As an anxious traveler, I like to think I’ve finally got my airport routine figured out. Between TSA PreCheck, my credit card that gets me into lounges for a snack and a mimosa or two, my lineup of travel-size beauty products, and luggage that actually sparks joy, I’ve got things running pretty smoothly.
Still, even I was caught off guard by a recent TSA update. As of August, the Federal Aviation Administration banned cordless hair tools—like straighteners, curling irons, and multi-stylers powered by butane cartridges or lithium-ion batteries—from checked luggage. They’re now only allowed in carry-ons because, if a battery or gas cartridge were to malfunction or overheat, flight attendants can access and contain the issue in the cabin—something that’s impossible if it happens in the cargo hold.
And if you do pack one in your carry-on, it needs a snug safety cover over the heating element and must be protected from accidentally turning on. You’ll have to do a little bit of research to figure out which cordless tools use butane cartridges or lithium-ion batteries, but two popular examples are the Dyson Corrale Straightener and the ghd Unplugged Cordless Styler, both of which the brands confirm contain lithium-ion batteries on their respective websites.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork (and the stress of potentially having your favorite tool confiscated at security), the good news is there are plenty of TSA-approved options that deliver salon-worthy results without breaking any rules. Ahead, I’ve rounded up eight editor- and reader-approved hair tools, from personal favorites to the internet's and more, that are TSA-approved both in your carry-on or checked luggage.
The Best TSA-Approved Hair Tools
- Best TSA-Approved Hair Dryer: Mane This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer
- Best TSA-Approved Multi-Styler: Dyson Airwrap™ Origin Multi-Styler
- Best TSA-Approved Hair Dryer Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
If you’re a maximalist when it comes to hair styling—and want one tool that does it all—the Dyson Airwrap might be your perfect match. It wasn’t exactly built with travel in mind, but it’s allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, and you certainly wouldn’t be the first to pack it. While it lacks dual voltage, it’s a solid choice for frequent domestic travelers who want to dry and style their hair with minimal heat damage. It’s not the most compact tool on the list, but it’s easily the most comprehensive: it dries hair from damp and comes with multiple barrels and brushes to create smooth, polished styles. The slim shape and separate attachments also make it easier to get creative with how you pack it.
Who It's For: Dyson devotees who want their full styling routine wherever they go
What I Love: Replaces multiple tools in one; Slim shape makes it easier to pack than bulkier options; Uses innovative airflow technology to help prevent heat damage
What I Don't: Does not support dual voltage
Review for MC: “I’ve owned the Dyson Airwrap for years (hence the throwback photo of my long hair from 2023, and the iPhone relic of it in my suitcase), and it’s ideal for anyone who refuses to downsize their styling routine on the go. When my hair was at its longest and thickest—before having a baby thinned it out and changed its texture—it was the only tool I reached for because it kept my strands free from heat damage. It was also the only one I ever traveled with.
Luckily, packing it isn’t so bad: the base is surprisingly slim, as are its attachments, so you can tuck each piece into your suitcase like a game of Tetris (a skill I’ve mastered out of necessity). Or, if you prefer order over chaos, there are plenty of travel cases that keep everything neatly compact.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa uses the Dyson Airwrap™ Origin Multi-Styler while traveling to minimize heat damage, stashing the base in her carry-on and the attachments in a slim bag.
Leave it to celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin to create a blow dryer that looks as good as it performs. This compact, travel-friendly tool has everything you need on the go: three temperature settings, two speeds, a "cool shot" button to set your hairstyle in place, and a lightweight design. It also comes with a wide-tooth comb, nozzle, and diffuser, so you can keep your hair looking just as good on vacation as it does at home.
Who It's For: Travelers who want a lightweight blow dryer that delivers full-size performance in a travel-friendly design
What I Love: Lightweight design (less than a pound!); Works with all hair textures; Adjustable heat settings
What I Don't: Some users find the attachments tricky to snap on and off
Review for MC: “I recently made the bold decision to test this blow dryer ahead of a Dallas Cowboys game that I definitely attended for the cheerleaders, not the football (sue me!). I was determined to replicate their impossibly bouncy hair after washing away my sad travel bun—and honestly, it delivered. Paired with a round brush, it left my hair sleek, shiny, and playfully bouncy—enough to make me want to cue up “Thunderstruck” and attempt a high kick. (Better that I didn’t.)" — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa uses the Mane This Totally Blows! Ionic Compact Hair Dryer with a round brush for bouncy blowouts that rival the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders'.
