price goes, you really can’t go wrong.
This is easily one of the least expensive portable hair dryers out there. For some, the low price point may be a deterrent.
We would argue that this dryer balances price and quality well.
Its ceramic and tourmaline ionic technologies create a smooth and consistent air stream which can limit drying time and reduce split ends.
To us, this makes it a great value. The only thing that you will have to sacrifice with this dryer is power output.
While it heats quickly and works well, you may find that it doesn’t blow as hard as most dryers.
The heat to power ratio simply feels unbalanced.
It leans toward temperature and away from velocity noticeably enough to cause mild frustration. It does feature a cool shot button which gives it a bit of an air boost, but not much.
Still, it’s very convenient to carry and gets the job done well in a pinch.
It’s by no means a bad hair dryer, we’d just like to see a bit more “oomph.”
- Impressive value – This is one of the least expensive portable options out there.
- Folds for travel – It folds small for storage in a drawer, suitcase, or even purse.
- Heats fast – Ceramic and tourmaline ionic technologies allow for quick and steady heat.
- Cool shot button – A cool shot button clicks into place for easy styling.
- Not as powerful – This hair dryer lacks velocity.
6th Sense Masterpiece – Handcrafted European Ionic Hair Dryer
Legendary reliability, a fair price, and unparalleled design quality make this one of the most sought-after styling tools currently available on the commercial market.
It also comes in a package that includes a premium velvet storage bag and 2 air concentration nozzles.
You may be wondering why anyone would go to the trouble of handcrafting a hair dryer.
Well, for starters, each component has been inspected for faults before being fitted precisely into place.
Additionally, the unique mechanics and design mean that this styling tool requires balanced assembly that simply cannot be duplicated by a machine.
Carefully crafted with expertise, this is a tool that will stand up to the test of time, event for frequent travellers. The beauty of this hair dryer lies within its generator.
The flow of negative ions created by this dryer will leave your hair silkier and smoother than you’ve probably ever experienced.
This hair dryer may even eliminate the need for a hair straightener or leave in conditioner. It saves you time, energy, and effort.
Another impressive feature of this hair dryer is its feather-light feel. The entire thing weighs less than 13 ounces.
It is a remarkable styling tool that even works well on thick and curly hair. It’s compact, efficient, and of premium design. The only downside is the price.
- Lightweight – This is an extremely light and portable option.
- Premium design – Handcrafted to exact specifications, this dryer has been built to last.
- Unparalleled performance – Gives you silky smooth hair with less frizz and virtually no damage.
- Includes velvet bag – Velvet carrying bag is attractive and useful.
- Satisfaction guarantee – Comes with a 2-year warranty and full customer service.
- Expensive – This dryer costs a more than most lightweight hair dryers.
Philips BHD006 – Foldable & Dual Voltage For Worldwide Use
It’s glossy white design with the teal (maybe turquoise?) nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Sure, it sounds like I’m going overboard here, but once you get your hands on it, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
There are plenty of things to like about this blow dryer, but my favorite aspect is how quiet it is.
You will immediately notice that this is one of the quietest blow dryers that you have ever laid your hands on.
It has a 1.8-meter cord giving maximum flexibility and three different setting speeds making the most customizable travel hair dryer out there.
- Extremely quiet operation
- Dual voltage design means that you can take it with you on your overseas visits – isn’t that the point of a travel hair dryer
- Has a long 1.8-meter cable for tangle-free use
- Thermoprotect Temperature settings give the operator the most favorable temperature for drying your hair without overwhelming it with heat
- 3 different speed settings provide astounding control
- Foldable handle makes storage easy
- Looks incredible
- In order to be able to use it in the United States you will need an adapter and a voltage transformer
- The cool shot technology is somewhat underwhelming
Jinri 1875 Travel Dryer – Small but Powerful
The other is being able to use it anywhere your travels may take you (as long as electricity is provided).
The Jinri 1875 travel hair dryer has both of those assets. Basically, it is the perfect travel companion for you and your hair.
The Jinri 1875 travel hair dryer provides strong and powerful airflow with cool shot technology for quick dry times.
Like any other self-respecting travel hair dryer, it has both 125-volt and 250-volt capabilities to allow worldwide use.
The lightweight and foldable design make this one of the more portable travel hair dryers around. You’ll also get the JInri 1-year replacement warranty.
- Appealing design that is the perfect size for traveling
- Folds down into an even more compact size, yet still is large enough to fit comfortably in your grasp
- Powerful enough to quickly dry your hair
- Cool shot technology for those times you only need low-temperature settings and negative ion technology helps to dry your hair much faster
- Swivel power cord keeps the cord from tangling
- Removable concentrator helps you change the direction of the airflow
- The plastic airflow director, or concentrator, isn’t made with the greatest quality and tends to fall off after a few weeks of use.
- The screw used to swap from 120-volts to 240-volts is difficult to turn – many brought up that they accidentally stripped the screw while trying to swap voltages
Revlon 1875w Compact Travel Hair Dryer – Best Bargain Travel Dryer
The Revlon is probably the most inexpensive on this list, but it doesn’t mean it can’t get the job done for you.
