How do I use hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinean power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Equatorial Guinea?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Equatorial Guinea:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 220 volt Equatorial Guinean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Equatorial Guinea, so please check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Equatorial Guinea otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea

Will my hair straighteners work in Equatorial Guinea?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volts as used in Equatorial Guinea:

Equatorial Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Equatorial Guinea?

Power outlets in Equatorial Guinea are 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Equatorial Guinea?

The frequency from an Equatorial Guinean power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea?

There are two types of power outlets used in Equatorial Guinea, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket, technically called a Europlug, is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle configuration.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using 220 volt hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea is a Type E power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Equatorial Guinea. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Equatorial Guinea then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Equatorial Guinean 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 220 volts used in an Equatorial Guinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Equatorial Guinea.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Equatorial Guinea or any other country if these numbers are shown.
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Travelling to Equatorial Guinea with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage to Equatorial Guinea?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage to Equatorial Guinea?

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 United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Equatorial Guinea 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 for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Equatorial Guinea?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Equatorial Guinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Equatorial Guinea. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Equatorial Guinea. The costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea might outweigh the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide 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 packed right after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Equatorial Guinea

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Equatorial Guinea, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt Equatorial Guinean power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Equatorial Guinea. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [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 Equatorial Guinea using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea with a two pinned Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Equatorial Guinea you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Equatorial Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Equatorial Guinean power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Equatorial Guinean power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Equatorial Guinea. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea using a type E power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea by using a Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Equatorial Guinea; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Equatorial Guinea. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Equatorial Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type E plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and one long metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Equatorial Guinean power outlet. Your straighteners can now be used in Equatorial Guinea. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Equatorial Guinea using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Equatorial Guinea
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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..