Can you take hair straighteners in hand luggage? (2023)
If using a hair straightener is part of your daily beauty routine, you might be asking yourself, can you take a hair straightener on a plane? Or if you prefer curls, can you take a curling iron in carry on luggage? And can you bring a hairdryer on a plane?
Well, never fear, you don’t have to sacrifice your hairstyle to travel carry on only. Read on for answers to whether you can take hair straighteners in hand luggage, plus info on flat irons and hair dryers.
Note: This post is written referencing TSA rules for travel from airports in the USA. Some countries may have different rules, so if you’re flying from an airport in another country, please look up the rules for the authority in that country.
So can you take hair straighteners in hand luggage?
I get this question a lot: Can you bring a hair straightener on a plane? And I totally understand, you want to be able to style your hair while traveling just like you would at home.
Luckily the answer is yes, you can bring a hair straightener in your carry on bag.
Since you might have to pack your bag in the morning right after using your hair straightener, I recommend bringing a wash cloth or small hand towel to wrap your hair straightener. That way you’re not putting it directly into your luggage while it’s still hot, which could burn your clothes or other items in your bag.
Does your hair straightener have a butane cartridge? This gets a little more tricky to travel with, so see below for more details.
If you’re traveling internationally, you need to be aware of differences in voltage and plug styles. Read below for more info.
Please note that some posts contain links that earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Can you bring a hair straightener on a plane in checked luggage?
If you’re traveling with checked luggage, it might be more convenient to pack your hair straighteners in your checked bag.
Luckily you can pack your hair straightener there as well, in most cases. As with your carry on luggage, you should wait for the hair straightener to cool down before packing it, or wrap it in a towel if you don’t have time.
The one exception to packing a hair straightener in checked bags is if it’s a butane hair straightener.
Butane hair straighteners and curling irons are not allowed in checked luggage, but they are allowed in carry on luggage as long as there is a safety cover to prevent accidental activation.
>>Read: How Much Liquid Can You Bring on an Airplane?
Can you bring a hair dryer in carry on luggage?
I know what it’s like to get stuck with those awful hotel hair dryers that look like vacuum cleaner hoses and barely dry your hair. So you might be wondering, can you bring a hairdryer on a plane?
Just like with the hair straighteners, you can take a hair dryer in carry on bags. You can also pack your hair dryer in checked luggage if you’re not going carry on only.
Hair dryers are the bulkiest hair styling appliance, and the one most likely to be provided at your hotel, so you might want to consider leaving yours off your packing checklist.
Yes, I do hate dealing with those subpar blow dryers hotels sometimes provide! So it’s a decision you have to make based on how much space you have in your luggage and whether you’re willing to just make it work with whatever the hotel has.
If you’re traveling internationally, you need to be aware of differences in voltage and plug styles. Read below for more info.
Can you bring a hair dryer on a plane in checked luggage?
For those of you who are checking bags, you might prefer to pack your hair dryer in your checked bag.
Luckily packing your hair straightener in checked baggage is allowed. This will save you some precious space in your carry on bag.
Can you bring a curling iron on a plane?
Maybe you like curling your normally straight locks, or maybe you’re traveling for a fancy event. So you might be asking yourself if you can take your curling iron in carry on luggage.
Just like with the straighteners and hair dryer, the answer is yes. Curling irons can also be packed in checked bags if you’re traveling with a little more luggage.
Remember to pack a wash cloth or small hand towel to wrap your curling iron. Like I mentioned above with bringing your hair straightener in hand luggage, you want to make sure your hot curling iron doesn’t ruin your clothing or other contents of your bag.
It’s always best to pack it once it’s cooled down, but if that’s not an option, this wash cloth trick is the next best thing.
Does your curling iron have a butane cartridge? Read on for more about this exception to taking a curling iron in carry on.
If you’re traveling internationally, you need to be aware of differences in voltage and plug styles. Read below for more info.
