How do I use a hair dryer in Guinea?

Guinean power outlet

Will my blowdryer work in Guinea?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Guinea:

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Guinean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Guinea, so please check that your power converter has the right power adapter for Guinea otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in Guinea read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Guinea

Will my hair dryer work in Guinea?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Guinea:

Best travel hair dryers for Guinea

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

Dual voltage switch on a travel hair dryer

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

When looking for the best hair dryer choose a sturdy but light dual-voltage model which will work with a 220 volt Guinean power outlet power outlet with a folding handle, a safety plug and a long cord. For drying thicker hair buy a dryer with a stronger 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

What to look for when buying a blow dryer?

  1. The cool shot button can quickly cool hair down after drying which will hold in the style but this feature could be missing in smaller or cheaper dryers.
  2. Try to look for a lighter travel dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models which have folding handles will mean more room to pack other items.
  3. In order to function with a 220 volt Guinean power outlet your travel hair dryer has to be dual voltage.
  4. You shouldn't be tempted to just buy the cheapest dryer; as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper parts.
  5. The best travel hair dryers give control of both speed and temperature settings with low and high options - faster hotter speeds will dry hair quickly whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures reduce damage to hair.
  6. Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which minimises the danger of the motor overloading that could lead to fires - you can idenfity these with reset and test buttons found on the plug.
  7. It might be more convenient and cheaper purchasing a dryer that is supplied with both a diffuser and concentrator from the manufacturer rather than scouring shops looking for expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the barrel size perfectly.
  8. Thicker hair could require a travel blow dryer with a stronger motor. A high wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster to avoid damage.
  9. Hotel rooms could have a wall mirror installed too far away from a convenient outlet which makes it awkward to style hair, therefore search for the longest power cord available.
Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser for Guinea?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser for Guinea?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m electric power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a lengthy 1.82m electric power cable for more freedom when drying with an ALCI power plug and removable filter to clean. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it includes cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator with strong motors to make them the most suitable hair dryers for thick hair. Each dryer is light and folds up to pack in carry-on luggage, only requiring a suitable cheap power adapter for Guinea to work with a Guinean power outlet.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best mini ionic travel hair dryer for Guinea?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle

Which is the best mini ionic travel hair dryer for Guinea?

  • For drying thin or fine hair whilst on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest mini ionic blowdryer available on the market.
  • For a hairdryer which is both small and lightweight enough to carry in a purse then a 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage this dryer manages to include features which are normally reserved for bulkier models.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used in combination with the right power adapter for a Guinean power outlet they will work in Guinea folding conveniently enough to be carried for drying on the go. Both have a 1.5 metre power cable, have a two speed motor and include a concentrator attachment.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Which is the best hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and can be difficult to do so without your hair turning frizzy, the best option is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest 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 will be suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for Guinea?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with bundled concentrator

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for Guinea?

  • A Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and features cool shot that can will rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features cool shot, a tourmaline ceramic outlet resulting in quicker and safer styling, 2 heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and includes a concentrator attachment.

Each model is folding, includes an ALCI power plug to prevent overloading and has dual voltage making them ideal for visiting Guinea in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Guinean power outlet.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best blow dryer for Guinea?

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 Guinea 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.

Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Guinea?

The frequency from a Guinean power outlet is 50 Hz. [16]

What voltage is used in Guinea?

The voltage used in Guinea is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in Guinea?

Type C, F and K power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in Guinea?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Guinea, these are type F, C and K with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall outlet, also called the Europlug, is identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the power outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify this wall outlet by three large holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt hair dryer in Guinea is a Type F power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Guinea. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

The way to tell if your hair dryer will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Guinea then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Guinean 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 220 volts used in a Guinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Guinea.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Guinea or any other country if these numbers are shown.

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in Guinea?

  1. Ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 220 volt power outlet.
  2. If your hair 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 screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug the dryer into the power adapter for Guinea and then plug in the power adapter into the Guinean power outlet.
  4. It's common on a majority of travel hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting - but the temperature and speed should still be sufficient enough for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer guidelines to see if this is appropriate for your model of dryer to avoid the risk of overheating.
  5. The hair dryer is now ready to be used in Guinea.

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

  1. Most dual voltage hair dryers have a dial or switch which toggles between two sets of voltages although some dryers can automatically detect the voltage from a Guinean power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch will typically require either a small coin or screwdriver to set the dryer to the right voltage between a 110v-120v range or a 220v-240v range.
  3. As well as switching this over it is worth making a note of both switch positions as the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models of travel hair dryer.

Travelling to Guinea with a hair dryer

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Guinea?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer instead of bringing an existing domestic blow dryer to Guinea as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Guinean power outlet (provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Guinea). Travel hair dryers normally feature a collapsing handle and are much lighter, this helps reduce the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in Guinea could be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip .  [18] [AD]

Can a hair dryer go in carry on to Guinea?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can a hair dryer go in carry on to Guinea?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered hair dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Guinea 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you 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 bumps and knocks during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in Guinea have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Guinea have hair dryers?

This depends on the hotel and the quality of the room. Hotel room hair dryers are typically found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or might be located in a bedroom wardrobe, cupboard or drawer.

In cheaper hostels, hotels and motels a communal hair dryer might be offered at reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer policy then either look on the booking web site or telephone the hotel in Guinea to find out what is available for guests. Hair dryers found in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser, notorious for providing slower air speeds and low heat. Those worried about hygiene should remove burnt hair from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

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

Power converters for Guinea

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair dryer in Guinea?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Guinea. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel hair dryer. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Guinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet in Guinea. [9] [AD]

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

How to use your hair dryer in Guinea using a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Guinea; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the Guinean power outlet. This unearthed wall supply (sometimes known as the Type C power outlet [3]) can be identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Guinea. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Guinea using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in Guinea with a 2 pinned Type F travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Guinea; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the Guinean power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Guinea. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Guinea using a type K power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in Guinea with a two prong Type K travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Guinea; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guinea you will need to bring a Type K plug adapter [8]. The Type K plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type K plug adapter into the Guinean power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by 3 large holes forming a triangular pattern for the live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your hair dryer to use in Guinea. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Guinea using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guinea Wikipedia page
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  8. 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..
  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. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. 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..
  15. 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..
  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.