A dual voltage curling iron can work with multiple voltage types and is a smart investment when considering future international trips.
However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to travel curling irons. The right one for you will vary depending on how much room you have to pack, what factors affect your travel lifestyle, and how often you need to do your hair on the road.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best dual voltage curling iron options on the market. Whether you’re looking for the occasional casual waves or a more involved formal look, there’s something here for everyone.
Do I Need Dual Voltage?
The standard voltage of electricity will vary from country to country and a dual voltage curling iron will help ensure that it will work in whatever country you are styling in.
While it’s possible to buy a curling iron when you arrive, the easiest solution is to just travel with dual-voltage hair tools to just avoid the hassle altogether.
That said, if you are traveling internationally, you may also need to consider purchasing a power adapter, especially if you are headed to Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and some parts of Africa.
The Best Dual Voltage Curling Irons
Conair 1” Travel Smart Ceramic Curling Iron
This 1-inch ceramic curling iron features a ceramic-coated barrel with an even-heating design that prevents potential hair damage. The uniform heat recovery aspect can automatically restore the barrel temperature, and the heat shield allows easy and safe storage.
This dual voltage curling iron heats up in just 30 seconds and comes with 30 unique heat settings, making it perfect for any type of hair. You can use it to create beautiful curls that last all day, or to tame frizzy hair and increase your overall shine.
What We Like:
- Best overall curling iron with 30 temperature settings
- Heats in 30 seconds
- Heat shield makes storage safe
- Uniform recovery restores the barrel temperature automatically
What We Don’t Like:
- May be tough to use with very long hair
Revlon 1 ½” Curling Iron
This Revlon dual voltage curling iron is designed for women who want loose curls and natural-looking waves. The 1 1/2-inch barrel will add bounce and volume to flat hair, without curling it too tightly. A triple ceramic layer coats the barrel to prevent frizz and potential damage.
With a high heat of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 separate heat settings, you can use this curling iron for a multitude of hair textures and purposes. There’s an auto shut-off feature for your safety, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to power it down.
What We Like:
- Best reputation from hairstylists and beauty gurus
- 30 temperature settings
- Triple-coated ceramic barrel does less damage to hair
- 400 Fahrenheit high at a constant temperature
- Long-lasting results
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited ability to do different types of curls
Hair Curling Brush
This unique product is a combination of a hairbrush and a curling iron. It’s designed to fold to 5.2 inches, so you can carry it in your purse while you travel. The 360-degree rotatable cord helps avoid wire twining.
The curling iron will heat in just one minute, while the anti-hot design keeps the hairbrush comb teeth from overheating. The silicon tips protect you from potentially burning your fingers, while the anion produced helps to remove static electricity from your hair.
What We Like:
- Most compact thanks to folding design
- Heats in 60 seconds
- Brush included to help detangle and curl hair simultaneously
- Anion production keeps hair from drying out
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be frustrating to use with naturally wavy hair
xtava Hair Curling Wand
The barrel design of this dual voltage curling iron by xtava has a unique oval shape, making it a favorite on the list. You can use the larger barrel to create natural-looking waves and increased layers of volume, while the smaller barrel is great for ringlets and defined curls.
You’ll get three ceramic-coated barrels in sizes of 0.5 to 1 inches, .75 to 1.25 inches, and 1 to 1.5 inches. No matter what hair texture you have, one of the 22 temperature settings will suit you and there’s even an LCD display that shows your exact temperature. In addition, you’ll receive a heat-resistant travel case and a 2-year warranty.
What We Like:
- Best results when looking for beach waves
- 22 temperature settings from 200 to 410 Fahrenheit
- Comes with travel case and heat-resistant glove
- Easily readable LCD settings display
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the best option for those who don’t like wand curlers
Amovee 2 in 1
This is a great curling iron that combines with a flat iron for women who like to change up their hairstyles. You only need to press one button to shift from straightening to curling settings. The ceramic-coated barrel heats evenly, preventing potential hair damage. Meanwhile, the flat iron uses tourmaline for zero pulling or sticking.
