Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Nevis?

Nevis power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Nevis?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Nevis:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Nevis power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Nevis, so please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Nevis otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Nevis please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Nevis

Will my hair straighteners work in Nevis?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Nevis. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the hair straighteners in Nevis. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

How can I use my US hair straighteners in Nevis?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Nevis and will provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Nevis power outlet.

Nevis power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Nevis?

The common voltage in Nevis is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Nevis?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Nevis power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

Which travel adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Nevis?

There are four types of power outlets used in Nevis, these are type G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall socket, technically called a type A power outlet, can be identified by the 2 adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug socket blades go with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
  • Plug Type D - This wall socket, technically called a type D power outlet, can be identified by 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - This wall socket, technically called a type G power outlet, can be identified by 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle configuration.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Nevis; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Nevis. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need for using  hair straighteners in Nevis?

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 will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to change 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 230 volts used in Nevis then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Nevis 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 Nevis power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Nevis.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Nevis or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Nevis with hair straighteners

Can you take hair straighteners in your hand luggage to Nevis?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you take hair straighteners in your hand luggage to Nevis?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Nevis 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 for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Nevis?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Nevis power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Nevis. It is also worth bearing in mind that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Nevis. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Nevis might overshadow the cost of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [15] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Nevis

Can you use hair straighteners with a power converter in Nevis?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Nevis. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing. [11] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Nevis?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Nevis?

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Nevis power outlet to work with non-230 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 in Nevis. [11] [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.    [15] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 Nevis using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Nevis with a 3 prong Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Nevis. This Type B plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Nevis by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called the Type B power outlet [3], is identified by 2 slots with a single hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners to use in Nevis. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nevis using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nevis using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nevis with a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Nevis, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Nevis you'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Nevis simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type D plug adapter in the Nevis power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three round holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nevis power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners in Nevis. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nevis using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nevis using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Nevis by using a 3 pin Type G power charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Nevis. This Type G plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Nevis by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called the Type G power outlet [7], looks like 3 rectangular holes containing shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nevis using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nevis using a type A power adapter

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Nevis by using a 2 blade Type A power charger.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. Please check 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 please check that your hair straighteners will work with a 230 volt power outlet). So, if the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Nevis you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [10]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Nevis simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter in the Nevis power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two thin slots next to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nevis using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nevis Wikipedia web page
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..