Spend even a few seconds scrolling through the reviews of this hair dryer brush, and you’ll quickly understand its cult following (assuming you haven’t already seen the countless TikToks showing how easily it replicates a salon-level blowout). The brand has released several versions of the tool over the years—all TSA-approved—but this one stands out for travel, thanks to its detachable brush head that saves precious space.
Who It's For: Anyone who loves a bouncy blowout and wants to achieve it with one easy-to-use tool
What I Love: Detachable brush head for easy packing; Sleeker, updated design; Great for adding volume
What I Don't: Some people find it excessively loud
Review for MC: “I’ve been obsessed with this blow-dry brush since it first launched in 2018, so naturally, I own every updated version that’s come out since. (I’m in it for the long haul.) The newest model features a removable brush attachment that makes it so much more convenient to pack—something I know fellow fans (or soon-to-be ones!) will appreciate.
I’ve convinced half my inner circle to get one, and just last week, my mom dusted hers off after a long break and called to ask why she ever stopped using it, saying her hair had never felt silkier." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa uses the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush to take her hair from damp to smooth, silky, and as bouncy—or natural-looking—as she wants it. (She went for a more natural finish here.)
Even if a hair tool checks the TSA-approved box, that doesn’t always mean it’s worth packing. That’s not the case with this compact, genuinely clever pick from BondiBoost. It tucks neatly into a petite travel case that barely takes up any room in your carry-on, and the interchangeable design lets you swap between a straightening brush and curling iron, so you’ve got styling options without hauling two full-size tools.
Who It's For: Anyone who wants a single, compact tool that can both curl and straighten hair on the go
What I Love: Two-in-one design (includes both a straightening brush and curling iron); Comes with a travel bag and heat mat; Dual-voltage compatible for international use
What I Don't: It has a fixed heat setting at 360°F with no option to adjust
Review for MC: "This hair tool nails everything a truly travel-friendly styler should: it curls and straightens (with separate attachments for each), has dual voltage for international trips, and comes with a compact case that makes packing it easy. When I first unboxed it, I actually said “aww” out loud because it’s that tiny and adorable. But don’t let the size fool you: I have thick hair, and this little powerhouse delivers the same curls, waves, and sleek finish I get from my full-size tools, just in a carry-on-friendly package." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Can we get a slow clap for the designers of this Curlsmith dryer? Traveling with a diffuser and dryer rarely feels convenient, but this one proves it can be done—and done well! The foldable handle makes it a dream to pack, and the brand didn’t stop there. It comes with a concentrator nozzle, a pic attachment, and a travel bag, plus a brilliant back stand so it can sit upright instead of flat on its side (a thoughtful touch that keeps it cool and off the counter between uses). It also boasts dual voltage, so it’s as ready for a Paris hotel bathroom as it is for your own.
Who It's For: Curly-haired travelers who want to dry and define their curls without frizz
What I Love: Heats up quickly; Shoppers say theirs has lasted over a decade and still works flawlessly; Available in black and pink
What I Don't: Doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature
Customer Review: "Holy moly. I am absolutely impressed. Everything works phenomenally. The size is great. You can fold it up real nicely and pack it away. Even though it's small, it works perfectly and dries my hair with ease. The diffuser is really a game-changer. I had never used one before, but I had seen them all over online. It's a total life-changer and a must-have for fellow curly-haired folk out there." — Amazon
I know plenty of travelers pack their full-size hair straightener, but there’s no denying that a mini version can really come in clutch, especially if you’re just touching up your bangs or giving your style a quick refresh. This one is the most popular on the market for its fair price, long-lasting quality, and evenly heated plates that deliver smooth, consistent results.
