How do I use my hair dryer in South Africa?
Will my hair dryer work in South Africa?
First check that your hair dryer can work in South Africa:
- If your hair dryer can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter for South Africa listed below if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit.
If not then you can either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you could need to use a suitable power adapter for South Africa however these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel. Before buying read things to look for when purchasing a new blow dryer, six of the best dual voltage blow dryers compared and comprehensive guide to the best travel blow driers which work work with a South African power outlet.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt South African power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the wall outlet used in South Africa, so check that the power converter has the right power adapter for South Africa otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in South Africa
Will my hair dryer work in South Africa?
It depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in South Africa:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your hair dryer in South Africa.
- If not then then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic hair dryer in South Africa for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for South Africa
Multiple speed options on a travel hair dryer
How to choose the best travel blow dryer for South Africa
When looking for the best travel hair dryer choose a strong but lightweight dual-voltage dryer which will work with a 230 volt South African power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, long cord and an ALCI safety plug. When drying thicker hair buy a higher 1600+ watt dryer and included diffuser.
Things to look for when purchasing a hair dryer
- Don't be tempted to just buy the cheapest hair dryer on the market - as well as safety issues there is a greater risk that the dryer could fail during travelling abroad due to a poor build.
- The safest travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which reduces the danger of overloading that could lead to fires, these are identified with the 2 reset and test buttons found on the plug.
- If you have curlier or thicker hair then you could require a hair dryer with a more powerful motor, a high wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair faster to prevent damage.
- Your hair dryer needs to support dual voltage in order to work in South Africa.
- A cool shot option on modern travel dryers will rapidly cool down hair after drying which will hold in a style but this option could be missing in smaller dryers.
- Some hotel rooms in South Africa could have a mirror installed some distance away from the nearest outlet making it awkward to operate the blow dryer, so search for the lengthiest power cord available or pack either a hand mirror or extension cord.
- Rather than looking for expensive third party attachments it might be more convenient to buy a new dryer that is supplied with both a diffuser and concentrator from the manufacturer.
- Look for a lightweight travel hair dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers with a handle which folds will mean more room.
- The best hair dryers should give control of both speed and temperature settings with two options; a lower temperature with a slower speed will reduce damage to your hair whilst a hotter faster speed will dry thicker wet hair faster.
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator
What is a good folding travel hair dryer with diffuser attachment?
- A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m electric power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
- A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a generous 1.82 metre electric power cable for greater flexibility when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for cleaning. It uses a strong 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it perfect for drying thick hair.
Each ionic travel hair dryer features both diffuser and concentrator with powerful enough motors to make them the best travel blow dryers for thick hair. Both only require a suitable plug adapter for South Africa to fit into a South African power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in carry-on luggage. [12] [12] [13] [AD]
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle
Which is the best travel hair dryer with cool shot?
- With a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler features cool shot which can be used to quickly cool hair down.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot button, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions resulting in faster and safer styling, 2 heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cable and includes a concentrator attachment.
Each model is folding, has an ALCI power plug to prevent overloading and support dual voltage making both ideal for travel to South Africa in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for a South African power outlet. [14] [14] [15] [AD]
Which is the best hair dryer for thick or curly hair?
Thicker hair will take longer to dry and could be difficult to do so 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 that is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [12] [13] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium
What is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage?
- To dry fine and thin hair on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic hair dryer available on the market.
- For a folding hairdryer which is lightweight and small enough to carry in a handbag then a 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 the right plug adapter for a South African power outlet they will work in South Africa folding conveniently enough to be carried around all day for styling on the go. They include a concentrator, have 1.5 metre power cables and have a twin speed motor. [16] [16] [17] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
What is the best blow dryer for South Africa?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in South Africa | 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.
South Africa power outlets and plug sockets
What mains voltage is used in South Africa?
Power outlets in South Africa are 230 volts.
What is the frequency used with a South African power outlet?
The frequency from a South African power outlet is 50Hz. [18]
Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in South Africa?
There are four different types of power outlets used in South Africa, types M, C, F and N with the primary power outlets being type M:
- Plug Type C - This plug socket (technically called a Europlug) is recognised by two round holes next to each other.
- Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
- Plug Type M - You can identify this power socket by the 3 large round holes in a triangle shape.
- Plug Type N - You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped wall socket by the 3 round holes forming a triangle pattern.
