Traveling With Styling Tools: A Must-Have Guide

Heading out for a vacation means escaping the routine, but not your style. Whether you're lounging on tropical beaches or exploring bustling city streets, having your favorite travel hair tools can make all the difference in looking and feeling great. But traveling with these essentials isn't as simple as tossing them into your suitcase. To help you maintain that flawless look on the go, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to travel with your styling tools, featuring advice on everything from voltage differences to packing essentials. Let's dive in!

Understanding Voltage & Adapters

One of the first things to consider when traveling with electronic styling tools is the voltage requirement of your devices. Many Paul Mitchell^® tools, including favorites from the Pro Tools^™ collection, such as the Express Ion Style+ Ceramic Flat Iron and the versatile Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand, are designed with dual voltage capabilities. This means they can adapt to different voltages around the world, from the 110-120V used in North America to the 220-240V common in Europe and much of Asia.

Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand
$120.00

To use these travel hair tools abroad, you'll generally only need a plug adapter—the small device that allows the plug of your styling tool to fit into foreign electrical sockets. It's important to check the specific plug type required for your destination and consider a universal plug adapter if you're a frequent international traveler.

Single Voltage Hair Tools

If your travel hair tool is single voltage, you need to be more cautious. These tools are not compatible with different voltage standards, and using them with the wrong voltage can cause damage or even pose safety hazards. For these, you would need a voltage converter, though it's essential to note that Paul Mitchell^® does not recommend using converters or transformers with our styling tools as they can void the warranty.

Packing Your Styling Tools

When packing your travel hair styling tools, safety and space are key considerations. Always ensure your tools are completely cool before packing, and use a heat-resistant pouch to store them. This not only protects the tools themselves but also the other items in your luggage. Avoid wrapping cords tightly around the tools to prevent damage to the wires; instead, loosely coil the cord and secure it with a Velcro strap. One of our favorite travel companions? The Express Ion Clipped 1.25" Detachable Curling Iron! It features a detachable design and storage bag for easy packing. Packing with care is the best way to preserve your favorite travel straighteners and curling irons for years to come.

Express Ion Clipped 1.25" Detachable Curling Iron
$89.99

Must-Have Products For On-the-Go Styling

For versatile styling needs, the Neuro^® collection offers not just high-performance travel hair tools but also professional styling products that are perfect for travel. The Neuro^® Prime HeatCTRL^™ Blowout Primer, for instance, is an indispensable product for safeguarding your hair from heat damage while creating those perfect vacation hairstyles.

Neuro Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer
$33.00

If you can make room for just one more product in your suitcase, make it the Hot Off The Press^® Thermal Protection Hairspray. It's a lifesaver for those who switch between beachy waves during the day and sleek, elegant styles at night. This lightweight hairspray protects strands from heat damage and helps hold your frizz-free style, no matter the climate.

Our Tips For Travel-Friendly Hairstyles

Traveling is the perfect opportunity to experiment with easy, stylish hairstyles that don't require constant touch-ups. Braids, for example, are great for beach days—they're chic, keep your hair off your face, and transition easily from day to night. Give your travel-friendly braids or ponytails a boost of volume with the Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Spray, or easily add a touch of shine on the go with the Tea Tree Lavender Mint Nourishing Oil.

Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Spray
$9.50 - $21.50

A compact and efficient travel hair tool for achieving these looks is the Neuro^® Smooth Titanium Flat Iron, a travel-friendly straightener that allows for quick touch-ups on the go, whether you're smoothing strands or crafting waves.

Caring For Your Tools While Traveling

Taking care of your styling tools while on the move ensures their longevity and performance. Always unplug your travel hair tools when not in use, and if you're at a beach destination, make sure to keep them away from sand and water. Remember to regularly clean the plates of your flat irons or the barrels of your travel curling irons with a soft, damp cloth to remove any product build-up and help your tools deliver beautiful styling results for longer.

Jet Set, Style Set: Stay Fabulous on the Fly with Paul Mitchell^®

Travel might be for relaxation or adventure, but looking your best is always a priority. With the right travel hair tools and a bit of planning, you can keep your hair looking fabulous wherever your travels take you.

Explore the Paul Mitchell^® Pro Tools^™ and Neuro^® collections today to find the perfect travel companions for your hair. Embrace the journey with style and confidence, knowing your hair will look just as good as your adventures feel.