How do I use hair straighteners in Cameroon?

Cameroonian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Cameroon?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Cameroon:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Cameroonian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Cameroon, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with the correct power adapter for Cameroon otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Cameroon you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Cameroon please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Cameroon

Will my hair straighteners work in Cameroon?

This depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volts which are used in Cameroon:

Cameroon power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Cameroon?

The common residential voltage used in Cameroon is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Cameroonian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Cameroonian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Cameroon?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Cameroon?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket (technically known as the Europlug) is recognised by the two round adjacent holes where the twin pins slide into.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify this wall outlet by two adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle shape.

A Type E power adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Cameroon; read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Cameroon with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Cameroon with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Cameroon?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Cameroon as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Cameroonian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Cameroon. Note that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Cameroon could be more than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to Cameroon?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to Cameroon?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Cameroon 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 by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to pack 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] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Cameroon

Can I use hair straighteners with a converter in Cameroon?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Cameroon. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is noticeably heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Cameroon, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Cameroonian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [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?

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 Cameroon using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Cameroon with a Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Cameroon, refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Cameroon. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Cameroon by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Cameroonian power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug, is recognised by the two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cameroonian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Cameroon using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Cameroon using a type E power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in Cameroon by using a 2 pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Cameroon, refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Cameroon you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Cameroon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cameroonian power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Cameroon using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cameroon country Wikipedia 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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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..