Confession: When I was traveling often, I was always focused on looking good each and every day. I have hair that tends to tangle and curl, and I prefer a sleeker look. But once I was abroad, I discovered that different countries have different voltage requirements which meant I had to find a dual voltage flat iron.
The right dual voltage flat iron for you will depend on your travel style, your packing space, and how often you’re doing your hair on the go. To help with your research (and decision), we’ve taken a look at the best dual voltage flat irons for international travel options.
Our top pick overall is the CROC Mini Iron. This is an affordable model that’s still versatile enough to give you salon-quality results. At the same time, it’s compact enough to tuck into even the most overstuffed carry-on bags.
The Best Dual Voltage Flat Irons and Straighteners
CROC Baby Professional Mini Travel Iron
This CROC is a fun and funky travel iron! The fuchsia color wouldn’t be out of place in a professional salon and it’s designed for use with all types of hair. On top of the compact and efficient size, the iron has a capacity of heating to 430 degrees Fahrenheit.
The floating ceramic plates also emit negative ions, which is perfect for protecting your hair. Also included in the package is a heatproof carrying case, so you don’t need to worry about harming the other items in your bag.
What We Like:
- Best overall choice for travel
- Heats quickly to 430 F
- Rounded floating ceramic plates use negative ions to keep hair healthy
- Comes with a tangle-free cord and a heat-proof carrying case
- Salon-quality results in a compact travel size
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the most versatile option if you want a 2-in-1 iron and curler
Best overall
CROC Baby CROC Mini Travel Iron
5.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron
The first thing I notice about this straightening iron is the sleek design. I love the light blue color along with the informative packaging. It’s designed for short and medium hair, with floating plates that allow you to get close to your scalp and smooth strands all the way to their ends.
It will reach a temperature of 430 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for hair that’s too stubborn to straighten at temperatures beneath 400 degrees. There’s superior heat retention and an exceptionally smooth quality to the finished hair.
What We Like:
- Best for short hair thanks to great heat retention
- Titanium plates distribute heat evenly to prevent burning
- Negative ion particles reduce frizz and prevent damage
- Compact enough to fit in your purse
- Lightweight and easy to plug in
What We Don’t Like:
- No accessories included with the package
Best for short hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron
4.5
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
MHU Professional Mini Iron
I love this miniature dual voltage flat iron because of its construction. The ceramic floating plates are made from tourmaline, ensuring that your hair has a glossy texture without harming it. It’s also wonderful because of its ease-of-use.
Though the heat setting is non-adjustable, it will warm up to about 356 degrees Fahrenheit – the perfect temperature to keep your hair from becoming damaged. The non-slip grip was designed with professionals in mind, so it’s easy for you to use.
What We Like:
- Best reputation among professional hairstylists and beauticians
- Tourmaline ceramic technology creates glossy, silky hair
- Designed with a non-slip grip to make use easy and safe
- Quickly warms to 356 F
- Compact size is good for travel and for kids
What We Don’t Like:
- There’s only one heat setting, so it might not work on curlier and kinkier hair
Best reputation
Professional Travel Size 0.5 inch Mini Flat Iron Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Straightener Black
4.5
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
6th Sense 2-in-1 Mini Iron
Style your look with this awesome 2-in-1 travel hair straightener from 6th Sense Styling Technology! It heats to 374 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your hair is protected while it’s straightened.
The product is created with a traveler in mind, although you can also use it if you go to the gym or need quick touch-ups before important presentations. I’m also a huge fan of the cheetah print pouch that this styler comes in.
What We Like:
- Most versatile option when seeking a dual curler and straightener
- Includes a heat-resistant carrying case for quick storage
- One button push heats the device to 375 degrees
- Comes with a 2 year warranty and satisfaction guarantee
- Large enough to straighten long and thick hair
What We Don’t Like:
- 11 inches in length, so it’s not the most compact choice
- Doesn’t have multiple heat settings
Most versatile
6th Sense 2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron Curling Iron, Travel Hair Straightener
4.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
HSI Professional Iron
This is a great kit for people who want to invest in more than just a dual voltage hair straightener. The kit includes gloves, a pouch, and a travel-sized argan oil hair treatment. It’s important to take care of your hair after exposing it to heat, and the oil treatment is a perfect way of doing that.
This is the first generation flat iron, but there are updated designs available for people who want more comprehensive options.
What We Like:
- Best results on the coarsest and frizziest hair thanks to adjustable temperature
- 8 sensors regulate the heat distribution and prevent damage
- Smart technology adjusts so you can straighten your hair more efficiently
- Plating narrow enough to handle bangs while wide enough for longer hair
- Comes with a 1 year warranty, heat-safe glove, style guide, carrying case, and argan oil hair treatment
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the most compact option, so it may not work for those with limited space
Best results
HSI Professional Glider | Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener
5.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
Furiden Professional Flat Iron
This flat iron gets points for not looking like a traditional flat iron. You can use the directional switch to choose your ideal salon heat. It’s perfect because it’s a two-in-one straightener and styler, which means that your hair will be smooth and silky in less time.
