How to use your hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Cayman Islands?

Check your hair straighteners can work in The Cayman Islands:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 120 volt Cayman Islands power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in The Cayman Islands, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for The Cayman Islands otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 120 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands

Will my hair straighteners work in The Cayman Islands?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 120 volts as used in The Cayman Islands:

How can I use my American hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to The Cayman Islands and provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a Cayman Islands power outlet.

The Cayman Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in The Cayman Islands?

Power outlets in The Cayman Islands are 120 volts.

What is the frequency used in The Cayman Islands?

The frequency from a Cayman Islands power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands?

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

  • Plug Type A - This wall outlet, also called a type A power outlet, is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots.
  • Plug Type B - This power socket, technically known as a type B power outlet, is recognised by the two slots with a semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.

A Type B plug adapter allows you to use 120 volt hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for The Cayman Islands. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [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?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in The Cayman Islands then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Cayman Islands power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 120 volts used in a Cayman Islands power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in The Cayman Islands.
  • 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 The Cayman Islands or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to The Cayman Islands with hair straighteners

Should you bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to The Cayman Islands?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Cayman Islands power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The Cayman Islands. Be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler in The Cayman Islands. The costs involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands might outweigh the costs of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or 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 waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on hand 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 US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Cayman Islands 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 for 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 wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for The Cayman Islands

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for The Cayman Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for The Cayman Islands?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in The Cayman Islands, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 120 volt Cayman Islands power outlet to work with non-120 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in The Cayman Islands. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing. [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 The Cayman Islands using a type B power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands with a Type B power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 120 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The Cayman Islands. This power adapter will fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in The Cayman Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the Cayman Islands power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots parallel to each other with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cayman Islands power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in The Cayman Islands. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands using a type B power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands with a Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 120 volts, please refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. Please check that you don't already own 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 120 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet which is used in The Cayman Islands isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in The Cayman Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the Cayman Islands power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cayman Islands power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in The Cayman Islands. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Cayman Islands using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about The Cayman 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. 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..