Our Favorite Travel Hair Straightener Is Only $10 on Amazon — And It’s a Total Dream
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Don’t let bad hair days ruin your summer vacation plans. These beauty editor-approved travel hair straighteners are compact for on-the-go styling and pack a serious punch. Despite their affordable price tag — most picks cost between $10 and $55 — these nifty hot tools are made with the same materials as their pricey, full-sized flat irons and hair straightening brushes.
What does that mean for you? Well, besides being easy on the wallet, you can touch up your bangs or style your entire head without taking up precious packing space. So get ready for the smoothest, silkiest hair in a single pass with these top-rated hairstyling tools.
The Best Travel Hair Straighteners
Best Overall: BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch
Best Budget: Hot Beauty Professional Ceramic Mini Flat Iron
For a Curler and Straightener: FURIDEN Curling Iron + Mini Flat Iron
For the Smallest Iron: CHI Tech Travel Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
For Under $50: HSI Professional Glider Hair Straightener
What to Consider
Space
When it comes to travel hair straighteners, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is, of course, space. Think of these mini hair straighteners as a spin-off of their original bigger models: many of them have similar-to-identical specs as their larger predecessors, but they don't take up nearly as much space in your carry-on or luggage.
For example, the CHI Tech Travel Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is the most miniature tool on our list, while the Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Iron forgoes the cumbersome cord in favor of battery power and a rechargeable station.
Voltage
Anyone traveling internationally should always consider the voltage of a travel hair straightener. Most of these straighteners can be connected to international travel plug adapters, but we advise checking that your straightener can support the voltage range of the country you are visiting so you don’t break your hair tool or cause a fire. (For example, the average voltage in the U.S. is only 120 volts, while the standard in the United Kingdom and France is 230 volts, which is much stronger.) If your straightener isn’t dual-voltage, you may need a voltage transformer as well as the travel plug adapter to safely use it.
Temperature
Temperature range is one of the most important aspects of buying a new travel hair straightener. Thicker and coarser strands may need higher temperatures (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit), while those with fine or color-treated hair may need to use a low temperature not to sizzle their strands.
Materials
Lastly, it's a good idea to take note of the actual plates on a new travel hair straightener. The best plates are made from ceramic, titanium, or a mix of both.
Every straightener on this list is made from at least one of these materials to keep your strands safe and sound. To read more on titanium versus ceramic flat irons, plus a few tips on creating the sleekest hair with your straightener, take a look at our guides to full-size flat irons and flat irons for natural hair.
How We Chose
What's Included
Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, spent a seemingly infinite number of hours researching all things travel hair straighteners. After exploring the current crop of models available, she discovered eight standout options worth packing into your carry-on.
Despite their petite size, these mini flat irons pack a punch thanks to numerous noteworthy features like multiple temperature settings, universal voltage, and automatic shutoff. As a bonus, these selections start at just under-$10 and are sold at our favorite online shops like Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora.
What's Not Included
Saunders loves Drybar, but their lemon yellow travel hair straightener is sadly unavailable, so she removed it from the story. She's also a fan of hot tools from ghd, but to keep most of these picks budget-conscious, Saunders omitted featuring the ghd Mini Styler 1/2 Flat Iron.
Speaking of the price, this $8 lilac travel hair straighter on Amazon is $1 cheaper than our best budget pick. However, upon closer inspection, Saunders noticed that online reviewers say the small iron is convenient, but it gets overwhelmingly hot, making it uncomfy to style with. For an extra dollar, our best budget pick boasts more impressive specs, including temperature range and a higher average star rating from thousands of more reviewers.
Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch
This travel hair straightener is made by one of the most iconic brands in the hair tool industry, BaByliss, so you know it's going to be good.
Shoppers are enamored with this lightweight iron because it heats up fast and has a dual voltage power supply that will work internationally.
An Amazon reviewer was initially skeptical about its weight and small size, but quickly became a fan during a trip to Peru. “It is so light and convenient that I have reached for this instead of my pro one a few times since getting back from my trip,” admits the reviewer.
This gadget also has plenty of fans on Ulta, who agree it's compatible with all hair textures, including curly hair.
It has 1-inch titanium plates coated with ceramic to prevent frizz while making them sleek and sexy. The heat settings reach up to a steamy 440 degrees Fahrenheit, and its tiny build (it’s 6 inches in length total!) makes it easy to stow away in the tiniest of carry-on bags.
More: The Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Loved by Our Favorite Beauty Experts
Professional Ceramic Mini Flat Iron
A travel hair straightener for under $10 may seem impossible, but this teeny one is just as cheap as your lunch, if not cheaper! But don't let its price tag fool you — this travel hair straightener will give create glossy, sleek strands in seconds.
Its .5-inch ceramic plates heat up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit (there aren't any heat controls), and its superior heat distribution prevents frizzing without damaging your strands.
