How do I use my hair straighteners in Chile?

Chilean power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Chile?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Chile:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Chilean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Chile, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Chile otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Chile you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Chile check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Chile

Will my hair straighteners work in Chile?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Chile:

Chile power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Chilean power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Chilean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Chile?

Power outlets in Chile are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Chile?

Type C and L power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Chile?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power socket (known as the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type L - The hexagon shaped power socket, technically called a type L power outlet, looks like 3 circular adjecent holes forming a line. Note that there are two different variations of Type L wall outlet rated for 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm round pins spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Chile is a Type L plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Chile. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you have to use a power 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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the hair straighteners. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Chile then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Chilean power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Chilean power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Chile.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Chile or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Chile with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Chile?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Chile?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Chile 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Chilean power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Chile. It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Chile could be higher than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, 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 packed immediately after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Chile

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Chilean power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Chile. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Chile?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Chile. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic hair straighteners, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for travelling. [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 Chile using a type C power adapter

A page on how to power your hair straighteners in Chile with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Chile you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Chile simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two circular adjacent holes.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chilean power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be used in Chile. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chile using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Chile using a type L power adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to use your hair straighteners in Chile by using a 3 pin Type L travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Chile; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Chile you'll need to buy a Type L plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Chile by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type L plug adapter in the wall outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped power supply, sometimes known as the Type L power outlet [5], looks like three adjecent holes forming a line. Note there are two different types of Type L wall supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm round pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chilean power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in Chile. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chile using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Chile 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 L power outlet
  6. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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..