How do I use hair straighteners in Nicaragua?

Nicaraguan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Nicaragua?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Nicaragua:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 120 volt Nicaraguan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Nicaragua, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Nicaragua otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 120 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Nicaragua please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Nicaragua

Will my hair straighteners work in Nicaragua?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 120 volt power outlets in Nicaragua. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 120 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Nicaragua. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a power converter to use your hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my US hair straighteners work in Nicaragua?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Nicaragua and provide advice on using your US hair straighteners with a Nicaraguan power outlet.

Nicaragua power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used with a Nicaraguan power outlet?

The frequency from a Nicaraguan power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Nicaragua?

Power outlets in Nicaragua are 120 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Nicaragua?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Nicaragua?

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

  • Plug Type A - This power socket, technically called a type A power outlet, is identified by two thin adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - This power socket, technically called a type B power outlet, is identified by two thin slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the ground pin.

A Type B plug adapter allows you to use 120 volt hair straighteners in Nicaragua - read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Nicaragua. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the hair straighteners. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Nicaragua then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Nicaraguan 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 120 volts used in a Nicaraguan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Nicaragua.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Nicaragua or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Nicaragua with hair straighteners

Can I pack hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Nicaragua 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it better to bring your domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Nicaragua?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Nicaragua as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Nicaraguan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Nicaragua.

Please note that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Nicaragua might be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Nicaragua

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Nicaragua?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Nicaragua?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 120 volt Nicaraguan power outlet to work with non-120 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 fit into a power outlet in Nicaragua. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 120 volt power outlet used in Nicaragua. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair straighteners, but 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. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling. [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.    [11] [13] [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 Nicaragua using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Nicaragua with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in Nicaragua; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Nicaragua. This Type B plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Nicaragua simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type B plug adapter in the Nicaraguan power outlet. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the short live and neutral blades sit with a semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nicaraguan power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners in Nicaragua. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nicaragua using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nicaragua using a type A power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your hair straighteners in Nicaragua using a 2 blade Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts to use in Nicaragua; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. Check that you're not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair straighteners will work with a 120 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Nicaragua doesn't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Nicaragua simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 thin slots where the plug outlet blades go.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nicaraguan power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be used in Nicaragua. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nicaragua using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nicaraguan Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  13. 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.
  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..