Can I put a hair dryer in my carry-on?

Yes. There are currently no airlines that prohibit hair dryers in your carry-on. Just be sure you can fit it safely inside and that your bag fits carry-on specifications .

How should I pack my hair dryer when I travel?

Whether you put your hair dryer in your carry-on or your checked bag, you should pack them in a space surrounded by soft items, like clothes, so the dryer doesn't move around too much (and potentially break) in transit. It's also a good idea to wrap the cord and secure it with something such as a hair tie or rubber band.

Is it worth getting a travel hair dryer?

While most hotels provide in-room hair dryers, it can be worth it to bring your own so you know for sure you have access to a high-quality and powerful dryer. Packing a full-sized hair dryer can take up a large amount of space and weight in your bag, which can be inconvenient, especially if you don't like to check luggage. For those who want to guarantee access to a reliable dryer, a travel hair dryer will not only save you space, but provide peace of mind heading into your vacation.

The 9 Best Travel Hair Dryers of 2023

While almost all hotel rooms are stocked with a tiny hair dryer, these mediocre hair tools typically only have one setting that is either so weak it barely dries your hair or is so hot it completely fries it. It pays to invest in your own travel hair dryer, so we set out to find the best ones you can buy.

We found that Conair's Cord Keeper Travel Hair Dryer is the best travel hair dryer on the market. It takes up a very small amount of space in your luggage since it's so compact and features a retractable cord. And despite its size, it has plenty of power settings to choose from, too. But if you're looking for a travel hair dryer with a folding handle, frizz-fighting technology, or an ultra-quiet motor, take a look at our list. You're sure to find something you like.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Conair 1875 Watt Cord Keeper Travel Hair Dryer at Amazon

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Best Grip:

Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000 at Amazon

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Best With Accessories:

Eva NYC Mini Dryer + Bag at Amazon

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Best Quiet:

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer at Walmart

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Best for All Hair Types:

T3 Afar Travel Size Hair Dryer at Amazon

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Best Frizz-fighting:

Revlon 1875W Compact Travel Hair Dryer at Amazon

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Fastest Drying Time:

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer at Nordstrom

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Best Salon-strength:

Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Professionnal Hair Dryer at Amazon

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Conair

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Why We Love It

It has a retractable cord, which means it'll take up less space in your luggage.

What to Consider

That retractable cord gets a little less easy to use over time.

The Conair Keeper hair dryer is a great travel option not only because it's lightweight and compact, but it also has a retractable cord, making it super easy to pack. The handy hair tool also features a foldable handle and ionic conditioning and tourmaline ceramic technology to help you achieve smooth locks with less damage.

It has dual-voltage so you can travel with it internationally, and it features two heat and speed settings as well as a cool shot button. The hair dryer is easy to use, powerful, and dries hair pretty quickly. Plus, it's one of the most reasonably priced options on our list.

Price at time of publish: $27

The Details: 1.6 pounds | 9.6 x 6.5 x 4.1 inches | 1875 watts

Amazon

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Why We Love It

It's exceptionally easy to hold, control, and pack.

What to Consider

It's on the pricier side.

This compact but powerful hair dryer by Harry Josh Pro Tools is one of our favorite hair dryers. It's very quiet compared to others, and the lightweight tool is just a little bigger than a Kindle. It also features a curved handle for extra comfort and control; your hands won't cramp up or get tired when using this model, unlike with some others. With its eight different heat, speed, and ion settings, you can switch things up depending on what's best for your hair type.

The ion functionality is the one of the most impressive features; it will leave your hair looking and feeling extra smooth and shiny. It's one of the more expensive options on the list, but it's built to last thanks to its 2,000-hour motor life rendering. It also comes with a two-year warranty for extra security.

Price at time of publish: $249

The Details: 1.16 pounds | 14 x 3.7 x 7.5 inches | 1875 watts

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Eva-nyc.com View On Kohls.com

Why We Love It

It's cute and tiny but super powerful, and it comes with its own carrying bag.

What to Consider

It doesn't have the longest lifespan.

This travel hair dryer by Eva NYC is one of the smallest dryers we found, and it's a great option for travelers trying to save space in their luggage. The dryer itself features two heat settings and has dual-voltage, so you can pack it for international trips. It doesn't get as hot as some other dryers, but it is just as powerful.

The best part of this travel-ready dryer is the fact that it comes with a mini diffuser attachment and a mini air concentrator attachment, as well as an adorable holographic traveling case to store everything in. The brand also makes a miniature hair straightener and miniature curling iron, so you can do your full hair styling routine wherever you are.

Price at time of publish: $39

The Details: 1.14 pounds | 9.5 x 3 x 6 inches | 1200 watts

4.8

Dyson

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Why We Love It

Its quietness and quick-drying abilities are extremely impressive.

What to Consider

It's the most expensive option on our list.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is specially designed with a digital motor in the handle. The high-speed dryer works to dry hair faster than most other models and uses intelligent heat control to make hair super shiny. It's also incredibly lightweight and features a unique design that makes it easy to pack.

Not only does the dryer leave users' hair frizz-free and smooth, but it's also one of the quietest hair dryers out there. It's a great option if you often travel with companions, as you can style your hair without disrupting them or their sleep habits. Plus, it dries your hair so quickly you'll be out the door in a snap.

Price at time of publish: $600

The Details: 1.8 pounds | 9.6 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches | 1600 watts

Amazon

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Why We Love It

It's not only the lightest option on our list, but it's also the most compact.

What to Consider

It occasionally overheats and shuts off mid-use.

This hair dryer by BaByliss features nano titanium technology to help give your hair a quick dry and a long-lasting sleek finish. It has two heat settings, plus dual-voltage so it can be used anywhere in the world.

