Avoid bad hair days on vacation with this super smart travel hack
Whether you need compact size, dual voltage, or both, we've found the best curling tools for your travels.
Best for customization
T3 Twirl Trio interchangeable curling iron
Though it's pricey, the T3 is a gorgeous portable tool that's actually three irons in one.
Best for multiple styling options
AmoVee mini flat iron/curling iron
Both a curling iron and a flat iron rolled into one, this hybrid tool gives you plenty of options.
Best for emergency situations
MaikcQ cordless curling iron
This mini cordless curler fits in a purse and doubles as a portable power bank.
Editors independently select all products and services featured here. If you buy something through our links, we may receive a commission. By Miller Kern2020-01-29 10:00:00 UTC
Traveling shouldn't mean forgoing your normal hair styling routine. Don't let your shortage of space, lack of power outlets, or need for dual voltage stop you from rocking the curls you love. Just invest in a travel curling iron, and you won't ever have to struggle with travel-related bad hair days again.
What you need from a travel curling iron depends on what kind of traveling you'll be doing and what your biggest needs are when on the go. Maybe you're going on a quick weekend trip and need something smaller than your regular iron. Or maybe you're going on a road trip or camping excursion and won't have access to power outlets. And don't even get us started on the beast of traveling internationally.
SEE ALSO: 10 of the best curling irons and hair wands for short hair
There are some different types of curling irons that are suitable for travel. We've seen mini versions that can fit in your purse but are still corded, totally cordless irons that you can use whenever or wherever, tools that fold up to be more compact, and ones you can take apart for storage.
What is the best travel curling iron?
The best travel curling iron is really a personal preference and depends on your needs. For travel that leaves you without consistent access to power outlets, you'll want a cordless option like the Conair YouCordless that uses butane cartridges for power or the MaikcQ cordless curling iron that charges via a USB cable and can even double as a portable power bank.
If space is where you need a little extra attention, you might opt for a curling iron that is small like the Conair TravelSmart MiniPro or one that condenses down like the T3 Twirl Trio that has interchangeable barrels that separate for easy storage.
There is some overlapping where some curling irons that give you size benefit are also dual voltage for international use.
What is a dual voltage curling iron and do you need one?
A dual voltage curling iron can automatically switch between 110 to 120 volts and 220 to 240 volts. You don't have to flip a switch or mess with any settings, just plug it in and it will adjust.
If you are traveling overseas, you'll likely need a dual voltage curling iron. This is because not every country operates under the same voltage and plugging in a curling iron that is not made for the proper voltage can cause fuse shortages and can fry your hair tool, rendering it unusable. You don't want either of those things happening.
Psst, don't forget your power adapter if you are traveling overseas. Even if you have the correct voltage, you still have to consider the different power outlets.
How to pack a curling iron for travel
Packing a curling iron to optimize space in your bag looks different depending on what type of iron you have. Most standard curling irons are kind of long and bulky and take up a decent chunk of space. We made sure to find curling tools that are either miniature or can be condensed into smaller sizes to save you some precious real estate in your travel bag.
SEE ALSO: Best hair dryers for every budget, according to the people who use them
Some of the options on this list can fit in your purse while others separate at the barrel and the two parts can be shoved wherever there is room. If you have the space, a full-sized iron is going to be easier to use and will likely yield better results, but if you're really crunched for space, a mini iron will suffice just fine. (Note that a smaller curling tool will take longer to use, especially if you have long hair.) No matter which one you choose, just make sure the iron is cool before you handle it and pack it away.
Not sure what type of curling iron will be best for your travels? That's OK. Below you'll find nine curling irons and what sort of travel they're best for. And if you're looking for a travel hair dryer, check out our guide.
Curling and straightening • Dual voltage • Compact size • Heat-resistant carrying case Straightening plates don't close all the way • Some reviewers complained about their hair getting tugged This tool gives you versatility in your styling without taking up a ton of space. Both a curling iron and a flat iron rolled into one, this hybrid tool gives you plenty of options.11 Things That Are Bad For The Environment That You Do Every Day
I'll be straight-up: As a person who menstruates but is physically unable to use a sustainable solution like a DivaCup, I am here for you if you didn't think about the potential sustainability of your menstruation solutions. Well, it turns out that more than "20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators are dumped into North American landfills every year," according to Lunapads. As you can imagine, that takes up a huge amount of landfill space — and it's difficult to make the switch, since there are relatively few menstrual products that are sustainably made.
However, there are some you can switch to, including, of course, DivaCup, washable period underwear, and reusable cloth pads.
