12 Best Lightweight Hair Dryers That Are Travel-friendly

Written by Neha Tiwari   |  P R Gayathri Updated on Feb 07, 2024  |  252.6K
Best Lightweight Hair Dryers That Are Travel-friendly
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

The perfect salon-quality blowout is impossible to achieve without a good-quality hair dryer. But we often tend to leave our blow dryers back when we travel, especially due to how bulky or heavy they may be. However, thanks to advancements in modern technology, we now have the best lightweight hair dryers that are easy to carry – you can dry your hair effortlessly and quickly. Brands are now upgrading to energy-efficient hair dryers that are less challenging to use, and the haircare experts at Select have spent hours researching and testing them all, to bring you a list of the 12 best ones, so you don’t have to waste any time narrowing them down.

12 Best Lightweight Hair Dryers

Get lustrous, shiny, and smooth tresses with the T3 Afar lightweight hair dryer. It has a medium heat intensity, carefully regulated heat, and airflow outlet  that helps an individual attain tangle and knot-free locks in a minute. Furthermore, the product comes with a scientifically formulated ion air technology that emits ion-infused air from the nozzle and makes it easy for large sections of hair to dry out quickly. It is also best suited for thick, wavy, coily, and curly hair as it helps to draw out water molecules from the hair shafts without depriving them of their natural moisture. Lastly, it has a sturdy wiring system and a robust yet lightweight body  that makes it a compatible choice for people to use it on the go. 

Wattage: Not mentioned

Color: Pink

Product Dimensions: 5.25 x 3 x 8.25 inches

Weight: 1.27 pounds

Key Features: Compact design, folding handle, lock-in cool shot, auto dual voltage, luxury travel pouch, 3 heat settings, and 2 speed settings.

Pros
  • Best for rough hair
  • Alterable heat and speed settings
  • Prevents hair crunchiness
  • Volumizes waves and curls
Cons
  • A bit noisy
  • Best Overall

    Revlon Compact Hair Dryer

    Revlon Compact Hair Dryer
  • Featuring a compact and lightweight design, Revlon brings to you this travel-friendly hair dryer for salon-like blow dries at home. It is a versatile device with different head and speed settings that will make your hairstyling easy and quick. It also comes in three different colors namely black, pink and yellow. You can carry this dryer in your carry-on luggage or your favorite duffel and take it along with you for an effortless blow dry session in a matter of seconds. This dryer comes with a hanging ring for easy and convenient storage.

    Wattage: 1875W

    Color: Black

    Product Dimensions: 8.59 x 23.83 x 18.42 cm

    Weight: 535 grams

    Key Features: 2 heat and speed settings, ultra-lightweight, hanging ring, and removable end cap.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Ergonomic handle
    • Offers precise styling
    Cons
    • Length of the cord is short

    Quick Tip

    Begin with hair that's damp and not dripping wet. Excess water will prolong the time of the drying process, making it inconvenient.

  • Best For Curly Hair

    Conair 1875-Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer

    Conair 1875-Watt Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
  • Ionic hair dryers are trending in the market for all good reasons. This frizz-fighting conditioning ions reduce damage and breakage. It also imparts shine and dries your hair quickly. Made with Tourmaline ceramic technology, this lightweight blow-dryer provides uniform heat and does not tangle your hair. It also features a cool shot button which helps lock in the desired style. This ceramic hair dryer is suited for wavy and curly hair types.

    Wattage: 1875W

    Color: Black

    Product Dimensions: 10.75 x 4.3 x 8.5 inches

    Weight: 1.5 pounds

    Key Features: Cool shot button, diffuser, 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, and a concentrator nozzle.

