Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a hair dryer in Barbados?
Will my hair dryer work in Barbados?
First check your hair dryer can work in Barbados:
- If your hair dryer can run using 115 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you could need an appropriate power adapter for Barbados but these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. Before purchasing read the recommendations for the best dual voltage hair driers guaranteed to work in Barbados, nine tips for buying a new travel blow dryer and a comparison of six of the best travel blow dryers to buy in 2023.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 115 volt Barbadian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of power outlet used in Barbados, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Barbados otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Barbados
Will my hair dryer work in Barbados?
It depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 115 volts which are used in Barbados:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 115 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your hair dryer in Barbados.
- If not then then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with your hair dryer in Barbados for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for Barbados
Dual voltage switch on travel hair dryer
What to look for in a travel blow dryer for Barbados
When choosing the best travel hair dryer for Barbados look for a robust but light dual-voltage model which operates with a 115 volt Barbadian power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, long power cable and a safety plug. If drying thicker hair look for one with a diffuser that uses a higher 1600+ watt dryer.
What should you look for when buying a travel hair dryer?
- Don't risk getting the cheapest travel hair dryer, as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a flimsy build.
- To work with a 115 volt Barbadian power outlet a hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
- The 'cool shot' feature can rapidly cool down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this option lacks in smaller models.
- The safest travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which minimises the risk of overloading leading to an electrical fire - you can idenfity these with the two 'reset' and 'test' buttons on the plug.
- Thicker or curlier hair could need a blow dryer with a stronger motor, a higher wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster, thereby avoiding damage.
- Try looking for lighter travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, models with folding handles will mean more space for packing other items.
- Depending on the accommodation you might find a wall mirror positioned away from a convenient power outlet which could make it difficult to style hair, so when buying a hair dryer search for a model with the lengthiest power cord possible or pack either a hand mirror or extension cord.
- It could be more convenient purchasing a new hair dryer that includes both a diffuser and concentrator instead of scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments which fit the unique barrel perfectly.
- The most suitable hair dryers will give control of the speed and temperature with different options - hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker hair whilst lower temperatures with slower speeds prevent damage to your hair.
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator
What is a good folding travel hair dryer with diffuser attachment?
- The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but doesn't have cool shot.
- The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a long 1.82 metre power cable for more flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for cleaning. It uses a strong 1875 watt motor including a cool shot option making it ideal for styling thick hair.
Both ionic travel hair dryers include both diffuser and concentrator attachments with strong enough motors to make them the best blow dryers suitable for thick hair. Each hair dryer is light and folds up to fit into a carry-on bag, only requiring a cheap plug adapter for Barbados to work with a Barbadian power outlet. [8] [8] [9] [AD]
The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle
What is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Barbados?
- If you want to dry thin and fine hair on the go then a 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective mini ionic blow dryer available to buy.
- A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to carry in a purse because of the 10.5 ounce body with folding handle and includes features reserved for larger dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage during styling resulting in a shinier finish.
Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used in combination with a suitable power adapter for a Barbadian power outlet they should work in Barbados and fold conveniently enough to be carried around during the day for drying on the go. Both are twin speed, have a 1.5 metre power cable and include a concentrator attachment. [10] [10] [11] [AD]
Which is the best hair dryer for thick hair?
Thicker hair takes longer to dry and will be difficult to dry without the hair turning frizzy, the best option will be an ionic blow dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [8] [9] [AD]
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with attached concentrator
Which is the best dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for Barbados?
- The Conair Compact Styler has a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and features a cool shot button that can will rapidly cool hair down which gives it a longer lasting hold.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions resulting in faster and safer styling, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8m electric power cord and comes with a concentrator attachment.
Both models can fold, include an ALCI power plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making them perfect for visiting Barbados in carry on luggage if used with a power adapter for a Barbadian power outlet. [12] [12] [13] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
What is the best blow dryer to buy for Barbados?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Barbados | 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.
