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Buying guide

Best straighteners for travel abroad

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    ghd Unplugged: cordless, 20 minutes, cabin-bag friendly

    Cordless use for up to 20 minutes means no hunting for a socket near a mirror.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Faszin 42 mm: 100 to 240 V with hinge lock

    The 42 x 110 mm plates are stated to be 85% larger than a regular straightener.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    ghd Max: universal voltage wide plates

    The maker says the 70% larger plates style hair in half the time, a real help with long or thick hair.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A straightener for travel has to work on foreign mains power and pack safely. The key fact is voltage. Many countries run at around 110 to 120 V rather than the UK's 230 V, so look for a listing that says universal voltage or gives a range such as 100 to 240 V. You will still need a plug adapter, but not a converter. Next, a heat-resistant case or bag means you can pack the straightener before it has fully cooled, and an auto shut-off adds peace of mind in a hotel room. Cordless models avoid the socket question for quick touch-ups. This guide compares travel-friendly straighteners on power, stated voltage, case and shut-off, using only listing facts.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · ghd

ghd Unplugged: cordless, 20 minutes, cabin-bag friendly

ghd's cordless straightener, charged by USB-C, with up to 20 minutes of styling per charge. The listing states universal voltage, a heat-resistant carry case and that it is cabin luggage friendly.

In its favour

  • Cordless use for up to 20 minutes means no hunting for a socket near a mirror.
  • A heat-resistant carry case, USB-C cable and plug are included, and it charges within 2 hours.
  • The listing says it is cabin luggage friendly and has universal voltage.

Good to know

  • It cannot be used while charging, so a flat battery means waiting.
  • Twenty minutes may not cover a full straighten on long or thick hair.
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Listing title: ghd Unplugged Cordless Travel Hair Straightener & Styler, 20-Min Batte...

No. 2 · ghd

ghd Max: universal voltage wide plates

ghd's wide plate straightener for long, thick or curly hair, with plates the maker says are 70% larger than its standard models. It lists universal voltage and a 2.7 m swivel cord.

In its favour

  • The maker says the 70% larger plates style hair in half the time, a real help with long or thick hair.
  • A 30-second heat up and a 30-minute sleep mode are both listed.
  • Universal voltage and a protective plate guard make it easier to take away.

Good to know

  • Wide plates are less precise near the roots and on short cuts.
  • Plate width in millimetres is not stated in the listing.
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Listing title: ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener & Styler, More Shine, Thick Hair

No. 3 · ghd

ghd Platinum+ gift set: universal voltage and bag

The ghd Platinum+ with an All-Rounder Paddle Brush and heat-resistant bag. The listing states universal voltage, a 2.7 m cable and a sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity.

In its favour

  • Universal voltage and a professional-length 2.7 m cable are listed.
  • The heat-resistant bag is included, so you can pack it soon after use.
  • Ultra-zone predictive technology holds 185°C across the plates, per the maker.

Good to know

  • The spec table shows 240 V input, so rely on the bullet that states universal voltage and check your plug.
  • Corded, and the gift set extras add to your luggage.
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Listing title: ghd Platinum+ Smart Hair Straightener & Styler, 2X More Colour Protect...

No. 4 · ghd

ghd Gold gift set: universal voltage, bag included

A ghd Gold set with the All-Rounder Paddle Brush and a heat-resistant bag. The listing confirms universal voltage, a 2.7 m cable, a plate guard and 30-minute sleep mode, which makes it a good travel kit.

In its favour

  • Universal voltage is stated, so it works abroad with a plug adapter.
  • The included heat-resistant bag and plate guard make packing easier.
  • Sleep mode switches it off after 30 minutes of non-use.

Good to know

  • Corded only, so you need a socket within reach of the mirror.
  • The set's paddle brush adds bulk you may not want to pack.
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Listing title: ghd Gold Hair Straightener & Styler in Black - Professional Styling, f...

No. 5 · Faszin

Faszin 42 mm: 100 to 240 V with hinge lock

A wide plate straightener with 42 x 110 mm titanium plates, 11 settings from 130°C to 230°C, switchable ions and an LED display. A lower-cost route to wide plates.

In its favour

  • The 42 x 110 mm plates are stated to be 85% larger than a regular straightener.
  • Eleven temperature settings from 130°C to 230°C, shown on a live LED display.
  • 100 to 240 V range and a 2.2 m 360° cord are listed, handy for travel.

Good to know

  • Faszin is a less established brand and the listing states no warranty term.
  • Wide plates do not suit short hair or detailed work.
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Listing title: Faszin Professional Hair Straighteners, 42mm Wide-Plate

Read before you buy

Plate and Curl chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.