Using your hair straighteners in Nigeria

Will my hair straighteners work in Nigeria?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Nigeria:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Nigeria however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Nigeria

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Nigerian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Nigeria, therefore please check that the power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Nigeria otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts used in Nigeria you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Nigeria check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Nigeria power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Nigeria?

Power outlets in Nigeria are 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Nigeria?

The frequency used in a Nigerian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Nigeria?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Nigeria, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

• Plug Type D - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
• Plug Type G - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangle pattern.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering 240 volt hair straighteners in Nigeria - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Nigeria. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Nigeria

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

The method to tell if your hair straighteners can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

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Travelling to Nigeria with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Nigeria?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Nigerian power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Nigeria.

Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Nigeria. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Nigeria might be higher than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat travel mat for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.   [11] [12] [AD]

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on luggage to Nigeria?

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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Nigeria 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, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [10] [11] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Nigeria

Do you need a converter for Nigeria to use hair straighteners?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Nigeria. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Nigeria, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Nigerian power outlet to work with non-240 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?

• 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 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 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 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] [12] [15] [16] [17] [18] [AD]

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.

  [17] [19] [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 Nigeria using a type D power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Nigeria using a three prong Type D power adapter.

1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Nigeria isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter ^[4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Nigeria simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Nigerian power outlet. Your hair straighteners should now be ready to use. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Nigeria using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Nigeria with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or works with a 240 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Nigeria - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter ^[6] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Nigeria. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Nigeria by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the Nigerian power outlet. This power outlet (technically called the Type G power outlet ^[5]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes containing shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Nigerian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Nigeria. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Nigerian power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.

1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Nigeria
2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
4. Type D plug adapter - The three pinned earthed Type D plug adapter has large rounded pins placed in a triangular shape.
5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
6. Type G plug adapter - A Type G power adapter has three thick rectangular blades in a triangular shape with the longer top blade acting as the earthing pin.
7. Power converter - A step up step down power converter converts 110-120 volts up to 220-240 volts and 220-240 volts down to 110-120 Volts.
8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country - October 2017
9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
10. Dual voltage travel hair straighteners - Hair straighteners with adjustable temperature and dual voltage for 110 volts and 220 volts suitable for international travel.
11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
12. Heat travel mat for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners - October 2017
14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
15. 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.
16. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
17. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
18. Hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
19. Power outlet splitter - Splits a single power outlet to multiple power outlets, allowing multiple appliances to simultaneously use a single wall outlet.