How to use hair straighteners in Guam

Will my hair straighteners work in Guam?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Guam:

If your hair straighteners can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Guam but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Guam, therefore check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Guam otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 110 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Guam please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Guam

Will my hair straighteners work in Guam?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 110 volt power outlets in Guam:

If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 110 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use the hair straighteners in Guam.
If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. Read our section on will a power converter work with your hair straighteners in Guam for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my US hair straighteners in Guam?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from America travelling to Guam and provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a Guamanian power outlet.

Guam power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Guam?

The voltage used in Guam is 110 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Guam?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Guamanian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Guam?

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

Plug Type A - The power outlet (technically called the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other where the pins go.
Plug Type B - You can identify the plug socket by two thin slots where the twin plug socket blades go with a semicircle shaped hole below for the long earthed pin.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using 110 volt hair straighteners in Guam is a Type B power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Guam. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter. [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Guam

Dual 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. 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 but other models will have a button 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 110 volts used in Guam then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Guamanian 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 110 volts used in a Guamanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Guam.
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 Guam or any other country if these numbers are shown.

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Travelling to Guam with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Guam?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Guamanian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Guam.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Guam. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Guam might be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning. [10] [11] [AD]

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage to Guam?

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 United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Guam 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, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you 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 knocks and drops during your journey. [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Guam

Do you need a power converter for Guam to use your hair straighteners?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 110 volt power outlet used in Guam. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own hair straighteners, however it could be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Guam, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 110 volts from a Guamanian power outlet to work with non-110 volt hair straighteners. [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?

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?

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:

Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
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.
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.

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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.