The best part is the folding handle though, which makes it super compact, allowing it to easily fit in a carry-on bag. While other options on this list also fold up, this one was the smallest and most lightweight foldable dryer we found.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: 9.6 ounces | 5.5 x 2.5 x 6.25 inches | 1000 watts

4.7

T3 Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer

Bloomingdale's

View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Bluemercury.com

Why We Love It

It has customizable heat and airflow settings, so it'll always be perfect for your exact hair type.

What to Consider

It doesn't fold down as compactly as other folding dryers on our list.

Sometimes it's worth looking into hair dryers that work with your specific hair type. But if you've got T3's Afar Lightweight Travel Size Hair Dryer on hand, you can rest assured knowing it'll leave your hair looking its best whether you have long, short, curly, straight, dry, or naturally oily hair — as long as you use the right settings for you.

And that's the thing about this hair dryer we love so much. Not only does it have three heat and two speed settings, but it also features IonAir technology, which gently airstreams negative ions onto the hair. If you work with the dryer to find your perfect personal settings, you'll be on your way to shiny, frizz-free hair in no time. The fact that the tool folds and comes with a concentrator attachment and a vegan leather carrying bag is just an added bonus.

Price at time of publish: $180

The Details: 1.27 pounds | 5.25 x 3 x 8.25 inches | 1500 watts

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Boscovs.com

Why We Love It

It has universal worldwide dual-voltage, so you should be able to use it anywhere.

What to Consider

The attachments aren't as secure as they could be, so they may come loose during drying.

If you deal with frizzy hair like we do, this compact, foldable hair dryer from Revlon is your best bet. The dryer features Ionic technology that helps reduce frizz and static, leaving your hair soft and smooth. It features two heat and speed settings as well as universal dual-voltage so you can safely travel with it abroad.

The handle also folds up, making it super compact and easy to pack in any bag — even carry-ons. The dryer also includes a hinged end cap that easily pops up so you can quickly clean your dryer, keeping it in top-shape while on the go.

Price at time of publish: $18

The Details: 1.35 ounces | 4 x 6 x 6 inches | 1875 watts

Sephora

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Why We Love It

It dries even long hair in around 10 minutes.

What to Consider

It doesn't last very long on the hottest setting, so you'll likely have to alternate between high and low power.

Don't want to waste time doing your hair while traveling? Invest in this travel hair dryer by Drybar. The lightweight and compact option dries hair in about 10 minutes and leaves it looking sleek and shiny. The hair tool may be tiny, but it's just as powerful as most full-sized dryers.

The dryer features ionic technology to seal the cuticle and help reduce frizz, while its 1200-watt motor features two heat settings and a cool shot button. It even has a collapsible handle for easy storage and comes with a cute drawstring travel bag.

Price at time of publish: $139

The Details: 13 ounces | 7.09 x 4.37 x 10 inches | 1875 watts

Olivia Garden

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Why We Love It

It has an extra long nine-foot cord.

What to Consider

It's not as compact as other options.

This ceramic and ionic hair dryer by Olivia Garden might not be as small and compact as some of the other options on the list, but it's definitely one of the lightest dryers we've found. The salon-quality dryer only weighs 14 ounces, so you don't have to worry about it adding weight to your already stuffed luggage — plus, it comes with two different sized round brushes for styling.

The dryer finishes hair exceptionally quickly, and its ceramic technology helps prevent heat damage while adding shine. This dryer is sure to leave you with salon-worthy locks. The hair tool features two speeds and three heat settings, as well as a cool shot button. It comes with two air concentrator nozzles and a sleek travel bag to pack everything in.

Price at time of publish: $110

The Details: 14 ounces | 17.52 x 14.72 x 4.84 inches | 1875 watts

Tips for Buying a Travel Hair Dryer

Keep it compact

Small and lightweight is always best when it comes to travel hair dryers. Regular-size dryers tend to take up precious space in your suitcase and weigh it down, so opt for a tiny pick — bonus points if it has a folding handle.

Make sure you have the right amount of power

If you've ever used a hair dryer while traveling only to realize it's too weak or too hot for your hair type, you know how that can put a bit of a damper on your trip. To prevent this, buy a travel dryer with similar wattage and power settings to your at-home hair dryer, and be sure to test it out before you go. Many typical dryers are about 1800 watts.

Remember where you're traveling

Keep in mind that traveling internationally calls for some tweaks to your usual travel routine. If you're headed to another country, you'll likely need a power adapter or voltage converter on hand for your dryer. In many countries electrical voltage is 220/240V, while U.S. and Canadian devices are designed for 110/120V.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a hair dryer in my carry-on?

Yes. There are currently no airlines that prohibit hair dryers in your carry-on. Just be sure you can fit it safely inside and that your bag fits carry-on specifications.
How should I pack my hair dryer when I travel?

Whether you put your hair dryer in your carry-on or your checked bag, you should pack them in a space surrounded by soft items, like clothes, so the dryer doesn't move around too much (and potentially break) in transit. It's also a good idea to wrap the cord and secure it with something such as a hair tie or rubber band.
Is it worth getting a travel hair dryer?

While most hotels provide in-room hair dryers, it can be worth it to bring your own so you know for sure you have access to a high-quality and powerful dryer. Packing a full-sized hair dryer can take up a large amount of space and weight in your bag, which can be inconvenient, especially if you don't like to check luggage. For those who want to guarantee access to a reliable dryer, a travel hair dryer will not only save you space, but provide peace of mind heading into your vacation.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure writers are experts when it comes to savvy traveling, so they know a thing or two about travel hair dryers. For this article, editors Rebecca Carhart and Hillary Maglin reviewed the best portable dryers on the market to compile a list of the most lightweight and reliable options for your next trip.

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