The iron emits negative ions while working, which eliminates frizz and increases shine. You can use the swivel cord for portable convenience, while the fast heating saves your time and energy. There’s also an included 18-month warranty for additional peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Best quality 2-in-1 straightener and travel curling iron
- Switches between straightening and curling with one button
- Comes with carrying bag for travel
- 360 degree swivel cord makes maneuvering easy
What We Don’t Like:
- Travel bag isn’t heat resistant, so you have to wait for the iron to cool before storing it
Herstyle Baby Curls Mini
With a tapered barrel ranging from .75 inches at the base to .50 inches at the tip, this dual voltage curling iron is perfectly suited for classic curls. Since the iron is tapered, the curls will look natural and last longer than one day.
Like many of the other irons, the ceramic design will disperse heat evenly. The iron also releases negative ions to smooth frizz, reduce static, and prevent splitting and damage. The portable, lightweight design is an added bonus for people traveling.
What We Like:
- Best for short hair
- Tapered mini curling iron for tight curls
- Works with all types of hair
- Ceramic barrel protects the hair from heat damage
- Lightweight for carrying in a purse
What We Don’t Like:
- Not good for looser curls or waves
Bed Head Spiral Curling Wand
Bed Head offers another unique barrel design with its 1-inch spiral barrel. The tourmaline and ceramic technology help to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair. You can use this curling iron if you want springy curls with a lot of volume.
Also included is a heat protection glove and a 6-foot, tangle-resistant swivel cord. At its highest temperature setting, the curling iron clocks in at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check out the video Bed Head offers on Amazon to see the finished look.
What We Like:
- Best spiral wand for springy curls
- Tourmaline and ceramic barrel reduces frizz and damage
- Heats up to 400 Fahrenheit
- Heat protective glove included with package
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the best option for waves
Bed Head Tapered Curling Wand
Another fabulous Bed Head product, this curling wand comes with a tapered construction. Wrap your hair around the bottom to create tight, silky curls. The top is ideal for adding layers of volume and waves to your hair.
You can reduce your frizz and increase shine with the tourmaline and ceramic technology and the iron comes with a bonus heat protection glove plus a 6-foot, tangle-resistant cord.
What We Like:
- Best for long hair that needs volume
- Creates volume on top with tighter curls at the bottom
- Tourmaline and ceramic barrel for lighter frizz
- Heat protective glove included
- Instant heat recovery feature
What We Don’t Like:
- May not be the best for thick hair
Mini Flat Iron for Hair Travel
This miniature flat iron is a solid choice for anyone looking to save space. It tucks away compactly inside your luggage and the combined curling and straightening functions eliminate the need for a separate straightener. You only need to push one button to switch between the modes!
This is one of the fastest-heating options on the list, reaching temperatures of 450 F within just 30 seconds. The straightener can take care of frizz, while the curler gives you soft, shiny curls. A 360-degree swivel cord makes it easy to work in small bathroom spaces, so it’s great for people doing their hair on the road.
What We Like:
- Portable 2-in-1 flat iron and curling iron
- Heats to 450 Fahrenheit within 30 seconds
- Tourmaline and ceramic technology protects hair
- Heat resistant glove included
What We Don’t Like:
- Relatively limited uses with different styles
Alure Three Barrel Curling Iron Wand
The Alure curling wand is one of the only models that comes with multiple barrels, allowing you to achieve professional-level results faster. Also included is a crimping iron, which makes it easy to get stunning waves. The barrel design reduces natural frizz, so the curling iron is great for every hair type.
There are also several convenience features that make this an ideal investment. The LCD display shows you the temperature and different settings in an easily-readable format. Like several other models on the list, a 360 degree swivel cord allows for simpler styling with travel on the go.
What We Like:
- Fastest curling thanks to the triple-barrel design
- Works on all types of hair without creating frizz
- Heats to 410 Fahrenheit in 60 seconds
- LCD display shows temperature and settings in real time
- Lifetime warranty included
What We Don’t Like:
- Triple-barrel design can be cumbersome, especially with short hair
5 in 1 Professional Curling Iron and Wand
This is the most versatile option on the list, designed for professional hairstylists. If you work with all different styles and types of hair, this dual voltage curling iron has everything you need. It’s perfect for achieving whatever specific formal or informal look you want and you can get everything from tightly defined curls to casual waves.
