How do I use hair straighteners in Martinique?

Martinican power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Martinique?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Martinique:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Martinican power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Martinique, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Martinique otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Martinique you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Martinique please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Martinique

Will my hair straighteners work in Martinique?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts as used in Martinique. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Martinique. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Martinique power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Martinique?

The frequency of the current from a Martinican power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Martinique?

Power outlets in Martinique are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Martinique?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Martinique?

There are three types of power outlets used in Martinique, types D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - This plug socket (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - The plug socket, also called a type D power outlet, can be recognised by the three round holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the plug socket by two holes 19mm apart from each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Martinique is a Type D power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Martinique. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have 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?

The way to tell if your hair straighteners will support a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Martinique then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Martinican 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 220 volts used in a Martinican power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Martinique.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Martinique or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Martinique with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my hand luggage to Martinique?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my hand luggage to Martinique?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Martinique 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Martinique?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Martinican power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Martinique.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Martinique could overshadow the cost of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.   [13] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Martinique

Do you need a voltage converter in Martinique to use hair straighteners?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Martinique. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their existing hair straighteners, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when travelling. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Martinique?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Martinique?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Martinique, however a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Martinican power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [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?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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 Martinique using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Martinique by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Martinique. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Martinique simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This wall outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Martinique. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Martinique using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power your hair straighteners in Martinique with a three pinned Type D power charger.

  1. Please 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 do not continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Martinique isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Martinique simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the Martinican power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Martinique using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your hair straighteners in Martinique with a Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Martinique; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Martinique you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Martinique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. The recessed circular power supply (called a CEE 7/7 outlet) can be identified by two 4.8mm holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral along with one metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Martinique. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Martinique using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Martinique country Wiki 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 E power outlet
  8. 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..
  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..