The 8 Best Travel Curling Irons
Special Honors
Harry Josh Pro Tools 1.25-Inch The Harry Josh Pro Tools 1.25-Inch, which offers an adjustable heat control, is just right for nearly any kind of hair, from fine to thick. And because it has a 60-minute auto-shutoff feature and universal voltage, it offers peace of mind anywhere you go. harryjoshprotools.com
T3 Twirl Trio If you don't know what kind of waves you'll be in the mood for, and don't wish to pack a variety of curling irons, the T3 Twirl Trio is just the ticket. True to its name, it comes with three barrels of varying diameters, each with a smooth ceramic surface that gives you a shiny, frizz-free finish. t3micro.com
Dyson Airwrap Complete Anyone who follows a "go big or go home" philosophy will want to consider the Dyson Airwrap Complete, which comes with a range of accessories, from a soft smoothing brush to matched clockwise and counterclockwise barrels for symmetrical curls. It demands more of an investment than some smartphones, but it's an advanced styling tool that provides excellent versatility. dyson.com
Editor's Notes
May 20, 2020:
We know that a reliable curling iron can make or break a good hair day, so we've looked for models that you can count on anywhere you go. These include models appropriate for use in many countries thanks to dual voltage, including the Conair Travel Smart and the AmoVee Mini. The former is slightly larger than many travel-sized choices, but it's also more reliable than some, and at a wallet-friendly cost. For tight, spiral curls, the Herstyler Baby Curls is a great choice to consider; it doesn't have a clip, so it won't pull your hair, but you might find a heat-resistant glove helpful. We decided to remove the Vivid & Vogue 2 in 1 over concerns that it is both too small and not made to last over the long haul.
For something a little different from standard options, like the 6th Sense 2-in-1, we kept the Phoebe Heated Styler and added the CHI 3-Piece. The Phoebe styler is a round brush that heats up, so it's a useful tool for both curling or straightening, according to your preference. The CHI set includes a hair dryer and a straightener along with the curling iron, which gives you plenty of options on a day-to-day basis. It also comes with a carrying bag that buckles closed to keep everything safe and secure inside your weekend bag or suitcase.