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

Swazi power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Swaziland?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Swaziland:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Swazi power outlet, however this is substantially 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 wall outlet used in Swaziland, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Swaziland otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in Swaziland read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Swaziland

Will my hair straighteners work in Swaziland?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Swaziland. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the hair straighteners in Swaziland. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on can you use a voltage converter to use domestic hair straighteners in Swaziland for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Will my American hair straighteners work in Swaziland?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Swaziland and will provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a Swazi power outlet.

Swaziland power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Swaziland?

Power outlets in Swaziland are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Swaziland?

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

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

Type M power outlet

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

Type M power outlets are used in Swaziland. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three large circular holes forming a triangle pattern. A recommended power adapter to bring for using 230 volt hair straighteners in Swaziland is a Type M plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Swaziland with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need to use 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 of the hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Swaziland then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Swazi power outlet.
  • Single voltage might 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 Swazi power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Swaziland.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Swaziland or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Swaziland with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Swaziland?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Swaziland as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Swazi power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Swaziland. Be aware that packing 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 Swaziland. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Swaziland might be higher than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Swaziland?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Swaziland?

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 who is taking you to Swaziland 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 and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Swaziland

Do I need a power converter to use hair straighteners in Swaziland?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Swaziland. 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]. Also, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform a 230 volt Swazi power outlet to work with non-230 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 Swaziland. [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 Swaziland using a type M power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Swaziland with a Type M travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Swaziland - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type M plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Swaziland. The power adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Swaziland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type M plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the 3 large holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Swazi power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Swaziland using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Swaziland
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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..