How to use your hair dryer in New Caledonia

New Caledonian power outlet

Can I use my blowdryer in New Caledonia?

Check your hair dryer can work in New Caledonia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in New Caledonia, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for New Caledonia otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair dryer in New Caledonia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in New Caledonia

Will my hair dryer work in New Caledonia?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volts as used in New Caledonia. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use the hair dryer in New Caledonia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2], read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair dryer for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for New Caledonia

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

Travel hair dryer with a folding handle

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

When choosing the best travel hair dryer for New Caledonia look for a strong but lightweight dual voltage model which works with a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, long cord and a safety plug. When drying thick hair look for a dryer with a faster 1600+ watt dryer and included diffuser.

9 tips for buying a new travel hair dryer

  1. In order to work with a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet your travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
  2. A modern blow dryer might include a cool shot option for rapidly cooling hair down after drying to hold in the style but this feature is lacking in smaller or cheaper models.
  3. Buying the cheapest dryer available could be risky, as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper parts.
  4. Try to look for lightweight travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers with a folding handle mean more space.
  5. Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the risk of overloading leading to starting electrical fires - you can idenfity these with the 2 reset and test buttons.
  6. If you have thicker hair then you may need a hair dryer with a more powerful motor; a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster to avoid damage.
  7. The best travel hair dryers for styling should give control of both temperature and speed with two options; hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker wet hair and lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to hair.
  8. Depending on the hotel room you could find they have a wall mirror installed away from a power outlet which could make it hard to style hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer find the lengthiest power cord possible.
  9. It might be more convenient purchasing a dryer that includes a concentrator and diffuser instead of scouring stores looking for expensive third party attachments which fit the unique dryer barrel size perfectly.
Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65m power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser but lacks cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82 metre power cord for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for easy cleaning. With a strong 1875 watt motor it includes cool shot making it suitable for styling thick hair.

Each ionic hair dryer features both concentrator and diffuser with powerful enough motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They are both lightweight and will fold up to fit in a carry-on bag and only require a power adapter for New Caledonia to work with a New Caledonian power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle

Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

  • The Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective small ionic blowdryer available on the market, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer is suitable for quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go.
  • The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight enough to transport in a handbag because of the 10.5oz body and folding handle and has options reserved for larger blow dryers including a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling resulting in a glossy finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used in combination with the right plug adapter for a New Caledonian power outlet they should work in New Caledonia and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried around all day for styling on the go. Both have a twin speed motor, have a 1.5 metre power cord and include a concentrator.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick or curly hair?

Thick hair will take longer to dry and might be hard to dry without hair going frizzy, so the best option is an ionic blow dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer are recommended because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor which is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for New Caledonia?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for New Caledonia?

  • The Conair Compact Styler has a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features cool shot which can be used to rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline air outlet for negative ions meaning safer drying, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and includes a concentrator.

Each model folds, has an ALCI safety plug which prevents power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for visiting New Caledonia in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a New Caledonian power outlet.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel blow dryer for New Caledonia?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in New Caledonia 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 September 2023.

New Caledonia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a New Caledonian power outlet?

The frequency from a New Caledonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

What voltage is used in New Caledonia?

Power outlets in New Caledonia are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in New Caledonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in New Caledonia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round power outlet, also called a type F power outlet or Schuko socket, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 220 volt hair dryer in New Caledonia; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for New Caledonia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 220 volts used in New Caledonia then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a New Caledonian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a New Caledonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in New Caledonia.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in New Caledonia or any other country.

How can you change the voltage on a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of dial which changes between 2 voltages however some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage from a New Caledonian power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch requires a small coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also it's worth making a note of the two switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on some models.

How can you use your dual voltage blow dryer in New Caledonia?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and it will work with a 220 volt power socket.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure it is set to work in the 220-240V range. The switch is usually found on the handle or base of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for New Caledonia, then plug in the power adapter into the New Caledonian power outlet.
  4. It's common on most dual voltage hair dryer models operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting - but this temperature should be adequate for drying hair. Please check the hair dryer instructions to find out if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. The hair dryer is now ready to be used in New Caledonia.

Travelling to New Caledonia with a hair dryer

Is a hair dryer allowed onboard a flight in New Caledonia?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hair dryer allowed onboard a flight in New Caledonia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered hair dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to New Caledonia will allow a blow dryer 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is it safe to bring a domestic blow dryer to New Caledonia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer rather than bringing an existing domestic blow dryer to New Caledonia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a New Caledonian power outlet (provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for New Caledonia). Some models of travel hair dryer will typically feature a folding handle and will be much lighter, this helps in reducing the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in New Caledonia. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in New Caledonia might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [17] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in New Caledonia have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in New Caledonia have hair dryers?

Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed away in the bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could potentially be of a slower air hose type. If staying in budget motels, hotels and hostels a communal hair dryer might be offered at reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer policy then either check on the hotel web site or call ahead to your hotel in New Caledonia to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. Those concerned with hygiene might want to check for any burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either call ahead to your hotel in New Caledonia or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Power converters for New Caledonia

Do I need a power converter for New Caledonia to use my hair dryer?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in New Caledonia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair dryer, but it might be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel hair dryer. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for New Caledonia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for New Caledonia?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet in New Caledonia, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in New Caledonia with a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Some blow dryers will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in New Caledonia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair dryer you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in New Caledonia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the New Caledonian power outlet. The power outlet can be identified by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in New Caledonia by using a 2 pinned Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Dual voltage blow dryers typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in New Caledonia. This power adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in New Caledonia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the New Caledonian power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet (called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko outlet) can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes and grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the blow dryer in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - New Caledonian Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  9. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  10. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  11. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  12. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  13. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  17. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.