Using your hair straighteners in Principe

Prinicipe power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Principe?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Principe:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Prinicipe power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Principe, so please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Principe otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Principe you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Principe please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Principe

Will my hair straighteners work in Principe?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Principe. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Principe. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the guide on will a power converter work with domestic hair straighteners in Principe for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my US hair straighteners in Principe?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Principe and will provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a Prinicipe power outlet.

Principe power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Principe?

The common residential voltage in Principe is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Prinicipe power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Prinicipe power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Principe?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Principe?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Principe, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by two holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the power outlet by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Principe; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a travel adapter for Principe. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Principe then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Prinicipe 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 220 volts used in a Prinicipe power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Principe.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Principe or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Principe with hair straighteners

Should I bring my domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Principe?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Principe as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Prinicipe power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Principe.

Be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Principe. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Principe might be more than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. 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, 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.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in carry on?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Principe 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Principe

Can I use my hair straighteners with a voltage converter for Principe?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Principe. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Principe, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Prinicipe power outlet to work with non-220 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?

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 Principe using a type C power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Principe using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your 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 do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Principe - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Principe. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Principe simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First insert the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular holes next to each other where the twin pins go.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Prinicipe power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Principe using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Principe using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Principe with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Principe, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Principe. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Principe 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 supply.
  3. Plug the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm apart from each other along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Prinicipe power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Principe. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Principe using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Prinicipe Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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..