The curler also heats in about fifteen seconds, so there’s no extended wait time or frustration. The balanced plates are designed to “float” over your hair and move when you do, so you won’t burn or damage your hair.
What We Like:
- Best quality design with the most advanced technology
- Directional switch lets you rotate between heat settings
- Heats in 15 seconds for more efficient straightening and curling
- 360-degree swivel cord and floating plates prevent snags
- Anti-tangle technology works better than a traditional curling iron
What We Don’t Like:
- High-tech design makes this a pricey choice, so it might not work for those on a budget
Best quality
Furiden Professional Flat Iron
4.5
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
FARI Travel Mini + Travel Bag
I love that this travel iron is available in multiple colors. The red gives a pop of color, while the purple is more laid-back. Standard black is sleek and professional. I also love that this iron comes with a travel pouch for easy storage and packing.
The plates distribute heat evenly over the strands of your hair, which helps to reduce the potential for damage. Also included is a non-slip grip that helps you comfortably and easily style your hair.
What We Like:
- Best model for frequent travel thanks to a compact bag
- Tourmaline plates allow for even heat distribution
- Non-slip, ergonomic grip is good for those with joint issues
- Rapid heating to 400 F
- 7-inch length can handle short and thin hair like a dream
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t have very versatile technology for different styles
Best for international travel
FARI Travel Mini Hair Flat Iron 1/2 Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener
4.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
xtava Iron Toolkit
This fabulous toolkit comes with two irons for double the styling power. Use the 1 inch straightener if you have large chunks of hair that need straightening, or the 1/2 inch iron for smaller waves and detail work.
The titanium construction is great because you know these irons will last for a long time. You also have full control over the temperature settings, ensuring your hair is always safe.
What We Like:
- Toolkit comes with a miniature and full-sized flat iron
- Small iron works for bangs, flyaways, and travel
- Large iron is great for long and thick hair
- Three temperature settings on the full-size model
- Includes thermal protection carrying bag for quick, simple storage
What We Don’t Like:
- Mini iron only has one temperature setting, so it might not fit all hair types
xtava Sleek and Shiny Flat Iron Toolkit
4.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
Wazor Mini Iron
This dual voltage flat iron is great because of its affordable price and warranty. It has a max temperature of 356 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures that your hair’s health is protected.
You should be certain that children don’t operate this flat iron by themselves, but the miniature size means that you can use it to straighten a child’s hair. It’s also perfect for traveling.
What We Like:
- One of the most inexpensive flat iron options, great for those on a budget
- Miniature ½ inch width is great for shorter hair
- Compact size allows for easier use during travel
- Tourmaline ceramic technology reduces frizz and prevents heat damage
- Includes a 2 year warranty and Velcro tie for storage
What We Don’t Like:
- Only heats to a single fixed temperature
- Doesn’t come with a travel bag or any accessories
Ceramic Mini Flat Iron for Short Hair, Dual Voltage Portable Hair Straightener
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
Phoebe Mini Travel Flat Iron
This miniature flat iron is barely longer than the palm of your hand, and it weighs less than 200 grams. There’s an additional lock on the handle that allows the straightener to fold compactly and makes it even easier to pack and store during your travels.
The design uses ceramic tourmaline plates that help to reduce damage from the heat. They produce negative ions that keep your hair from drying out, so your style stays healthy and smooth.
The mini design is built for those with short hair, or those who only want to iron their bangs. It’s too small to be practical when you’re working with long hairstyles.
What We Like:
- Most compact design thanks to the handle lock
- Hardly weighs anything, so it won’t be a strain on your luggage
- Ceramic tourmaline plate design helps reduce heat damage
- Heats to a maximum temperature of 430 F in just 30 seconds
- Great for straightening bangs and short hair
What We Don’t Like:
- Won’t work well with long hairstyles
Most compact
4.5
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener
This professional salon straightener comes with everything you need to take care of your hair. It’s been specially designed with a larger surface area than most irons, making it perfect for people with long or thick hair. In addition, it can work with all hair types and the combination of oils and metals in the plates reduces heat damage and static.
Another key quality is that this straightener is operated without using any buttons. You just rotate the end of the straightener to turn it on and switch to your preferred temperature. This helps with the overall compactness of the design. A digital LCD screen will show you which of the six precise temperature settings is being used.
With both straightening and curling, the iron’s angle automatically adjusts to keep from snagging the hair. Also included with the package are a travel bag, two hair clips, a comb, and a heat-resistant glove. The extra-long power cord is great for professional hairstylists. There’s even a hanging hook and Velcro straps included for custom storage.
