How do I use hair straighteners in Guinea?

Guinean power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Guinea?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Guinea:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Guinean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Guinea, so please check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Guinea otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Guinea please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Guinea

Will my hair straighteners work in Guinea?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volts as used in Guinea:

Can I use my American hair straighteners in Guinea?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Guinea and provide guidance for using your US hair straighteners with a Guinean power outlet.

Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Guinea?

The frequency from a Guinean power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Guinea?

Power outlets in Guinea are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Guinea?

Type C, F and K power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Guinea?

There are three types of power outlets used in Guinea, types F, C and K with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall outlet by two circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the plug socket by two round holes 19 mm next to each other along with grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type K - The plug socket, also called a type K power outlet, can be recognised by the three large holes forming an upside-down triangle configuration with the bottom hole appearing in a semicircular shape.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Guinea; read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Guinea. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Guinea then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Guinean power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Guinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Guinea.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Guinea or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Guinea with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage to Guinea?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage to Guinea?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Guinea will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Guinea?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Guinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Guinea. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Guinea. The costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Guinea might outweigh the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning.   [13] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Guinea

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter for Guinea?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter for Guinea?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Guinea, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt Guinean power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [9] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in Guinea?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Guinea. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [9] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [13] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [18] [20] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Guinea using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair straighteners in Guinea with a two pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Guinean power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in Guinea. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guinea using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Guinea by using a Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guinean power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Guinea. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Guinea using a type K power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Guinea with a two pin Type K travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to use a Type K plug adapter [8]. The power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type K plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 holes in an upside-down triangular pattern for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guinean power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners in Guinea. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guinea using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Guinea
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  8. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  15. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  16. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..