Can you bring a curling iron on a plane in checked luggage?
If you’re not a carry on only person and you have checked luggage, it might be better to pack your curling iron in your checked bag.
Luckily you are allowed to pack your curling iron in checked luggage as well, in most cases. As with your carry on luggage, you should wait for the curling iron to cool down before packing it, or wrap it in a towel if you don’t have time.
The one exception to bringing a curling iron on a plane in checked bags is if it’s a butane curling iron.
Butane hair straighteners and curling irons are not allowed in checked luggage, but they are allowed in carry on luggage as long as there is a safety cover to prevent accidental activation.
Can you bring hair curlers or hot rollers in your carry on?
Some of you have asked about whether you can bring hair curlers or hot rollers on a plane.
You’re in luck! The answer is yes, hot rollers and hair curlers are permitted on a plane. You can pack your hair curlers or hot rollers in your cabin baggage or your checked baggage.
But please wait until they have cooled down before packing them. You don’t want to accidentally burn your clothes or other belongings.
>>Read: Can you take batteries on planes?
Can you take a butane hair straightener or a butane curling iron on airplanes?
Some hair straighteners and curling irons have a butane cartridge. The appeal here is that they are cordless, but the butane cartridge makes it a little more complicated when bringing your curling iron or hair straightener on a plane.
According to TSA, butane hair straighteners and curling irons are not allowed in checked luggage, but they are allowed in carry on luggage as long as there is a safety cover to prevent accidental activation since they are a fire hazard.
Here’s the exact quote from the TSA site:
“Cordless curling irons containing a gas cartridge and butane fueled curling irons are allowed in carry-on bags only. A safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element.
The device must be protected from accidental activation. Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not allowed in either checked or carry-on bags.”
I’ve read that it’s acceptable to separate the cartridge from the curling iron or flat iron, but TSA doesn’t mention this on their site. Be aware that the final decision is always with the TSA agent.
>>Check it out: Can you bring a razor on a plane?
Will your hair straightener, hair dryer, and curling iron work when traveling internationally?
Voltage and plug style are two different things you need to be aware of when traveling to other countries.
Before you pack your bags, I have a warning about traveling with your favorite hair styling appliance.
There might be electrical issues with using your appliance abroad. Different parts of the world use different voltages, which means your hair dryer and straightener and curling iron might not be compatible.
>>Read: Can you bring makeup on a plane?
Your best option is to purchase a dual voltage appliance.
For example, the US electrical system uses 110 voltage, while the European system is 220. Having a dual voltage hair straightener means you could switch the voltage between 110 or 220 depending on where you are in the world.
Do you need a travel plug adapter? Or a voltage converter?
If you don’t have a dual voltage appliance, you would need a converter. A converter would switch the voltage in order to avoid frying your appliance, blowing a fuse in the building, or even risking a fire.

When you’re traveling abroad with any electrical device, you might need a plug adapter to make sure your plug fits into the wall socket.
For example, the US and Canada use the same plug style as Central American countries, but the plugs in Europe are different. Even within Europe, the UK uses a different plug style from most of the rest of the continent.
A plug adapter will not convert electricity, but these days, most things that don’t heat up convert on their own, so your laptop and phone charger should be fine with just an adapter.
Any appliance that heats up, like a hair straightener, curling iron, or hair dryer, might not function as well even if it’s dual voltage or when using a converter. Some even have warnings that you should use the lower setting when traveling abroad.
Hopefully this article answers all your questions about bring curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers in carry on!
Read more about packing:
- Can you bring makeup on a plane?
- Carry On Luggage Size Chart with 170+ Airlines Worldwide
- Best Carry-On Luggage
- What NOT to Pack in Your Carry On Bag
- Carry On Toiletries: Non-Liquid Options for Carry On Travel

Sherri Griffith
October 7, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
Can I take a disinfecting light wand in my carry-on bag.
