Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands?

British Virgin Islands power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The British Virgin Islands?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in The British Virgin Islands:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 110 volt British Virgin Islands power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer 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 The British Virgin Islands, therefore check that the power converter has the right power adapter for The British Virgin Islands otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 110 volts used in The British Virgin Islands 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 The British Virgin Islands read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands

Will my hair straighteners work in The British Virgin Islands?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 110 volt power outlets in The British Virgin Islands. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my US hair straighteners work in The British Virgin Islands?

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

The British Virgin Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in The British Virgin Islands?

The frequency found in a British Virgin Islands power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in The British Virgin Islands?

The typical voltage in The British Virgin Islands is 110 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands?

There are two different types of power outlets used in The British Virgin Islands, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall outlet (also called the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the two adjacent slots.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the plug socket by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short twin blades sit with a single hole below for the longer earth pin.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using 110 volt hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands is a Type B power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands using a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [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 dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your hair straighteners. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to The British Virgin Islands 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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to The British Virgin Islands 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 for airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to The British Virgin Islands?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to The British Virgin Islands as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a British Virgin Islands power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The British Virgin Islands. Please note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in The British Virgin Islands. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing or replacing expensive specialised hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands might be more than purchasing much cheaper 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 slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively 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 transported right after use without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for The British Virgin Islands

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 110 volt British Virgin Islands power outlet to work with non-110 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in The British Virgin Islands. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 110 volt power outlet used in The British Virgin Islands. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing hair straighteners, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [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 The British Virgin Islands using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands by using a 3 prong Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 110 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts; refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in The British Virgin Islands doesn't take the plug on your hair straighteners. This Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in The British Virgin Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short twin blades sit with a single hole below for the longer earth pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the British Virgin Islands power outlet. The straighteners should now be ready for use in The British Virgin Islands. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands using a type A power adapter

A page on how to power hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands with a three bladed Type A power charger.

  1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 110 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you're not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your hair straighteners will work with a 110 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet which is used in The British Virgin Islands doesn't take the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with a power outlet used in The British Virgin Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 slots adjacent to each other.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the British Virgin Islands power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in The British Virgin Islands. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The British Virgin Islands using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about The British Virgin Islands
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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..