Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Brazil?

Brazilian power outlet

Brazil uses 2 different types of voltage depending on the location - both 127 volts and 240 volts. Always ensure that you familiarise yourself with the voltage of the outlet prior to using any electrical appliance in a Brazilian power outlet. Instructions on this page assume that you understand which voltage you will be using, however the safest option is always to use a dual voltage device or appliance.

Will my hair straighteners work in Brazil?

Check that your hair straighteners can work in Brazil:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 127 or 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 127 or 220 volt Brazilian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Brazil, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Brazil otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that 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 127 or 220 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Brazil read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Brazil

Will my hair straighteners work in Brazil?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 127 or 220 volts as used in Brazil. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 127 or 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Brazil. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my US hair straighteners in Brazil?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from America travelling to Brazil and will provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Brazilian power outlet.

Brazil power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Brazil?

The frequency of the current used in a Brazilian power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Brazil?

Type C and N power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Brazil?

There are two types of power outlets used in Brazil, these are type N and C with the primary power outlets being type N:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type N - This flattened hexagon shaped power socket (technically called a type N power outlet) looks like 3 large circular holes in a flattened triangular configuration.

A Type N plug adapter allows you to use hair straighteners in Brazil, read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Brazil using a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need 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?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 127 or 220 volts used in Brazil then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Brazilian 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 127 or 220 volts used in a Brazilian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Brazil.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Brazil or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Brazil with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Brazil?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Brazil as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 127 or 220 volt power outlets used with a Brazilian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Brazil.

Note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Brazil could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Brazil will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through 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 hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Brazil

Can I use my hair straighteners with a power converter for Brazil?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 127 or 220 volt power outlet used in Brazil. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring along their own hair straighteners, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 127 or 220 volt Brazilian power outlet to work with non-127 or 220 volt hair straighteners, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Brazil. [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 Brazil using a type C power adapter

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

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 127 or 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 127 or 220 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Brazil doesn't take the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Brazil simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 or 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two adjacent holes where the twin pins go. Prior to 1st January 2010 buildings may be installed using this power outlet.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners for use in Brazil. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Brazil using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Brazil using a type N power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Brazil using a Type N travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 127 or 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 127 or 220 volts to use in Brazil - please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Brazil won't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type N plug adapter [6]. The Type N plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Brazil by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 127 or 220 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type N plug adapter into the Brazilian power outlet. You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground. Please note that since January 2010 all buildings will be installed using this power outlet.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type N plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners for use in Brazil. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Brazil using a type N power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Brazil
  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 N power outlet
  6. Type N plug adapter - A 3-pin Type N travel adapter adheres to the Brazilian Standard NBR 14136, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Brazil..
  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..