How do I use hair straighteners in Honduras?

Honduran power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Honduras?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Honduras:

If not then either:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Honduras
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 110 volt Honduran power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Honduras, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Honduras otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 110 volts used in Honduras you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Honduras please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Honduras

Will my hair straighteners work in Honduras?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 110 volt power outlets in Honduras. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in Honduras. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read our section on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic hair straighteners in Honduras for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Honduras power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Honduras?

The frequency from a Honduran power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Honduras?

The normal voltage in Honduras is 110 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Honduras?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Honduras?

There are two types of power outlets used in Honduras, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify this plug socket by two thin adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - This power socket, technically called a type B power outlet, can be identified by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earth pin.

A Type B power adapter will allow you to use 110 volt hair straighteners in Honduras, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Honduras with a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Honduras

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 will accept a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change 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 110 volts used in Honduras then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Honduran 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 110 volts used in a Honduran power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Honduras.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Honduras or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Honduras with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners?

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 the airline who is taking you to Honduras 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 by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should you bring your domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Honduras?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Honduras as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Honduran power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Honduras.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by a baggage handlers in Honduras. The cost of repairing or replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Honduras could be higher than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a sneaker or boot 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Honduras

Do you need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Honduras?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Honduras. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Honduras, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 110 volt Honduran power outlet to work with non-110 volt hair straighteners. [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 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.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [16] [18] [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 Honduras using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Honduras with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting for use in Honduras - please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Honduras isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair straighteners. This Type B plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Honduras simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called the Type B power outlet [3], is recognised by two thin slots parallel to each other with a semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Honduran power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners are now ready for use in Honduras. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Honduras using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Honduras using a type A power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Honduras using a 2 prong Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume that you don't already own hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair straighteners can work with a 110 volt power supply). You'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Honduras doesn't accomodate the plug of your hair straighteners. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet used in Honduras by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter in the Honduran power outlet. The wall supply, technically known as a Type A power outlet [5], can be identified by the 2 slots where the plug outlet blades go.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Honduran power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Honduras using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Honduras Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..