Using a hair dryer in The Philippines

Filipino power outlet

Will my blowdryer work in The Philippines?

First check your hair dryer can work in The Philippines:

  • If your hair dryer can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair dryer 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 dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Filipino power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in The Philippines, therefore check that your power converter has the right power adapter for The Philippines otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your personal hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair dryer or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair dryer in The Philippines check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in The Philippines

Will my hair dryer work in The Philippines?

That depends on if your hair dryer can operate using the 220 volts used in The Philippines:

Best travel hair dryers for The Philippines

What to look for when choosing a travel hair dryer for The Philippines

Dual voltage switch on travel hair dryer

What to look for when choosing a travel hair dryer for The Philippines

When choosing the best hair dryer look for a strong but light dual-voltage dryer that works with a 220 volt Filipino power outlet power outlet with an ALCI safety plug, a long cord and folding handle. If drying thicker hair look for a dryer with a stronger 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

What should I look for when purchasing a blow dryer?

  1. The most suitable hair dryers allow you to change the temperature and speed with two options, a hotter faster speed can quickly dry hair whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures reduce damage to hair.
  2. Try to look for lightweight travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers with a handle which folds mean more space to pack other items.
  3. It might be more convenient and cheaper purchasing a new hair dryer which is supplied with a concentrator and diffuser instead of scouring shops to look for more expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the barrel size perfectly.
  4. Hotel rooms could have a fixed mirror positioned away from a outlet making it difficult to style hair, so find the model with the lengthiest power cord possible or bring either a power extension cord or pocket mirror.
  5. A modern hair dryer could feature a 'cool shot' button for rapidly cooling hair down after drying to hold in a style but this option is missing in more compact models.
  6. In order to function with a 220 volt Filipino power outlet a hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
  7. Thicker hair might need a hair dryer with a more powerful motor - a higher wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
  8. Safe travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will reduce the risk of overloading and starting an electrical fire; you can idenfity these models with the two 'test' and 'reset' switches.
  9. Don't risk getting the cheapest travel hair dryer available - as well as issues with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to a poor build.

Which is the best hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thicker hair can take much longer to dry and can be hard to dry without hair going frizzy. The best option for thicker hair is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best small dual voltage hair dryer for The Philippines?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle

Which is the best small dual voltage hair dryer for The Philippines?

  • To dry thin or fine hair on the go then a ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective small ionic hair dryer available on the market.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is small and lightweight enough to carry in a handbag because of the 10.5oz body with folding handle that also includes options reserved for larger dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during use for a shinier finish.

Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers when used with the right plug adapter for a Filipino power outlet they should work in The Philippines and fold conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. They have a two speed motor, have a 1.5 metre power cord and include a concentrator attachment.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

What is the best travel hair dryer with cool shot?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

What is the best travel hair dryer with cool shot?

  • Using a strong twin speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes cool shot that can will rapidly cool down hair.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, uses a ceramic tourmaline air outlet meaning faster and safer styling, two heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and also comes with a concentrator attachment.

Each model is folding, has an ALCI safety plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making them ideal for travel to The Philippines in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Filipino power outlet.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer with diffuser attachment?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer with diffuser attachment?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a long 1.82m electric power cord for greater flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it also has cool shot making it more suited for drying thicker hair.

Each ionic hair dryer features both diffuser and concentrator attachments with strong motors to make them the best travel blow dryers suitable for thick hair. They are lightweight and fold up to fit in a carry-on bag, only requiring a suitable power adapter for The Philippines to work with a Filipino power outlet.  [10] [11] [11] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best blow dryer for The Philippines?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in The Philippines Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

The Philippines power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Filipino power outlet?

The frequency from a Filipino power outlet is 60 Hz. [16]

What voltage is used in The Philippines?

The normal residential voltage used in The Philippines is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in The Philippines?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in The Philippines?

There are three types of power outlets used in The Philippines, types C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - The plug socket (called the type A power outlet) is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 thin slots parallel to each other with a semicircle shaped hole below for the grounded pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt hair dryer in The Philippines is a Type C power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in The Philippines with a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in The Philippines?

  1. First check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or it will work with a 220 volt power socket.
  2. If your hair dryer supports dual voltage please make sure it is set to work in the 220-240v range. The switch is usually found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for The Philippines and also plug in the power adapter into the Filipino power outlet.
  4. It is common on a majority of travel hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting; however the speed should be adequate for drying hair. Please check the hair dryer instructions to find out if this is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. The dryer is now ready to operate with a Filipino power outlet.

How can you switch a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a switch or dial which selects between 2 types of voltages although some models can automatically detect the voltage from a Filipino power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch will normally require a screwdriver or coin to change the hair dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. In addition to switching this over it's worth jotting down both switch positions as the painted numbers can occasionally rub off on some models of dryer.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair dryer, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 220 volts used in The Philippines then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Filipino power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a Filipino power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in The Philippines.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in The Philippines or any other country.

Travelling to The Philippines with a hair dryer

Should I bring a domestic blow dryer or a travel hair dryer to The Philippines?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to packing an existing domestic blow dryer to The Philippines (marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Filipino power outlet (provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The Philippines). Certain types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are lighter which helps reduce the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive specialised blow dryer in The Philippines could outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip .  [18] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in The Philippines have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in The Philippines have hair dryers?

Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the room, either packed in a bedroom cupboard, drawer or wardrobe, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could potentially be a slower air hose type.

In cheaper hotels, motels and hostels a communal hair dryer might be offered at reception but that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability then either check on the hotel web site or call ahead to the hotel in The Philippines to find out what is available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but are typically basic models with no diffuser and notorious for slow air speeds and low heat. For those worried about hygiene should remove the burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Remember, if you are in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in The Philippines or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Can you carry on a hair dryer to The Philippines in your luggage?

Folding travel hair dryer

Can you carry on a hair dryer to The Philippines in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to The Philippines will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Power converters for The Philippines

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet in The Philippines, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 220 volt Filipino power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [9] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use your hair dryer in The Philippines?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in The Philippines. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. In addition, a travel hair dryer can be noticeably smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in The Philippines by using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in The Philippines you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in The Philippines by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the Filipino power outlet. This wall supply (sometimes called a Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the long earthed pin. Note power cables with type B sockets which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used in The Philippines so please check first.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Filipino power outlet. Your hair dryer can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type B power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in The Philippines with a two pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in The Philippines; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in The Philippines. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in The Philippines simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  6. Your hair dryer can now be used in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type A power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to power your hair dryer in The Philippines with a Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. Please check that you're not already using a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair dryer can work with a 220 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in The Philippines you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [8]. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Philippines by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it into the Filipino power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin slots parallel to each other. Please note that power cords with type A outlets which are rated at 125 V should not be used so please check prior to proceeding.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Philippines using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Philippines Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  11. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  12. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  13. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  14. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  15. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  19. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.