How to use your hair straighteners in Kosovo

Kosovan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Kosovo?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Kosovo:

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 230 volt Kosovan 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 physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Kosovo, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Kosovo otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Kosovo please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Kosovo

Will my hair straighteners work in Kosovo?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Kosovo. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your hair straighteners in Kosovo. If not then you will need to consider buying either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with hair straighteners in Kosovo for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American hair straighteners in Kosovo?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Kosovo and will provide guidance for using your US hair straighteners with a Kosovan power outlet.

Kosovo power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Kosovo?

Power outlets in Kosovo are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Kosovo?

The frequency of the current used in a Kosovan power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Kosovo?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Kosovo?

There are two types of power outlets used in Kosovo, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This round power outlet can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm next to each other, plus a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in Kosovo, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Kosovo. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [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 method 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 vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Kosovo then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Kosovan 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 230 volts used in a Kosovan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Kosovo.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Kosovo or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Kosovo with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring your domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Kosovo?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Kosovo as it ensures that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Kosovan power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Kosovo.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Kosovo might be higher than 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 heat resistant and shockproof 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.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying 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 Kosovo 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you 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 bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Kosovo

Can I use hair straighteners with a converter in Kosovo?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Kosovo. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it might be considerably cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 230 volt Kosovan power outlet to work with non-230 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 Kosovo. [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?

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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [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 Kosovo using a type C power adapter

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

  1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Kosovo; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Kosovo you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Kosovo simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kosovan power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Kosovo. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Kosovo using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Kosovo by using a Type F power charger.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't 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 straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Kosovo; refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Kosovo you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Kosovo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the Kosovan power outlet. This sunken round wall supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kosovan power outlet. Your straighteners should now be ready for use in Kosovo. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Kosovo using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kosovo country entry on wikipedia.org
  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. 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 -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  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 -
  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..