How to use your hair straighteners in Saint Pierre

St Pierrais power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Pierre?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Saint Pierre:

If not then:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Saint Pierre
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet, however this is considerably 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 power outlet used in Saint Pierre, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Saint Pierre otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Saint Pierre please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Saint Pierre

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Pierre?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Saint Pierre. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your hair straighteners in Saint Pierre. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with hair straighteners in Saint Pierre for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Saint Pierre power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Saint Pierre?

The frequency of the current used in a St Pierrais power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Saint Pierre?

Power outlets in Saint Pierre are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Saint Pierre?

The type of power outlet used in Saint Pierre is type E. You can recognise the power socket by two holes 19mm apart from each other where the two pins slide into with one metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern. A recommended travel adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in Saint Pierre is a Type E plug adapter; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Saint Pierre using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Saint Pierre?
Plug adapters for Saint Pierre

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?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Saint Pierre with hair straighteners

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Saint Pierre will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, 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 electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Saint Pierre?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Saint Pierre as it ensures that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Pierrais power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Saint Pierre.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Saint Pierre might outweigh the costs of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Pierre

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Saint Pierre?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Saint Pierre?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet to work with non-230 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 Saint Pierre. [5] [AD]

Can I use hair straighteners with a converter in Saint Pierre?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Pierre. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be significantly lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [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.    [9] [11] [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 Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Saint Pierre by using a 2 pinned Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Saint Pierre; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Saint Pierre you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [4]. The Type E plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Saint Pierre by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the St Pierrais power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other with a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Pierrais power outlet. Your straighteners should now be ready for use in Saint Pierre. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Pierre country page on wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. 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.
  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..