How to use your hair straighteners in Comoros

Comorian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Comoros?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Comoros:

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 Comorian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, 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 types of wall outlet used in Comoros, so please check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Comoros otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Comoros you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Comoros check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Comoros

Will my hair straighteners work in Comoros?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Comoros. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Comoros. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read the section on will a power converter work with hair straighteners in Comoros for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Comoros power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Comoros?

Power outlets in Comoros are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Comoros?

The frequency found in a Comorian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in Comoros?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Comoros?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the plug socket by two adjacent holes next to each other plus a single long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle shape.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Comoros is a Type E plug adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Comoros. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 way 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 handle of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other straighteners will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Comoros then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Comorian 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 220 volts used in a Comorian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Comoros.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Comoros or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Comoros with hair straighteners

Should you bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Comoros?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Comoros as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Comorian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Comoros.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Comoros might outweigh the costs of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, 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 transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Comoros?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Comoros?

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 suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Comoros 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 when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables 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 knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Comoros

Do I need a voltage converter for Comoros to use my hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Comoros. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is considerably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Comoros, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert a 220 volt Comorian 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?

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 Comoros using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Comoros by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Comoros won't take the plug shape on your hair straighteners. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Comoros 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 by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Comorian power outlet. The power supply, also called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Comorian power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in Comoros. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Comoros using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your hair straighteners in Comoros by using a Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Some hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Comoros; 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 shape as the outlet used in Comoros you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Comoros simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. This round power outlet, sometimes known as the Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 outlet, can be recognised by two large circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other along with one metal earth pin protruding the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Comorian power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in Comoros. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Comoros using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Comorian Wiki 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..