Though seeing how we can improve the everyday impact we have on the Earth is sometimes not easy, noting even the smallest habits we can change will have a positive effect — one that will last beyond our lifetimes.
11 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Schizophrenia
Most people have heard of schizophrenia and have a picture in their heads of what it looks like — but few people truly understand what life with schizophrenia is really like. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that causes disruptions to your sense of reality (this includes symptoms like hallucinations and delusions), reduced expression of emotions and feelings of pleasure, and cognitive challenges. Schizophrenia is often sensationalized, meaning symptoms like hearing voices are emphasized while other common symptoms, like difficulty concentrating and expressing emotion, are rarely discussed. As a result, people tend to have an inaccurate idea of schizophrenia and may make assumptions that lead to misunderstandings and stigma.
By talking openly about the misconceptions people have about schizophrenia, and the truth behind this misunderstood condition, hopefully we can help those in the schizophrenia community find more support and compassion, and less judgment and fear. We asked our Mighty community to share something everyone tends to get wrong about schizophrenia, and the truth they wish people knew instead.
Related: Mark Ruffalo Reveals How He Prepared to Play Man With Schizophrenia in New HBO Series
Let us know in the comments what else you wish people understood about schizophrenia, and share this article to help educate others. It’s time to bust these outdated myths.
Here are the truths that our Mighty community shared with us:
1. Portrayals of schizophrenia in media aren’t always accurate.
When schizophrenia is portrayed in movies or TV shows, it tends to revolve around violent imagery, psychiatric hospitals, and the overall sense that individuals with schizophrenia are dangers to society. If all you know about schizophrenia is what you see on TV, you might think hearing voices, delusions and hallucinations about wanting to hurt others or yourself are the only symptoms, and that everyone with schizophrenia experiences these symptoms in the same way. In fact, schizophrenia is associated with a wide range of symptoms, and many people with schizophrenia live typical lives.
“I think there’s a general misconception that schizophrenia is like what’s portrayed on TV. Unfortunately, Hollywood’s version can fall very short in terms of depicting the vast spectrum of severity and symptoms that this illness encompasses.” — Kelly W.
Related: 19 'Red Flags' That Let People Know They Were Slipping Into Psychosis
2. Schizophrenia isn’t caused by “sin.”
Like other mental illnesses, schizophrenia is sometimes believed to be caused by the individual’s own “bad behavior.” Of course, this is completely untrue. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but experts believe a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors contribute to a person developing schizophrenia. It is not a “punishment” for something specific you chose to do.
“That schizophrenia is due to sin or God’s punishment… which is what my pastor thinks. That archaic way of thinking needs to disappear… the cause of the illness needs to find more public awareness.” — Nicole E.
3. People with schizophrenia aren’t inherently “dangerous.”
Perhaps the biggest misconception about schizophrenia is that people living with it are scary and a danger to others. However, studies have shown that people with schizophrenia are actually more likely to be victims of violent crimes than perpetrators.
“It is wrong to think people with schizophrenia are dangerous. People with schizophrenia think differently so they need a chance to be understood.” — Heidi M.
Related: How I View 'Success' as a Janitor With Schizophrenia
“People believe that schizophrenic people are dangerous and they confuse them with psychopaths. People assume that they are going to harm them and that they are somehow controlled by evilness! Which is far from the truth.” — Ermolia P.
4. Hallucinations and voices feel very real to the person experiencing them.
When someone without schizophrenia is watching or interacting with someone experiencing schizophrenia-induced hallucinations, it might seem obvious that the hallucinations aren’t real. But the hallucinations and voices do feel extremely real to them — they are really hearing and seeing things. As you would expect, this can be very scary. As Mighty contributor Josie Thorhill described:
My hallucinations followed me wherever I went. I thought the world was a scary place. I thought bad people stalked me, that they were trying to kill me. I couldn’t sleep at night. I couldn’t understand how everyone else was okay all the time. I lived in a nightmare.
“Schizophrenia doesn’t make someone dangerous. It doesn’t make them violent. But everything is very real! While you may not be able to see the hallucinations or hear the voices, to the schizophrenic person it is all very, very real! And can truly be terrifying! Learn about it, give a little love and compassion. Some of the best people (who are brilliant, talented, loving, inventive, kind) have schizophrenia. Trust me, you’ll learn something!” — Sabrina M.
“To the person with schizophrenia it’s all real, it’s not hallucinations, it’s not being ‘crazy,’ it’s truly their reality.” — Jenn C.
