Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in India?

Indian power outlet

Will my hairdryer work in India?

Check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in India:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with an 230 volt Indian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in India, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for India otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts used in India you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in India read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in India

Will my hair dryer work in India?

It depends on if your hair dryer can handle the 230 volt power outlets in India:

Best travel hair dryers for India

What to look for in a blow dryer

Bundled diffuser and concentrator attachments

What to look for in a blow dryer

When looking for the best travel hair dryer for India choose a robust but lightweight dual-voltage model which operates with an 230 volt Indian power outlet power outlet, has an ALCI safety plug, folding handle and long power cord. When drying thick hair buy a higher 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

Nine tips for buying a new blow dryer

  1. It could be more convenient and cheaper to purchase a new dryer that is supplied with a concentrator and diffuser from the manufacturer rather than scouring stores to look for more expensive 3rd party attachments.
  2. Some hotel rooms could have a mirror positioned some distance away from a convenient power outlet which could make it cumbersome to dry hair, so look for the unit with the longest power cord possible.
  3. Thicker or curlier hair may require a travel hair dryer which has a more powerful motor. A high wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster to prevent damage.
  4. The most suitable hair dryers for styling should let you to control both speed and temperature settings with 2 options, lower temperatures with slower speeds prevent damage to hair whereas hotter faster speeds can dry wet hair faster.
  5. The safest travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will reduce the danger of the motor overloading that could lead to an electrical fire - models can be recognised by test and reset switches.
  6. Try looking for a lighter travel dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers which have a handle which folds will mean more room for packing other items.
  7. You shouldn't risk getting the cheapest hair dryer available; as well as safety concerns there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to cheaper components.
  8. To function with an 230 volt Indian power outlet the travel hair dryer has to be dual voltage.
  9. The 'cool shot' feature will rapidly cool hair down after drying which will hold a style but this feature lacks in smaller or cheaper models.
Which is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

Which is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  • A Conair Compact Styler has a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and features a cool shot button that can be used to rapidly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, a ceramic tourmaline outlet resulting in faster and safer styling, twin heat options, a longer 1.8m power cable and also includes a concentrator.

Both models fold, include an ALCI plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making both perfect for travel to India in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for an Indian power outlet.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best blow dryer for thick hair?

Thick hair will take much longer to dry and might be hard to do so without hair going frizzy. The best option will be an ionic blow dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic will be suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [12] [13] [AD]

What is a good mini folding travel hair dryer for India?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium travel hair dryer

What is a good mini folding travel hair dryer for India?

  • If you want to dry fine and thin hair whilst on the go the ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic blow dryer available to buy.
  • For a folding hairdryer which is small enough to transport in a purse then the 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. Featuring a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that can emit infrared heat to protect from heat damage this dryer has features typically reserved for bulkier blow dryers.

Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used in combination with a suitable power adapter for an Indian power outlet they should work in India folding conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. They are 2 speed, have a 1.5m power cable and include a concentrator attachment.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

What is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for India?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer

What is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for India?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but it is missing cool shot.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a generous 1.82 metre electric power cord for greater freedom when styling with an ALCI power plug and a removable filter for cleaning. With a strong 1875 watt motor it also has cool shot making it suitable for drying thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers include both diffuser and concentrator attachments with powerful enough motors to make them the most suitable blow dryers for thick hair. Both only require a cheap power adapter for India to plug into an Indian power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in a carry-on travel bag.  [12] [13] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best hair dryer to buy for India?

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.co.uk/BaByliss-Travel-2000-Hair-Dryer/dp/B0056FXFRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1520000711&sr=8-1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=b63332fd20a821dec0b5e56af0330da8
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BaByliss-Travel-2000-Hair-Dryer/dp/B0056FXFRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1532458776&sr=8-1&keywords=Conair+dual+voltage+hair+dryer&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=f9cccd664854ebe2be03a43f6a0c7cce&language=en_GB
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conair-Group-Ltd-5549U-TRESemme/dp/B00I4R4A84?crid=3P4NIYAG2C5JL&keywords=Ceramic+tourmaline+hair+dryer+concentrator+dual+voltage&qid=1695044687&sprefix=ceramic+tourmaline+hair+dryer+concentrator+dual+voltage%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=c6cca6f1cdf99277aafe116a9bf0d0ba&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Hot-37070-Professional-Settings/dp/B01G3E9R46?dchild=1&keywords=X5%2BSuperlite%2B1600W%2BDual%2BVoltage%2BCeramic%2BIonic%2BTravel%2BDryer&qid=1623853478&sr=8-9&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=dac34b2236e4574360f73c2fbe82110d&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Foldable-Lightweight-Portable-Technology/dp/B07HTWRMW5?crid=GOV3SFXX8LUZ&keywords=1875+watt+travel+dryer+with+folding+handle+and+dual+voltage&qid=1668535844&sprefix=1875+watt+travel+dryer+with+folding+handle+and+dual+votage%2Caps%2C49&sr=8-42&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=c1c76abbfb0ab79c7b377ec225918f66&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in India 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.

