How do I use my hair straighteners in Somalia?

Somali power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Somalia?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Somalia:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 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.

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 Somali power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Somalia, therefore check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Somalia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Somalia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Somalia

Will my hair straighteners work in Somalia?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Somalia:

Somalia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Somalia?

Power outlets in Somalia are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Somali power outlet?

The frequency from a Somali power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Somalia?

Type C power outlet

Which power adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Somalia?

The type of power outlet used in Somalia is type C. You can identify this power socket by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins go. A suitable power adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Somalia is a Type C plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Somalia. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Somalia with hair straighteners

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

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Somalia as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Somali power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Somalia.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers in Somalia. The cost of replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Somalia could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to pack 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.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage to Somalia?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage to Somalia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Somalia 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Somalia

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Somalia. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Somalia, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Somali power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [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 Somalia using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Somalia by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that your 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 attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Somalia you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Somalia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two round holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Somali power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners to use in Somalia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Somalia using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Somali Wikipedia web 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. 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..