Best Travel Hair Tools Australia: What to Pack for Every Trip

Packing the wrong hair tool for an overseas trip means dealing with voltage issues, blown fuses, or lugging a heavy tool that does not even work. Here is what to look for and what to pack.

Gold Class - G&C Gold Class - June 2026 - 6 min read

Every Australian woman who has travelled overseas knows the frustration. You pack your favourite hair dryer or straightener, arrive at the hotel, plug it in, and either it does not work, it sparks, or it runs at half power and takes twice as long. The reason? Voltage.

Australia uses 230V power. Many countries, including the United States, Japan, and parts of South America, use 110V. If your hair tool is not dual voltage, it simply will not work properly overseas, and plugging a 230V-only tool into a 110V outlet (even with an adaptor) gives you weak, underpowered performance.

What does dual voltage mean?

A dual voltage hair tool can operate on both 110V and 230V power systems. This means it works in every country in the world with just a simple plug adaptor (which changes the plug shape, not the voltage). There is no switch to flip and no converter needed. The tool automatically detects the voltage and adjusts.

This is the single most important feature to look for in any travel hair tool. Without dual voltage, you need a heavy voltage converter, which adds bulk, weight, and another thing that can go wrong.

What to look for in travel hair tools

• Dual voltage (110-240V): Non-negotiable for international travel
• Compact size: Smaller barrel or body that fits in carry-on luggage
• Lightweight: Every gram matters when you are packing
• Multi-purpose: Tools that do more than one job save space
• Heat protection features: Cool-touch designs and auto shut-off for hotel room safety

The best travel hair tools by hair goal

For smooth, voluminous hair: Mini Dual Voltage Blowout Brush

The G&C Mini Dual Voltage Blowout Brush was designed specifically for travel. It is Australia's first dual voltage blowout brush, operating on 110-240V so it works in every country with just a plug adaptor.

The compact 54x93mm brush head is smaller than a full-size blowout brush, making it lighter and easier to pack. But the smaller barrel is not just a travel compromise. It actually provides better contact with short to mid-length hair, giving you more control and precision than a full-size barrel would.

Key travel specs: 700W power, titanium ceramic ionic technology, wet to styled in under 10 minutes, lightweight design that fits in a carry-on or toiletry bag.

For straight, frizz-free hair: Straightener Brush

The G&C Straightener Brush also comes with dual voltage (100-240V), making it an excellent travel straightening tool. It straightens dry hair in 5-10 minutes without the burn risk of a traditional flat iron, and the cool-touch outer design means you can pack it sooner after use.

For women who want straight, smooth hair on holiday, the straightener brush is lighter and safer than packing a flat iron, and it preserves your hair's natural volume rather than flattening it.

For curls on the go: Auto Curler

The G&C Auto Curler is a great option for women who want curls on holiday without the hassle of a curling wand. Press the button and it curls your hair in under 10 minutes. The enclosed barrel design also means it is safer to pack in a bag shortly after use, as the hot surface is not exposed.

Note: check voltage compatibility for your specific destination before travelling with the Auto Curler.

Travel hair tool packing tips

• Always bring a plug adaptor for your destination (dual voltage tools still need the right plug shape)
• Pack hair tools in your carry-on to avoid damage in checked luggage
• Bring a heat-resistant pouch so you can pack the tool without waiting for it to fully cool
• Use the lowest heat setting when travelling to humid destinations, as humidity makes hair more responsive to heat
• Bring a detangling brush as your everyday prep tool, especially important before using an automatic curler
• Skip the voltage converter. If your tool is not dual voltage, buy a dual voltage tool instead. Converters are heavy, unreliable, and can damage your tool

Popular travel destinations and their voltage

110V countries (need dual voltage): United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil (varies by region), Caribbean islands

220-240V countries (same as Australia): United Kingdom, Europe, South East Asia, India, China, New Zealand, South Africa, Middle East

With a dual voltage tool, you do not need to think about any of this. It works everywhere automatically.

This post was written by the team at G&C Gold Class, an Australian hair tools brand based in Sydney. For specific concerns about your hair or scalp health, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.