How do I use my hair straighteners in Ukraine?

Ukrainian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Ukraine?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Ukraine:

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

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Ukrainian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Ukraine, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Ukraine otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Ukraine read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Ukraine

Will my hair straighteners work in Ukraine?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Ukraine:

Can I use my American hair straighteners in Ukraine?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Ukraine and provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a Ukrainian power outlet.

Ukraine power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Ukrainian power outlet?

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

What is the voltage in Ukraine?

Power outlets in Ukraine are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use  hair straighteners in Ukraine?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Ukraine?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug socket by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Ukraine; read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Ukraine with a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Ukraine then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Ukrainian 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 220 volts used in a Ukrainian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Ukraine.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Ukraine or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Ukraine with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Ukraine 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 by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables 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 transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Ukrainian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Ukraine. Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Ukraine. The inconvenience and costs of replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Ukraine could overshadow the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Ukraine

Do I need a converter for Ukraine to use my hair straighteners?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Ukraine. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be a lot cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Ukrainian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Ukraine. [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.    [11] [13] [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 Ukraine using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Ukraine by using a 2 pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure 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 continue because you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners 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 220 volts for use in Ukraine, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ukraine you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Ukraine by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 circular adjacent holes where the plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ukrainian power outlet. Your straighteners can now be used in Ukraine. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Ukraine using a type C power adapter

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

How to power hair straighteners in Ukraine with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Ukraine, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ukraine you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Ukraine simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Ukrainian power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ukrainian power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be used in Ukraine. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Ukraine using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Ukrainian country page on Wikipedia
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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..