Using hair straighteners in Lesotho

Will my hair straighteners work in Lesotho?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Lesotho:

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

If not then:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Lesotho however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Lesotho

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Basotho power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Lesotho, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Lesotho otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Lesotho please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Lesotho power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Lesotho?

Power outlets in Lesotho are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Basotho power outlet?

The frequency used in a Basotho power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Lesotho?

Type M power outlets are used in Lesotho. You can identify the power outlet by the three round holes in a triangle pattern. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Lesotho is a Type M plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Lesotho. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Lesotho

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

• Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Lesotho then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Basotho 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 220 volts used in a Basotho power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Lesotho.
• Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Lesotho or any other country if these numbers are shown.

 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Lesotho with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Lesotho?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Basotho power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Lesotho. Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Lesotho might be more than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] . If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Lesotho will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Lesotho

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair straighteners in Lesotho?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Lesotho. Travellers who wish to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Lesotho, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 220 volt Basotho power outlet to work with non-220 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?

• 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?

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 Lesotho using a type M power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Lesotho with a 3 pronged Type M travel charger.

1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
2. You'll need to bring a Type M plug adapter ^[4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Lesotho. The Type M plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Lesotho by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
3. Insert the Type M plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the three large holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Basotho power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners in Lesotho. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Basotho power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

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.

1. Wikipedia - Basotho country page on Wikipedia
2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
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 - October 2017
7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
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 - October 2017
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..