Best Dual Voltage Hair Dryers for International Travel

Ever gone to Europe and plugged in your hair dryer and ZZZZZTTT! No more hair dryer. Many countries use a higher voltage than the USA, which sends a surge of electricity into your poor little hair dryer that only supports a single-voltage. 

That is why dual voltage is the most important function that a good travel hair dryer must have. A folding handle and a light, compact design are helpful, too, but definitely come second.

Below, I compare several compact travel hair dryers for international travel to help you find the best option for your hair type, budget, and packing style.

This post was last updated in July 2026 and contains affiliate links.

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Hair Dryers

I purchased my hair dryer in Europe (more on that below). I recommend you do this if you’re going to be traveling or living there for a while. Then you’ll have it for all future trips!

However, if you want to buy one online in the US, I have researched a few similar options of travel hair dryers available on Amazon. This table compares the most important features of each option so you can quickly narrow down your choices.

Hair Dryer	Best For	Why Choose It	Price
BaByBlissPRO Nano Hair Dryer	Overall for carry on travel	Folding handle, compact design, dual voltage	Midrange
Hot Tools Pro Artist 1875W Ionic Compact Hair Dryer	All hair types and styles	Two styling accessories, two heat settings, folding handle	Midrange
Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer	Budget travelers	Lightweight, simple controls, compact size	Budget
Conair Double Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer​	Easy international use	Automatic voltage detection, cool shot, folding handle	Midrange
Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Travel Blow-Dryer	Premium option	Lightweight, ionic technology, travel bag	Premium

Best Dual Voltage Hair Dryers for International Travel

The best travel hair dryer for you will depend on your hair type, luggage space, packing style, and budget. Here is some more information about each hair dryer to help aid your decision.

BaByBlissPRO Nano Hair Dryer

This is my overall pick after doing research for this post. It has all the basics: lightweight, folds up, and dual voltage. You can’t go wrong.

• Voltage range: 110–125V and 220–250V AC. The dryer is factory-set to 125V.
• Wattage: 1000 watts.
• Weight: 9.6 oz.
• Attachments: One concentrator nozzle. It also has a removable rear filter that doubles as a stand. It does not include a diffuser.
• Manual or automatic voltage selection: Manual. Travelers must move the voltage selector to either 125V or 250V before plugging it in.
• Pros: Lightweight, folding design, dual voltage, concentrator nozzle, removable filter.
• Cons: Manual voltage switch, only two settings, no diffuser, less powerful than a full-size dryer.

Hot Tools Pro Artist 1875W Ionic Compact Hair Dryer

This one comes with a diffuser and a concentrator nozzel, so it’s an affordable option for women with basically any kind of hair type. Cut down on its weight by only packing the accessory you need.

• Voltage range: 125V and 250V dual voltage.
• Wattage: 1,875 watts.
• Weight: 20.8 ounces to 25.6 ounces.
• Attachments: One finger diffuser and one concentrator nozzle.
• Manual or automatic voltage selection: Manual voltage selection. The dryer uses a 125V/250V selector rather than automatic voltage detection.
• Pros: Powerful for a travel dryer, folding handle, dual voltage, cool shot, and diffuser and concentrator included.
• Cons: Manual voltage switch, limited settings, and uncertain but heavy weight.

Conair Compact Travel Hair Dryer

Great budget option for carry-on travelers… who don’t have a fussy hairstyle.

• Voltage range: 125V and 220–250V dual voltage. At 125V, all available settings can be used. However, at 220–250V, Conair instructs users to only use the blow dryer on the specified high-heat and high-speed configuration.
• Wattage: 1600 watts.
• Weight: 12 ounces.
• Attachments: None.
• Manual or automatic voltage selection: Manual. The dryer has a voltage selector that must be moved to either 125V or 250V before use.
• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, dual voltage, and folding handle.
• Cons: Manual voltage switch, no styling attachments, and limited control when operating on 220–250V.

Conair Double Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer​

Our contributing writer, Brittany, owns and packs this travel blow dryer for every trip. She loves that the voltage automatically adjusts and the included concentrator nozzle.

• Voltage range: 125V and 240V dual voltage.
• Wattage: 1875 watts.
• Weight: 20.8 ounces.
• Attachments: One concentrator nozzle. No diffuser is included.
• Manual or automatic voltage selection: Automatic. Its Smart Voltage Technology detects foreign voltage and adjusts automatically. An indicator light shows green for 125V and blue for 240V. A plug adapter may still be needed for the outlet shape.
• Pros: Automatic voltage adjustment, powerful airflow, folding handle, multiple heat and speed settings, cool shot button, and a concentrator nozzle.
• Cons: Heavier and bulkier than many travel dryers, and it does not include a diffuser.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Travel Blow-Dryer

Perfect for loyal Drybar fans who like to pack light.

• Voltage range: 120V and 220–240V dual voltage.
• Wattage: 1,200 watts.
• Weight: 13 ounces.
• Attachments: One concentrator nozzle and a travel bag. No diffuser is included.
• Manual or automatic voltage selection: Manual dual-voltage selection. The dryer must be switched to the correct voltage before use abroad.
• Pros: Lightweight, folding design, dual voltage, long cord, concentrator nozzle, and travel bag included.
• Cons: Expensive for a travel dryer, manual voltage switch, only two settings, and no diffuser.

My Experience Using a Dual Voltage Hair Dryer Abroad

On one of my trips to Europe, I purchased the hair dryer pictured above, hoping it would suit my needs for both packability and my hairstyle.

It’s the first travel hair dryer I’ve owned and I absolutely love it. Here are all the boxes it checks off:

• 110V to 240V dual voltage switch
• Folding handle
• Travel case
• Diffuser (for drying curly hair)
• Set of plug adapters

These features and accessories make it perfect for both my type of hair and for carry-on packing. Plus, I can use it in North America, Europe, and Asia with the included plug adapters, which covers a great number of countries I travel to regularly.

A diffuser (attached to the hair dryer pictured above, in case you’ve never heard of it) is what I use to dry my hair into its big curly waves. The style I lovingly call my Medusa hair.

If you use a diffuser to dry your hair like I do, and the travel hair dryer you choose doesn’t include one, I found this collapsible hair diffuser that won’t take up too much room in your luggage.

Can I Just Use a Single Voltage Hair Dryer?

I don’t recommend it. Single-voltage hair dryers are not designed to work with the higher voltage used in many destinations outside the US. Plugging one in with only a travel adapter can damage the dryer, trip a circuit breaker, or create a safety hazard.

You may be able to use a voltage converter made for high-wattage appliances, such as certain Conair Travel Smart converters. However, not every converter is compatible with every hair dryer. You will need to check both products’ voltage and wattage limits carefully and follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

A travel adapter and a voltage converter also serve different purposes. An adapter only allows your plug to fit into a differently shaped outlet. It does not change the electrical voltage.

For most travelers, the easiest and safest choice is to pack a dual-voltage hair dryer. Check the label for a voltage range such as 110–240V or 120–240V. You may still need a plug adapter for your destination. If the dryer has a manual voltage switch, make sure it is set correctly before you plug it in.

Another option is to use the hair dryer provided by your hotel or buy an inexpensive dryer after arriving, especially if you will be staying abroad for an extended period.

Related: The Best Travel Hair Products – hair dryer, hair straightener, curling iron, dry shampoo – find it all here!

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