    Pros
    • Diffuser included
    • Concentrator included
    • Custom dryer settings
    • Hinged filter for easy cleaning
    Cons
    • May make the hair puffy
  • Most Durable

    Elchim Milano Classic 2001 High Pressure Hair Dryer

    Elchim Milano Classic 2001 High Pressure Hair Dryer
  • This iconic & award-winning hair dryer by Elchim Milano has cutting-edge technology that makes hair styling an easy, breezy experience. It features two speeds, five temperatures, and a high-pressure air compression technology to create hairstyles that last for a long period of time. Whether you are a novice at creating different hair looks or are a pro at it, this hair dryer will suit all your hairstyling needs to elevate your fashion game. 

    Wattage: 1875W

    Color: Red and black

    Product Dimensions: 27.94 x 22.86 x 10.16 cm

    Weight: 1.28 pounds

    Key Features: 2 speed settings. 5 temperature settings, high-pressure technology, and a long-life motor.

    Pros
    • Ergonomic design
    • Easy to handle
    • Gives long-lasting results
    • Perfect for hairstylists
    Cons
    • The cord is short
  • Best For Quick Results

    Revlon Light & Fast Hair Dryer

    Revlon Light & Fast Hair Dryer
  • You don’t have to struggle to lift up those heavy blow dryers anymore. With a featherweight design, this hair dryer lets you achieve your styling goals easily and comfortably. Featuring a ceramic coating, this frizz-control hair dryer from Revlon also helps reduce damage caused by constant styling. It also evenly distributes heat and makes styling a fun process. The dryer also comes with a concentrator and volumizing finger diffuser attachments that help you manage the airflow in precision.

    Wattage: 1875W

    Color: Rose gold

    Product Dimensions: 9.91 x 22.61 x 26.92 cm

    Weight: 734.82 grams

    Key Features: Advanced iconic technology, 2 heat settings, 2 air speeds, smoothing concentrator, volumizing diffuser, cold shot button, removable cap, and hanging ring.

    Pros
    • Cold shot button
    • Removable end cap
    • Custom speed settings
    • Adjustable heat modes
    • Suitable for all hair types
    Cons
    • May make popping noise
  • INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Mighty Mini Professional Hair Dryer

    INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Mighty Mini Professional Hair Dryer
  • This lightweight hair dryer with an AC motor is an excellent choice for daily use. It is ergonomically designed with a sleek and compact design that easily fits inside your suitcase or bag. Thanks to its AC motor, the dryer delivers up to 50 percent faster drying time. The iconic technology helps add shine and control frizz. It also features a removable filter which prevents lint buildup.

    Wattage: 1600W

    Color: Black

    Product Dimensions: 15 x 7.8 x 28.3 cm

    Weight: 540 grams

    Key Features: Cool shot button, 3 heat settings, 2 airflow settings, and concentrator nozzle.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Has a hang ring
    • Suits long-lasting styling
    Cons
    • May not suit fine hair types
  • Best for Controlled Styling

    WAYBO Confu Hair Dryer

    WAYBO Confu Hair Dryer
  • WAYBO ionic hair dryer is an all-in-one set that includes a blow-dryer, diffuser, concentrator nozzle and also free hairbrushes. It is a lightweight, compact and portable device with low electromagnetic field making it suitable to use for pregnant women, children, and the elderly. The device is specially made for curly hair types. With its smart heat control technology, it distributes heat evenly and prevents extreme heat damage.

    Wattage: 1600W

    Color: Grey

    Product Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.5 x 2.7 inches

    Weight: 1.87 pounds

    Key Features: Smooth nozzle, diffusion nozzle, infinity wind speed control, removable back cover, ALCI safety plug, and overheating protection.

    Pros
    • Low noise
    • Fast drying
    • Controlled styling
    • High-speed motor
    Cons
    • Not durable enough
  • Editor’s Pick

    Bondi Boost Sonic Hair Blow Dryer

    Bondi Boost Sonic Hair Blow Dryer
  • Achieve premium level of professional hairstyling with the Sonic hair blow dryer by Bondi Boost. The product has four times fast-drying power compared to any ordinary lightweight hair dryer ,and hence is favored by certified hair care professionals. Furthermore, the product helps to eliminate frizz, impart a luminous unmatched radiance, reduce the chances of knots and tangles by separating each hair strand, and has a scientifically devised ion technology that makes it a compatible choice for all kinds of hair. Lastly, the product has four stage heat settings that make it easy for everyone to alter the intensity as per the texture of the hair. 