5. Schizophrenia is not the same thing as dissociative identity disorder.
Dissociative identity disorder (DID, formerly called multiple personality disorder) is often confused for schizophrenia, but the two conditions are distinct. In DID, the individual develops different personalities, each with their own mannerisms and backstories. A person with DID may or may not realize when they are switching between different personalities. Most people with DID have experienced trauma, which may cause them to start dissociating.
With schizophrenia, the individual does not adopt different personalities. Instead, they hear voices and perhaps see other “people” who talk to them, without “taking over” the core personality. Unlike DID, schizophrenia is not caused by trauma.
“People think schizophrenia is multiple personalities.” — Abby B.
6. People with schizophrenia still have feelings, just like anyone else.
This should be obvious, but we’ll say it anyway: People with schizophrenia can still feel happy, sad, anxious and get their feelings hurt, just like anyone else. They still have likes and dislikes, hobbies and passions and want to live a normal life. It’s important that people see their loved ones as more than just “schizophrenia.”
“Everyone thinks we’re violent people but we’re not. I wish they knew that we might be a little different than they are but we’re still people with feelings just like them who just want to be accepted.” — Roxanne B.
7. Many people with schizophrenia are unaware of their diagnosis.
A common symptom of schizophrenia is an inability to understand that you have the condition. This can make it extremely difficult to accept treatment because you simply don’t believe you need it. If you’re ever confused about why a person with schizophrenia might not want to take their medication, consider how difficult it would be to follow a treatment plan if you think the doctors are trying to give you medication for an illness you don’t have.
“People don’t understand that half of those with bipolar or schizophrenia suffer with anosognosia, which means they completely lack awareness of the illness. Imagine having cancer and doctors want you to do surgery — chemo but you refuse because you don’t believe you have cancer. So stop judging by saying why don’t they just take their meds or get off the street as often they are unaware of the illness. Get to know some of these people, they are some of the nicest, kindest individuals you’ll ever meet.” — John R.
8. Schizophrenia causes “positive” symptoms, symptoms those without schizophrenia usually don’t have, and “negative” symptoms, the absence of characteristics usually present in people without schizophrenia.
When most people think of schizophrenia, they think of what’s known as “positive” symptoms. This includes delusions, hearing voices, hallucinations, paranoia and distorted perceptions — behaviors that aren’t present in healthy people. However, schizophrenia also includes “negative” symptoms, such as the inability to initiate plans and express emotions — a lack of behaviors typically seen in healthy people.
“Schizophrenia isn’t just made up of positive symptoms, like hallucinations and delusions, but negative symptoms too such as lack of motivation and attention difficulties, which are just as hard to deal with.” — Joseph R.
9. Hallucinations themselves aren’t always scary.
Based on schizophrenia portrayals in media, you might think hallucinations always consist of scary figures trying to convince you to hurt yourself or others. While many people with schizophrenia do experience terrifying hallucinations, you could also hallucinate things that aren’t inherently scary. As Mighty contributor Lukas Allen described:
Sometimes the voices say good things or bad things, sometimes different voices say different things, or one voice says helpful and unhelpful things. Split them apart into good and bad, light and dark, and — most importantly — as useful and useless.
“Sometimes the hallucinations aren’t bad at all and it can seem like you’re talking to a normal stranger.” — Julia C.
10. If a person with schizophrenia hears voices telling them to hurt someone, that doesn’t mean they will do it.
While people with schizophrenia may hear voices encouraging them to hurt themselves or someone else, research shows they aren’t more likely to be violent than anyone else.
“Even if someone has delusions where they hear someone/something telling them to harm others, it doesn’t mean they’ll act on it.” — Sam C.
11. People with schizophrenia are strong for facing their symptoms and challenges every day.
It takes so much strength to keep fighting through every day with schizophrenia — especially considering the stigma and difficulties accessing support and effective treatment. If you have schizophrenia, know that you are strong for all that you cope with on a daily basis.
“I wish people with schizophrenia knew how strong and inspirational they really are. I wish everybody knew the battles they face daily and the mountains of (what may be to some people) little accomplishments they achieve. The world would be a much nicer place with just that little bit of understanding.” — Kerry D.
For more insight on the reality of life with schizophrenia, check out these stories from our Mighty community:
Read more stories like this on The Mighty:
16 Things People Wish They Knew Before Their First Psychiatric Hospital Stay
15 'Harmless' Comments That Actually Hurt People With Schizophrenia
Why Schizophrenia Doesn’t Have One ‘Look’
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