No matter where you travel in the world, it is unlikely you will have access to practical hairstyling tools unless you bring them along yourself. But ensuring you have everything you need packed into your suitcase is already a struggle without the added stress of finding a place for your beloved styling tool. The good news is that many well-known and leading brands, like Cloud 9 and GHD, perfectly understand your struggle and are introducing mini versions of your favorite hairstyling devices in smaller, more compact models. Whether you are after sleek, straight hair or beachy waves, you don’t have to compromise on quality with these mini versions.
Top Tips for Buying
You should consider two main points when deciding on the perfect styling tools. The first is to prioritise portability. You want options that are compact and lightweight. It should easily fit into your carry-on suitcase if you plan to travel lightly or take up minimal space in your larger bag. Cordless varieties are ideal for multi-day events, as they can be carried in your handbag. Secondly, you should consider the hairstyles you hope to achieve while on holiday and only select the tools that will help you get them. Ideally, you should only pack one option for your trip alongside a hairdryer if you typically use one. Sleek, straight hair will require a flat iron, while beachy waves will get extra volume and shine with a curling wand.
Compact Heated Brush:
Moroccan oil is a leader in nourishing haircare products, focusing heavily on repair, a philosophy that carries on into its heated styling tools. Designed in the brand’s signature blue, this heated brush combines all the best benefits of a flat iron with the convenience and ease of a hairbrush. Its ceramic cool tip bristles are designed to minimize damage and maximize shine, heating up in less than 60 seconds. For ease of travel, it is smaller in size than a regular heated brush without compromising on its effectiveness.
Cordless Flat Iron:
GHD has been a leader in high-quality and effective hairstyle tools for years. Their revolutionary ceramic tongs and quick heating technology have made it a fan favorite for many, regardless of your chosen model or style. For travel, their cordless flat iron, known as the Unplugged Styler, will be the perfect tool to achieve salon-worthy styling anywhere in the world. It is designed to provide 20 minutes of styling time, set at the optimum temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be used to flat iron, curl and create beautiful waves, a highly versatile selection.
Hot Air Brush:
Although it carries a steep price tag, the Dyson Airwrap is a tool like nothing else. This incredibly versatile machine quickly replaces nearly every other device you need to perfectly curl, shape and style your hair without the risk of heat damage. With six different attachments to choose from, you have the freedom to select the barrels best suited for the theme and environment of your vacation destination. Whether you are after barrels of loose curls, beach-worthy waves or smoothed and sleek locks, the Dyson can do it all. Because it is only available with a cord, it is on the more bulky side, but as it is the only tool you will need, space is unlikely to be a problem.
Foldable Hairdryer:
For the perfect travel hairdryer that easily folds into a compact size for covenant storage in any suitcase, the T3 Afar is going to become your new best friend. It has a clever ion generator that dries your hair quickly without creating any unwanted static frizz. Instead, you are left with smooth and glossy locks with just the right amount of volume. It has five different speed and heat combinations from which to choose, allowing you to select the best option for your hair type.
Mini Hair Straightener:
DryBar is a brand that is loved by experts and regular users alike. Their hot tools have built a solid reputation for being practical and reliable, both on the road and in the comfort of your own home. At just six inches, their compact Tiny Tress Press Detailing Iron can easily be tucked away into your carry-on or handbag for your next vacation. It can double as a curling iron for those with shorter hair, while those with longer hair should work with smaller hair sections. As an added bonus, the included travel bag doubles as a heat protection pad, offering peace of mind that no surface will be left with a nasty scorch mark.
Hot Roller Set:
Conair offers a wide variety of affordable hair styling tools, including hot rollers, which are ideal for travel. This compact kit contains five velvet-covered jumbo rollers as well as strong-hold claw clips to keep everything in place. They take just two minutes to heat up, and thanks to their dual voltage, they can be used in many different regions. Due to its size, the number of rollers on offer is limited, so you will need to think more carefully about how you plan on spacing them out to ensure you cover every part of your head the same way.