How do I use my hair straighteners in Morocco?

Will my hair straighteners work in Morocco?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Morocco:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the correct power adapter for Morocco listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Morocco but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Morocco

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Moroccan power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Morocco, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Morocco otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 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 Morocco please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Morocco power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Morocco?

Power outlets in Morocco are 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Moroccan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Moroccan power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Morocco?

There are two types of power outlets used in Morocco, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

• Plug Type C - You can identify this plug outlet by the two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
• Plug Type E - This sunken round power socket can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a single metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle shape.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Morocco; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Morocco with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Morocco

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 dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

• A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Morocco then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Moroccan power outlet.
• A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a Moroccan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Morocco.
• A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Morocco or any other country.

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Travelling to Morocco with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Morocco?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Morocco as it ensures that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Moroccan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Morocco. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The costs of repairing or replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Morocco 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 boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Morocco?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Morocco will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. 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 should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you do 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 bumps during your journey.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Morocco

Can I use my hair straighteners with a voltage converter for Morocco?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Morocco. Travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter for Morocco?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Morocco, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Moroccan power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [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?

• 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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]

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.

  [16] [18] [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 Morocco using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Morocco with a Type C travel charger.

1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Morocco isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter ^[4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Morocco by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
3. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Moroccan power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Morocco. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Morocco using a type E power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Morocco with a 2 pronged Type E travel charger.

1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Morocco - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
2. If the type of power outlet used in Morocco isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to use a Type E plug adapter ^[6]. The Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Morocco simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
3. Start the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the Moroccan power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two 4.8mm round holes 19mm apart from each other where the two plug outlet pins sit with a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Moroccan power outlet.
6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Morocco. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Moroccan power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

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1. Wikipedia - Morocco 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 E power outlet
6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
7. 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..
8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country - October 2017
9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
11. 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.
12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners - October 2017
13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
14. 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.
15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
18. 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..