stupid hair dryer question

If you need a hairdryer just get one from the front desk clerk.

But will it work on my crowning Glory? Hate to think my husband might dump me in Paris for a lady lacking frizz.

Some posters on this site may report that some hotel hair dryers are inadequate but I think it just depends on your hair type and what you are used to. My hair is thick but shorter than yours; I have never had a problem with any dryer in any hotel in France or any other country. For me, it is not worth packing a dryer from home.

Thanks, that's all I wanted to know!

Nancy, If having a blow dryer of a sufficient strength is important to you (and it obviously is if you are posting the question), then I urge you to pack one that will do the job for you. I find the strength of hotel/inn dryers varies widely, not only in Europe, but also in the US. I recall one European hotel (I think it was in London), where guests were asked, however, to only use the hotel's dryers (had to do with limited current available and concern stronger dryers would blow circuits or something). I ALWAYS pack my own travel-sized dryer. If I find the hotel's does the job, then mine says packed in its little corner of my suitcase. Other posters may tell you that it is foolish to devote space to your dryer (do try, though, to pack the smallest one you can find that will do the job). But along with luggage space, time is also a valuable commodity when traveling....you don't want to be stuck finding it will take 30 minutes to dry your hair....and this opinion is coming from someone who does two-week trips out of a carry-on bag, so I'm a very light packer.
Have fun in France.

You answered your own question - seldom used at home. This type of concern is what breaks the back of packing light. We carried an unused, 5 lb, travel iron for years until one year when it mysteriously disappeared from our house. Hotel hair dryers are adequate but may take a little longer.

My experience is hotel hairdryers are fine, more and more hotels have the better upgraded ones ( as opposed to the old hose ones that come out of wall). I find that they are hotter then ones at home, but not quite as much airflow( the heat I guess is supposed to make up for it). I used to pack a dual voltage hairdryer, I don't bother anymore, its not worth it for the one day out of 25 I have used it.
Ps At older character type hotels that don't have one in the room, ask at front desk, my experience is they always have loaners. Some of those older hotels have sketchy wiring so their dryers are easier on their system then ours which tend to be alot higher power suckers. Ps Punch hubby in nose, you didn't dump him for his middle age spread, his weird toes, or hair growing out of his ears did you? lol

My experience with dual-voltage North American blowers (always cheap ones) is that only the low setting will work. Do not expect gale-force styling.

Thanks all. Pat - Hubby says he likes the frizz, but he'll have to live without it for a few weeks as I refuse to walk around shivering with wet hair.
Does anyone have a dual voltage purchased in US that works well overseas?

Nancy,
Also check out various hair products. Kenra blowdry spray helps hair dry a bit faster when blow drying.

I, too, have long, thick hair which can take forever to dry. I find that hotel blow dryers are often a bit inadequate. My simple solution is to use a "Sham-Wow," or similar product. After towel-drying with a regular bath towel, I wring my hair out firmly with the "Sham-Wow," and THEN use the dryer. More of the excess moisture is absorbed, and that cuts down on blow-drying time needed. Then even if the blow dryer available is small and under-powered, its not a problem. Plus, they don't take up room in my luggage, and they dry very quickly. Hope this helps.

Nancy, as someone mentioned earlier, US dual voltage dryers only work on the lower setting when you use them abroad. My dual voltage dryer will not even let you switch to high if it is set on 220v. I no longer carry a blowdryer at all when I travel, and my hair is very thick, though short.

Thanks, Debra. Hair is a vexing problem.
What brand did you buy?

So, does that meant that I will get more blow power from the dryer at the hotel?
Thanks for that info!

Not really, my experience is more heat, in fact in some of those older hose dryers I found the hose got hot to the touch with use. They are being phased out. A friend explained that the electricity used to produce high air flow is higher then that used to heat the coils inside a dryers, so the Europeons have higher heat then air flow generally.
No matter how thick your hair is, we are really talking about spending an extra ten minutes more then you are used to blow drying your hair, and making sure its good and towel dryer before you start( good idea Laura) in the scheme of things, its not that big of a deal.

You're right, shouldn't be a big deal, which is why I labeled it Stupid question, lol! Thanks!

No, its not a stupid question, I just mean while its nice to have a good hairdryer , your answer is that hair dryers aren't great, but function ok, and you don't absolutely have to bring one from home,, and if you do , it may not operate as it does at home anyways. Send hubby out for coffee in am while you do hair( there always a Starbucks somewhere in big cities, lol ) and take the extra time. Its your vacation, just build in the extra time.
I personally consider having a decent hair day a good thing, so I am with you on that.

Hi Nancy!
I asked a similar type question earlier this year about a blow dryer/curling iron I always use. The best advice I got: buy a european model. I bought a european one (220 voltage I believe) and used it on my last trip (just needed a plug adapter on occasion) and it worked fabulous!! It was not even very expensive - I think it was 30-35 dollars. I now have it for all my travels, should last a long time as well. Previously when using a dual voltage I had problems with them not working well and burning out quickly. Also, there were a few hotels/B&B's that did not have dryers in the room BUT on a R.Steves tour (or any busier place) when you ask for one at the front desk and they are all in use at that moment and you must wait for someone to return one before you can use it....well is the time factor worth it? Just my own humble opinion and experiences of course.... I just know I feel better with styled hair - lol! :0) Have a great time, wish I was going back to France!!

Pat -I wasn't at all offended. I do want my uncooperative hair to cooperate. Can't afford Starbucks while in Paris - spent $38 on shampoo (am I crazy???) It better work!! He'll just have to wait, but I'll make it up to him in the Army Museum. Thanks for your help.
Jay- What European model did you buy, and did you get it on Amazon? Thanks for the idea!

Nancy, I never begrudge money spent on hair care, if it works it makes life so much easier.. sure would be nice if the 3 dollar a gallon stuff worked on my hair, but it doesn't. Must admit 38 dollars is a tad rich for me , I go up to about 20, but then I don't have your hair and as I said, if a certain shampoo works for you then its priceless.!

My wife has an inexpensive dual voltage hair dryer that cost about $20, and she brings it along when we travel. While we travel using only carry-on, it is fairly small and it is worth it to her to give up a small corner of her bag to bring it along. While most places we stay have a hair dryer, it is usually attached to a wall in the bathroom. Having a portable one allows her to dry her hair outside of the bathroom (leaving it available for me!), and she can read a book or figure out what we are doing for the day.

It's a French brand, so it's bound to do the trick!

I got tired of the vacuum hose style hotel dryer and the ones that won't stay on unless you depress the switch. I also tried out a dual voltage dryer, which the coils became very hot and almost burned my hair. Finally, I broke down and bought a European model while in Italy. It was not that expensive, around 15 Euro and it is very compact with a fold down handle. Now, I have a dependable dryer which only needs an adapter when visiting UK, which I already own. Questions about hair are not dumb, after all it is our crowning glory.

This is written on the side: LABOR Pro Air. Like I said, I bought it in Italy.

I think they blow out pretty strong. Just be sure your hotel does provide a hair dryer.

Thank you all. I'm going to try and buy a European dryer.