They say you should never ask the contents of a lady’s handbag, but in 2025, I think we can let a few truths slip.
In mine, you will always find at least two types of lip balm - one for fuss-free nourishing, the other with a light tint. A small tube of hand cream (L’Occitane does travel-friendly ones best). Eye drops to counter the effects of staring at a screen all day, and a pot of Merit’s Flush Balm to brighten my complexion after the commute has zapped it.
Lately, I’ve added a travel hairbrush to the mix of must-haves. Because no matter what the weather is up to, my medium-thick hair always seems to find a way of tangling by lunchtime.
The gentlest of breezes is enough to send the strands into utter disarray, and finger combing can only get you so far. I could tie my hair back, but since it’s a kind of safety blanket, I never feel comfortable unless I’m wearing it loose around my face.
Thankfully, I don’t need to force a full-size hairbrush into an over-burdened bag. There are plenty of compact designs made for travel that will work just as well.
They’re not just for city adventures either: these tiny hair tamers are ideal for short trips where everything must fit into an underseat bag. They’re also great for festivals, slotting into an at-capacity backpack without taking up too much room. The best come with a small mirror so you can grin or grimace at your appearance, depending on the state of your crowning glory.
Tangle Teezer is amongst the leading names when you’re thinking of travel hairbrushes, but they’re far from the only ones out there.
If you’re in a similarly dishevelled boat, I’ve rounded up the best travel hairbrushes to coax your strands back into formation with options for all hair types, because no one needs a bad hair day.
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Tangle Teezer The Compact Styler Detangling Hairbrush
Small, sturdy and as good on dry hair as it is wet, Tangle Teezer is one of the best-known players in the grooming game.
Part of its allure lies in the sheer range of designs - you can get plain colours, of course, but why would you when your eyes can enjoy the pastel swirls of this Ice Cream Swirl look? The oblong shape feels comfortable in the palm of your hand, and the two-tiered teeth system ticks both the detangling and smoothing boxes.
This one comes with a cover that snaps into place to keep handbag debris out.
Buy now £12.80, Amazon
Denman Original Curl Definer & Styler
Made to give a professional edge to home blow-dries, Denman’s premium hairbrushes are loved by stylists the world over.
In fact, these experts have helped to shape Denman’s range, including this slim curl definer and styler that can be used on curly, wavy and poker straight hair.
Measuring 25cm in length, it should fit into most medium-sized handbags. When it gets a bit scuzzy, you can remove the bristle pad for easy washing.
It also comes in a range of bold colours and patterns to liven things up or to make it appropriate for a gift.
Buy now £12.50, Amazon
WetBrush Mini Detangler Brush - Pink
Small but mighty, WetBrush’s hard-working hero is the thing to stash in your gym bag. It’s perfect for using on locks right after a shower or swim, using IntelliFlex bristles to detangle hair without snagging or pulling.
Buy now £6.99, Lookfantastic
Mozeat Lens Mini Boar Bristle Brush
Mixing boar bristles with nylon pins means hair is made extra smooth with this folding travel brush.
The boar bristles help to pull natural oil from the scalp to the hair, offering natural conditioning, while the nylon gets to work easing any stubborn knots.
I like the retro tan colour of the handle; it gives a midcentury look that makes it feel like a family heirloom.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Travel Round Brush for Blow Drying
If you’re away for a few days and can’t bear the thought of unstyled hair, this tiny round brush is perfect. The compact retractable tool slides into the case and comes with a lid so they won’t come undone and snag your delicate silks and lace inside your hand luggage.
The bristles are topped with rounded nodes to massage the scalp instead of scratching against it. Suitable for all hair types.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Shell Foldable Travel Hair Brushes with Mirror
Have fun with your accessories with this hair brush compact that comes with a mirror in a pretty shell-themed design. The bristles sit on a padded base which will bounce back against your scalp, even if you accidentally push too hard against it.
It’s a cute option to keep in your beach bag or to bulk buy for easy party favours.
Buy now £6.59, Amazon
Oliver Bonas Sawyer Green Shimmer Shell Hair Comb & Mirror
This pretty green comb and mirror is the slimmest of the bunch, so if it’s something you can slip into a shorts pocket without bulking it out, this is it. There’s not much to this brush, so it’s best used on those with thinner hair or to entice kids after a turn in the paddling pool.
Buy now £19.50, Oliver Bonas
The Detangler On the Go Travel Detangling Hair Brush
Built for on-the-go grooming, this handy hairbrush comes with its cover attached so there’s no chance of losing it in the depths of a busy handbag. It uses a three-tiered teeth system to smooth and untangle hair. The 288 pins will be just as effective on wet or dry hair.
Buy now £8.00, Amazon
Lullabellz 2-1 Folding Comb & Brush
A brush and comb in one, this folding device is perfect for practically any hair look you want to create on the move, from a slicked-up bun to easy beach waves.
Buy now £5.00, ASOS