“All of my bang problems have been solved with this magical straightener,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I no longer look like a muppet every morning.” Other reviewers utilize this pocket-sized flat iron to smooth cowlicks and style their short hair.
Want even more bang for your buck? Some Amazon reviewers use this travel hair straightener to reseal their Color Street nail polish strips back in the original packaging.
Curling Iron + Mini Flat Iron
We know you want styling options, which is why we love grabbing this mini flat iron-curler hybrid. This flat iron has two temperature settings (355 and 430 degrees Fahrenheit), and it also features 3D floating ceramic plates that seamlessly glide through your hair without pulling or breakage.
"The round design on the outside makes it so you can get really close to your ears and scalp with no burns," says one Amazon reviewer, while others say it straightens their thick, curly hair in a single pass. Plus, many reviewers note the iron heats up after 15 seconds, allowing them to speed up their morning routine.
Going from straightening to curling has never been easier: simply clamp the flat iron around the hair and give it a half-turn so that your hair is in a U-shape. Then hold the straightener-curler duo in this position as you move it down the hair shaft, right to the ends. Et voilà! Bombshell curls in just a few minutes without the bulky curling iron.
Tech Travel Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
Don’t have even an inch to spare in your luggage? Say no more because this straightener from CHI is tiny enough to fit in the smallest crevices without pushing your stuffed suitcase to the brink. It’s as small as 4 inches long, and the ceramic plates are a slim, yet effective ¾-inch, making this pick the tiniest one on the list.
Its small stature isn't the only thing to get excited about: This straightener reaches a max temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit, has dual voltage for international travel, and the ceramic plates offer moist heat and a consistent temperature, creating perfectly straightened tresses for all hair types.
The plates also produce far-infrared heat and negative ions, resulting in a shiny, healthy, and beautiful mane. This is perfect for quickly correcting those areas before heading out the door.
Amazon shoppers, including one former hairstylist, say they love using this travel hair straightener to style bangs and smooth strands around their hairlines. And despite its small size, multiple reviewers say they use it to straighten their long hair.
Glider Hair Straightener
Saunders says HSI is a sleeper Amazon beauty brand that's worth looking into. Not only is this travel hair straightener well-loved, but the brand sells a limited-edition trio of mini hot tools for under $100. (Currently sold out).
Regardless, this is one travel hair straightener reviewers can't stop using, and after careful research, it became evident why this model is on point and worth buying.
The travel hair straightener has ultra smooth ceramic plates to glide through your strands evenly. Its temperature settings reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and it features dual voltage to use anywhere you're traveling.
HSI makes one of the most well-loved flat irons on Amazon (4.3-star average rating from nearly 81,000 reviews), so you know this travel option will also be impressive.
Speaking of the 72,600 positive Amazon reviews, shoppers also enjoy using this mini iron to touch up their hard-to-reach baby hairs quickly and effectively. “The BEST flat iron I’ve ever owned! It’s worth it to spend the extra money! I’ve had this flat iron now for about 3.5 months and I love it,” says a 5-star review.
Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron 1 Inch
Ugh, we know this is super expensive, but it's totally worth splurging on if you've got the funds. Or ya know, beg your favorite loved ones to pool their money together to treat you to a product that will last for years.
So why is Saunders enamored with this pricey travel hair straightener? Well, for starters, it was created by Harry Josh, the celebrity hairstylist to pretty much every actress and model with incredible, bouncy hair. (…cough… Gisele, Priyanka, and Karlie.)
Second, and most importantly, it’s cordless. “OK fine, it’s technically not a petite travel hair straightener, but the absence of a long, bulky cord has done wonders in saving space in my weekend bag. Each full charge equals 50 minutes of use, or about three styling sessions, plus a quick touchup for me,” says Saunders.
She continues that since it sports 1-inch floating plates coated with silver tourmaline, her hair doesn't tangle or snag during styling. "Instead, my hair is sleek and straight in less time even when using a lower temperature," she adds.
Tech Travel Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
Don't have even an inch to spare in your luggage? Say no more because this straightener from CHI is tiny enough to fit in the smallest crevices. It's as little as 4 inches in length, and the ceramic plates are a slim yet effective ¾-inch, making this pick the tiniest one on the list.
Its small stature isn't the only thing to get excited about: This straightener reaches a max temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit, has dual voltage for international travel, and the ceramic plates offer moist heat and a consistent temperature, creating perfectly straightened tresses for all hair types.
The plates also produce far-infrared heat and negative ions, resulting in a shiny, healthy, and beautiful mane. This is perfect for quickly correcting those areas before heading out the door.
Amazon shoppers, including one former hairstylist, say they love using this travel hair straightener to style bangs and smooth strands around their hairlines. And despite its small size, multiple reviewers say they use it to straighten their long hair.
SinglePass Compact Styling Iron
If you want to smooth your hair with an iron featuring ceramic plates, then consider this travel hair straightener. It may be slightly pricier than other straighteners on this list, but trust us — it’s worth every penny.
