Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Retractable Hair Dryer?

Kristeen Moore
Kristeen Moore

A retractable hair dryer is designed to help you to store the cord within the actual appliance. This type of heated tool is ideal for traveling because the lack of a cord takes up less space in your luggage, and is also safer than traditional versions because you do not have to wrap the cord around the dryer. The type of blow dryer that you choose should partially depend on the benefits for which you are looking, which can also increase the overall price of the appliance. Some of the best blow dryers come with multiple attachments so that you can use them for both at-home and while traveling. If you travel overseas often, then you might also consider a retractable hair dryer that comes with dual voltage.

Retractable blow dryers are designed to help you to store the cord within the actual appliance. This type of heated tool is ideal for traveling because the lack of a cord takes up less space in your luggage. At the same time, these appliances are safer than traditional versions because you do not have to wrap the cord around the dryer. This kind of blow dryer is an essential tool whether you want to use it for travel or for at home.

Retractable hair dryers are designed to help store the cord inside of the device.
Retractable hair dryers are designed to help store the cord inside of the device.

Hair dryers offer a wide range of benefits, and choosing the best retractable version ultimately depends on the results that you want. Basic blow dryers are the most economical, and they generally have one or two heat settings. Ionic versions of the retractable hair dryer are popular among professional stylists because they work by adding moisture to the cuticle while drying it quicker. Tourmaline hair dryers are partially made with crushed jewels which also help to smooth your strands. Keep in mind that the more features that you want, the more expensive the appliance is likely to be.

Certain types of attachments can be ideal in order for you to style your hair a certain way. For example, a diffuser helps to add volume to the hair, while a comb can straighten it out. An airflow controller is also especially helpful in minimizing frizz and fly-aways. If you style your hair a certain way with attachments with a regular blow dryer, then you should look for the same features in a retractable version.

One drawback to a traditional retractable hair dryer is that it is generally equipped for only one type of electrical outlet, which is not convenient if you travel overseas. In order to get the most out of your money, you should consider purchasing a dryer that has dual voltage so that you can use it virtually anywhere. If you do not plan on traveling much, then you might consider purchasing a separate economical version because blow dryers with dual voltage options are generally more expensive.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

Some full size hair dryers have retractable cords and those do take up a lot of space in overheard luggage. So anyone who travels a lot and plans to carry their hair dryer with them should look for a small hair dryer with retractable cord. Otherwise, it's still going to be an issue when packing.

bear78

@fBoyle-- That's a bummer. Thanks for sharing your experience. There is no point in paying more for a hair dryer with a retractable cord if it isn't going tot work for too long. Sometimes these things are pure luck though.

I've had a hair dryer that has both a retractable cord and a folding handle and it has been working just fine for three years. I do fold and retract and store the hair dryer in my drawer after every use. So I think if it was going to mess up, it would have done so by now. I didn't read reviews before I bought it but I guess I was just lucky. I might not be so lucky next time so will definitely read reviews and research my options if I need another hair dryer.

fBoyle

A retractable hair dryer is a great idea but only if the retracting mechanism continues working. I've had a hair dryer with a retractable cord for five years now. It worked fine for the first six months or so but after that, the cord started having problems when retracting. It would get stuck now and again and I would have to pull it out a little before pressing the button to try again. At this point, it doesn't retract at all so I'm using it with the cord all the way out all the time like any regular hair dryer.

My advice for those shopping for this kind of hair dryer is to get a good brand and also read customer reviews. Try and read reviews from customers who have had this type of hair dryer for at least a few years. That's the only way to know if the retractable cord will actually work for a long time or not.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Retractable hair dryers are designed to help store the cord inside of the device.
      By: fuzzbones
      Retractable hair dryers are designed to help store the cord inside of the device.