How do I use my hair straighteners in Solomon Islands?

Solomon Islands power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Solomon Islands?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Solomon Islands:

If not then either:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Solomon Islands
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Solomon Islands power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier 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 wall outlet used in Solomon Islands, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Solomon Islands otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Solomon Islands you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in Solomon Islands please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Solomon Islands

Will my hair straighteners work in Solomon Islands?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts used in Solomon Islands. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the hair straighteners in Solomon Islands. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use domestic hair straighteners in Solomon Islands for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my US hair straighteners in Solomon Islands?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Solomon Islands and provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Solomon Islands power outlet.

Solomon Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Solomon Islands?

The standard voltage used in Solomon Islands is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Solomon Islands power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Solomon Islands power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Solomon Islands?

Type I and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Solomon Islands?

There are two types of power outlets used in Solomon Islands, these are type G and I with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type G - This power socket, also known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 vertical slots with plastic shutters in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify the wall socket by the three slots for the live, neutral and earth.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Solomon Islands; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Solomon Islands with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Solomon Islands

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Single 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 a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Solomon Islands then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Solomon Islands 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 220 volts used in a Solomon Islands power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Solomon Islands.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Solomon Islands or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Solomon Islands with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Solomon Islands?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Solomon Islands power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Solomon Islands.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Solomon Islands. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Solomon Islands could outweigh the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, or 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Solomon 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Solomon Islands

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Solomon Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Solomon Islands?

A heavy and expensive power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Solomon Islands power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Solomon Islands. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Solomon Islands to use your hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Solomon Islands. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [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.    [8] [9] [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 Solomon Islands using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Solomon Islands using a three pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Solomon Islands, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Solomon Islands isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Solomon Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by three rectangular slots forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Solomon Islands power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Solomon Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Solomon Islands 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..