You can absolutely take a hairdryer in your hand luggage in 2026; it is considered a standard "portable electronic device" and is not on the prohibited items list for any major international airline. Because it does not contain a lithium battery, it does not pose the same fire risk as a laptop or power bank, making it safe for both the cabin and the cargo hold. However, there are two practical considerations: space and voltage. A full-sized professional hairdryer can take up a significant amount of your carry-on's weight and volume, so many travelers prefer compact or foldable travel models. More importantly, you must check the voltage compatibility; a 110V hairdryer from the US will likely "fry" or blow a fuse if plugged into a 220V outlet in Europe or Asia, even with a plug adapter. In 2026, security staff may occasionally ask you to remove the hairdryer from your bag if it appears "dense" on the X-ray, but this is less common with modern 3D scanners now found in most major airports.