A Type M plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt hair dryer in South Africa - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for South Africa. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a voltage converter. [8] [19] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
Dual voltage hair dryer
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also be written 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.
- Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in South Africa then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a South African 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 230 volts used in a South African power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in South Africa.
- Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in South Africa or any other country if these numbers are shown.
How should I change the voltage on a travel hair dryer?
- Most dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which toggles between two voltages although some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage from a South African power outlet.
- This switch or dial needs either a small screwdriver or coin to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or a 220v-240v range.
- In addition to changing this over it is worth jotting down the two switch positions because the painted numbers can occasionally fade on certain models.
How can you use a dual voltage blow dryer in South Africa?
- Ensure that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or it will work with a 230 volt power socket.
- If your hair dryer is dual voltage then ensure that it is set to the 220-240V range. The switch is usually found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
- Plug the hair dryer into the correct power adapter for South Africa and also plug in the power adapter into the South African power outlet.
- It is common on a majority of dual voltage hair dryer models operating within the 220-240v range to only work safely on a low setting, however the temperature should be sufficient enough for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers instructions to find out if this is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to avoid overheating.
- Your hair dryer is now ready to operate with a South African power outlet.
Travelling to South Africa with a hair dryer
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Is a hair dryer allowed on a plane in South Africa?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to South Africa will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.
Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around blow dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit. [20] [21] [22] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in South Africa?
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, drawer or cupboard, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose variety. When staying in cheaper hostels, motels and hotels a communal hair dryer might be available at the reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer availability then either check on the booking web site or telephone your hotel in South Africa to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but normally basic models with no diffuser and notorious for low heat and providing slower air speeds. Those concerned with hygiene might want to remove burnt hair cuticles from other guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.
Travellers who don't want to take a chance that a suitable or hygienic hair dryer is readily available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer or telephone the hotel in South Africa to check first. [2] [AD]
Should you bring a travel hair dryer or domestic hair dryer to South Africa?
It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer rather than bringing your existing domestic hair dryer to South Africa (marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a South African power outlet (provided that you use the correct power adapter for South Africa). A travel hair dryer will normally feature a collapsible handle and are much lighter, this helps in reducing the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer. It is also worth concidering that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in South Africa. The costs of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic blow dryer in South Africa could be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before travelling . [21] [AD]
Power converters for South Africa
Do I need a converter to use my hair dryer in South Africa?
A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in South Africa. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for travelling. [11] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for South Africa?
A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in South Africa, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt South African power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [11] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa using a type C power adapter
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa with a Type C power adapter.
- Please check that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Dual voltage blow dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
- If the type of power outlet used in South Africa isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair dryer you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in South Africa simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the South African power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet (sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
- Plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
- Turn on the South African power outlet. Your hair dryer can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa using a type F power adapter
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa with a Type F power adapter.
- Please ensure that the 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. Some travel blow dryers might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in South Africa; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
- You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in South Africa isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair dryer. This Type F plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in South Africa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- Firstly you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter in the South African power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
- After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
- Switch on the South African power outlet. Your hair dryer can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa using a type M power adapter
How to use your hair dryer in South Africa by using a Type M power adapter.
- Make sure that the hair 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 because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. 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; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
- If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in South Africa you will need to bring a Type M plug adapter [8]. This Type M plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in South Africa simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- First you'll need to insert the Type M plug adapter into the South African power outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type M power outlet [7], looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
- Plug in the hair dryer into the Type M plug adapter.
- Turn on the South African power outlet. You can now turn on your hair dryer in South Africa. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in South Africa using a type N power adapter
Instructions showing you how to use your hair dryer in South Africa by using a 3 pin Type N power charger.
- Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might 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 - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
- If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in South Africa you'll need to buy a Type N plug adapter [10]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in South Africa by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Start the process by taking the Type N plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise this hexagon shaped plug supply by three large holes in a flattened triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
- Plug in your hair dryer into the Type N plug adapter.
- Turn on the South African power outlet.
- Your hair dryer can now be used in South Africa. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - South African Wikipedia web page
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type F power outlet
- Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
- iec.ch - Type M power outlet
- Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
- iec.ch - Type N power outlet
- Type N plug adapter - A 3-pin Type N travel adapter adheres to the Brazilian Standard NBR 14136, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Brazil..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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