How do I use hair straighteners in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstani power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Kazakhstan?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Kazakhstan:

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

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Kazakhstani power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Kazakhstan, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Kazakhstan otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Kazakhstan read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Kazakhstan

Will my hair straighteners work in Kazakhstan?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Kazakhstan:

Kazakhstan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Kazakhstan?

The normal residential voltage used in Kazakhstan is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Kazakhstani power outlet?

The frequency used in a Kazakhstani power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Kazakhstan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Kazakhstan?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Kazakhstan, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power socket by 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - This round power outlet, also called the Schuko plug, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes and grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Kazakhstan; read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Kazakhstan with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Kazakhstan with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on to Kazakhstan?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on to Kazakhstan?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Kazakhstan will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your 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 and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you do 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 most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Kazakhstan?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Kazakhstan as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Kazakhstani power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Kazakhstan. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Kazakhstan. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Kazakhstan might outweigh the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Kazakhstan

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt Kazakhstani power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Kazakhstan. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Kazakhstan to use hair straighteners?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Kazakhstan. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair straighteners, but it might be a lot 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 substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [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 Kazakhstan using a type C power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in Kazakhstan by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Kazakhstan, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Kazakhstan won't take the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Kazakhstan 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 supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Kazakhstani power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes where the pins slide into.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kazakhstani power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your straighteners for use in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Kazakhstan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Kazakhstan using a type F power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Kazakhstan with a Type F power charger.

  1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Kazakhstan; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Kazakhstan isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Kazakhstan 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 supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it into the Kazakhstani power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kazakhstani power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Kazakhstan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kazakhstani page on wikipedia.org
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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..