Ali Garland
October 8, 2020 @ 4:54 pm
Hi Sherri! I’m not really sure about that one. I can’t find anything one way or the other on the TSA website, but given the number of safety concerns I’ve read about with using them, I’m not sure if it would be permitted. Your best option is to contact TSA through Twitter or Facebook and ask them directly. Also be sure to read my article about taking disinfectant wipes on a plane and how to disinfect your airplane seat.
Ginger
April 23, 2021 @ 7:56 pm
I sent a question to AskTSA through messenger, and I got a reply that I could take my disinfecting wand in my carry on bag, but that was about 5 months ago. Since things change, I would ask again.
Ali Garland
April 26, 2021 @ 12:35 pm
Exactly, things change frequently so it’s always good to verify. I try to keep these articles as up to date as possible, but disinfecting wands are a little outside my experience.
Stacie
March 25, 2020 @ 8:23 am
Can i bring a minnie nintado game system and also makeup and electronic shaver ?
Ali Garland
March 25, 2020 @ 11:47 am
Hi Stacie! Yes, gaming systems are allowed in your carry on luggage. Security might ask you to take it out of your bag and put it in a bin to be screened separately, like your laptop or liquids bag, but they are allowed. Electric shavers are allowed in carry on luggage, please read about taking razors on a plane. Makeup is allowed, just be aware of which items are liquid and put them in your liquids bag. Read more about bringing makeup on a plane.
C.
January 4, 2020 @ 10:18 pm
Just a brief heads-up for people who might travel to south Asia (specifically Nepal). I brought several adapters and my curling iron as well as my hand dryer. The hand dryer blew a fuse in my hotel so I stopped using it. The curling iron never worked, and when I came home, it was broken completely. There is electricity in Kathmandu but it isn’t anything like it is in a developed country; it goes out a lot, and even more so in remote areas. We stayed a few days in a jungle resort in western Nepal, and every day we saw people working on the electric wiring with their own tools making sparks fly all over. It surely is interesting, but you gotta go with the flow.
Ali Garland
January 13, 2020 @ 10:51 am
Thanks, definitely some places around the world where it’s best to not bring a hair dryer or other similar electronics.
Brittany
December 3, 2019 @ 1:04 am
Flying for the first time for a wedding so I have to look my best will I be able to take my hair and face oils carry on?
Ali Garland
December 3, 2019 @ 12:01 pm
Hi Brittany! Oils are considered liquids, so they can only go in your carry on luggage if the containers are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller per container, and all containers must fit in a 1 quart (1 liter) clear zip top bag. So a container that’s 6 ounces will not be permitted, even if it’s almost empty. And you can only have one liquids bag. If your oils are too big, you can either buy travel sized refillable bottles (just make sure they’re ok to use with oil) or you’d have to pack them in your checked luggage.
karen cullum
October 14, 2019 @ 9:18 pm
can i take diet whey please
Ali Garland
October 15, 2019 @ 11:21 am
Hi Karen! If the whey is in liquid form, it must comply with the liquids rule to go in your carry on. If it’s in powder form, TSA has a new rule about powders that says “Starting June 30, 2018, if you are traveling from an international last-point-of-departure to the U.S., powder-based substances in carry-on baggage greater than 350mL or 12 oz. may require additional screening at the central checkpoint. Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350mL in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of. For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.”
Mike Chambers
October 5, 2019 @ 8:25 pm
Hi. Can I take a potable travel humidifier in my hand luggage
Thanks
Mike
Ali Garland
October 7, 2019 @ 4:18 pm
Hi Mike! I can’t find anything on the TSA site specifically about humidifiers, but I can’t think of any reason why it wouldn’t be allowed. Just make sure it’s completely empty, no water left in it at all.