What We Like:
- Professional kit has 2-in-1 technology for all hair types
- LCD screen can be programmed without touching any buttons
- Large surface contact area makes this best for long hair
- Smart sensor automatically calibrates to the right temperature
- Comes with accessories including travel pouch, heat-safe glove, clips, and comb
What We Don’t Like:
- Professional quality with a professional price tag to match
Best for long hair
5.0
$3,399.00
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02/18/2024 12:00 am GMT
Buying Guide for Travel Curling Irons
Portability
The portability of your curling iron should be one of your first considerations – fortunately, most travel irons are often built with portability in mind. Some models, such as the Phoebe Mini Iron, are compact enough that they can fit into your purse. Others come with heat-resistant carrying cases, which allow you to pack the electronics while they’re still hot.
Keep in mind where you’ll be using the iron most often. Will it be in hotel rooms? At rest stops? In the bathroom at formal events to touch up your hair? The more compact the design, the easier it will be to bring into different places.
Versatility
The versatility of your dual voltage straightener also makes a difference. As a general rule, the more versatile a model is, the more expensive the price tag will be.
There are a few factors that play into this. One is whether the iron can double as a curler. Models like the Nition Professional straightener are perfect for people who want to curl and straighten their hair using the same device.
Another factor is the size of the plates. If the plates are wide, they’ll be too big to handle short hair and bangs. Narrower plates like those used in the HSI Professional iron are best for those who mostly straighten flyaways and their bangs.
The length affects the amount of hair you can straighten at a time so if you have long or very thick hair, you’ll want to look for longer plates which will help you straighten more efficiently. Some longer models come with specialized compact travel cases to make them easier to bring in your luggage.
Durability
The durability of the device matters as well and it’s important to look for options that will stand up to the wear-and-tear of travel. You don’t want a dual voltage straightener that breaks because it was exposed to too much pressure in your suitcase (some models include travel bags included with special protective padding).
As for materials, look for ceramic and tourmaline designs. Not only are these extremely durable, but they prevent your hair from being damaged by the heat. Their use of negative ion technology helps your hair retain moisture, and the tourmaline ensures that there aren’t any uneven hot spots.
Accessories
Travel irons often come with accessories and the most common is a compact carrying case. Some are heat-resistant, like the one that comes with the 6th Sense 2-in-1 model. You can do your hair two minutes before your hotel checkout and put the iron away still hot!
Some kits also come with a heat-safe glove. That helps you feed your hair through the iron without needing to worry about burning your hand. Certain salon-quality models might include clips and combs.
There are also bonus items that might be included with certain packages. The HSI Professional comes with an argan oil treatment that’s perfectly sized for travel. It also has a style guide that teaches you how to achieve different hairstyles with the tool.
Dual Voltage Curling Irons FAQ
What is dual voltage?
Dual voltage means that a device can adapt to both 110 volt and 220 volt sockets. Most European sockets use 220 volts, while American ones use 110 volts. Without dual voltage capabilities, you’ll need a converter or you risk damaging your device when you plug it in.
Do I need dual voltage?
If you do a lot of traveling and want to maintain your hairstyle then a dual voltage straightener is a good idea. Different countries use different voltage levels for their electronics and most modern flat iron designs eliminate the need for a special adapter.
However, make sure you check the hair straightener voltage rating of the product you buy. If it’s only adapted for one outlet, you will need an adapter.
Can I travel with a flat iron?
Travel hair straighteners and flat irons are cleared to be brought on planes and trains. The TSA says that the models must be powered by electricity and the same rules apply to both flat irons and curling irons when it comes to packing.
Where can I use dual voltage flat irons?
Dual voltage flat irons can be used anywhere that has an electrical outlet. They work in Europe, Asia, the US, Africa, and South America.
Do I need an adapter to use a flat iron abroad?
That depends on whether or not you have a dual voltage model. With dual voltage designs, the flat iron will automatically adapt to whatever outlet you use. But with single voltage designs, you’ll need an adapter if you plan to plug the device into an incompatible outlet.
Are flat irons safe to travel with?
Flat irons are completely safe for travel and you can put them in your carry-on bag or checked luggage on planes without issue. Just make sure that you pack them carefully, so they aren’t potentially harmed while they’re jostled around during your travels.
Wrapping Up
I have another confession: my hair does often get neglected when I’m traveling. However, after not having a dual voltage flat iron when I needed it, I always bring a straightener with me.
If you’re going to travel, a dual voltage hair iron is a must. That’s the best way to keep frizz and other issues at bay.
Our top pick for the best dual voltage flat iron for Europe is the CROC Baby Professional iron. It’s easy to travel with thanks to its compact size, and it still produces salon-quality results.