Using your hair straighteners in Syria

Syrian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Syria?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Syria:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Syrian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Syria, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Syria otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Syria check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Syria

Will my hair straighteners work in Syria?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volts as used in Syria:

Syria power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Syrian power outlet?

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

What mains voltage is used in Syria?

The common residential voltage in Syria is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Syria?

Type C, E and L power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Syria?

There are three types of power outlets used in Syria, these are type E, C and L with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the wall outlet by the two large round holes 19mm apart from each other plus a metal earth pin protruding the top to form a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type L - You can recognise the hexagon shaped wall outlet by the three large adjecent holes in a line. Note there are two different variations of Type L plug outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm thick pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Syria - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Syria with a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your hair straighteners. This 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 hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Syria then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Syrian 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 220 volts used in a Syrian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Syria.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Syria or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Syria with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Syria 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Syria?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Syria as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Syrian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Syria.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Syria could outweigh the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [13] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Syria

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Syria?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Syria?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Syria, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Syrian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [9] [AD]

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

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Syria. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be considerably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [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.    [13] [15] [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 Syria using a type C power adapter

A page showing how to power your hair straighteners in Syria with a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your 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 attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Syria. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Syria simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Syrian power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Syrian power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Syria using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Syria using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Syria with a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Syria - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Syria you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. This Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Syria 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 supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. This recessed round plug outlet, also known as a CEE 7/7 outlet, can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Syrian power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Syria using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Syria using a type L power adapter

A guide showing how to use your hair straighteners in Syria with a Type L power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type L plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in Syria doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The Type L plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Syria simply 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type L plug adapter and plugging it in the Syrian power outlet. You can recognise this squashed hexagon shaped wall outlet by the three circular adjecent holes in a line. Note that there are two variations of Type L plug supply rated for 10 and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Syrian power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Syria using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Syrian 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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  15. 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.
  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..