Janice
September 16, 2019 @ 6:22 pm
I have a stick form of foundation from Bare Minerals what TSA bag due I store it in? Could I carry this foundation stick in my handbag? Thank you. Janice
Ali Garland
September 18, 2019 @ 10:00 am
So I keep reading about their stick foundation as “liquid foundation in a stick” which might just be how they describe it or it might really be considered a liquid. So I’m not 100% sure on this one. If you can fit it in your liquids bag, you might want to do that to be safe. If the consistency of the stick is similar to a normal lipstick, you could try to pass it off as a solid and then just put it anywhere in your carry on bag, but I can’t give you a definite answer on that one. You could also ask TSA directly through their Twitter or Facebook profile.
Deborah
November 9, 2020 @ 5:28 pm
Can I carry on vitamins and in their original bottles
Ali Garland
November 11, 2020 @ 11:04 am
Hi Deborah! Yes, vitamins are allowed in your carry on bag. It’s best to keep them in their original containers, but for domestic travel within the US, TSA isn’t going to be concerned with vitamins. It’s only an issue if you’re traveling to another country, in which case, you should research the rules of the country you’re going to.
D seeders
September 14, 2019 @ 5:35 pm
Can i carry on underseat bag my white noise machine or my white noise cancell machine??
Ali Garland
September 16, 2019 @ 1:35 pm
Electronics like those should be fine. It’s always possible the security agent wants you to take them out of your bag for closer screening, but that’s about it.
Jayne parker
August 27, 2019 @ 5:13 pm
Hi can you take hairdryer straighteners n iron n travel kettle in your hand luggage flying from Doncaster to benidorm .
Ali Garland
August 28, 2019 @ 4:18 pm
Hi Jayne! As long as they all fit in your carry on baggage, they are all fine to bring. Just remember Spain and the UK use different plug styles.
Shilan
August 27, 2019 @ 12:24 am
Hello, can I carry my her in my hair dryer and Straightner carry on bag travelling from Australia to UK AND ITALY & Santorini ?
Thanks
Ali Garland
August 27, 2019 @ 1:12 pm
Hi Shilan! Yes, you should be fine to pack your hair dryer and hair straightener in your carry on bag from Australia and within Europe.
Sandra K Decker
August 14, 2019 @ 11:00 pm
Can CBD Oil be taken in a carry on bag? It does not contain THC
Ali Garland
August 15, 2019 @ 11:48 am
Hi Sandra! You can only bring it if it’s legal where you are flying from and to. If you’re in the US, it’s at a federal level, not state level, and here’s some info from the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana. And the container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit into your liquids bag.
Nadene Sanders
July 30, 2019 @ 7:59 pm
Hello, can I carry an extension cord in my carry on bag
Ali Garland
August 2, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
Hi Nadene, you sure can!
Erica Nunez
June 4, 2019 @ 1:47 am
Can I pack a blow dryer diffuser? Not bringing a blow dryer just a diffuser
Ali Garland
June 5, 2019 @ 4:53 am
Hi Erica! It’s just an attachment, so that’s fine.
Sabrina Broach
May 31, 2019 @ 5:56 pm
Can you take candy in your carry on for diabetes in case sugar get low?
Ali Garland
June 1, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Yep, you sure can!
Fergus
May 29, 2019 @ 4:10 pm
Can l take a corded electric sander in other words not battery operated, but 240 volts in my carry on bag? Thankyou
Ali Garland
May 31, 2019 @ 10:31 am
Hi Fergus! I can’t find “electric sander” specifically on the TSA website, but they do say that power tools that are 7 inches or shorter when assembled are allowed, longer than 7 inches must go in your checked luggage: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/tools. Tools that can be used as a weapon (hammer, saw, etc.) are not allowed in carry-on.
Fergus
May 31, 2019 @ 11:11 am
Thankyou.
Fergus
Mandy
January 21, 2019 @ 9:06 pm
I am traveling for work and they are requiring me to have my steel toe boots. Am I allowed to have those in my carry on? I don’t plan on having any checked bags.
Ali Garland
January 23, 2019 @ 11:02 am
Hi Mandy! Yes, you can pack steel toe boots in your carry on.