How do I use my hair straighteners in France?

French power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in France?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in France:

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 French power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in France, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for France otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [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 France please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in France

Will my hair straighteners work in France?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in France:

France power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in France?

Power outlets in France are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in France?

The frequency of the current found in a French power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in France?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in France?

There are two types of power outlets used in France, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed circular wall socket can be recognised by two circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in France - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for France. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in France then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a French power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a French power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in France.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in France or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to France with hair straighteners

Is it better to bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to France?

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 French power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for France.

Please be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in France could outweigh the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slide 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.   [10] [11] [AD]

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 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 your airline who is taking you to France will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables 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 transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for France

Do you need a converter to use your hair straighteners in France?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in France. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own hair straighteners, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [7] [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 lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in France, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt French power outlet to work with non-230 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.    [10] [11] [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 France using a type C power adapter

A guide on how to use your hair straighteners in France by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  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 attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel hair straighteners will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in France - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in France you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in France 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. Plug in the Type C plug adapter into the French power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes called a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the French power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners are now ready to be used in France. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in France using a type C power adapter

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

How to use hair straighteners in France with a 2 pinned Type E power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. 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 France; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in France. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in France by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two large round adjacent holes where the twin pins go plus one long metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the French power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners can now be used in France. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in France using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - French Wikipedia page
  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. 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. 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.
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..