India power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in India?

The standard voltage in India is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in India?

The frequency of the current used in an Indian power outlet is 50 Hz. [16]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a hair dryer in India?

Type C, D and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a hair dryer in India?

There are three types of power outlets used in India, these are type D, C and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - The wall outlet (also known as a type D power outlet) looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type M - The power outlet, technically known as a type M power outlet, can be identified by the 3 round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt hair dryer in India - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in India. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to see if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How should you switch the voltage on a travel hair dryer?

  1. Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which toggles between two ranges of voltages although some hair dryers are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in India.
  2. This switch or dial requires either a screwdriver or coin to set the dryer to the right voltage between the 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also, it's worth noting down both switch positions as the painted numbers can occasionally fade on some models of hair dryer.

How do you use a dual voltage hair dryer in India?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or that it will work with a 230 volt power outlet.
  2. If your dryer is dual voltage please make sure it is switched to work in the 220-240 volt range. The switch is usually found on the base or handle of the hair dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to switch.
  3. Plug your dryer into the power adapter for India, also plug in the power adapter into the Indian power outlet.
  4. It is common on most dual voltage hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting - however the temperature should still be sufficient for drying hair. Check the hair dryer guidelines to see if this rule is relevant for your model of hair dryer to avoid overheating.
  5. The hair dryer can now be operated in India.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other hair dryer models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in India then you should be able to use your hair dryer with an Indian 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 230 volts used in an Indian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in India.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in India or any other country.

Travelling to India with a hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in India have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in India have hair dryers?

This will all depend on the individual hotel and the quality of the accommodation. Hotel hair dryers are normally found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or could be found in a bedroom drawer, cupboard or wardrobe. In cheaper motels, hotels and hostels a shared hair dryer could be offered at the reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer availability you can either look on the hotel web site or call ahead to the hotel in India to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hair dryers found in hotels are adequate but are normally rudimentary models with no diffuser and notorious for slower air speeds and low heat. For those worried about hygiene might want to check for burnt hair from other guests on a communal hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in India or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Is it safer to bring a domestic blow dryer or a travel hair dryer to India?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to bringing your existing hair dryer to India as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Indian power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for India). Some types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a folding handle and are lighter, this will help in reducing the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to packing a domestic hair dryer.

Please note that packing an expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airport baggage handler in India. The cost of repairing an expensive quality hair dryer in India might be higher than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [18] [AD]

Can you take a hair dryer in your hand luggage?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can you take a hair dryer in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is taking you to India will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Power converters for India

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform a 230 volt Indian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in India. [9] [AD]

Do you need a power converter for India to use a hair dryer?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in India. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. In addition, a travel hair dryer can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable for packing. [9] [AD]

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

How to power a hair dryer in India using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - 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 dryer. Some travel blow dryers will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in India - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in India. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in India simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indian power outlet. Your hair dryer should now be ready to be used in India. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in India using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in India using a type D power adapter

Instructions on how to use a hair dryer in India with a three prong Type D power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in India; please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in India isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair dryer you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in India simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter into the Indian power outlet. This power outlet (sometimes called the Type D power outlet [5]) can be identified by the 3 circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Indian power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in India. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in India using a type D power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in India using a type M power adapter

How to power your hair dryer in India using a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Check that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel blow dryers might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in India - please refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in India. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in India simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type M plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 3 large circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indian power outlet.
  6. Your hair dryer is now ready to be used in India. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in India using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about India
  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 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 M power outlet
  8. 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..
  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. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. 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..
  15. 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..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  19. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.