Nothing says “I’m going on vacation!” quite like the buying of a travel hairdryer. If you analyze it closely (and yes ladies, I’m kind of looking at you right now) you don’t really need one. It’s not like your everyday hairdryer couldn’t comfortably fit into just about any suitcase or rucksack on the planet. But maybe that’s not the point. Like over-expensive designer sunglasses and ridiculous sandals you will only ever wear once, it’s just part of the “get-away feel good factor.” We’ve picked our current favourites:
Cutest
Corioliss Mini Vintage Travel Dryer UKMVF Floral, $49
This small but perfectly formed dryer, with its retro styling and super-cutesy floral livery (very Kath Kitson) had the females in the office swooning. It is very good looking. Luckily it also performs. Some weird technology means the 88 watt motor pushes through more air than it should and drying is, ahem, a breeze. It’s dual voltage, comes with pouch, strap and concentrator, but mainly it comes in three brilliantly pretty designs.
Best combo
VO5 ‘On the Go’ Twin Pack, $58
This straightener/dryer combo is teeny and designed specifically for travel. Either item might comfortably fit in a handbag, though both might be a squeeze. The dryer claims to have MaxAir Technology with a ceramic/tourmaline coating on the grille which produces ions for added shine. In truth it’s a bit under-powered for everyday use. The mini straightener on the other hand works fantastically well.
Smallest
Opal London Hairdryer To Go, $29
Now this really is small. At 11 cms long it is almost dwarfed by the plug. It’s also very pink. The handle has a three-position power switch, two position voltage dial and the mains power cable, and it folds flat. It all packs into little cotton drawstring pouch which could feasibly fit in your jeans pocket. It will dry your hair pretty effectively while taking up no more space than your Blackberry.
Least claim to be a ‘travel’ hairdryer
Remington Style D5005 Compact Diffuser 2000, $29
Okay, it’s slightly smaller than its average domestic equivalent but it’s pretty hard to see how it qualifies as a ‘travel’ hairdryer. That said, it’s a very competent performer and boasts 2000 watts — unheard of in most travel dryers. Remington also throw in a diffuser and concentrator, which is nice but it’s all extra baggage space. A neat touch however is the True Cold Shot button which gives a blast of cool air.
Best-seller
Sassoon Limited Edition Green VS526LEUK1 Travel Hair Dryer, $29
This dryer is currently a big favourite on Amazon and with good reason. It’s compact (rather than small), powerful (with 1800 watts at its disposal) and has two heat and speed settings, folding handle, and a cool shot button. Perhaps more winningly it comes in a range of ‘pop art’ colours. A sound choice. Dual voltage, storage bag and travel adapter.