The compact design of this hair dryer is expected.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have found itself in a ‘best of’ article for travel hair dryers.
With this, you can expect adequate drying times with the flexibility to use nearly anywhere in the world. All you need to bring with you is an adapter for the corresponding outlets.
- Small, lightweight, and compact design that folds down to about the size of a woman’s shoe
- Cool shot technology
- Works for both 110-volt and 250-volt outlets
- Has high speed and low-speed options along with high and low heat options
- Removable directional end-cap with a smooth airflow concentrator
- Ionic technology for faster drying times
- High and low heat setting are not separate from the high and low-speed settings
- If you want low heat, then you have to have it on low speed
- The cool shot button doesn’t offer much help
- Many complained about how noisy this hair dryer is
- The concentrator doesn’t stay on while in use.
- When using the hair dryer 250-volt setting, you cannot use the high temp setting
T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer – Best-Seller For A Reason
If you love your tools to look immaculate, then you will love this hair dryer. Whether you get the white and rose gold, or the black and rose gold version.
You’ll gaze with glee every time you get the opportunity to use the T3
Compact, and powerful, this thing acts like a full-size blow dryer but comes in the form of a portable one.
It has a giant 9-foot cord (that doesn’t tangle) and is finished with a beautiful glossy, scratch resistant surface.
Oh yeah, and it doesn’t even weight 2 pounds. In fact, the shipping weight is only 1.8 pounds.
- Dual voltage hair dryer 125-volts and 250-volts, with a professional 9-foot power cord
- Trademarked Softaire technology gives fast drying and smooth, frizz-free results
- Two speed settings and Two heat settings
- Cool shot technology lets you dry damp hair with less heat along with ionic airflow tech provides excellent results
- Overall beautiful design, with a full-sized handle that folds down for easier storage
- Comes with a storage tote, and an included diffuser to help spread out the air flow
- This is an extremely expensive hair dryer, and not just expensive for a travel dryer. Most full sized hair dryers are less expensive than the T3 Featherweight
- Other notable concerns people have with the T3 are that the diffuser attachment doesn’t fit very well and tends to come off after some time of use.
- This is only a 1200 watt device (most of the other models are going to be 1875 watts)
- This hair dryer doesn’t get as hot as the others.
Jinri Professional 1000-Watt Mini Hair Dryer – Size A – Built To Last
They manufacture amazing products, that both last and perform well.
I like the Jinri Professional blow dryer because it isn’t like all of the other compact travel dyers.
Well, that, plus its matte black finish.
It operates quietly and has a minuscule frame that keeps the weight down considerably.
As with any Jinri product you can expect a 1-year replacement and a 2-year warranty.
- Ceramic tourmaline air outlet grill with a removable lint filter makes cleaning your hair dryer a breeze
- Designed for easy travel (small and lightweight)
- High speed/ low-speed options
- High heat and low heat options
- Quiet operation
- Built to last a long time, but just in case; it come with a 1-year replacement and 2-year warranty
- Two different sizes of the dryer, but the seller doesn’t specify which is best; we recommend size ‘A’
- Having the high temp and low temp settings combined with high-speed and low-speed settings makes the hair dryer significantly less customizable
- Separate cool shot button seems to work intermittently sometimes
- Only 1000-watts, this blow dryer lacks the heating power that most hair dryers come with.
- This isn’t built for worldwide use
Conair Vagabond Compact – Tiny but Mighty
But a good confusion though, it’s the kind of confusion that leaves you wondering how somebody can make something so powerful, so lightweight.
Now I haven’t held every hair dryer in the world. But I firmly believe this is one of the lightest hair dryer known to man.
Often times, when we talk about a hair dryer is lightweight we’re talking somewhere between two to three pounds. But the Conair Vagabond is a measly 1-pound.
It has a foldable handle to drop the size down even more and two head speeds; low/high.
Of course, it has also got the cool shot technology people love so much.
- Possibly the lightest blow dryer in the world (1 freaking pound)
- Dual voltage for worldwide use
- Cool shot technology locks your hairstyle in place for good
- Impossibly compact, but still has amazing power
- Dries hair in under 10 minutes (for an average head of hair)
- Wonderful price tag
- This hair dryer does not offer much in the way of safety and has no filter at the end to keep your hair from getting pulled into the hairdryer.
- Potential to burn your hair if you aren’t careful
- The new model doesn’t allow you to remove the intake screen to clean out lint and other debris
- Finally, the heat/speed settings are difficult to switch between at times.
Don’t get me wrong; it will definitely dry your hair, and do it quickly too. But using it for styling your hair? Well, you’ll have to opt for a different model if that is your main objective.
Travel Smart by Conair – Runner-Up for the Lightweight awards
That means you can use it around the world with the right adapter, and you won’t need a voltage converter.
Another amazingly lightweight piece of equipment, the Travel Smart weighs just above 16-ounces (barely over a pound).
