How do I use my hair straighteners in Malta?

Maltese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Malta?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Malta:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Malta, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Malta otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Malta please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Malta

Will my hair straighteners work in Malta?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Malta. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your hair straighteners in Malta. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the section on will a voltage converter work with your hair straighteners in Malta for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Malta power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Maltese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Maltese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Malta?

The residential voltage in Malta is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in Malta?

Type G power outlet

Which plug adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Malta?

The type of power outlet used in Malta is type G. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangle pattern. A recommended power adapter to bring to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Malta is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Malta with a power adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [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?

The method to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Malta then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Maltese 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 230 volts used in a Maltese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Malta.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Malta or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Malta with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Malta?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Maltese power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Malta. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler. The costs of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Malta could be higher than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Malta in your luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Malta in your luggage?

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 recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Malta 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 power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Malta

Can you use hair straighteners with a voltage converter for Malta?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Malta. Travellers who wish to use their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Malta, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Maltese power outlet to work with non-230 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 Malta using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Malta with a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not proceed as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Malta won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Malta simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the Maltese power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the three rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maltese power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Malta using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Malta
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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..