How do I use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

Congo power outlet

Can I use my hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

Check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in The Republic of the Congo:

  • If your hair dryer can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Congo power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for The Republic of the Congo otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your existing hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo

Will my hair dryer work in The Republic of the Congo?

This will depend on if your hair dryer can handle the 230 volt power outlets in The Republic of the Congo:

Best travel hair dryers for The Republic of the Congo

What to look for when buying a blow dryer for The Republic of the Congo

Multiple speed options on a travel hair dryer

What to look for when buying a blow dryer for The Republic of the Congo

When choosing the best travel hair dryer for The Republic of the Congo look for a strong but lightweight dual-voltage dryer which will work with a 230 volt Congo power outlet power outlet, has a long cable, an ALCI safety plug and folding handle. When drying thick hair buy a model which includes a bundled diffuser that uses a faster 1600+ watt dryer.

What should I look for when purchasing a blow dryer?

  1. Rather than looking for more expensive third party attachments it might be cheaper to buy a new dryer that is supplied with both a concentrator and diffuser from the manufacturer.
  2. Depending on your hotel room you might find a fixed mirror positioned away from a convenient outlet which could make it hard to dry hair, therefore look for the lengthiest power cord available or use either a pocket mirror or extension cable.
  3. Suitable hair dryers will give control of the speed and temperature settings with two options, a lower temperature with a slower speed will reduce damage to hair whilst a hotter faster speed will quickly dry thicker hair.
  4. If you have thicker or curlier hair then you might require a travel hair dryer which has a more powerful motor - a higher wattage ceramic dryer that includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster to prevent damage.
  5. Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the danger of the motor overloading and starting fires - you can idenfity these with the 2 'test' and 'reset' buttons.
  6. Try to look for a lightweight travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers which have a folding handle mean more space to pack other items.
  7. Don't be tempted to just buy the cheapest travel hair dryer available - as well as safety issues there is a greater risk that the dryer could fail during travelling abroad due to a poor build.
  8. The cool shot feature on a modern travel dryer can quickly cool hair down after drying which will hold a style but this feature might be lacking in cheaper dryers.
  9. In order to function in The Republic of the Congo the travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
What is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for The Republic of the Congo?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

What is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for The Republic of the Congo?

  • With a strong two speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler features a cool shot setting which can be used to quickly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions resulting in faster styling, two heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cable and also includes a concentrator.

Both models fold, have an ALCI safety plug which prevents overloading and has dual voltage making both perfect for visiting The Republic of the Congo in carry on luggage if used with a power adapter for a Congo power outlet.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

What is the best hair dryer for thick hair?

Thicker hair takes longer to dry and can be difficult to dry without hair going frizzy. The best option is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are able to manage and dry hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [12] [13] [AD]

Which is a good mini dual voltage travel hair dryer?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium

Which is a good mini dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  • A Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic hair dryer available on the market, the 1200 watt ceramic dryer will be suitable for quickly drying thin and fine hair on the go.
  • For a folding dryer which is small and lightweight enough to transport in a handbag then the 10.5 ounce BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. Featuring a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage this dryer has options which are normally reserved for larger blow dryers.

Both mini hair dryers support dual voltage when used with a suitable plug adapter for a Congo power outlet they should work in The Republic of the Congo folding conveniently enough to be carried around all day for drying on the go. They have a 1.5 metre power cable, have a 2 speed motor and include a concentrator.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for The Republic of the Congo?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser

Which is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for The Republic of the Congo?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but doesn't have a cool shot button.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a longer 1.82m electric power cord for greater freedom when drying with an ALCI power plug and removable filter for cleaning. It also uses a strong 1875 watt motor including a cool shot feature making it perfect for styling thick hair.

Each ionic travel hair dryer features both diffuser and concentrator with powerful enough motors to make them the best blow dryers suitable for thick hair. They require a cheap power adapter for The Republic of the Congo to plug into a Congo power outlet, each hair dryer is lightweight and folds up to pack into a carry-on bag.  [12] [13] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best hair dryer to buy for The Republic of the Congo?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in The Republic of the Congo Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

The Republic of the Congo power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in The Republic of the Congo?

The normal voltage in The Republic of the Congo is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Congo power outlet?

The frequency from a Congo power outlet is 50 Hz. [16]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

There are three different types of power outlets used in The Republic of the Congo, these are type E, C and D with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type E - The round plug socket (technically known as the CEE 7/7 socket) can be identified by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo is a Type E plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for The Republic of the Congo. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can you use a dual voltage blow dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

  1. Ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or that it will work with a 230 volt power socket.
  2. If your hair dryer supports dual voltage then make sure that it is switched to work in the 220-240 volt range. The switch is usually found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and may require a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug the dryer into the power adapter for The Republic of the Congo, then plug in the power adapter into the Congo power outlet.
  4. It is normal for a majority of travel hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting, but this temperature and speed should still be adequate for drying hair. Please check the hair dryer instructions to see if this is applicable for your model of dual voltage dryer to stop overheating.
  5. The hair dryer can now be operated with a Congo power outlet.

How can I switch a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  1. Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have a dial which selects between 2 sets of voltages however some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage used in The Republic of the Congo.
  2. The dial or switch will typically require either a screwdriver or coin to set the hair dryer to the right voltage between the 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
  3. Also it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models of dryer.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair dryer will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the hair dryer. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically, however other hair dryers will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Republic of the Congo then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Congo power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Congo power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in The Republic of the Congo.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in The Republic of the Congo or any other country.

Travelling to The Republic of the Congo with a hair dryer

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in The Republic of the Congo?

Hotel hair dryer

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in The Republic of the Congo?

Depending on the hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed in a bedroom wardrobe, cupboard or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose variety. When staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a communal hair dryer might be available at the reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer availability you should either call ahead to your hotel in The Republic of the Congo or check on the booking web site to find out what is available for guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but are typically rudimentary models lacking a diffuser, notorious for providing slower air speeds and low heat. For those worried about hygiene should remove any grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either call ahead to the hotel in The Republic of the Congo or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Should I bring a travel hair dryer or domestic hair dryer to The Republic of the Congo?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to bringing an existing hair dryer to The Republic of the Congo as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Congo power outlet (provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The Republic of the Congo). Travel hair dryers normally feature a folding handle and will be lighter which will help reduce the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to packing a domestic hair dryer.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your luggage by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality blow dryer in The Republic of the Congo might be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before travelling .  [18] [AD]

Can you carry on a hair dryer in your hand luggage?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can you carry on a hair dryer in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to The Republic of the Congo will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it 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 dryers). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Power converters for The Republic of the Congo

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for The Republic of the Congo?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for The Republic of the Congo?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet in The Republic of the Congo, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Congo power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [9] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use my hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. Travellers who wish to bring their existing hair dryer can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

A guide on how to power a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in The Republic of the Congo isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair dryer. This Type C plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in The Republic of the Congo simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The plug supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Congo power outlet.
  6. Your hair dryer can now be used in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a 3 prong Type D travel charger.

  1. Please make sure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Dual voltage blow dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. The Type D plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in The Republic of the Congo simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type D power outlet [5], looks like three circular holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Congo power outlet. Your hair dryer can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo by using a two pin Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in The Republic of the Congo; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Republic of the Congo you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in The Republic of the Congo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type E plug adapter in the Congo power outlet. The round plug outlet can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Congo power outlet. You can now turn on the blow dryer to use in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about The Republic of the Congo
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  11. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  12. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  13. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  14. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  15. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  19. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.