Top 5 Hair Dryers for Travel: Expert Picks for Healthy Locks
When it comes to travel, maintaining your hair’s health and style can be a challenge. Without access to your usual styling tools, such as a hair dryer, curler, or straighteners, it’s easy to end up with frizzy, unkempt hair. For those who often travel with just a cabin bag, finding the right travel-sized hair dryer is essential.
One of the most popular options on the market is the GHD Flight travel hair dryer. This compact model promises to deliver powerful performance while being lightweight and easy to carry. With 78% of the power of a full-size hair dryer like the GHD Helios, yet 49% lighter and 25% smaller, this model is designed for those who want to maintain their hair care routine without the hassle of bulky equipment.
The GHD Flight also comes with a foldable handle and a stylish travel case, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers. Priced at £79, it offers good value for money, especially when compared to other premium models like the Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer, which costs significantly more.
How We Test
When testing beauty products like hair dryers, we use them exactly as we would in our daily routines. This includes washing our hair, brushing it out, and drying it using the same techniques we’d apply at home. During the testing process, we pay close attention to several factors:
- Drying speed – How quickly does the dryer work?
- Power – Does it have enough strength to dry hair effectively?
- Frizz control – Does it leave hair smooth and frizz-free?
- Comfort – How does it feel in the hand during use?
- Ease of use – Is it simple to operate and adjust settings?
We also compare it to similar products from other brands, such as Shark or Dyson, to ensure that our review is comprehensive and informative.
First Impressions
From the moment you hold the GHD Flight, it’s clear that this is a suitcase-friendly tool. It’s light, compact, and fits easily into an overnight bag or suitcase. The folding feature adds to its convenience, allowing you to save space when needed.
The size of the GHD Flight is a major advantage. At 25% smaller and 49% lighter than the full-size GHD Helios, it’s one of the most compact hair dryers available. The foldable design makes it even more practical for travel.

Attachments and Settings
While the GHD Flight offers excellent performance, it does lack some of the attachments found on full-size models. As someone with curly hair, I was hoping for a diffuser, but the dryer still managed to produce smooth, frizz-free results. A friend with straight hair also gave it a try and was pleased with the outcome.
Hair Drying Speed and Power
Despite its compact size, the GHD Flight delivers impressive power. It has two speed settings, allowing users to adjust the heat and airflow as needed. I was able to dry my hair in about 10 minutes, which is remarkably fast for a travel-sized dryer.

Smoothness and Damage
One of the key factors I look for in a hair dryer is how well it controls frizz. The GHD Flight performed exceptionally well in this regard, leaving my hair smooth and frizz-free. The curls also lasted for three days, which is great for those who don’t want to wash their hair every day.

Value for Money
At £79, the GHD Flight is a relatively affordable option for a premium hair dryer. While GHD isn’t always the cheapest brand, this model offers excellent value, especially when compared to other high-end models like the Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer, which costs nearly three times as much.
How Does It Compare to Similar Products?
Other popular premium travel hair dryers include the Drybar Baby Buttercup travel blow dryer, priced at £125. While it’s slightly more expensive, it’s still a strong contender in the market. For a detailed comparison, you can read our full review of the Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer, which is more compact than the standard model but equally effective.

How Does It Rate Online?
On the GHD website, the Flight model has a 4.6/5 rating, which speaks to its popularity among users. One customer wrote, “Fantastic powerful, lightweight hairdryer. Compact with a great wee case big enough to accommodate all the brushes I need.” Another reviewer added, “Great little hair dryer, as powerful as my normal hairdryers. Nice little case, making it easy to travel with.”
Why Trust Us?
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers has years of experience reviewing and writing about a wide range of products, including travel and beauty items. Our reviews are honest, impartial, and provide a well-rounded perspective on the products we test.
FAQs
Is the GHD Flight and Travel Hair Dryer Worth It?
Absolutely! This is a great budget-friendly travel tool that is easy to bring with you on holiday. Whether you’re traveling with a cabin bag or looking for a compact alternative to your regular hair dryer, the GHD Flight is a solid choice.






