For many travelers today, traveling along with a hair straightener or a flat iron is an absolute must. There are many reasons why you’d bring a flat iron with you, especially if you’re heading on a business trip or somewhere exotic. For one, they help tame your hair on crazy weather, humid, or windy days. Secondly, they’re an excellent alternative for styling your hair on the days when you can’t wash it. And of course, who doesn’t want to look cute all the time? The best hair straightener for travel is one that also doubles as a curling iron or a curler, so you can experiment with a range of hairstyles! So, whether you’re vacationing on the Cinque Terre coast or sitting in a boardroom for an overseas presentation, your hair isn’t on the fritz thanks to your straightener/curler.
Since it’s not always (try never) practical to bring your entire glam kit on your travels, travel hair straighteners do the job. These mini hairstyling tools are literally lifesavers when it comes to looking good in your trip photographs as you explore the outdoors. To that end, here are the 13 best options for a hair straightener for travel.
How To Choose The Best Hair Straighteners for Travel?
Temperatures
The temperature of a hair straightener you choose will mainly depend on the kind of hair you have and what style you want. You want your straightener to be hot enough to give you the style you want, but not so much that it damages your hair. If you want to style your hair in a variety of ways, then consider getting the best hair straightener with curler or a travel hair curling iron. Additionally, go for flat irons that allow you to adjust the heat levels, instead of getting one with a fixed temperature.
Size
Since you’re looking for travel-sized hair straighteners, size is an important factor. Today, there are travel flat irons that are as small as six inches! So, you need to think about the kind of bag you’re going to be carrying it in. If you’ve checked a bag in, then that isn’t an issue. But if you’re only traveling with the Best Travel Handbags or the Best Travel Crossbody Bags, then space is going to be at a premium. In such a case, you don’t want your straightener to be larger than absolutely necessary. However, keep in mind that larger irons are likely to have more features.
Hair type
Is your hair thin or thick? Plus, it frizzy or curly? Also, is it short or long? It’s the answers to these questions that will shape which hair straightener you go for. For instance, flat irons with thinner and smaller plates not only take longer to style thicker hair but also end up doing more harm than good. Similarly, those with shorter or thinner hair should go for narrower plates and lower maximum temperatures.
Dual voltage
It’s no secret that voltages differ across not just different continents, but even countries. So, if you’re traveling overseas with your travel-sized flat iron, then consider investing in a dual-voltage straightener. In Canada and the United States, electrical outlets typically output 110-120V, while most other European and Asian countries output 220-240V. While that shouldn’t be an issue for items such as a laptop or phone, plugging in a US straightener into a European plug will fry your flat iron. Either it should be dual voltage or you should have one of the Best International Travel Adapters. You might also want to think about investing in Best Travel Adapters and Voltage Converters in general for your electronics.
How can you carry a hair straightener on a plane?
According to baggage policies on most international and varied domestic airlines as well as the TSA rules, you can carry a hair straightener on a plane. Plus, you can carry it in both your checked-in baggage as well as your hand baggage. But, if you’re packing a cordless hair straightener that’s fuelled by butane, then they’re allowed only in your carry-on luggage, and not in your checked baggage. Additionally, you need to pack it securely such that that the heating element is completely covered so that the device won’t get turned on accidentally too. That said, any cordless hair straightener that’s not butane-fuelled can be carried in both your carry-on as well as checked luggage.
BERTA 0.5-inch Mini Hair Straightener
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Only 7 inches in length, the Berta 0.5-inch Mini Hair Straightener for travel is perfect, as it takes up next to no space at all in your bag. One of the smallest irons on the market, the device is very portable and convenient and distributes heat evenly thanks to the ceramic tourmaline plates. The 0.5-inch plates heat up very quickly too, reaching high temperatures of 365 degrees Fahrenheit in no time at all. If your hair is thin and not very curly, then these plates work their magic leaving you with set hair in no time at all. Plus, the 1.6-meter-long cord allows you to move and navigate around your hair easier, which is helpful if you’re staying in a place with not many mirrors or power outlets. Finally, the PTC heater monitors temperature for lessening the heat or restoring it to the desired styling level.
Pros:
- Durable and good quality.
- Long cord.
- Effective despite its size.
Cons:
- No case.
HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron
12
The HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron is the best hair straightener with curler for frizz-free and smooth hair. The flat iron comes with floating ceramic tourmaline plates infused with infrared heat technology that’ll both smooth and curl your hair without damaging it. What’s more, the plates auto-adjust to the type and thickness of your hair. Plus, the flat iron also comes with curved edges for easily curling or flipping your hair, while preventing it from snagging on the sides. It’s no wonder then that this is one of the Best Hair Straighteners For Men. The dual voltage device can heat up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, even though it’s about 12 inches in length.
