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Having the right voltage is crucial when you use electronics internationally, including your hair tools. Find out why the best travel hair straightener is a dual voltage flat iron, and check out our top picks!
Dual Voltage Flat Iron
Table Of Contents
A well-groomed mane adds the perfect touch to your carefully planned travel outfit. But when you’re on-the-go, your hair styling tools shouldn’t take up too much space in your luggage.
For ultra-sleek straight hair or soft waves, a dual voltage hair straightener will make all your vacation pics Insta-worthy.
Your styling tool shouldn’t force you to give up space in your suitcase. These travel flat irons and travel straighteners are perfect for when you’re ready to pack up your bag and head on your trip!
In this article, we’ll explain what a dual voltage flat iron is, why they’re beneficial for travel, and we’ll also recommend some of the best travel flat irons for your next trip!
What is the best travel straightener?
All of the 10 best travel straightener options listed in this post are compatible with international voltages to make it easier to take them anywhere in the world.
Dual Voltage Flat Iron Recommendations
Most Durable Travel Straightener
For a durable travel straightener that works with fine to coarse hair, the L’ANGE Hair Flat Iron is a step up. The advanced infrared heat technology has an adjustable temperature from 140°F to 400°F to work with all hair types. This dual voltage flat iron also comes with a 1-inch plate that’s wide enough for any hair length.
At 14 inches, it’s not the smallest travel flat iron dual voltage, but it’s a more compact option for heavy duty manes.
Best Travel Straightener for Short Hair
If you’re on the hunt for a smart style, the AmoVee Mini Flat Iron gives you salon quality results while you’re on vacation. For polished curls or a sleek straight hair, this dual voltage straightening iron is recommended for women with short hair.
If you’re looking for the best travel curling iron, read this post!
T3 Singlepass Travel Straightener
Most Luxurious Straightener
I’m not sure if we could call the T3 the best travel straightener, but it’s definitely the most luxurious option in our round-up and at the top of our wishlist, too! On the plus side, this travel flat iron heats up super quick, but on the down side, you can’t adjust the temperature setting. However, the high heat can help style your hair quickly and efficiently, which is a plus when you’re on the go! Also available in Nordstrom!
Try these three simple travel hair styles for long hair!
T3 Lucea 1-inch Professional Straightening & Styling Flat Iron
Best All-in-1 Flat Iron
If you can’t decide between a travel flat iron and regular straightener, the Lucea flat iron straightens hair beautifully and smoothly, plus its a styling iron powered by Rapid HeatIQ Technology. Besides straightening, it also curls and waves hair too, which gives you multi-looks to play with.
Up to 9 adjustable heat settings, ideal for coarse and natural hair types. The auto shut off function comes in handy if you tend to be forgetful with your styling tools! Also available in Nordstrom!
Use my free packing checklist so you don’t forget anything when you pack!
Best Mini Travel Straightener
Since most hair straighteners are large and heavy, the Conair MiniPRO is ideal for keeping your luggage at a minimum. The ceramic technology protects each hair strand without pulling and frying your hair. For short to medium hair, the 1/2-inch plates get close to the roots for a quick, effortless style, making it a great travel flat iron.
Learn to Pack Light Stylishly with my e-book!
Vanessa Pro Flat Iron for Hair
Most Stylish Flat Iron
Who says your travel flat iron can’t be cute? The Vanessa Pro flat iron in black with its Titanium plate is one of the best dual voltage flat irons to take traveling around Europe or anywhere else you may be headed. The adjustable temperature allows you to create styles quickly if you’re running late — guilty — and it even has an automatic shut-off system just in case!
Need to find ways to dry your hair quickly? Try these tips!
Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron
Most Portable Travel Straightener
For a quick and easy hair style, the ultra-portable Lovani flat iron is incredibly versatile and can be carried around in your purse with its heat-proof carrying case! The 7.1-inch travel flat iron offers a 2.76-inch ceramic plate to prevent your hair from excessive heat damage.
Looking for some cute summer hair ideas? Check these out!
Herstyler Straightening Flat Iron
Best Lightweight Travel Straightener
A lightweight travel straightener, the Herstyler Forever Travel Flat Iron has an ultra-fast warm up to 460°F with an adjustable temperature allowing you to manage your hair with ease. The compact 1.25-inch can be carried in your carry-on for easy traveling! This is one of the best dual voltage flat irons for international travel.