Instead of having a cold tip, each wand heats evenly across its entire surface. This allows you to curl more hair at once. The package also includes a heat-resistant glove for safety, plus a stylish carrying case. You can set the iron to nine different temperature settings, and the LCD screen displays all the information you need.
What We Like:
- Most versatile iron for achieving different curl looks
- 5 different tourmaline and ceramic barrels
- 9 temperature settings controlled through LCD screen
- Heats between 250 and 410 Fahrenheit
- Includes a 2 year warranty plus a money back guarantee
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be an overwhelming amount of accessories, especially if you have just one singular look
Buying Guide for Travel Curling Irons
Portability
Portability is a must where traveling curling irons are concerned. If you’re going on a trip, you have to consider how much room your accessories will take up in your luggage and if you need the curling iron on the go, you’ll want a compact option that can fit in a purse.
Some travel curling irons come with their own carrying bags for increased portability and models like the Hair Curling Brush are extra compact because of their folding design. The size of the device shouldn’t impact its effectiveness.
Versatility
Depending on how many different looks you want to achieve, you’ll need to prioritize versatility as different barrel sizes and shapes give you different curl effects. Do you want springy curls? Tight spirals? Loose waves?
Some dual voltage curlers, like the 5-in-1 Professional, come with multiple interchangeable barrels so that you can achieve a variety of different effects. There are also 2-in-1 designs like the Amovee that work as both a flat iron and curler.
Professional hairstylists will need to prioritize versatility the most. For those who are doing their own hair, look up what type of barrel you need to get the look(s) you’re going for.
Durability
Durability is a huge concern when picking a dual voltage curling wand. If you’re traveling frequently, you want your accessories to stand up to some wear-and-tear. And you don’t want your curling iron components to break down just because you’ve used them a lot!
Many dual voltage curling irons are built using strong metal components. You’ll also want to look for a barrel that has a protective coating on the barrel, as this keeps your hair from being heat damaged. Ceramic and tourmaline are the most common materials used.
Accessories
A travel curling iron with dual voltage will often come with accessories and there may be a carrying bag included, which allows you to stow the iron and any additional components.
The extension cord you use makes a difference. Some irons come with a 360-degree swiveling cord, which stays tangle-free as you move around your head.
There are also packages that include a heat-resistant glove. You can use this to feed your hair through the barrel without worrying about burning your fingers. If your package doesn’t include a glove, it’s a good idea to invest in one for safety.
Dual Voltage Curling Irons FAQ
What is dual voltage?
Different countries create their electrical sockets with different voltage capacities. It’s important to know what voltage is used in any country you’re traveling to. Dual voltage accessories can adapt to multiple different voltage settings.
The US and Japan tend to use voltages from 100 to 125 volts. However, the majority of other countries have 220 to 240 volt sockets. Dual voltage designs can automatically convert between these two setups.
Where can I use dual voltage curling irons?
Dual voltage curling irons can be used anywhere that you get electricity. Because they’re adapted for different voltage settings, they’re compatible with outlets in every country in the world.
Do I need an adapter to use a curling iron abroad?
This depends on whether or not you have a dual voltage device. Many travel curling irons are built to adapt automatically to different power outlets. You’ll also want to check the voltage requirements in the country you’re visiting.
Always find out whether your device is dual voltage before buying an adapter. Using an adapter unnecessarily can cause damage to your curling iron and be a waste of space in your bag.
Are curling irons safe to travel with?
Curling irons are safe to travel with as long as they’re unplugged and stored properly. Many come with travel bags specifically for this purpose.
The TSA in the United States says that curling irons can be brought onto planes both in carry-on bags and in checked bags. If you’re worried about regulations in the country you’re traveling to, just double-check before you pack for your trip.
Winding Down
The best dual voltage curling iron for you is the one that helps you look great and feel great on the go. No matter where you are, you should be able to achieve the perfect hairstyle. Make sure you choose an iron that works with your hair type and can manage the styles you’re looking for.
Travel on, girlfriend, and never settle for a bad hair day again!