How do I use my hair straighteners in Nepal?

Nepali power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Nepal?

Check that your hair straighteners can work in Nepal:

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

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Nepali power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Nepal, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Nepal otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts used in Nepal you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Nepal check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Nepal

Will my hair straighteners work in Nepal?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volts as used in Nepal. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Nepal. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Nepal power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Nepal?

The standard voltage in Nepal is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Nepal?

The frequency of the current found in a Nepali power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Nepal?

Type C, D and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Nepal?

There are three types of power outlets used in Nepal, these are type D, C and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - This plug outlet, also known as a type D power outlet, can be identified by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type M - The power outlet, technically known as a type M power outlet, can be identified by the 3 large round holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using 230 volt hair straighteners in Nepal is a Type D plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Nepal. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Nepal then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Nepali 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 230 volts used in a Nepali power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Nepal.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Nepal or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Nepal with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Nepal?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Nepal as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Nepali power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Nepal.

Note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Nepal could outweigh the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, or 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 immediately after use without risk of burning.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Nepal will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Nepal

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Nepal, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Nepali power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [9] [AD]

Can I use hair straighteners with a power converter in Nepal?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Nepal. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to bring along their own hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [9] [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.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [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.
  [18] [20] [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 Nepal using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Nepal using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Nepal. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Nepal by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type C plug adapter into the Nepali power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nepali power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Nepal. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nepal using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your hair straighteners in Nepal with a three prong Type D power charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Nepal. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Nepal by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Nepali power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type D power outlet [5], can be identified by the 3 circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nepali power outlet. Your straighteners are now ready for use in Nepal. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nepal using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Nepal using a type M power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Nepal using a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Nepal. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Nepal by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type M plug adapter into the Nepali power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 large circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nepali power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Nepal. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nepal using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nepal wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type 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 M power outlet
  8. 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..
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. 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.
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..