The best part is that this travel hair curling iron comes with either a white-lined or red-lined pouch, a free bottle of argan oil for your hair, as well as an application glove for keratin products.
Pros:
- High maximum temperatures.
- Comes with a case.
- Infrared heating.
- Designed to easily flip, curl, or straighten hair.
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with thinner hair.
Turboion Baby Croc Professional Mini Travel Flat Iron
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The Turboion Baby Croc Professional Mini Travel Flat Iron is the best hair straightener for travel if you prefer heat, as it reaches the highest temperatures of 430 degrees Fahrenheit in the market! Since this stylish red-colored flat iron even features digital adjustment along with quick cooling and heating, it’s suitable for most hair types. What’s more, this dual-voltage flat iron has ceramic plates embedded with negative ion technology. Thus, it heats the hair from inside out without damaging it. Thanks to the extra inches on the 5/8-inch plates, it makes a world of a difference for heating thicker hair easily. Plus, the cord swivels for ease of use as well. Finally, the hair straightener comes with a black travel pouch as well for keeping the plates separate from the cord.
Pros:
- Efficient plates.
- Comes with a travel pouch.
- Negative ion technology.
- High maximum temperatures.
Cons:
- The body gets hot.
6th Sense 2-in-1 Mini Flat Curling Iron
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Who’s looking for the best hair straightener with curler? Behold the 6th Sense 2-in-1 Mini Flat Curling Iron, which is an excellent travel hair curling iron that doesn’t occupy a lot of space. Using a 1-inch tourmaline and nano silver plate, the iron not only heats the hair without damaging it but even makes it shinier. Plus, a switch locks the plates in place for when you want to use the curler and similarly releases them for when you want to use them as a straightener. What’s more, the hair curling iron even comes with an insulated travel pouch for packing and storing the hair straightener better. Finally, the dual-voltage device heats up to temperatures of 374 degrees Fahrenheit as well as cools down very quickly, despite featuring a fixed temperature.
Pros:
- Comes with a travel pouch.
- Nanosilver plate for shinier hair.
- Curler and straightener in one.
Cons:
- Fixed temperatures.
Lovani Mini Hair Flat Iron
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The lightweight Lovani Mini Hair Flat Iron is an excellent dual-voltage hair straightener for travel. Measuring just 7.1 inches in length, the flat iron is extremely portable and can be stashed in not just your luggage, but even your purse. Moreover, the straightener features a one-of-a-kind floating plate design that helps keep it in contact with hair at all times. The 1/2-inch tourmaline ceramic plates protect the hair from heat damage while keeping flyaway hair and curls at bay, thanks to the maximum temperatures of 356 degrees Fahrenheit. If that wasn’t enough, this pint-sized tool heats up and cools down fast too.
Pros:
- 3d floating plate for better contact with hair.
- Heats up and cools down quickly.
- Travel-0sized and lightweight.
Cons:
- No case.
BESTOPE 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler
8
Yet another best hair straightener with curler is the BESTOPE 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler. This is a cordless curler that comes with a plate lock and a detachable power supply, thus saving you a ton of storage space. This hair straightener-cum-curler comes with extra-long 100 percent tourmaline ceramic plates that allow for optimal ironing in the least number of passes. Equipped with the MCH smart temperature heat system, the hairstyling tool raises the iron’s temperature in just 15 seconds, transferring it evenly to the hair and ensuring no burns or damages. Finally, the choice of six digital temperature settings ensures that this dual voltage iron with 3D floating plates performs to your hair’s specific needs.
Pros:
- Six temperature settings.
- Auto shut-off feature.
- 3D floating plates.
- Heats quickly.
Cons:
- Some users found the temperature to be quite low.
Kipozi Pro Titanium Flat Iron
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If you’re looking for a universal hair straightener for travel, then consider the Kipozi Pro Titanium Flat Iron. This flat iron comes with a unique ceramic heating system that evenly distributes the heat across titanium plates. These, in turn, release negative ions so that your hair is smooth without any static. What’s more, it also reduces the amount of potential damage that the heat could possibly do to your hair, granting a silky and healthy look. Besides the promise of no snagging, the hair straightener also comes with three different temperature settings that you can choose from. So, depending on the kind of hair, you can accordingly adjust the heat settings.
Pros:
- Three different temperature settings.
- Automatic shutoff.
- Unique ceramic heating system.
Cons:
- Some users said that it doesn’t tame the frizz.
