How do I use my hair straighteners in Saint Lucia?

St Lucian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Lucia?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Saint Lucia:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt St Lucian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Saint Lucia, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Saint Lucia otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts used in Saint Lucia you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Saint Lucia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Saint Lucia

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Lucia?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volts as used in Saint Lucia. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the hair straighteners in Saint Lucia. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the section on do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my US hair straighteners in Saint Lucia?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Saint Lucia and provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a St Lucian power outlet.

Saint Lucia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Saint Lucia?

The frequency in a St Lucian power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Saint Lucia?

The residential voltage in Saint Lucia is 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Saint Lucia?

Type G power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Saint Lucia?

The type of power outlet used in Saint Lucia is type G. This plug outlet, technically called a type G power outlet, can be identified by 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Saint Lucia is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Saint Lucia using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [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?

The method to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Saint Lucia with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Saint Lucia?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Saint Lucia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Saint Lucia 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Saint Lucia?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Saint Lucia as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a St Lucian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Saint Lucia. Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Saint Lucia. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Saint Lucia might overshadow the costs of purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Lucia

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in Saint Lucia?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Saint Lucia. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Saint Lucia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Saint Lucia?

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform a 240 volt St Lucian power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Saint Lucia. [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 Saint Lucia using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Saint Lucia using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Saint Lucia. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Saint Lucia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. This power supply, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], looks like 3 vertical holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and ground.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Lucian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Saint Lucia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Lucia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Lucia Wikipedia page
  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..