Using hair straighteners in Scotland

Scottish power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Scotland?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Scotland:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable 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 enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Scottish power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Scotland, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Scotland otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Scotland please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Scotland

Will my hair straighteners work in Scotland?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 230 volts as used in Scotland. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use the hair straighteners in Scotland. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read our section on do you need a power converter to use a hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my American hair straighteners in Scotland?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Scotland and will provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a Scottish power outlet.

Scotland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Scottish power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Scottish power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Scotland?

Power outlets in Scotland are 230 volts.

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

Type G power outlets are used in Scotland. You can recognise the plug outlet by three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground. A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Scotland; read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Scotland. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners 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 handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Scotland then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Scottish 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 230 volts used in a Scottish power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Scotland.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Scotland or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Scotland with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage?

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

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 cords 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 provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

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

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Scottish power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Scotland.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Scotland could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or 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.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Scotland

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 230 volt Scottish power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Scotland. [5] [AD]

Can you use hair straighteners with a power converter for Scotland?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Scotland. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it might be a lot 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 noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [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.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Scotland using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Scotland by using a three pin Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because 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 make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Scotland; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Scotland you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Scotland 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Scottish power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Scotland. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Scotland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Scotland country page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..