Barbados power outlets and plug sockets
What voltage is used in Barbados?
Power outlets in Barbados are 115 volts.
What is the frequency used with a Barbadian power outlet?
The frequency of the alternating current from a Barbadian power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]
Type A and B power outlets
Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a hair dryer in Barbados?
There are two types of power outlets used in Barbados, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:
- Plug Type A - The wall outlet, technically known as a type A power outlet, is identified by 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other.
- Plug Type B - The plug outlet (technically called a type B power outlet) is recognised by two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
A Type B power adapter is suitable for powering a 115 volt hair dryer in Barbados, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Barbados. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to use a voltage converter. [4] [15] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
Dual voltage hair dryer
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the hair dryer. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair dryer and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryers will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 115 volts used in Barbados then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Barbadian 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 115 volts used in a Barbadian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Barbados.
- A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Barbados or any other country.
How do I use my dual voltage hair dryer in Barbados?
- First check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and that it works with a 115 volt power socket.
- If the hair dryer supports dual voltage then make sure that it is switched to the 100-127 volt range. The switch is usually found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
- Plug the hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Barbados and also plug in the power adapter into the Barbadian power outlet.
- The hair dryer can now be operated in Barbados.
- It is common on dual voltage hair dryer models which were purchased in a country that uses 220-240 volts to work slower than expected in a power outlet that supplies 100-127 volts.
How should I change the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?
- Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of dial or switch which changes between 2 types of voltages although some hair dryers are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Barbados.
- This dial or switch requires a small coin or screwdriver to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or a 220v-240v range.
- In addition to changing this over it's worth jotting down the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers can sometimes fade on some models of hair dryer.
Travelling to Barbados with a hair dryer
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Is a blow dryer allowed onboard a plane to Barbados?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Barbados will allow a hair dryer 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, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers 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. [16] [17] [18] [AD]
Is it safe to bring a domestic hair dryer to Barbados?
Bringing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to Barbados as it ensures that it will work with the 115 volt power outlets used with a Barbadian power outlet (provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Barbados). Certain models of travel hair dryer will normally feature a collapsible handle and are lighter, this helps in reducing the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer.
Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic hair dryer in Barbados could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip . [17] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Barbados?
Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the hotel room, either packed away in a bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose variety. When staying in cheaper motels, hostels and hotels a communal hair dryer could be available at reception but could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer policy you can either telephone your hotel in Barbados or check on the booking web site to find out what is available for guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but normally basic models with no diffuser and notorious for low heat and providing slow air speeds. For those concerned with hygiene should remove any grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.
Guests who are uncertain that a suitable and germ-free hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer. [2] [AD]
Power converters for Barbados
Can I use a hair dryer with a power converter for Barbados?
The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 115 volt power outlet used in Barbados. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Barbados?
A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet in Barbados, however a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 115 volts from a Barbadian power outlet to work with a non-115 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Barbados using a type B power adapter
A guide on how to power your hair dryer in Barbados using a 3 pin Type B power charger.
- Check that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 115 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 115 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
- If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Barbados you will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Barbados simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 115 volt supply.
- First plug in the Type B plug adapter into the Barbadian power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two slots where the plug outlet blades go with a single hole below for the grounded pin.
- Plug in your hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
- Turn on the Barbadian power outlet.
- Your hair dryer can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Barbados using a type A power adapter
Instructions on how to power your hair dryer in Barbados using a Type A power adapter.
- Check that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 115 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer make sure you have set it to the 115 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
- 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 you will still need to check that your hair dryer will work with a 115 volt power outlet). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet used in Barbados. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Barbados by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 115 volt outlet.
- Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [5], is identified by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two plug outlet blades go.
- Plug in the hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
- Turn on the Barbadian power outlet.
- You can now switch on your blow dryer for use in Barbados. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - Barbadian Wikipedia web page
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type B power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type A power outlet
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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