Which plug adapter do I need to use hair straighteners in Reunion?

Reunionese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Reunion?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Reunion:

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Reunionese power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Reunion, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Reunion otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Reunion you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Reunion read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Reunion

Will my hair straighteners work in Reunion?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Reunion. 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 can use your hair straighteners in Reunion. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our section on will a power converter work with your domestic hair straighteners in Reunion for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Reunion power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Reunionese power outlet?

The frequency from a Reunionese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Reunion?

The normal residential voltage used in Reunion is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in Reunion?

Type E power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Reunion?

Type E power outlets are used in Reunion. You can identify this wall outlet by two round holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins along with a metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration. A Type E power adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Reunion; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Reunion with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [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?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch 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 220 volts used in Reunion then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Reunionese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might 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 Reunionese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Reunion.
  • 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 Reunion or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Reunion with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in carry on to Reunion?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on to Reunion?

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 United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Reunion 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 by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do 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 greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Reunion?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Reunionese power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Reunion.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Reunion could overshadow the costs of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own personal 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 shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Reunion

Do you need a converter to use hair straighteners in Reunion?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Reunion. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably smaller and 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 power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?

A small, cheap 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 Reunion, however an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 220 volt Reunionese 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?

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.    [9] [11] [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 Reunion using a type E power adapter

A guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in Reunion by using a Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [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 straighteners or blow a fuse. Some hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Reunion won't take the plug of your hair straighteners. The Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Reunion 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. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Reunionese power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet (called a Type E power outlet [3] or CEE 7/7 outlet) can be identified by the two large circular adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Reunionese power outlet. The straighteners can now be used in Reunion. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Reunion using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Reunion
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. 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.
  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..