How to use your hair straighteners in Belarus

Belarus power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Belarus?

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Belarus power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Belarus, so please check that the voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Belarus otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Belarus you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Belarus please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Belarus

Will my hair straighteners work in Belarus?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Belarus. 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 your hair straighteners in Belarus. If not then you will need to consider using 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 Belarus for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Belarus power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Belarus power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Belarus power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Belarus?

The voltage used in Belarus is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Belarus?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Belarus?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Belarus, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - This power socket (known as the Europlug) can be identified by two circular adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit along with metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Belarus is a Type F power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Belarus. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 and model of your hair straighteners and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Belarus with hair straighteners

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

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Belarus 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 recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Belarus 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Belarus?

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

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 airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Belarus could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Belarus

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 Belarus power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, however 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 Belarus. [7] [AD]

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Belarus. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be a lot cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be considerably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [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?

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.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [16] [18] [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 Belarus using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Belarus by using a two pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Belarus; please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Belarus isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Belarus 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 C plug adapter in the Belarus power outlet. This ungrounded wall supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Belarus power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in Belarus. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Belarus using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Belarus using a type F power adapter

Instructions on how to power hair straighteners in Belarus with a Type F power adapter.

  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. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Belarus, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Belarus. This Type F plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Belarus by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the Belarus power outlet. This round power outlet can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes, plus a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belarus power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners for use in Belarus. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Belarus using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belarus Wikipedia web 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 F power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..