Using a hair dryer in Curacao
Can I use my hairdryer in Curacao?
First check your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Curacao:
- If your hair dryer can run on 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit in the outlet.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you could need to use the correct power adapter for Curacao but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. Before buying read nine things to look for when purchasing a travel blow dryer, six of the best travel blow dryers in 2020 compared and guide to the best travel blow driers guaranteed to work in Curacao.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Curacao, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Curacao otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing hair dryer might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Curacao
Will my hair dryer work in Curacao?
That will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 127 volt power outlets used in Curacao:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to operate using 127 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Curacao.
- If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on can you use a power converter with your domestic hair dryer in Curacao for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for Curacao
A dual voltage switch on a hair dryer
What to look for when choosing a hair dryer for Curacao
When looking for the best hair dryer for Curacao choose a robust but lightweight dual-voltage model that works with a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet power outlet, has ALCI safety plug, long power cord and a folding handle. For drying thick hair buy one with a bundled diffuser that uses a faster 1600+ watt motor.
What should I look for when buying a travel hair dryer?
- It could be more convenient and cheaper to buy a hair dryer which includes both a concentrator and diffuser from the manufacturer rather than scouring stores to look for expensive third party attachments.
- Some hotel rooms might have a mirror positioned too far away from a power outlet making it hard to dry hair, so when buying a travel blow dryer find the longest power cord possible.
- If you have curlier or thicker hair then you could need a travel blow dryer which has a more powerful motor. A higher wattage ceramic dryer that includes a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
- Suitable hair dryers for styling allow you to alter the temperature and speed settings with 2 options, hotter faster speeds will quickly dry thicker hair whilst a lower temperature with a slower speed will reduce damage to your hair.
- The safest travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which reduces the risk of the motor overloading and starting electrical fires, you can recognise these models by the the 2 'test' and 'reset' buttons.
- Try looking for lightweight travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models which have a handle which folds will mean more space for packing other items.
- Don't risk buying the cheapest hair dryer available, as well as safety issues there is a greater chance that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to cheaper components.
- A travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage in order to operate with a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet.
- Modern hair dryers might feature a 'cool shot' option for quickly cooling hair down after drying to hold a style but this feature is missing in smaller models.
Berta Folding Hair Dryer
What is the best compact dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot for Curacao?
- A Conair Compact Styler has a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and includes a cool shot setting which can will rapidly cool hair down.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic air outlet resulting in quicker and safer drying, two heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cord and also includes a concentrator.
Both models can fold, have an ALCI safety plug to prevent power overloads and has dual voltage making them perfect for travel to Curacao in carry on luggage when used with a power adapter for a Curacaon power outlet. [10] [10] [11] [AD]
What is the best blow dryer for thick curly hair?
Thicker hair will take longer to dry and will be hard to do so without hair turning frizzy. The best option for this type of hair is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are recommended because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor which is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair. [12] [13] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle
What is the best mini ionic dual voltage hair dryer?
- If you want to dry thin or fine hair whilst on the go then a 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable small ionic hairdryer available to buy.
- The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is both lightweight and small enough to transport in a purse due to the 10.5 ounce body and folding handle that has features reserved for larger hair dryers including a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect from heat damage during styling which results in a shiny finish.
Both of these mini hair dryers have dual voltage when used in combination with a suitable power adapter for a Curacaon power outlet they should work in Curacao folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried for drying on the go. Both include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5 metre electric power cables and a two speed motor. [14] [14] [15] [AD]
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator
What is the best travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser attachment for Curacao?
- A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m power cable, it includes a tourmaline diffuser however lacks cool shot.
- The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a generous 1.82m power cord for more flexibility when drying with an ALCI power plug and removable filter for easy cleaning. It also utilises a strong 1875 watt motor including a cool shot option making it more suited for drying thick hair.
Each ionic hair dryer includes both concentrator and diffuser attachments with powerful motors to make them the best blow dryers for thick hair. Both will require a suitable plug adapter for Curacao to plug into a Curacaon power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to pack into carry-on luggage. [12] [13] [13] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for 2020
What is the best hair dryer in 2020?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Curacao | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual voltage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 1200 | 1000 | 1875 | 1875 | 1600 | 1875 |
| Folds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Ionic | Yes | • | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tourmaline | • | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Infrared | • | Yes | • | • | • | • |
| Speed settings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heat settings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Cool shot | • | • | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Removable filter | • | Yes | • | • | • | Yes |
| Concentrator | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diffuser | • | • | • | • | Yes | Yes |
| ALCI safety plug | • | Yes | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Cord length | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.8m | 1.65m | 1.82m |
| Color | • | • | • • | • • | • | • |
| Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | |
Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated April 2022.
Curacao power outlets and plug sockets
What is the mains voltage in Curacao?
Power outlets in Curacao are 127 volts.
What frequency is used in a Curacaon power outlet?
The frequency in a Curacaon power outlet is 50Hz. [16]
Type A, B and C power outlets
Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a hair dryer in Curacao?
There are three different types of power outlets used in Curacao, types C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:
- Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a type A power outlet, can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other.
- Plug Type B - You can identify the wall socket by the two slots where the live and neutral blades go with a single hole below for the earth pin.
- Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 127 volt hair dryer in Curacao is a Type C plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Curacao. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter. [6] [17] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
How should you change the voltage on a travel hair dryer?
- Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a switch or dial which toggles between 2 types of voltages however some models can automatically detect the voltage used in Curacao.
- The dial or switch will normally require a coin or screwdriver to change the hair dryer to the right voltage between a 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
- In addition to switching this it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions as the painted numbers can occasionally fade on some models of travel dryer.
Dual voltage hair dryer
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug of your hair dryer. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair dryer, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other hair dryer models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.
- Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Curacao then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Curacaon 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 127 volts used in a Curacaon power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in Curacao.
- Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Curacao or any other country if these numbers are shown.
How do you use your dual voltage hair dryer in Curacao?
- First ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or it will operate with a 127 volt power outlet.
- If the hair dryer is dual voltage then ensure it is switched to the 100-127V range. The switch is normally found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
- Plug your dryer into the correct power adapter for Curacao, also plug in the power adapter into the Curacaon power outlet.
- The dryer is now ready to be used with a Curacaon power outlet.
- Expect dual voltage hair dryers that were purchased in a country that uses 220-240 volts to work slower when in a country which uses 100-127 volt electricity.
Travelling to Curacao with a hair dryer
Hotel hair dryer
Do hotel rooms in Curacao have hair dryers?
This will all depend on the hotel or bed and breakfast and the quality of the room. Hotel room hair dryers are normally found in the bathroom, these could be of a slower air hose variety, or might be located in the bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer. In budget hotels, motels and hostels a shared hair dryer might be available at reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer policy you could either telephone your hotel in Curacao or look on the hotel web site to find out if a suitable hairdryer available for guests. Hotel hair dryers are adequate but are typically rudimentary models with no diffuser and notorious for low heat and slower air speeds. For those concerned with hygiene should check for grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.
Remember, if you are in doubt either call ahead to your hotel in Curacao or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. [2] [AD]
Is it safe to bring a domestic blow dryer to Curacao?
It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to bringing your existing domestic blow dryer to Curacao as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Curacaon power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Curacao). Travel hair dryers typically feature a folding handle and are much lighter, this will help reduce the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer.
Please note that packing an expensive domestic hair dryer could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your luggage by an airport baggage handler in Curacao. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised domestic blow dryer in Curacao might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off . [18] [AD]
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Can I pack a blow dryer in my hand luggage to Curacao?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Curacao will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey. [18] [19] [20] [AD]
Power converters for Curacao
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Curacao?
A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Curacao, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet to work with a non-127 volt hair dryer. [9] [AD]
Do you need a converter to use your hair dryer in Curacao?
The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate with the 127 volt power outlet used in Curacao. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their own hair dryer, however it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel hair dryer can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for travelling. [9] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Curacao using a type B power adapter
How to power a hair dryer in Curacao using a three pronged Type B power adapter.
- Please check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts to use in Curacao - consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
- You'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Curacao. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Curacao by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 127 volt supply.
- Start the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Curacaon power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the two slots where the live and neutral blades slide into with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the earth pin.
- Then plug in your hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
- Turn on the Curacaon power outlet. You can now turn on your blow dryer to use in Curacao. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Curacao using a type C power adapter
How to power your hair dryer in Curacao with a Type C power adapter.
- Ensure that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 127 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 dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Curacao, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
- If the type of power outlet used in Curacao isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair dryer you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Curacao simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 127 volt outlet.
- Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
- Plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
- Turn on the Curacaon power outlet.
- Your hair dryer can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Curacao using a type A power adapter
Instructions showing how to use a hair dryer in Curacao with a Type A travel charger.
- Please check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 127 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 dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts to use in Curacao - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
- This guide assumes that you are not already using a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair dryer will work with a 127 volt power outlet). If the type of power outlet used in Curacao won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair dryer you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8]. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Curacao by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 127 volt supply.
- Start by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the Curacaon power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type A power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades.
- After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
- Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
- You can now turn on the hair dryer in Curacao. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - Curacao country entry on Wikipedia
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type B power outlet
- Type B plug adapter - US and Japanese 3 pinned Type B plug adapters have a single unearthed round pin along with 2 shorter parallel rectangular flat blades containing holes in each blade.
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- Type C plug adapter - European Europlug Type C plug adapters are unearthed and comprise of two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart.
- iec.ch - Type A power outlet
- Type A plug adapter - There are 2 parallel rectangular flat blades on an unearthed Type A plug adapter with small holes in each blade.
- Power converter - A step up step down power converter converts 110-120 volts up to 220-240 volts and 220-240 volts down to 110-120 Volts.
- Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - Ceramic tourmaline hair dryer with cool shot, two heat settings, 1.8m power cord and bundled concentrator.
- Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - Budget 1875 watt 2 speed travel hair dryer, ALCI safety plug, removable filter and cool shot.
- X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65 metre power cable, tourmaline diffuser and concentrator.
- Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - 1875 watt travel hair dryer with 1.82m power cord, an ALCI power plug, removable filter and cool shot.
- BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - 10.5 ounce dual voltage travel blow dryer small enough to carry in a purse including concentrator.
- Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - Budget mini ionic hair dryer with 1200 watt 2 speed motor and bundled concentrator attachment.
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.