The Best Travel Hair Dryer for Europe (Free Guide)

🇪🇺 This guide is part of our comprehensive Europe Travel Guide.

European outlets run on 220-240V, while most US hair dryers are built for 110V only. Plug your US dryer into a European socket without a step-down voltage converter and you'll either burn out the motor or, at best, get a dryer that barely produces warm air. A plug adapter alone won't fix this — it changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage running through it.

The fix is a dual-voltage hair dryer: one that switches automatically (or with a manual switch) between 110V and 220-240V, so it works on both sides of the Atlantic without a bulky converter. Below I cover what to look for, my picks, and answers to the voltage questions I get asked most.

If you're building out your full kit, I cover the rest of the travel gear I actually pack in a separate series — this hair dryer guide is one post in it.

Quick Answer: Best Travel Hair Dryer for Europe

The best travel hair dryer for Europe is a compact dual-voltage hair dryer with 1200-1875 watts, a folding handle, and a concentrator nozzle. If you are coming from the US, do not pack a single-voltage 110V hair dryer for Europe unless you also have the right voltage converter. A simple plug adapter only changes the plug shape; it does not change the voltage, so it won't make a US-only dryer safe on 220-240V European outlets.

For most travelers, I would prioritize these features:

What Are the Different Types of Hair Dryers?

There are many different types of blow dryers on the market. Here are a few examples:

• -Hair dryers – These devices use heat to dried your hair, which can be done in various ways such as with a hairdryer head or using an oven.

• -Deep Blow Dryers – These devices use more heat and require you to wear a helmet while using them, which can be really uncomfortable.

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• -Microwave Dryers – These devices work best on delicate hair and need to be kept at a low temperature in order to work properly.

Why Buy A Travel Hair Dryer?

A travel hairdryer, sometimes also referred to as a portable blow dryer, is a must-have for those who travel regularly. Most are dual-voltage hair dryers, so you won’t worry about them not working at your destination. A small hairdryer is also much more lightweight than regular blow dryers, reducing your weight allowance when you’re flying — worth factoring in alongside the rest of your Europe packing list.

How to choose the Best Travel Hair Dryer

When looking for a travel hair dryer, it's important to think about your hair type, how you like to style it, and where you plan to go. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:

• If you have thin or fine hair, look for a hair dryer with a lower wattage and adjustable heat settings to keep your hair from getting damaged. If you have thick or curly hair, on the other hand, a higher wattage and more heat settings can help you get the results you want.

• Needs for styling: If you want to use the travel hair dryer to curl or straighten your hair, look for a hair dryer with attachments, like a diffuser or nozzle. These add-ons can help you get the style you want and keep your hair from getting damaged.

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• Plan your trip by thinking about where you'll be going and what kinds of outlets are there. If you're going abroad, choose a hair dryer that can work with two different voltages so you won't need a voltage converter. If you're going to be flying, look for a hair dryer that fits the TSA's rules for carry-on items.

You can choose the best travel hair dryer for your needs by thinking about these things. There is a travel hair dryer for everyone, whether you want something small and light to style your hair on the go or something powerful and effective to dry your hair quickly.

Top 5 Picks for the Best Travel Hair Dryer

Here are some of the best travel hair dryers available on the market, each with unique features and capabilities to meet your specific hair needs:

1. BaBylissPRO The Portofino Hair Dryer: This compact hair dryer packs a powerful punch, with a 2000-watt motor and multiple heat and speed settings. It also features a dual voltage system, making it perfect for international travel.

2. Conair 1875 Watt Travel Hair Dryer: This lightweight and compact hair dryer is versatile, with multiple heat and speed settings and attachments, including a concentrator nozzle and diffuser, for styling your hair.

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3. Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Straight+Wavy: This innovative hair dryer is small and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. It also features a high-velocity digital motor and unique styling attachments, including a smoothing nozzle and diffuser, for precise styling control.

4. REMINGTON D2400 Travel Hair Dryer: This affordable and compact hair dryer features dual voltage for international use, as well as multiple heat and speed settings for customizing your hair-drying experience.

5. Hot Tools Pro Artist Turbo Styling Hair Dryer: This compact hair dryer features a powerful and efficient motor, as well as multiple heat and speed settings, making it perfect for on-the-go styling.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best travel hair dryer for your needs. However, by considering your hair type, styling needs, and travel plans, you can find the perfect hair dryer to meet your needs and keep your hair looking fabulous, no matter where you go.

