How to use your hair dryer in Gambia

Gambian power outlet

Can I use my blowdryer in Gambia?

Check your hair dryer can work in Gambia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Gambia, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Gambia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note that your existing hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair dryer or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in Gambia please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Gambia

Will my hair dryer work in Gambia?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Gambia. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use your hair dryer in Gambia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2], read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair dryer for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for Gambia

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

Bundled concentrator and diffuser attachments

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

When choosing the best travel hair dryer for Gambia look for a strong but lightweight dual voltage model which will operate with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet power outlet, has a long cord, folding handle and ALCI safety plug. For drying thicker hair buy a model with a diffuser that has a faster 1600+ watt dryer.

9 tips for purchasing a new travel hair dryer

  1. Try to look for lightweight travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, models with a handle which folds mean more space.
  2. A modern blow dryer might include a cool shot option for rapidly cooling hair down after drying to hold in the style but this feature is lacking in smaller or cheaper models.
  3. The best travel hair dryers for styling should give control of both temperature and speed with two options; hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker hair whereas lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to hair.
  4. Your travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage in order to work with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet.
  5. Buying the cheapest dryer available could be risky, as well as concerns with safety there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper parts.
  6. It might be more convenient purchasing a dryer that includes a concentrator and diffuser instead of scouring stores looking for more expensive third party attachments which fit the unique dryer barrel size perfectly.
  7. Depending on the hotel room you could find they have a wall mirror positioned away from the nearest power outlet which could make it hard to style hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer shop for the lengthiest power cord possible or bring either a pocket mirror or extension cord.
  8. Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the risk of overloading leading to starting electrical fires - you can idenfity these with reset and test buttons.
  9. If you have thicker hair then you may need a hair dryer with a more powerful motor - a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster to avoid damage.
Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium

Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

  • The Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective mini ionic blowdryer available on the market, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer is suitable for quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to transport in a handbag because of the 10.5oz body and folding handle and has features found on larger blow dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling resulting in a glossy finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used along with a suitable power adapter for a Gambian power outlet they will work in Gambia folding conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. They include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5m power cords and a twin speed motor.  [6] [6] [7] [AD]

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65 metre power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser but lacks cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a lengthy 1.82 metre electric power cable for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for easy cleaning. It also has a powerful 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Each ionic hair dryer features a concentrator and diffuser attachment with powerful enough motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They will only require a suitable cheap plug adapter for Gambia to fit into a Gambian power outlet, each hair dryer is lightweight and folds up to pack in a carry-on bag.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick and curly hair?

Thick hair will take longer to dry and might be hard to dry without hair going frizzy, so the best option is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer are recommended because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for Gambia?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with bundled concentrator

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for Gambia?

  • The Conair Compact Styler has a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot setting which can be used to rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet meaning safer drying, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and comes with a concentrator attachment.

Each model is folding, includes an ALCI safety plug which prevents power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for travel to Gambia in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for a Gambian power outlet.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel blow dryer for Gambia?

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.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Gambia 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.

Gambia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Gambian power outlet?

The frequency from a Gambian power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

What voltage is used in Gambia?

Power outlets in Gambia are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in Gambia?

Type G power outlets are used in Gambia. You can recognise the power outlet by 3 slots in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt hair dryer in Gambia, read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Gambia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in Gambia?

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can you use your dual voltage blow dryer in Gambia?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and it will work with a 230 volt power socket.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure it is set to work in the 220-240V range. The switch is usually found on the handle or base of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Gambia, also plug in the power adapter into the Gambian power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryer models operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting - but this speed and temperature should still be sufficient enough for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer instructions to find out if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to avoid overheating.
  5. Your dryer is now ready to operate in Gambia.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

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

How can you change the voltage on a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a switch or dial which changes between 2 voltages however some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage from a Gambian power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch typically requires either a small coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also, it's worth jotting down both switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on some models of hair dryer.

Travelling to Gambia with a hair dryer

Is it safe to bring a domestic blow dryer to Gambia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer rather than bringing an existing domestic blow dryer to Gambia (marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Gambian power outlet (provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Gambia). Some models of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and will be lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. Be aware that bringing an expensive domestic hair dryer might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Gambia. The costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised blow dryer in Gambia could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case beforehand to bring with you .  [14] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in Gambia have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Gambia have hair dryers?

Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed away in the bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could be a slower air hose type. If staying in budget motels, hotels and hostels a communal hair dryer might be offered at reception but could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer policy then either call ahead to your hotel in Gambia or look on the booking web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for providing slower air speeds and low heat. For those concerned with hygiene might want to check for any burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Guests who don't want to take a chance that a suitable or germ-free hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer.  [2] [AD]

Can hair dryers go in your carry on to Gambia?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can hair dryers go in your carry on to Gambia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Gambia will allow blow dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers 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 your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Gambia

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet in Gambia, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Gambian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Gambia to use my hair dryer?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Gambia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own hair dryer, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Gambia using a type G power adapter

A guide showing you how to power a hair dryer in Gambia by using a Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Some blow dryers will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Gambia; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Gambia you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Gambia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called a Type G power outlet [3], can be recognised by the three vertical slots in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in the hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Gambian power outlet. You can now switch on your hair dryer for use in Gambia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Gambia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Gambian Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.