Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Bahrain?

Bahraini power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Bahrain?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Bahrain:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Bahraini power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter 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 Bahrain, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Bahrain otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Bahrain please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Bahrain

Will my hair straighteners work in Bahrain?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Bahrain:

Bahrain power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Bahrain?

Power outlets in Bahrain are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Bahrain?

The frequency of the current in a Bahraini power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

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

Type G power outlet

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

Type G power outlets are used in Bahrain. You can recognise this wall socket by the three vertical slots forming a triangular configuration. A suitable plug adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in Bahrain is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Bahrain. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Bahrain with hair straighteners

Should you bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Bahrain?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Bahrain as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Bahraini power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Bahrain. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler in Bahrain. The costs of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Bahrain could outweigh the cost of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring along 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 shockproof and heat resistant 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 waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Bahrain 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 and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Bahrain

Can I use hair straighteners with a power converter for Bahrain?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Bahrain. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

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 cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Bahrain, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Bahraini power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [5] [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.    [8] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Bahrain using a type G power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Bahrain using a Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Travel hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Bahrain - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Bahrain you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Bahrain by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (known as the Type G power outlet [3]) looks like 3 rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bahraini power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Bahrain. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bahrain using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bahrain Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..