What’s a good hair dryer for travel?

If you search “what’s a good hair dryer for travel” you will find a ton of options claiming to be the best for on-the-go drying and styling, but you’ll notice that the majority are still very clunky, weighing over 500g, and despite boasting a ‘foldable handle’ they still take up a lot of room.

The price tag for these dryers specifically designed for traveling can also be super high, so it begs the question, is there a better option? Let’s take a look at the main things to look for in a travel hair dryer and what we recommend the most.

Can you take a hairdryer on an airplane?

Yes, you can bring a hair dryer in your carry-on bag, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, ensure that it doesn’t exceed the weight or size limits, as bulkier models can take up valuable space and weight in your baggage. A large hair dryer can occupy a significant portion of your allowed weight and reduce the space available for other essentials.

Additionally, there are other factors to consider…

How to choose a good hair dryer for travel?

When asking yourself, “what’s a good hair dryer for traveling?”, the key things you need to consider are size/weight, price, and performance.

• Size & weight: A bulky hair dryer can occupy a significant portion of your size and weight allowance, so it’s best to look for a more compact option. Additionally, holding a hair dryer for an extended period can strain your arms. Choosing a model that is small, compact, and lightweight is the most sensible option for both travel and use at home.

• Price: No one wants to spend a lot of money on a hair dryer that is only for traveling. Instead, you should look for a hair dryer that is versatile enough for both travel and everyday use at home. It would be beneficial to choose a model that includes a styling nozzle as a bonus feature.

• Performance: For any hair dryer, fast drying without damaging your hair and scalp is always essential, and considering you might be traveling to a humid climate, look for a dryer that has negative ionic technology to beat the frizz. Additionally, look for a model that offers multiple drying modes, airspeeds, and temperature settings for better versatility.

Laifen SE Lite

The SE Lite is a fantastic budget-friendly option for those looking for a hair dryer that will not only be a great travel companion but also provide powerful performance for your daily hair routine.

Weighing in at only 345g/0.76lb (about the same weight as a can of soup!), it provides super-fast airflows of 19 meters per second, drying hair in around 1 minute for short hair, 3 minutes for medium-length hair, and 5 minutes for long hair.

Heading to a humid destination? No problem! The Lite packs 150 million negative ions to help combat frizz wherever you go.

Laifen SE Lite specs:

Curly-haired adventurers – travel hair dryer with diffuser

The SE Lite is a fantastic option for those who need a travel hair dryer and have basic hair-drying requirements. If you have curly hair and you need to take a diffuser with you on the road, then you can also consider the Laifen SE, which comes with both a smooth nozzle and a diffuser.

Having a travel hair dryer with a diffuser and 150 million negative ions can be a lifesaver by helping fight the frizz when you find yourself in humid climates. The SE is slightly more powerful than the SE Lite, with faster airflow, quieter sound levels, and comes with an extra nozzle attachment, which is reflected in its higher price tag.

Despite these advantages with performance, the SE still only weighs 407g/0.89lb, making it another amazing travel option if you have curly hair to maintain on the go.

Laifen SE specs

Storage bag - an attachment for travel hair dryers

A storage bag for travel hair dryers may seem simple, but once you use one, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.

Laifen offers a heat-resistant version that keeps your dryer, cord, and attachments snug, protected, and easy to grab on the go. No more tangled cables, scratched tools, or digging through your suitcase at 6 a.m. before checkout.

Just let your dryer cool, slip everything into the padded bag, zip it up, and toss it into your carry-on. It keeps your luggage organized, your tools safe, and your travel routine smooth, just exactly how a good trip should feel.

Road-trip & travel hair care secrets

Traveling is exciting, but long flights, changing climates, and limited access to your usual hair tools can leave your strands stressed. With a few smart tricks, you can keep your hair photo-ready wherever the road takes you.

1. Pre-trip prep

Before you even zip your suitcase, give your hair a nourishing boost. Use a deep-conditioning mask 1–2 days before leaving to fortify your strands against dry cabin air and sun exposure. Trimming split ends beforehand also prevents frizz from taking over mid-trip.

2. Pack smart

You don’t need your entire bathroom, all you need is just targeted products. Choose a leave-in conditioner, a travel-size serum, and a low-heat hair dryer like Laifen SE Lite we mentioned above. Prioritize items that multitask: for example, a serum that tames frizz, adds shine, and protects against humidity.

3. Hydration

Travel environments pull moisture from your hair. Combat dryness by applying a small amount of conditioner before long travel segments. Protective styles like braids or low buns reduce friction and tangling. If you're road-tripping in sunny areas, treat your hair like your skin: use UV-protectant products.

4. Hotel water

Many destinations have hard water, which can cause dullness and buildup. Bring a clarifying shampoo packet or a chelating travel formula to refresh your hair every 3–4 days. Follow with a nourishing conditioner to restore softness. This one tip alone can dramatically change how your hair behaves on vacation.

5. Quick styling

When traveling, simple styles are your best friend. You can choose loose waves, messy buns, half-up twists, or low ponytails that handle humidity and movement.

Have a wonderful, frizz-free trip!

Among Laifen’s wide range of hair dryers, the heaviest model still only weighs in at around 407g, which is significantly lighter than the average high-performance dryer.

If you don’t have the need for extra styling nozzles, then we suggest the SE Lite as the top-notch travel companion. It’s budget-friendly, compact, lightweight, and yet still packs a lot of power to give you smooth, shiny, dry hair without frizz, no matter where you go.

For those who are looking for something a bit more advanced and don’t mind paying a little extra for that enhanced performance, then the SE model is the right choice for you. Featuring stronger airflow and an included diffuser for curls, without being bigger, or weighing much more.

Whichever hair dryer you choose to be your travel companion, whether it’s Laifen or another brand, we hope you have a wonderful trip with the best travel hair dryer for you!

Luca Sterling

Luca is a hair writer with a background in fashion journalism, known for translating high-end style into everyday inspiration. She covers everything from reviewing seasonal pomades and styling products to spotlighting celebrity hair looks and emerging trends. Her writing is informative, so there is a trusted source for hair content that feels both playful and expertly curated.