It is able to keep its compact and lightweight profile by being made entirely of plastic.
If you are looking for a basic hair dryer to take with you on your travels, then the Travel Smart by Conair may be just the thing you are looking for.
It has a 5-foot power cord and operates at a maximum of 1200 watts.
Oh yeah, and it has a folding handle that blend in perfectly with the hairdryer. You can’t even tell the handle folds down until you do it.
- Dual voltage operation means you can take it anywhere
- An already compact design that can be folded down even further makes it great for bringing with you on your travels.
- It is decently quiet when operating at its maximum output
- High and low settings
- The fan sits at the back of the blow dryer giving a perfectly angled stream of hot air to your hair
- Puts out plenty of heat and has a durable and sturdy build
- No safety shut-off switch that turns off the dryer when it is being used at the wrong voltage
- If you don’t have this at the right voltage operation, then the hair dryer will start to make a loud pitch noise, and begin to overheat.
- This is the only travel hair dryer on our list that does not have the cool shot technology.
But not having a safety feature to cut the machine off is a huge detriment to it. And the lack of a cool shot button is a huge oversight as well.
But if all you need is a small, inexpensive, lightweight hair dryer that can reliably dry your hair with ease; well this is the one for you.
Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Recently, travel hair dryers have taken a huge leap forward. So much so that people are even beginning to replace their full-sized blow dryers a more lightweight version.
That’s right; people are now beginning to replace their full-sized hair dryers with travel ones.
How to Pick the best travel hair dryer for your needs
While we wouldn’t recommend making this leap, we do acknowledge that travel hair dryers have come a long way in the last few years. But what exactly constitutes a good travel hair dryer? Let’s take a look.
Size
If you are traveling, you obviously don’t want to be lugging around a giant piece of equipment with you everywhere you go.
A good travel hair dryer should be able to fit into your suitcase easily without taking up space for the rest of your stuff.
Most travel hair dryers today have the ability to fold in half, some of them can even fit inside of the smallest pouches of your carry on luggage. Remember, the smaller, the better – as long as it still has the power actually to dry your hair.
Weight
Similar to size (and in many ways, it is directly correlated to it) the weight of your travel hair dryer should stay lightweight. This for a couple of different reasons.
When you travel a lot, you already have to bring a load of luggage with you.
Riveting Fact Here: Have you ever wondered why they call it “luggage”? Well, it’s because you have to lug it around everywhere you go until you finally reach your destination.
The last thing you want to do is have something as small as a hair dryer weighing you down during your pilgrimage.
Furthermore, airlines aren’t interested in giving you any discounts on luggage pricing either.
With the rising cost of checking baggage, you simply can’t afford to allow your hair dryer to be taking up valuable poundage in your checked bags.
Dual Voltage
This is less important than the first two, but not always. Dual voltage basically means that you can take your blow dryer anywhere in the world without having to bring a voltage converter with you. Why is this necessary? Because one side of the world operates on a completely different power structure than the other.
If you are a worldwide traveler, or on a vacation trip abroad, then the dual voltage is a must have.
Not only with your travel hair dryer but in any other cosmetic, electronic devices you bring with you. But if you only travel in the northern and central America, this isn’t something that you will need to worry about.
With that said, dual voltage hair dryers are not uncommon, and they don’t add much to the cost of the dryer either. It may be worth the small investment to get one just in case you want to travel overseas someday – you know you will.
Long Enough Cord
When you are traveling to exotic places (or anywhere in general really), the architecture is probably going to be different than what you are used to. And in some places, the builders don’t seem to take into consideration that the power outlets in the bathroom should be near the mirror.
To save yourself the possibility of frustration, make sure you get a blow dryer that has at least a 5-foot cord. Trust me; this will save you from bad hair days and bad headaches.
Safety Features
This is especially necessary if you have a dual voltage hair dryer, and travel to different continents a lot. As awesome as dual voltage capability is, it can also ruin your hair dryer, if you aren’t careful.
Let’s say you just visited Singapore (a beautiful place to visit by the way). You put your new travel hair dryer on the 250-volt setting so you could actually use it. Now you’re back home, getting ready for work and bam! Your hair dryer dies on you.
What happened?
In your haste to hurry up and get ready for work, you forgot to set the voltage settings back to the American 120-volt. Now the motor on your dryer is blown, and you’re left with half a head dry hair and half a head of damp hair.
All of that could have been avoided with a safety switch that cuts the dryer off when the wrong amount of voltage is running through it.
Safety features are that important – yes even on a hairdryer.
Wrap – Up
If you live out of your suitcase and love your hair, you have to get yourself a travel hairdryer. It saves space, money, time and even headaches. But most of all, it frees you from those cumbersome, cheap, and ineffective hair dryers that the hotels leave out for you. There is a reason blow dryers are the only thing that never gets stolen from them.
Final Note: You will also want to get a universal outlet adapter as well. Otherwise, you may not even be able to plug in your blow dryer. What a shame that would be.
Best I have ever used is the Karmin.
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