Who It's For: People who want straight, frizz-free hair while traveling light
What I Love: Heats up quickly; Shoppers say theirs has lasted over a decade and still works flawlessly; Available in black and pink
What I Don't: Doesn't have automatic shut-off feature
Customer Review: "Great quality and sooo practical! As someone who travels a lot, it is hard to bring hair tools that don't take up a lot of space. Buying this was life-changing! I even use it when I don't travel. It works just as well as a bigger flat iron and is easier to use because it is so light and compact. Overall, I definitely recommend." — Amazon
If you can’t choose between a curling iron and a flat iron, this clever multitasker means you don’t have to (at least, not until it’s time to style). The two-in-one tool pulls double duty as both a straightener and a curler, available in two sizes: the Standard for shorter hair and the Grande Styler for mid-length and longer strands. And while hybrid tools can sometimes feel gimmicky, this one’s anything but—it delivers sleek, shiny results with every pass, giving you endless styling options without weighing down your suitcase.
Who It's For: Anyone who’s always jumping between curly and straight styles and wants one tool that can do it all
What I Love: Works as both a flat iron and a curling wand; Has five temperature settings and cooling air vents; Shuts off automatically after 60 minutes
What I Don't: Takes some practice to master the two-in-one design
Customer Review: "I purchased this product because I travel a lot personally and professionally, and I was tired of having to pack multiple styling tools. I was skeptical that it would both curl and flat iron well but I was wrong! It did both fabulously and left my hair silky and shiny! The tool also has a built in fan that cools and protects hair, so I never felt like I was doing damage. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to streamline their routine. For reference, I have colored, long and textured hair. The tool was quick to heat up and it was also fast to use." — Amazon
Mermade is the brand to know for glossy waves, and its Double Waver is the unsung hero of travel styling. It’s not billed as a travel tool, but the compact design (and dual-voltage!) says otherwise. With two one-inch barrels, it’s lightweight enough to toss in your carry-on yet powerful enough to handle waves in minutes.
Who It's For: Those who love the modern glam-wave look and want a lightweight tool that makes recreating it on the road easy
What I Love: Anti-scald plates prevent heat on your face; Easy clamp-and-release design; Ionic ceramic plates lock in moisture and tame frizz
What I Don't: No feature to lock it while it's not in use
Customer Review: "I've always been intimidated by waver tools, but this one makes the process easy. The double-barreled heat up quickly, and just as quickly create a nice, smooth wave. My hair is somewhat short, but I have no difficulty. I like tools that have automatic shut-offs (this one does after 60 min), and are travel-friendly." — Amazon
What Are TSA Restrictions on Hair Tools?
So many of you have Googled “can I bring my straightener through TSA?” (and all the variations thereof), so here’s the simplified answer: As of August 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that cordless hair tools powered by lithium batteries or gas/butane cartridges are not allowed in checked baggage, only in carry-ons. On the flip side: hair tools with cords that plug into a wall outlet are totally fine in both your carry-on and your checked luggage.
What to Look For in a TSA-Approved Hair Tool
- Dual Voltage: If your travel plans involve crossing borders, dual voltage is quite literally a must. It lets you use your tools with international outlets—otherwise, you’re stuck relying on whatever the hotel or Airbnb happens to have on hand.
- Compact, Lightweight Design: It almost goes without saying, but space in your carry-on is precious. Look for sleek, travel-sized tools with detachable handles, foldable barrels, or easy-to-pack attachments and bases, so it’s actually realistic to bring alongside everything else you need.
- TSA-Friendly Features: Before you pack, double-check that your tool meets TSA requirements. Not to sound like a broken record repeating these guidelines, but for carry-ons, your hair tools must either plug in or have a removable lithium battery. Reminder: no butane or gas cartridges allowed. To find out what type of battery your hair tool uses, check the product label or specifications on the brand’s website (it’s usually listed under “power” or “technical details.). If your hair tool fits those requirements, make sure it has a snug safety cover over the heating element and is protected from accidentally turning on during travel
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
These TSA-approved hair tool picks come from a mix of personal testing, input from fellow Marie Claire contributors and editors, Reddit deep dives, retailer reviews, and more. Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca tested a handful herself.