Find out which beauty products to pack or leave at home!
BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron
Best Ultra-compact Straightening Iron
For an ultra-compact travel flat iron that smoothes out frizz and fly-aways, the BaBylissPRO travel straightener includes a ceramic plate to prevent frying your hair. This dual voltage flat iron is about half the size of a regular straightener and only has one heat temperature to make your hair styling a breeze.
Read our ultimate guide to maintaining your hair while traveling!
AmoVee 2in1 Mini Straightener Curling Iron
Best 2-in-1 Flat Iron
If you’re looking for an easy-to-carry, 2-in-1 travel flat iron, the AmoVee 2in1 Mini Flat Iron Curling Iron includes a curling iron and a flat iron in one! The 365℉ to 420℉ temperature heats up in just a few seconds. The 1-inch tourmaline plate will give your locks a glossy, healthy look. It includes a sleek leopard print insulated carrying case.
We’d definitely agree that the best dual voltage flat iron is one that can multi-task, so this one gets two thumbs up! According to our readers is the best 2-for-1 straightener set.
Read about the best travel diffusers here!
Travel Straightener vs Travel Flat Iron
The terms “hair straightener,” “straightener,” and “flat iron” all mean the same thing — they are just words used by different countries. For example, in the US, we may use flat iron or hair straightener, but in the UK, they only use hair straightener. The terms all refer to a hair tool that is used to flatten or straighten hair with heat.
What Does Dual Voltage Mean?
Some electronics are designed so they can be used in different countries. This means they’ll be labeled as “dual voltage.” Dual voltage electronics have two options: 110-120V and 220-240V. They are ideal for travel because they are safe to use at home and abroad, too.
Some electronics, such as newer Macbooks and iPhones have dual voltage that automatically adjust in their destination. However, you may need to adjust the voltage manually by moving an external switch in certain items such as hair tools.
If your device isn’t dual voltage, you’re better off leaving it at home. However, most modern devices such as phones and laptops already have a dual voltage capability built in.
Dual voltage flat irons (or dual voltage straighteners), like the ones we have featured here, have two voltage options: 110-120V and 220-240V. They are ideal for travel, because they are safe to use at home and abroad, too.
Read our guide that explains how voltage converters and travel adapters work!
Why Do I Need a Dual Voltage Flat Iron for International Travel?
Voltage refers to electricity; different countries have different types of electricity. This means that your electronics are the same voltage as the country in which you bought them, so if you take them to another country, they may not work.
For example, in the US, we use 110-120V; whereas in Europe, they use 220-240V. If we plug our electronics into each other’s outlets, they can blow a fuse and stop working. In some cases, they can even fry your hair.
Visit this website for a full list of voltage by country.
Compass Rose International Travel Adapter
Your travel straightener needs to have two things in order to work in other countries:
- The correct voltage
- A travel adapter
Hair tools such as blow dryers, wands, curling irons, and your travel flat iron use a large amount of electricity, so it’s particularly important that they are used with the correct voltage.
Some travel flat iron options are designed so they can be used in different countries. This means they’ll be labeled as a “dual voltage flat iron.”
Travel adapter for travel straightener tools and other electronics:
Even if your hair tools are dual voltage, you still will need a travel adapter. A travel adapter enables you to plug your electronics, such as a travel flat iron, into international outlets. Not all countries use the same type of plug, so I recommend you buy an international adapter like this. Read more about the best travel adapter here.
Visit this power outlet guide for travelers to see a full list of plugs and outlets by country.
Best Travel Straightener to Use in the USA
If you’re from the US and traveling within the US, then you don’t need to have a dual voltage flat iron or travel straightener. However, you might want to save space by choosing a travel flat iron instead or one of the smaller options featured in the article.
If you’re traveling to the US from outside of the US, then you should use a dual voltage flat iron and make sure to switch to the 110V/120V before using it.
How to Choose a Travel Straightener for Europe
If you’re from the US and traveling to Europe, Asia, Africa, or the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, then a dual voltage flat iron is absolutely essential. If the one you use at home has the dual voltage feature, then you can also use it on your travels, too.
Remember to switch your travel flat iron to 220V/240V when you arrive to your destination!
Visit this website for a full list of voltage by country.