Saunders and celebrity hairstylists are major fans of T3's line of pretty pink and white hot tools. Aesthetics aside, online reviewers say it’s one functional travel hair straightener well worth the $90 price tag.
“This is a wonderful tool for those of you who desire consistent results, superior straightening, portability, and durability,” says one Amazon reviewer. Other shoppers say it's a great travel flat iron for natural hair. “The smooth plates make styling easy, so one pass should absolutely do the trick, even for super coarse and resistant hair like mine.”
The ceramic straightener features digital heating technology as well as beveled custom-blend ceramic plates for convenient speed-styling. This flat iron may be tiny, but it's also mighty: It's enhanced with an internal microchip that constantly measures and maintains even temperature across the entire plates for fast, uniform results without exposing hair to unnecessary heat.
NANOBLACK Defining + Detailing Mini Flat Iron
This is the one travel straightener that truly does it all. Create curls, waves, and shiny (not greasy) straight strands with ease by grabbing this goof-proof flat iron.
It features ¾-inch ceramic plates infused with soft-heat technology to deliver negative ions that instantly eliminate frizz and lock in moisture. The single heat setting and floating plates also adjust to your hair section's density for smooth styling without snagging or creasing.
But its rounded edges are the true stars of the show. This straightener's rounded body easily creates subtle bends, polished curls, and textured waves for gorgeous hair instantly.
“I absolutely could not style my hair without this small flat iron,” declares one Ulta reviewer. “The iron easily gives my bangs the shape I’m going for and I can straighten the hair around my bangs too.”
Other Ulta shoppers adore this pro-grade travel flat iron because it heats up to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for fast and effortless styling. It's also the sole iron on our list featuring a 30-minute automatic shut-off for added safety.
4-Piece Travel Set
Key Specs
Temperature Range: Hairdryer N/A; straightener 400 degrees Fahrenheit, no temperature controls; curling iron N/A
Voltage: Both dual voltage (110–220 volts)
Why settle for just a travel hair straightener when you can have a 4-piece styling set for less than $100? This travel kit includes one mini straightener, a mini blow dryer, a mini curling iron, and a hair clip, so you have full access to a top-notch hair routine no matter where you go.
The travel hair straightener has ultra smooth ceramic plates to glide through your strands evenly. Its temperature settings reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and it features dual voltage to use anywhere you're traveling.
HSI makes one of the most well-loved flat irons on Amazon (4.3-star average rating from nearly 81,000 reviews), so you know this travel option will also be impressive. Amazon reviewers also enjoy using this mini iron to touch up their hard-to-reach baby hairs quickly and effectively.
The travel hair dryer is super compact yet powerful, thanks to its 1,000-watt build. It's equipped with a miniature airflow nozzle and diffuser so you can smooth or curl your hair with a single tool.
We also can't forget about this standout curling iron. It sports a 3/4 to 1-inch tapered barrel for the most natural-looking curls. Plus, it utilizes infrared technology to prevent moisture loss while styling.
The Tiny Tress
As one of the most popular hair brands, it's no wonder Drybar's travel straightener earned high marks among Sephora and Amazon shoppers. Although it doesn't have a temperature control, reviewers say they can seamlessly straighten their manes in a single pass.
Get the best of both worlds with this mini hair straightener. It's a super-compact choice that'll fit in the teeniest of bags and allows you to touch up hard-to-reach roots, bangs, and flyaways at home or on the go.
It also reaches up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and its titanium-ceramic technology seals the cuticle for less frizz and tons of shine. Plus, it has infrared technology to heat hair from the inside out to help maintain healthy locks.
This straightener also features universal voltage and comes with a travel bag that doubles as a heat protection pad, so you don't burn anything while you're styling your hair.
STRAIGHT UP MINI Ceramic Straightening Brush
We love a good flat iron, but this straightening brush is also a great pick. Its tiny stature makes it easy to tuck into your luggage, and its impressive temp allows this ceramic-based straightening brush to glide through your hair with ease, creating glossy and straight strands in a single pass.
The STRAIGHT UP MINI boasts cool-tip bristles that prevent you from accidentally burning yourself. Amazon reviewers say the bristles are sturdy enough for anyone with thick and kinky strands. And the Instyler heats up fast and evenly, allowing reviewers to style their long manes in 20 minutes or less.
STRAIGHT UP MINI Ceramic Straightening Brush
We love a good flat iron, but this straightening brush is also a great pick. Its tiny stature makes it easy to tuck into your luggage, and its impressive temp allows this ceramic-based straightening brush to glide through your hair with ease, creating glossy and straight strands in a single pass.
The STRAIGHT UP MINI boasts cool-tip bristles that prevent you from accidentally burning yourself. Amazon reviewers say the bristles are sturdy enough for anyone with thick and kinky strands. And the Instyler heats up fast and evenly, allowing reviewers to style their long manes in 20 minutes or less.
You Might Also Like