Hai Classic Convertible Flat Iron
6
Yet another of the best hair straightener with curler is the Hai Classic Convertible Flat Iron. So, not only can you use it for straightening, but also you can use it for curling, thus making this one versatile hairstyling tool. This travel hair curling iron comes with precision 1.25-inch plates that are perfectly designed for styling in the least number of passes. So, it also minimizes the amount of heat that you’re subjecting your tresses to. The flat iron is very easy to use, especially when you combine it with instant heat recovery and rapid heat-up. Finally, the beveled edges allow for precision curling and straightening, enabling maximum flexibility for all your styling needs.
Pros:
- Beveled edges.
- Adjustable temperatures.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Might not work on some hair textures.
AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
5
An excellent hair straightener for travel that heats up to stupendous temperatures is the AmoVee Mini Flat Iron. Reaching up to a whopping temperature of 410 degrees Fahrenheit, this flat iron is perfect for styling waves, curls, or a sleek look on the go. Equipped with innovative ceramic technology, the flat iron prevents hot spots by evenly distributing the heat nicely. Moreover, the infused tourmaline helps prevent the plates from “sticking” to your hair. If that wasn’t enough, the negative ion technology eliminates frizz and smoothes your hair to give you the ultimate polished look. The best part? It has a mini length of 7.8 inches! This travel hair curling iron, when packed with one of the Best Travel Hair Dryers, ensures that you never have a bad hair day on a holiday ever again.
Pros:
- Ceramic and tourmaline plates eliminate frizz.
- Achieves very high heat.
- Doesn’t damage the hair.
Cons:
- No adjustable temperature settings
CHI Original 1-inch Hairstyling Iron
4
The CHI Original 1-inch Hairstyling Iron is the best hair straightener with curler. The all-in-one straightener-cum-curler comes with 1-inch ceramic plates that provide the easiest glide. So, whether you’re styling sleek, straight hair, a simple flip, or curls, this hair styling tool has got your back. What makes this flat iron so effective is the flash-quick heating feature that allows it to reach up to temperatures of 392 degrees Fahrenheit in almost no time at all. This is great, despite the temperature being non-adjustable. What’s more, the ergonomic design and the whopping 11-feet-long swivel cord make it easy for you to navigate around places where the mirrors and plug points aren’t really well-placed. So, this will keep you comfortable throughout the entire styling process.
Pros:
- Flash quick heating.
- Dual voltage for international use.
- Versatile.
Cons:
- The plates are slightly far apart for use.
TYMO Ionic Hair Straightener Brush
3
For a unique and rather different hair straightener for travel, turn to the Tymo Ionic Hair Straightener Brush. The sleek, black-colored brush features a purple tooth-bed via which the hot air adjusts to your hair. Thus, it not only styles it but also prevents damage due to excessive heat. This entire mechanism works in tandem with the black teeth, which expels cool air that cools the hair and prevents the hair or the scalp from burning. Moreover, the brush even uses a double ionic generator that produces negative ions to coat your hair. So, it eliminates frizz and static while creating a silky look for your hair. At the same time, 16 different heating modes ensure that any issue of split ends is also resolved.
Pros:
- Multiple safety mechanisms.
- 16 heating modes.
- Prevents the hair from frying or overheating.
Cons:
- Some users complained of an unpleasant smell during use.
CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron
2
The CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron is a hair straightener but without a curler. It works best on curly hair, so it makes for a great travel straightening iron rather than a curling one. There’s still a lot to like about this flat iron, starting with the titanium plates with ceramic heaters. Besides rapid heating, the specialized ventilation system ensures excellent performance, no matter the kind, type, and texture of your hair. What’s more, it boasts a straightening performance that’s 60 percent faster and more effective, thanks to ceramic technology. If that wasn’t enough, the negative ions ensure a smooth, sleek, and non-static finish by sealing the cuticles with every pass. So, this flat iron gives you a Hollywood-worthy hairstyle with every use!
Pros:
- Auto shutoff.
- Adjustable temperatures.
- Ceramic technology.
Cons:
- Only good for straightening.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron
1
Sitting atop the list of the best hair straightener for travel is the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron. You’ll love every aspect of this straightening iron, especially the streamlined design for comfortable and easy handling. The hair styling tool is also integrated with a negative ion generator and has extra-long plates for optimal and fast straightening. What’s more, it eliminates frizz and static and delivers a shiny and sleek hair look. The cherry on top is that your hair will be protected from heat damage too, thanks to the tool’s nano titanium technology. Even though it can go up to temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you can rest assured that your hair will come out looking beautiful and yet strong at the same time.
Pros:
- Nano titanium technology protects the hair.
- Ryton housing doesn’t let your hair burn.
- Fast and optimal straightening.
Cons:
- Practically none.