Best Portable Travel Hair Dryer Reviews

Finding the best-rated travel hair dryer to take to Europe needs a little work, but never fear. We’ve done all the research for you with our compact hair dryer reviews. All you have to do is choose which of these beauties suits you best.

Best Dual Voltage Hair Dryer

Now if you're living in the United States and don't want to invest in 2 different dryers one for the United States and one for Europe voltage recommended just for traveling then you can think about investing in a good dual voltage Hair Dryer.

Below are some of the hair dryers with the dual voltage feature which you can think about picking up.

What is the Best Blow Dryer for Your Travel Trip?

The best blow dryers for long hair can be found in several different types of devices. Some devices are designed to work with a variety of hair types, while others provide specialized Blow Dryer settings for long hair.

What is the Best Blow Dryer for Fine Hair?

Some people prefer blow dryers that have fine-haired users in mind because they find them more effective at detangling and removing frizz. Fine-haired users should also look for a device with an automatic shutoff feature to avoid overloading their head and causing heat exhaustion or tingling.

What is the Best Blow Dryer for Curly Hair?

Curly hair users may want to consider a device that has multiple attachments, like a curling iron or straightener, so they can style their hair according to their own preferences and needs. Additionally, some people prefer high-quality blow dryers with air heating so they can curl or straighten their hair without leaving it feeling greasy or oily.

What to Look for in your Travel Hair Dryer For Europe

There are many types of heaters available on the market, such as those found in hair dryers and hot air balloons. Heats can be set to various levels of warmth, which can affect the drying process. Different blows require different heat settings, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

When looking for a travel hair dryer, there are a few important things to remember:

1. Size and weight: The best travel hair dryer should be small and light, so it's easy to pack and bring with you.

2. Wattage: The power of a hair dryer is based on how many watts it has. Look for a hair dryer with at least 1200 watts of power to dry your hair quickly.

3. Heat settings: Because you can change the hair dryer's heat settings, you can make it fit your hair type and styling needs.

4. Length of the cord: A longer cord gives you more freedom when using the hair dryer, while a shorter cord can be easier to Travel Packing List.

5. Dual voltage: If you plan to travel abroad, it's important to get a hair dryer that can work with two different voltages. This feature makes sure that the hair dryer can be used in different countries without the need for a voltage converter.

FAQ: Hair Dryers for Europe Travel

Can I use my regular hair dryer in Europe? Only if it's dual-voltage. Most US hair dryers are built for 110V and will burn out or trip the outlet on Europe's 220-240V current. Check the label near the plug — if it reads "110V-120V" only, leave it home and pack a dual-voltage travel hair dryer instead.

Do I need a voltage converter for a hair dryer in Europe? Not if you buy a dual-voltage hair dryer — it switches between 110V and 220-240V on its own (some models have a manual switch, so check that setting before you plug in). You'd only need a converter if you're determined to bring a single-voltage US dryer, and even then, dryers draw enough wattage that cheap converters often can't handle them reliably.

Is a plug adapter enough, or do I need something else? A plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug so it fits a European socket — it does nothing to the voltage. Pair a plug adapter with a dual-voltage dryer and you're set; pair it with a single-voltage US dryer and you risk damaging the motor.

What's the best dual-voltage hair dryer for travel? From the picks above, the Conair 1875 Watt Travel Hair Dryer and the REMINGTON D2400 Travel Hair Dryer are both built specifically as dual-voltage travel dryers with a folding handle, which makes them easier to justify packing than a full-size dryer.

How many watts do I need for a European trip? Look for at least 1200 watts — that's enough to dry hair in a reasonable time without the bulk of a full-size 1800W+ dryer. If you have thick or curly hair, lean toward the higher end (1875W models) rather than the lightest travel options.

Will a European hair dryer work back home in the US? Yes, as long as it's dual-voltage — that's the point of buying one. A true dual-voltage dryer works on both 110V and 220-240V, so it travels with you in either direction without needing a separate converter.

Conclusion

It's important to choose the right Blow Dryer for your travel trip. By understanding the different types of Blow dryers and how they work, you can make the best choices for your needs. Additionally, looking for features that will benefit your travels is also a key part of choosing the right Blow Dryer. With this in mind, it's important to be familiar with what to look for when purchasing a new Blow Dryer. By reading this comprehensive guide, you should be able to select the best option for you and your travels.

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