How to use hair straighteners in Samoa

Samoan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Samoa?

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

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Samoan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Samoa, therefore check that your power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Samoa otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Samoa please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Samoa

Will my hair straighteners work in Samoa?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Samoa. 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 should be able to use it in Samoa. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read the section on do you need a power converter to use your hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Samoa?

The voltage used in Samoa is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Samoan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Samoan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need for using  hair straighteners in Samoa?

Type I power outlet

Which power adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Samoa?

Type I power outlets are used in Samoa. This plug socket, also called a type I power outlet, can be identified by three thin slots in an upside-down triangular pattern with the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground. A Type I plug adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Samoa; read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Samoa with a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual 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 the plug of the hair straighteners. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Samoa then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Samoan 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 230 volts used in a Samoan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Samoa.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Samoa or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Samoa with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Samoa?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Samoan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Samoa.

Note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Samoa. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Samoa might outweigh the cost of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot 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 transported right after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can I take hair straighteners in my hand luggage to Samoa?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I take hair straighteners in my hand luggage to Samoa?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Samoa will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Samoa

Can you use hair straighteners with a power converter for Samoa?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Samoa. Travellers who wish to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Samoa, but a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Samoan power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [5] [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.    [8] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Samoa using a type I power adapter

A guide on how to power hair straighteners in Samoa with a Type I power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't continue as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Samoa; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Samoa you'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Samoa 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 outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type I plug adapter and plugging it in the Samoan power outlet. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type I power outlet [3], can be identified by three slots in an upside-down triangular pattern with the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Samoan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners in Samoa. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Samoa using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Samoa
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..