How do I use hair straighteners in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistani power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Uzbekistan?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Uzbekistan:

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

If not then:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Uzbekistan
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Uzbekistan, therefore check that the voltage transformer has a suitable power adapter for Uzbekistan otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Uzbekistan you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Uzbekistan please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Uzbekistan

Will my hair straighteners work in Uzbekistan?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts as used in Uzbekistan. 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 should be able to use it in Uzbekistan. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Uzbekistan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Uzbekistan?

The frequency of the current from an Uzbekistani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Uzbekistan?

Power outlets in Uzbekistan are 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Uzbekistan?

Type C and I power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Uzbekistan?

There are two types of power outlets used in Uzbekistan, types I and C with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the plug socket by the 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify the plug socket by the 3 slots in a triangular pattern with the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and earth blades.

A Type I power adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Uzbekistan; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Uzbekistan. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Uzbekistan

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Single voltage hair straighteners

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

The way to tell if your hair straighteners can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Uzbekistan with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my hand luggage to Uzbekistan?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my hand luggage to Uzbekistan?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Uzbekistan will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords 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 offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [10] [11] [12] [13] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Uzbekistan?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Uzbekistani power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Uzbekistan.

Please note that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The costs involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Uzbekistan could overshadow the cost of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat travel mat for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning.   [12] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Uzbekistan

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Uzbekistan. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Uzbekistan. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring their existing hair straighteners, but it might be cheaper 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 considerably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [7] [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 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 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 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.    [12] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [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.
  [17] [19] [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 Uzbekistan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Uzbekistan by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Uzbekistan, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Uzbekistan doesn't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet in Uzbekistan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Uzbekistani power outlet. This ungrounded wall supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uzbekistani power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your straighteners to use in Uzbekistan. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Uzbekistan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Uzbekistan with a three pin Type I travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Uzbekistan; refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Uzbekistan you'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Uzbekistan by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type I plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, technically called a Type I power outlet [5], can be recognised by 3 slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uzbekistani power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in Uzbekistan. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uzbekistan country Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - European Europlug Type C plug adapters are unearthed and comprise of two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart.
  5. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  6. Type I plug adapter - Type I plug adapters use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  7. Power converter - A step up step down power converter converts 110-120 volts up to 220-240 volts and 220-240 volts down to 110-120 Volts.
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Dual voltage travel hair straighteners - Hair straighteners with adjustable temperature and dual voltage for 110 volts and 220 volts suitable for international travel.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. Heat travel mat for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  15. 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.
  16. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  17. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  18. Hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  19. Power outlet splitter - Splits a single power outlet to multiple power outlets, allowing multiple appliances to simultaneously use a single wall outlet.