9 Best Cosmetologist-Approved Travel-Friendly Curling Irons Of 2024
Your hair needs to be on point when you travel all across the globe, no matter the weather.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
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When you find the best travel curling iron for you, you can breathe a deep sigh of relief. We know how completely distressing it can feel to have hair that demands high maintenance when you have also got a lot of traveling to do. Packing light should never have to come at the expense of your hair styling needs. And you also should never have to stress about luggage space and think about leaving your curler behind. Curls are beautiful and they are every bit worth the extra effort.
That’s why we have picked out the top 9 travel curling irons that are a breeze to pack and carry around, no matter where your journey takes you.
In This Article
9 Best Travel-Friendly Curling Irons For People On The Go
1. Best Compact Design:6th Sense 2-in-1 Mini Flat Iron/Curling Iron
This compact titanium curling iron is every traveler’s dream styling tool. The 11-inch hair curler works both as a mini flat iron and hair curler. All you need is a plug adapter of the country to which you are traveling, and it gets the job done in a simple push-button. With no hassle of multiple temperature settings, it heats up easily to 374°F, causing minimum heat damage. The hair curler also comes with a stylish case that you can pop into your luggage or handbag. Plus, the mini curling iron with a lightweight design can handle voltages anywhere between 110 to 240V.
Pros
- One heat setting
- Heat resistant case
- 2-in-1 flat iron/curling iron
- Easy to use
- Comes in 2 different colors
Cons
- Need to purchase a separate plug adaptor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,086 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Sleek Hair:AmoVee 2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron
Looking for the best hair curler in the market? This 2-in-1 mini curling iron can be used for curling or straightening your locks with ease. It is a great tool to style the nape section as well as for bangs and face-framing. The hair curler helps you achieve super sleek hair or gorgeous curls with the push of a button. The titanium barrel instantly and evenly heats up saving you precious time and protecting your hair from heat damage. The 360° swivel cord makes it easy to twist and turn the device to create the desired curls or waves. The dual voltage (100-240 AC) travel curling iron requires a plug adapter and comes in a beautiful carry bag. This video review of the tester’s experience will help you understand the product more closely.
Pros
- 360° swivel cord
- Great packaging
- Useful for keratin treatments
- Instant heating
Cons
- Plug adaptor not included
- No auto shut-off feature
Pro Tip3. Best Quick-Heating Power:Travel Smart by Conair MiniPRO 1-inch Ceramic Curling Iron
Finding the best hair curler doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling task. This mini curling iron with ceramic plate is the perfect hair curler to have in your bag for quick touch-ups on the go. The curling iron features a sleek stylish design with a 356° F and dual voltage settings. The curling iron is ideal for fine hair and long thick hair as well. It reaches a stabilized heating temperature within 30 seconds and is compact making it an ideal choice everywhere you go. The travel curling iron would easily fit into your bag or purse, taking up very little space.
Pros
- Tiny
- Sleek design
- Heats up within 30 seconds
- 356°F temperature setting
- Ideal for all hair types
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This compact curling iron is a good companion for travel. It offers the convenience of easy packing and dual voltage for international trips. It heats up quickly and is very effective for basic styling of short to medium hair. Its small size and singular temperature setting are helpful for a fuss-free styling experience."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,800 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
4. Best For Minimal Damage: Revlon Perfect Heat Curling Iron
The Revlon Perfect Heat Curling Iron has a barrel size of 1 ½ ” that helps you create relaxed curls and waves. The barrel is crafted with a triple ceramic coating that provides even heat distribution and helps minimize heat damage caused due to over-styling. The curling iron also provides complete styling flexibility with its 30 heat settings up to 400° F. The ergonomic curling iron has a 3-second on/off button to prevent accidental turnoffs. The improved thumb rest prevents your fingers from getting strained after styling for a long time. In addition, it comes with an automatic shut-off mechanism and a built-in counter rest. Moreover, its dual voltage facility allows you to use it everywhere. Check out how to use this hair styling tool in this video. According to multiple positive reviews on Amazon, this tool is a great buy!
