How do I use my hair straighteners in Saint Vincent?

St Vincentian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Vincent?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Saint Vincent:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt St Vincentian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier 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 power outlet used in Saint Vincent, so check that the power converter includes the right power adapter for Saint Vincent otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Saint Vincent read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Saint Vincent

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Vincent?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volts which are used in Saint Vincent. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in Saint Vincent. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the guide on can you use a power converter with domestic hair straighteners in Saint Vincent for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Saint Vincent power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Saint Vincent?

The standard voltage used in Saint Vincent is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Saint Vincent?

The frequency used in a St Vincentian power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Saint Vincent?

There are five types of power outlets used in Saint Vincent, these are type G, C, E, I and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the wall socket by the three vertical holes with plastic shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type I - You can recognise this power socket by three slots in a triangle shape with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type K - You can recognise this wall socket by three holes in a triangle shape with the bottom hole being in a semicircle shape.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in Saint Vincent - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Saint Vincent. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Saint Vincent?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Saint Vincent then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a St Vincentian 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 230 volts used in a St Vincentian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Saint Vincent.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Saint Vincent or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Saint Vincent with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Saint Vincent?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Vincentian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Saint Vincent.

Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Saint Vincent. The cost of repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Saint Vincent might be higher than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, 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 transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [14] [15] [AD]

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Saint Vincent?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Saint Vincent?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Saint Vincent 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [14] [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Vincent

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Saint Vincent, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt St Vincentian power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [11] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Vincent. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be a lot cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also considerably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [11] [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.    [14] [15] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 Saint Vincent using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent with a 2 pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Saint Vincent doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. The power supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type E power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Saint Vincent - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Saint Vincent isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair straighteners. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Saint Vincent simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral plus one metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners are now ready for use in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a three pronged Type G travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Saint Vincent - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Saint Vincent. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The power supply, technically called a Type G power outlet [7], can be identified by 3 rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners are now ready for use in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

A step by step guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Saint Vincent with a Type K power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Saint Vincent. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type K plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug supply, technically known as a Type K power outlet [9], can be recognised by three holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern and the bottom hole being semicircular in shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about Saint Vincent
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. 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.
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..