Where to Buy a Travel Straightener and Dual Voltage Flat Iron
You can buy a travel straightener or dual voltage flat iron in local beauty supplies or general stores such as Target. For premium options, Sephora and Nordstrom offer quality brands.
Personally, I love the convenience of Amazon since I have Prime, which includes free 1-2 day shipping, and free returns, too. They have a wide selection of travel flat irons for all budgets. You can click on any of the product names above to shop directly on Amazon.
Warning: a dual voltage flat iron will generally work in most countries, but travel blow dryers are a bit more complicated. Read this for more information.
What’s your favorite dual voltage flat iron or travel straightener? Please share in the comments below!
For more tips on travel hairstyles, please read these posts:
- Best Travel Hair Dryers
- How to Make Your Blowout Hairstyle Last for Days
- What’s the Best Travel Hat?
- Best Hair Products for Travelers with High Maintenance Manes
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We hope you learned which dual voltage flat iron is best for you. Please share this article with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
I have short-medium length thin hair. I have been looking unsuccessfully for a travel flat iron that has 1/2” wide or greater plates, is ceramic, ionic, dual voltage with adjustable temperature or maximum temperature of 375.
Do you know of a travel flat iron that has all of the characteristics I am looking for?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Linda, thank you for reaching out. The HSI straightener and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron have many of the features you are looking for including the adjustable temperature up to 410f, and ceramic plates. For more feedback about travel flat irons, I would recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and suggestions to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time on your travels! ?
is there a dual voltage straightener that is wider than 1″? my daughter’s hair is very thick and very long, she’ll be gone for 2 months and thinks she needs something a bit bigger. thanks,
Hi there, thank you for reaching out! The HSI Straightener featured on the article is great for heavy duty manes. For more suggestions, I would highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Sorry I could not have been of more help. Hope your daughter has an amazing time on her travels! ?
Can someone tell me the weight of the HSI flat iron? I have a dual voltage Chi with a one inch wide plate that weighs 13 3/4 ounces and is 10 1/4 inches at the longest point. I took it to Paris last March and it worked great with an adapter. I have short, thick hair. I’d love to find something more compact and lightweight if that’s possible, but will keep using the Chi if it’s not. Anyone have suggestions?
Hi Barbara, thank you for reaching out. Many of our readers rave about the products from BaByliss and the BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron weighs 9.6 ounces, the HSI flat iron appears to be heavier at 1.4 pounds. The MHD Mini Straightener is lighter weighing about 6.4 ounces. Hope this helps. Happy travels! ?
Do you have a suggestion for a dual voltage hot air brush?
Hi Nancy, several of our readers recommend CONAIR 2-1 Hot Air Brush: https://amzn.to/2Sdpcnj or the PHOEBE Hot Curler Hot Brush: https://amzn.to/2LQSnf0 I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question about dual voltage hot air brush: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. I hope this helps. Happy travels!
Best I have ever used is the Karmin
Hi Marcela, thank you for your sharing your recommendation! 🙂
Several of these that are listed as dual voltage actually are NOT dual voltage.
I bought the AmoVee straightener. Love it: lightweight, compact, comes with a heat-resistant pouch & glove.
Hi Robin, thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
This is an awesome resource. I have to have a straightener or else I fro out. Thanks for the tips!
Your dialogue says that there is switch on flat irons for changing the voltage.
I just bought a dual voltage Hot Tools Titanium flat iron, but there is no switch. Is that something new?
Hi Sue, sorry for the confusion. Some dual voltage products will have a switch. If they don’t, then it might be already be something that happens automatically such as with a Macbook.
How do I find out if my Ultra Chi flat iron is dual voltage? How do I find out the wattage? It is at least 12 years old. I could not find customer service number of Ultra Chi.
Hi Vikki, thank you for reaching. You could search for your flat iron brand online and look for the specific details for your appliance, or look at the flat iron itself and check that it is marked with a 100-240 volt notation. It might tell you on the tiny fine print on the plug end. If it says it’s 110-220 volts, then it is dual voltage. If it only says 110 volts or 220 volts (depending on the country you’re in), then it’s not dual voltage. Hope this helps answer your question! ?
Loved the suggestions-will definitely bring a flat iron instead of the curling iron on my next drip!
Glad you liked the suggestions Gloria!