How to use your hair straighteners in Israel

Israeli power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Israel?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Israel:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 220 volt Israeli power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Israel, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Israel otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Israel 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 Israel read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Israel

Will my hair straighteners work in Israel?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Israel. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Israel. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Can I use my American hair straighteners in Israel?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Israel and provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with an Israeli power outlet.

Israel power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Israel?

The standard residential voltage used in Israel is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Israel?

The frequency of the current used in an Israeli power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Israel?

Type C, H and M power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Israel?

There are three types of power outlets used in Israel, types H, C and M with the primary power outlets being type H:

  • Plug Type H - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 thin slots facing the direction of the middle forming a triangular pattern. You will find more recently installed type H power sockets also have rounded holes in the middle of each thin slot to allow for the round pinned type C socket plugs that can be found in 139 other countries. The most common outlets found in Israel are Type H plug sockets. A Type C plug will also fit in a Type H power outlet.
  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet (technically known as the type C socket) can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other. Ungrounded Type C plugs can also fit into type H power outlets.
  • Plug Type M - The plug socket (also called a type M power outlet) looks like three large round holes forming a triangle shape. These outlets are less common in Israel and only typically used high wattage equipment.  [6] [11] [AD]

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?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Israel then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Israeli 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 an Israeli power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Israel.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Israel or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Israel with hair straighteners

Should I bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Israel?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Israeli power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Israel. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Israel might outweigh the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without risk of burning.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to Israel?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to Israel?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Israel will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring 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 bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Israel

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 220 volt Israeli power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Israel. [9] [AD]

Do you need a power converter for Israel to use your hair straighteners?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Israel. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be considerably cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [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.    [12] [13] [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 Israel using a type C power adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to use your hair straighteners in Israel with a two prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Israel; refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Israel. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into. These sockets might not be as common in Israel, however the ungrounded Type C plug can also fit into Type H power outlets which are more popular in Israel.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Israeli power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in Israel. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Israel using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Israel using a type H power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Israel with a Type H power 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 it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Israel; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type H plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Israel. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type H plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. The earthed plug outlet (called a Type H power outlet [5]) can be identified by three slots pointing inward in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. More recently made type H wall supplies have round holes in the middle of each slot to accommodate the round pinned Type C plugs that can be found in almost 140 other countries. Type H power outlets will be the most commonly used sockets in Israel.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type H plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Israel using a type H power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Israel using a type M power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Israel with a 3 pinned Type M travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Israel; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Israel. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type M power outlet [7]) looks like three large circular holes in a triangle configuration. Type M power outlets in Israel are less common. These outlets are being phased out in Israel in favour of Type H power outlets and are only typically used with high wattage equipment.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Israeli power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in Israel. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Israel using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Israel - Go Israel
  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 H power outlet
  6. Type H plug adapter - A Type H electrical adapter, compliant with Israel SI32 standards, featuring either flat or round pins depending on the version. This adapter is specifically designed for use in Israel and its surrounding territories..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. 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.
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..