Using hair straighteners in Antigua

Antiguan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Antigua?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Antigua:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 230 volt Antiguan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change 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 Antigua, so please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Antigua otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Antigua please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Antigua

Will my hair straighteners work in Antigua?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Antigua:

Antigua power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Antigua?

The typical voltage used in Antigua is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Antigua?

The frequency found in an Antiguan power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Antigua?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Antigua?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Antigua, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the wall socket by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this wall socket by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer ground pin.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in Antigua is a Type B power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Antigua. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners 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 single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Antigua then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Antiguan 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 an Antiguan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Antigua.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Antigua or any other country.
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Travelling to Antigua with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Antigua?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Antiguan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Antigua.

Note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Antigua could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Antigua will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the 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 and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). 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 offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Antigua

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt Antiguan power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, but a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Antigua. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Antigua. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive 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 substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [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 Antigua using a type B power adapter

A guide showing how to power your hair straighteners in Antigua using a 3 pin Type B power charger.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works 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. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Antigua isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Antigua simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the Antiguan power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular hole below for the earth pin.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Antiguan power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Antigua. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Antigua using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Antigua using a type A power adapter

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Antigua by using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair straighteners can work with a 230 volt power supply). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Antigua. This Type A plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Antigua by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two thin slots parallel to each other where the blades go.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Antiguan power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners to use in Antigua. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Antigua using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Antiguan Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..