How to use your hair straighteners in Lebanon

Lebanese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Lebanon?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Lebanon:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter for Lebanon listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Lebanese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Lebanon, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Lebanon otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Lebanon you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Lebanon read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Lebanon

Will my hair straighteners work in Lebanon?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Lebanon. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Lebanon. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on can you use a power converter to use your hair straighteners in Lebanon for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [13] [AD]

Lebanon power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Lebanon?

The voltage used in Lebanon is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Lebanese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Lebanese power outlet is 50Hz. [14]

Which travel adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Lebanon?

There are five types of power outlets used in Lebanon, types G, A, B, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - The plug outlet, also called a type A power outlet, can be identified by two thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet (technically known as a type B power outlet) can be identified by the two slots with a single hole below for the long earthed pin.
  • Plug Type C - This power socket (known as the Europlug) can be identified by two round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the plug socket by 3 round holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - The wall outlet (technically called a type G power outlet) can be identified by the three holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using 220 volt hair straighteners in Lebanon is a Type G power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Lebanon. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a power converter.  [10] [15] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need for using  hair straighteners in Lebanon?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Lebanon with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Lebanon?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Lebanon as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Lebanese power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Lebanon.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Lebanon could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof 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.   [16] [17] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Lebanon in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Lebanon in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Lebanon 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do 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 provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [16] [18] [19] [AD]

Power converters for Lebanon

Do you need a power converter to use your hair straighteners in Lebanon?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Lebanon. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair straighteners, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also substantially heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [13] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 220 volt Lebanese power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Lebanon. [13] [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.    [16] [17] [20] [21] [22] [23] [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.
  [22] [24] [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 Lebanon using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Lebanon by using a three pin Type B travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair 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 because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Lebanon; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Lebanon isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Lebanon by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter in the Lebanese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircular hole below for the ground pin. Please note that power cables with type B outlets which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used in The Lebanon so we recommend checking prior to turning the power on.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lebanese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Lebanon by using a two pin Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Lebanon you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly insert the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two circular adjacent holes where the plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lebanese power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Lebanon by using a three pin Type D travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Lebanon - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Lebanon. The Type D plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power outlet, technically called a Type D power outlet [7], can be identified by three circular holes in a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lebanese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Lebanon with a Type G power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair 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 because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Lebanon; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Lebanon isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [10]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Lebanon by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter in the Lebanese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by 3 vertical rectangular holes containing shutters forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type A power adapter

A guide on how to power hair straighteners in Lebanon with a Type A power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume that you don't already own hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair straighteners can work with a 220 volt power outlet). If the shape of the power outlet used in Lebanon isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to bring a Type A plug adapter [12]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Lebanon by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter in the Lebanese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades. Be aware power cables used with type A plugs which are rated at only 125 volts shouldn't be used so please check prior to proceeding.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet. Your straighteners can now be used in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Lebanon using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Lebanon Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  10. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  11. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  12. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  17. 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.
  18. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  19. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  20. 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.
  21. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  22. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  23. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  24. 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..