Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Finland?
Will my hair straighteners work in Finland?
First check that your hair straighteners can work in Finland:
- If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use an appropriate power adapter for Finland listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.
If not then you can either:
- Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Finland but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Finnish power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Finland, so check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Finland otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Using hair straighteners in Finland
Will my hair straighteners work in Finland?
This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volts which are used in Finland. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the hair straighteners in Finland. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Finland power outlets and plug sockets
What is the voltage in Finland?
The common voltage in Finland is 230 volts.
What frequency is used in Finland?
The frequency of the current found in a Finnish power outlet is 50Hz. [8]
Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Finland?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Finland, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:
- Plug Type C - The plug outlet, also known as the Europlug, can be identified by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
- Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two thin grounding clips above and below.
A suitable travel adapter to bring for using 230 volt hair straighteners in Finland is a Type F power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Finland with a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter. [6] [9] [AD]
Dual voltage hair straighteners
Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other straighteners will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Finland then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Finnish 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 Finnish power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Finland.
- A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Finland or any other country.
Travelling to Finland with hair straighteners
Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Finland?
Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Finnish power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Finland. It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Finland. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Finland could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your suitcase 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning. [11] [12] [AD]
Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on to Finland?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Finland will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey. [10] [11] [13] [14] [AD]
Power converters for Finland
What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Finland?
A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Finnish power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Finland. [7] [AD]
Can you use hair straighteners with a power converter in Finland?
The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Finland. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling. [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?
- 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] [12] [15] [16] [17] [18] [AD]
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:
- Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
- Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
- After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Finland using a type C power adapter
How to power hair straighteners in Finland with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.
- Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may damage your hair 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 the 230 volt setting for use in Finland - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
- You will need to buy a Type C power adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Finland. This Type C power adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Finland by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Start the process by inserting the Type C power adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply (sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
- Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C power adapter.
- Switch on the Finnish power outlet.
- Your hair straighteners can now be used in Finland. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Finland using a type F power adapter
How to power hair straighteners in Finland with a 2 prong Type F travel charger.
- Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Finland - please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
- You'll need to use a Type F power adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Finland doesn't take the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This Type F power adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Finland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Begin the process by inserting the Type F power adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
- Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F power adapter.
- Switch on the Finnish power outlet.
- Your hair straighteners can now be used in Finland. [AD]
See also
- What can I connect to a Finnish power outlet?
- What can I connect to hair straighteners?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- How do I charge a phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- What electrical outlets are used in Europe?
- Can I use my hairdryer in Europe?
- Will my flat iron work in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Finnish Wikipedia web page
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- Type C power 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 power 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..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- Dual voltage travel flat iron hair straighteners - Dual voltage flat iron hair straighteners are equipped with adjustable temperature settings, providing 110/220 volts compatibility for global use. Titanium-coated plates ensure even heat distribution, making them ideal for international travel..
- Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
- 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.
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
- 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.
- Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
- Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
- Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
- 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..
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