5 Reasons To Pack Your Own Hair Dryer For Travel
Travelers are divided on whether or not to pack a hair dryer.
Most hotels, resorts, and even rental properties now provide hair dryers, which has led many travelers to stop packing them altogether. We all want to travel light, but at what cost?
There can be drawbacks to leaving yours at home, even if you stay at the finest properties. I was recently at a five-star Florida resort with a highly-rated Buttercup Drybar Hairdryer in the bathroom vanity drawer. The bright yellow dryer was a beauty. Aptly named for its color, it was cute as a button.
DryBar is a premium brand dryer that sells for about $199 on Amazon, and by most standards, it was a pleasure to use. With 1875 watts, it dried my hair quickly. But I didn’t like holding it. Weighing in at 3.28 pounds, it was much heavier than the one I use at home and killed my wrist.
Had I known, I would have thrown my travel hair dryer into my suitcase.
Here Are 5 Reasons To Bring Your Own Hair Dryer
While I always recommend packing light, here are some reasons why I bring my own:
1- Cleanliness
An article in Reader’s Digest reported that hair dryers are one of the “germiest” places in a hotel room. While hotel staff are beginning to pay more attention to high-touch items post-COVID, like remote controls, very few sanitize hair dryers (or coffee pots).
In fact, at home or away, hair dryers can breed bacteria and germs. Although they should be cleaned regularly, most hotels don’t have this on their checklists. When the vents become blocked, this can effect the hair dryer’s performance, leading to hair damage.
2- Weight
I suspect hotels purposely purchase heavy hair dryers for two reasons. They are more durable, and guests are less tempted to take them home. Using a heavy dryer can be taxing unless you have strong wrists.
3- Quality
Given the wear and tear in public accommodations and the possibility of theft, many properties don’t invest in quality products. The hair dryer in your room may be of poor quality.
Hair dryers are awkwardly attached to the wall, and long vacuum cleaner-type hoses are used at some older properties.
4- Ease of Use
There is something to be said for familiarity. Styling your hair while traveling can be challenging. The water may be harder or softer than you’re used to at home. Also, different weather conditions, especially in humid climates, like the Caribbean, can make your hair unruly or frizzy. If you bring your own, you are accustomed to the dryer and know how to use it, making the task a bit easier.
5- Avoid Disappointment
While most properties have hair dryers, not all of them do, and their quality varies.
Sometimes, they are hidden in unlikely places and are hard to find. They can be in a closet, a desk, or a bathroom. I stayed at one hotel and discovered after a thorough search that the hair dryer in my room was missing. Although guest services said someone would bring one to our room, I had to waste time waiting for the delivery while my hair was wet.
Travel Hair Dryers Hit The Sweet Spot
I asked hair stylist Donna Dellaero of Chappaqua, New York, whether it was prudent to pack a hair dryer. “The decision is personal,” she said. “But the best solution if you have any qualms about using a public dryer is to invest in a travel hair dryer.”
These are much lighter than conventional dryers. Many also fold and take up less real estate in your suitcase. And if your hair is difficult to manage, you’ll want to pack a travel hair dryer.
4 Travel Hair Dryers
Convinced? Here are some travel hair dryer options to consider:
Conair Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer
I’ve used my baby blue Conair Travel Dryer for years and can attest to its reliability. It has a folding handle and operates at two speeds with 1600 watts. It weighs only 12 ounces and is dual voltage so that it can be used internationally. It has a five-foot cord.
It has a very attractive price. At 15.99, it’s a no-brainer to take with me because I don’t have to worry about inadvertently leaving an expensive dryer behind.
While not considered a premium product, Conair has been making dryers since 1959. It’s currently on sale on Amazon for $15.99.
Conair Travel Smart 1875 Travel Hair Dryer
The Conair Travel Smart 1875 is a newer model than mine. It comes in a trendy steel gray color with more power at 1875 watts. (Although it has two heat settings, In 220 mode, it can only be used on the low setting)
It offers an ergonomic design and has a cool shot button to lock curls and waves in place. The extra wattage may make it more suitable for travelers with long or thick hair.
It retails for $26.99 and weighs one pound.
Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Hair Dryer
Made by the same company as the one I recently found in my hotel, this packable dryer uses the same ionic technology but is less powerful (and probably easier on your hair) at 1200 watts. At 2.34 pounds, it weighs more than a pound less than the larger version, making it better for packing and holding. Good Housekeeping rated this travel dryer #1 overall.
It has a collapsible handle and comes with a travel bag. It weighs only 13 ounces, has a 7-foot cord, and is dual voltage, a must for international travel. It sells for $139.
Panasonic Nanoe Salon Hair Dryer
New York Times Wirecutter recommends the Panasonic Nanoe Salon dryer if you want a premium travel hair dryer. This 1400-watt dryer has 1400 watts of power, three airflow settings, and folds up to conserve space.
One unique feature is the oscillating dry nozzle that moves the air back and forth. Wirecutter found it useful for a quick dry rather than a polished look but noted it may be tricky to use at first.
This Panasonic hair dryer weighs 1.17 pounds and has a 5.5-foot cord. It is available in white and black and retails for $99.99. One major limitation for international travelers is that it is NOT dual-voltage.
The Ultimate Travel Hair Tools Bag
The Kusshi Hair Tools Bag is a great way to carry and organize your hair tools. Black with a bright fuschia interior, this one-of-a-kind bag is both attractive and very functional. It folds in half to tuck in your suitcase.
Made of neoprene, the organizer is lightweight, flexible, protective, and roomy enough to stow your own dryer, flat iron, hairbrushes, and any other hair accessories in separate compartments for easy access.
I love having all my hair tools in one place, ready for my next trip. When I arrive at my destination, I keep the bag next to the electrical outlets I’ll use for hair styling.
Can You Bring A Hair Dryer on a Cruise Ship?
With wind and moisture, cruises can wreak havoc on your hair. Although ships generally provide hair dryers, you may want to bring your own travel hair dryer on board for the same reasons stated above.
It’s always best to check the specific policies of the cruise line you’re sailing on (it is usually addressed on its website). Most allow guests to bring personal grooming products like hair dryers and straightening irons, provided they are in good working condition and don’t exceed wattage limits. N.B. Don’t be surprised if your cabin steward removes the plug each time they clean up your stateroom for safety’s sake.
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Do you travel with a hair dryer? Why or why not? Any favorites?
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