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Variable heat settings
- Long-lasting effect
- Auto shutoff facility
- Dual voltage facility
- Improved thumb rest
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to grip cool tip
- Value for money
Cons
- Not durable
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 10,233 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best Heat Protection:VAV 2 In 1 Hair Straightener And Curler
If you need to straighten or curl your hair while on the go, this 2-in-1 hair styling tool is one of the best hair curlers out there in the market. The ceramic barrels offer fast heating so that you can get the job done without exposing your hair to extreme heat. The curling iron also comes with a front cover that makes it really easy to carry out in your bag. It features an auto shut off system and a 360° swivel cord. It is one of the best curling irons for fine hair as well as thicker hair. Multiple reviewers state that this tool for curly hair is absolutely easy to use and carry around on vacations and offer excellent heat protection.
Pros
- 360° swivel cord for easy styling
- Protective handle to avoid burns and injury
- Magic rotate switch
- Auto shut off feature
Cons
- Need a plug adapter for countries other than the US
"This stylizing iron has been a constant in all my travels and is quite handy for someone on the go. It heats up quickly and does the job well. It's great for travel with dual voltage compatibility, though getting the hang of the switch mechanism can be tricky at first. It has a durable lifespan too."
Quick Tip6. Best For All Hair Lengths: DAN Technology Mini Titanium Curling Iron
The DAN Technology Mini Titanium Curling Iron features nano-titanium plates and PTC heating technology. These plates distribute heat evenly to limit thermal damage. The curling iron has a fixed 450°F temperature. It is only 10 inches long, making it easy to fit into a small storage space. It also has an anti-scald tip to prevent the risk of accidental burns while you style your hair. Additionally, the 5.9 ft 360° rotating cable provides flexibility to let you create the curls of your dreams. It also has a push-type switch button that makes it super easy to use. Plus, it has a dual-voltage facility, so you can use it anywhere in the world. It also features an anti-scald tip and bracket for optimum safety. According to reviews, people experience a great value for the price with this heat styling tool.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Dual Voltage facility
- Anti-scalding tip and bracket
- Switch indicator light
- 360° swivel cord
- Compact
Cons
- Gets too hot
7. Best For Smooth Finish:FURIDEN Mini Curling Iron
Style your hair into beautiful curls and waves or a sleek straight look with the FURIDEN Mini Curling Iron. It has two temperature settings, 355℉ and 430℉, and has dual voltage. This 2-in-1 straightener and curler have 3D floating ceramic plate material that glide smoothly over your hair to give you a frizz-free and smooth look. In addition, the mini hair curler features a 60-minute auto shut-off function. Moreover, the universal voltage of 100 to 240 volts allows the curling iron to be used worldwide. It is 9-inch long which makes it perfect for carrying in a large makeup pouch. The reviewers shared that the product works wonderfully on short hair and wavy hair as well and delivers beautiful curls.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fat heating in 60 seconds
- 2-in-1 flatiron/curling iron
- 6 ft swivel cord
- Rotary switch
- Includes heat-resistant gloves
- Lock function
Cons
- Might not be effective on short hair
"Nothing like a mini hair straightener that does the job and also fits in your compact luggage. It is small but power-packed and offers sufficient heat for effective styling without causing burns. The dual temperature control is a practical feature for preventing heat damage and the control buttons are fairly simple."
8. Best For All Hair Types: CHI Air Ca1038 Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron
The CHI Air Ca1038 Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron has a 1.5″ smooth tourmaline ceramic barrel that will give your curls a smooth, static-free finish that lasts all day long. The curling iron is powered by the latest negative ions and is made with infrared technology that provides exceptional shine to your hair. Additionally, the iron has an LCD display for temperature control and one-hour auto shut-off feature for your safety. It also comes with a free thermal mat where you can keep the iron to let it cool down. It also features a dual-voltage mechanism and is designed with a 9 ft swivel cord length for flexible styling.
