How do I use hair straighteners in Greece?

Greek power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Greece?

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

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Greek power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Greece, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Greece otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts used in Greece you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Greece please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Greece

Will my hair straighteners work in Greece?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Greece. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Greece. If not then you will need to consider buying either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic hair straighteners in Greece for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Greece power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Greek power outlet?

The frequency from a Greek power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Greece?

Power outlets in Greece are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Greece?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Greece?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet, also known as the Europlug, can be identified by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall socket by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Greece - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Greece. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [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 handle or plug. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Greece then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Greek 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 230 volts used in a Greek power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Greece.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Greece or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Greece with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Greece?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Greece?

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 also suggests that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Greece 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should I bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Greece?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Greece as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Greek power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Greece.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Greece could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively 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 packed immediately after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Greece

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Greece. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Greece, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Greek power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [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?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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 Greece using a type C power adapter

A guide on how to power your hair straighteners in Greece with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Greece. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet used in Greece by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two circular holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greek power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greece using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Greece using a 2 pin Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Greece; please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Greece isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair straighteners. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Greece by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The recessed round wall outlet can be identified by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greek power outlet. Your hair straighteners are now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greece using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greek 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. 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..