Using hair straighteners in Libya

Libyan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Libya?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Libya:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 127 volt Libyan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Libya, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Libya otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 127 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Libya please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Libya

Will my hair straighteners work in Libya?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets used in Libya. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 127 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Libya. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with your hair straighteners in Libya for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Will my American hair straighteners work in Libya?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Libya and will provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Libyan power outlet.

Libya power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Libyan power outlet?

The frequency used in a Libyan power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

What is the mains voltage in Libya?

Power outlets in Libya are 127 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Libya?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Libya, these are type D, C, F and L with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - This power socket, also known as a type D power outlet, looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round plug outlet (known as a Schuko socket or type F power outlet) can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins along with a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type L - This flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet (known as a type L power outlet) looks like 3 large circular holes forming a line. Please note there are two different variations of Type L plug outlet rated for 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using 127 volt hair straighteners in Libya is a Type D plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Libya. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Libya?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Libya then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Libyan power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 127 volts used in a Libyan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Libya.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Libya or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Libya with hair straighteners

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Libya 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 and will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Libya?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Libyan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Libya. Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Libya might be more than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [15] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Libya

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Libya?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Libya?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Libya, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 127 volt Libyan power outlet to work with non-127 volt hair straighteners. [11] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair straighteners in Libya?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Libya. Travellers who wish to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [11] [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.    [15] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 Libya using a type C power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Libya with a 2 pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Libya, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Libya isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by two holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners in Libya. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Libya using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Libya using a type D power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Libya by using a Type D power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Libya. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the 3 round holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Libya. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Libya using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your hair straighteners in Libya with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners make sure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Libya - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Libya you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Libya simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go, plus two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Libya. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Libya using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Libya using a type L power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Libya with a Type L travel adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type L plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Libya. The Type L plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type L plug adapter into the power outlet. The squashed hexagon shaped plug supply (sometimes called the Type L power outlet [9]) looks like 3 large circular holes forming a line. Note there are two variations of Type L plug supply rated at 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp wall outlet has 4mm round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart whilst the 16 amp version has larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Libya. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Libya using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Libyan country Wiki page
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  10. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..