Pros
- Non-stick ceramic surface
- Heats up quickly
- Adjustable heat settings
- LCD temperature control screen
- 360° swivel cord
- Dual voltage facility
- Comes with a thermal mat
Cons
- Some may find it too large for their hair
"This tool really works well on my long, frizzy hair. The barrel size caters well, creating smooth, large waves swiftly without any unpleasant snagging. It also gives a glossy finish for that fresh-from-the-salon look."
9. Best Ease Of Use:Remington Pro Advanced Collapsible Curling Wand
The Remington Pro Advanced Collapsible Curling Wand is equipped with advanced thermal technology that offers optimized heat levels to prevent your hair from damage and keep your hair health intact. This device heats up to 400℉ to give your soft perfect curls for an effortless style. It is an ideal pick for women on the go as its collapsible barrel takes less space and fits easily in your makeup pouch. In addition, the curling wand comes with a cool tip that helps in quick cooling and easy styling.
Pros
- Collapsible barrel
- Worldwide voltage
- Easy to use
- Quick heating
Cons
- No hanging loop
"The compact design and rapid heat-up are major benefits of this iron. It's the perfect on-the-go styling partner for my travels. It also offers a no-fuss, single-temperature setting, which might be an issue for fine hair styling. It's a good choice for travel-ready hair care."
Cosmetologist, Lindsay Loo, says, “Having the option to travel with your curling iron is a game changer however, be mindful that if you purchase a more compact aka smaller size and style, this is not intended to be used as an all-over styler. The smaller they are, they are meant to be used as a “detailer”; a refresher.”
Infographic: Best Features In A Travel-Friendly Curling Iron
There are many people who look for portable curling irons to keep their hair prim and proper while vacationing. The best travel-friendly curling irons are not only feature-rich but also ensure convenience, portability, and versatility. Check out the infographic below to learn more about what features to look out for.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Curling irons are essential even when you are traveling. There are many lightweight and portable curling irons that can fulfill your hairstyling requirements. The 6th Sense 2-in-1 Mini Flat Iron/Curling Iron is a versatile tool that can be used for curling or straightening. Those concerned about hair damage can use the CHI Air Ca1038 Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron which minimizes any potential hair damage. Travelers might prefer the Remington Pro Advanced Collapsible Curling Wand for ease of use due to its convenient collapsible design. The best part about these curling irons is that they do not cause any heat damage. Moreover, many curling irons come with adjustable heat settings that can help you customize the heat effect as per your convenience. The 360 degrees swivel cord in these devices make it easier for you to use the gadgets with as many turns as needed while curling. However, you should avoid curling irons that don’t come with the auto shut-off feature.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Haircare enthusiast Kirtana Divakar likes to help her readers purchase the most impactful haircare items. To this end, she conducted thorough research and compiled a list of the best travel curling iron for her readers. These items in the list are very easy to carry, giving you impressive results. You can get your desired looks wherever you are with these products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a curling iron to Europe?
Carry a dual voltage curling iron and a plug adapter to ensure that your heating tools work right in Europe.
What kind of curling iron can I use in Italy?
Carry a dual voltage curling iron or one that can work on 230V or a suitable plug adapter to use in Italy.
Does my curling iron need a converter during vacation?
Yes. Along with a power converter, you might also need a universal plug adapter on your vacation abroad.
Will my curling iron work in Mexico?
If it is a dual voltage curling iron or can work with 127 Volts and comes with an appropriate power adapter, only then it will work in Mexico. Otherwise, you will need suitable accessories.
How do you travel with a curling iron overseas?
Carry a suitable power adapter and a dual voltage curling iron if you are going overseas. Make sure to check the airline guidelines for specific instructions on what you are allowed to carry in your luggage.
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