    Wattage: 1600W

    Color: White

    Product Dimensions: Not mentioned

    Weight: 0.77 pounds

    Key Features: Self-cleaning, cool shot button, air concentrator, diffuser, long power cord, smart memory, 3 speed settings, and 4 heat settings.

    Pros
    • Robust wiring
    • Alterable speed settings
    • Cleans itself
    • Low sound
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Heat-resistant Dryer

    Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer

    Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer
  • This product by Dyson does not give out extreme heat but still delivers mind-blowing results. The product is consciously engineered to suit all hair types, be it thick, thin, coily, curly wavy, or straight. Plus, this lightweight dryer helps to reduce static hair, treat flyaways, and prevent moisture loss from the hair shafts due to excessive outflow of heat. Furthermore, it is great for enhancing and volumizing curls and providing the hair follicles with a smooth and lustrous appearance. Moreover, the product comes with an additional wide-toothed comb, a flyway attachment, and a styling concentrator to make your hair care regime hassle-free.

    Wattage: 1600W

    Color: Gray

    Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.8 x 9.6 inches

    Weight: 1.8 pounds

    Key Features: Flyaway attachment, styling concentrator, diffuser, gentle air attachment, wide-tooth comb, 3 speed settings, and 4 heat settings.

    Pros
    • Durable air jet
    • Reduces static hair
    • Gentle on sensitive scalp
    • Combats frizz and flyaways
    • Makes the hair smooth
    Cons
    • Prone to electrical damage frequently

    Quick Tip

    Remember to clean the filter regularly since once it gets clogged, it can impact the airflow and efficiency of the hair dryer.

  • Most Easy to Use

    BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Bambino Compact Dryer

    BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Bambino Compact Dryer
  • Here we have yet another powerful travel-friendly hair dryer that is made to last. This durable number blows out air evenly and also helps protect hair from damage. It allows you to adjust the speed and heat settings, and has dual voltage. The Nano Titanium technology assures a smooth and shiny finish along with a long-lasting hold. It is ultra-lightweight and weighs just over 1 pound. It is also beginner-friendly.

    Wattage: 1000W

    Color: Black

    Product Dimensions: 3 x 7.1 x 7.8 inches

    Weight: 9.6 ounces

    Key Features: Nano Titanium technology, dual voltage, 2 heat and speed settings, removable rear filter, ultra-thin concentrator nozzle, and long power cord.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Fast drying
    • Power saving
    Cons
    • Some may find the size too small
  • Best for Frizz-control

    CONFU Ionic Hair Dryer

    CONFU Ionic Hair Dryer
  • This ionic hair dryer with a premium DC motor takes less time to dry your hair inside out. It delivers strong airflow and has temperature settings that let you adjust between cool, warm or hot. You can get your salon-like professional blowout with this lightweight hair dryer. It is compact, easy to use and portable. The specially designed diffuser helps enhance your hair texture, and the double safety removable back will make sure your hair doesn't get sucked into the blow-dryer.

    Wattage: 1600W

    Color: Black

    Product Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.5 x 2.7 inches

    Weight: 1.76 pounds

    Key Features: 360-degree rotary and magnetic nozzle, removable back cover, long cord DC motor, and cool setting.

    Pros
    • Frizz control
    • Magnetic nozzle
    • Temperature control
    • Negative ion control
    Cons
    • May not be durable
  • GAMA Italy IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer

    GAMA Italy IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer
  • With a digital interface and venturi effect that multiplies the airflow, this lightweight hair dryer is 7 times faster than regular hair dryers. It comes with 3 speed and temperature settings and is a beginner-friendly device that gets the job done easily. The ergonomic and sleek design of this hairdryer makes it one of the best choices for traveling. It also includes a diffuser and two concentrator nozzle attachment tools.

