What To Know Before Travelling With The Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait Or Corrale — And Where Can You Use Hair Devices Abroad?

Since using the Dyson Airstrait almost every day at home, I’ve come to appreciate the wet-to-dry hair straightener that saves time and minimises heat damage on my locks, plus it makes my hair is more manageable the next day (read our full review here). So when I was due to travel to Thailand and Cambodia, I started looking up if it was possible to use the Airstrait overseas. After all, whether you’re travelling for leisure or for work, having a great hair day is always a plus — even a necessity for some. What I found instead was a hairy dilemma that Dyson users faced.

In a nutshell: Not all Dyson hair tools will work in all countries. But this does not apply only to Dyson devices — hair devices from other brands may face similar issues too, and we'll get to that in more detail below. 

I did manage to use the Dyson Airstrait overseas, but here’s the caveat: it depends on which country you’re travelling to. Here’s all that I learnt first-hand — and from Dyson — about using hair tools abroad.

Can you travel internationally with the Dyson Airstrait, Airwrap and Supersonic?

#1: Can you use a Dyson Airstrait, Airwrap or Supersonic from Singapore overseas? Check the voltage first.

Check that the voltage of your device is compatible with the voltage of the electrical supply of your destination. This is due to the fact that the Airwrap, Airstrait and Supersonic are not dual voltage. In the same vein, any hair device from other brands that is not dual voltage will also face the same issue. 

Singapore’s standard voltage is 230V, so Dyson hair tools purchased in Singapore have a voltage of 220-240V (this applies to the Airwrap, Airstrait and Supersonic). If you’re travelling to another country that has an electrical supply between 220V and 240V, a Singapore-purchased Airwrap, Supersonic and Airstrait will work there. These include countries such as Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

I put this to the test and travelled with a Dyson Airstrait on recent trips to Thailand and Cambodia — 220V and 230V respectively — and am happy to report that the device worked well.

However, other countries have standard voltages different from Singapore — ranging from 100-120V — and these include popular destinations such as Taiwan, Japan and the United States. Due to the difference in voltage, a Dyson device purchased in Singapore will not work in these countries, and attempting to do so may damage the machine.

Dyson tells 8days that they do not encourage travel with Dyson machines as the devices have been “precisely engineered for styling at the voltage of the country in which it was purchased”. The only exception in the hair tools line is the Dyson Corrale, the only travel-friendly Dyson hair device which is cordless and can be used universally (more details below). 

Voltages of countries (non-exhaustive list):
Countries with 220-240v: Singapore, Australia, Cambodia, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
Countries with 100-127v: Canada, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, United States of America

#2: Using an adaptor or converter voids the device’s warranty with Dyson

Travelling to a country with a different voltage? While some users have managed to use an adaptor or electrical converter to sidestep the issue, this is discouraged as “any damage caused by using your machine with a converter or adaptor may not be covered under the terms of your Dyson guarantee,” says Dyson.   

“We advise using your Dyson beauty machine in another country with an adaptor or converter. As the adaptor is not manufactured or tested by us, we can’t be confident of its quality, safety, or guarantee it won’t cause permanent damage to the machine and its motor.” 

Yes, it’s a bummer to splurge on a Dyson and not be able to use it wherever you want. But for safety and the sake of the device’s lifespan, leave the Dyson at home if the voltages are not compatible. 

Instead, use a dual voltage hair device or a cordless, battery-operated hair tool, like the Dyson Corrale. 

Dual voltage and cordless hair tools for travel 

#3: Do you pack the Dyson Airstrait, Supersonic or Airwrap in checked luggage or carry-on baggage? 

If you’ve done your research and do decide to travel with your Dyson Airstrait, Supersonic or Airwrap, the next thing to consider is do you pack your device in your checked luggage or do you take it with you on your carry-on? 

This boils down to personal preference, rather than airline regulations, as these machines do not have batteries and most airlines will allow them in either carry-on or checked baggage.  However, it’s good to double check with the airlines before you take them onboard – some airlines such as Scoot and Japan Airlines have guidelines online. 

I packed the Dyson Airstrait in my checked baggage on three airlines — Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Emirates — and did not face any issues.

But Dyson products don’t come cheap, so you don’t want to risk damaging it on your travels. While the brand does sell a travel pouch, I preferred to buy a separate hard case specially made for the Airstrait for extra protection. 

Cases to buy

Can you travel internationally with a Dyson Corrale?

Yes, you can now use your Dyson Corrale everywhere, including Japan

Previously, using the Dyson Corrale overseas, especially in Japan where there are stricter laws and guidelines for air travel, came with its own set of challenges. But that has changed since last year and Dyson confirms that the Corrale can be used universally. In fact, the Corrale is the only device in Dyson’s haircare line-up that is travel-friendly. 

The Corrale is a cord-free straightener has a universal voltage, so there’s no problem with charging it in countries with different voltages to the one in which you purchased it. However, you may still need a travel adaptor for suitable plug types. It also comes with a flight-ready tag so long as it’s set to flight-ready mode before airport security and throughout the flight.

Take note, though: the Dyson Corrale can only be packed in carry-on luggage, and not in checked luggage, according to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. It should also be packed in its heat-resistant pouch. Click here for more packing instructions as well as a note of compliance to show airlines should you run into any issues travelling with the Corrale.

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