    Wattage: 1500W

    Color: Grey

    Product Dimensions: 7.13 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches

    Weight: 4.02 pounds

    Key Features: Deep diffuser, double-layer magnetic attachments, removable filter, hanger, smart pad, and filter brush.

    Pros
    • LED display
    • Memory function
    • Auto-clean technology
    • Innovative micro filter
    Cons
    • Expensive

    After taking a look at all of the above-listed travel hair dryers, you may be confused about which one is right for you. Take a look at our buying guide below to make a much more informed decision.

    How to Choose the Best Lightweight Hair Dryer

    Here are a few points for you to keep in mind while choosing a lightweight hair dryer:

    Weight: Take a look at how much the dryer weighs. The lighter it is, the easier it will be to handle, especially during long drying and styling sessions.

    Wattage: There should be an ideal balance between wattage and weight – the higher the wattage is, the more powerful it will be.

    Material: If you want a dryer that evenly distributes heat while also being less damaging to the hair, choose ones that are made with ceramic or tourmaline, These materials are lightweight too.

    Settings: If you opt for a dryer with various heat and speed settings, you can enjoy a more personalized experience that's tailored to your hair type.

    Cool Shot: A cool shot button is an amazing bonus as it can set your style while also adding a stunning shine to your locks.

    Size: Compact-sized hair dryers with a good grip make it easier to handle – this can enhance your styling and drying process.

    Attachments: Concentrators and diffusers are great companions when you have specific styling needs. Look for attachments according to your hair type and texture.

    Conclusion

    These are some of the best lightweight dryers that are worth every bit of your attention. Each of these options is durable and efficient – they will help you save a great deal of money that you would regularly spend at the salon. Though they are all highly recommended choices that suit all hair types, we suggest that you invest in the Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer as it can be a great addition to your vanity. However, we also suggest that you reduce the use of hot tools on your hair whenever possible, to maintain its overall strength and natural texture.

    FAQ's

    What is the benefit of a lightweight hair dryer?
    A lightweight hair dryer is more convenient when you’re styling your hair for extended periods of time. It’s also much easier to carry when you’re traveling.
    Do lightweight dryers sacrifice power?
    Not necessarily. With the advancements in modern technology, lightweight hair dryers can also be powerful.
    How light should a lightweight dryer be?
    Generally, a lightweight hair dryer weighs between 1 and 2 pounds.
    Are there lightweight dryers for fine hair?
    Yes, there are lightweight hair dryers that are very gentle and specifically designed for people with fine hair. They also prevent the likelihood of damaged hair.
    Is ceramic or titanium better for a lightweight dryer?
    Ceramic is typically preferred more since it distributes heat more evenly. So it’s less damaging when compared to titanium hair dryers.
    Are there cordless lightweight dryers?
    Yes, there are lightweight hair dryers that also have a cordless design.
    What’s the downside to a super lightweight dryer?
    Lightweight dryers may not be very durable in the long run. However, this is not the case for every lightweight dryer out there.
    Which lightest dryer is least damaging?
    A ceramic lightweight dryer will cause the least amount of damage to your hair.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Neha travels a lot, and having a lightweight hair dryer is a must for her. But at first, she was skeptical about using them, thinking they might lack power. However, she decided to give them a try and she is so glad she did. After thorough testing, she experienced their ease of use and effectiveness, and finally found the perfect lightweight hair dryer for her needs. We can convincingly say, Neha is extremely satisfied with her purchase of Revlon compact hair dryer and recommends everyone to check out all the top-rated products she mentioned above to bring home the most-suited one as per their own requirements. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Neha Tiwari
    Copy Editor

    Neha Tiwari, a certified Haircare coach, an experienced writer, educator, translator, and editor, has been catering t More

    Author BIO

    Gayathri PR is a Fashion Communication graduate from NIFT who likes to express her ardent love for all things beauty and More