How to use hair straighteners in Guernsey

Guernsey power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Guernsey?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Guernsey:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

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 Guernsey power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Guernsey, therefore check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Guernsey otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Guernsey please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Guernsey

Will my hair straighteners work in Guernsey?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Guernsey:

Guernsey power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Guernsey power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Guernsey power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Guernsey?

The voltage used in Guernsey is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Guernsey?

The type of power outlet used in Guernsey is type G. The power outlet (technically known as a type G power outlet) can be identified by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern. A Type G plug adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Guernsey, read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Guernsey. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Guernsey?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions 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 Guernsey then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Guernsey 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 Guernsey power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Guernsey.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Guernsey or any other country if these numbers are shown.
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Travelling to Guernsey with hair straighteners

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage to Guernsey?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage to Guernsey?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Guernsey 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 for airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Guernsey?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Guernsey power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Guernsey.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Guernsey. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Guernsey might be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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 packed right after use without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Guernsey

Do you need a power converter for Guernsey to use your hair straighteners?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Guernsey. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own hair straighteners, however it could be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Guernsey, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Guernsey 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.    [9] [11] [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 Guernsey using a type G power adapter

A guide on how to power hair straighteners in Guernsey with a Type G power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't continue as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Guernsey; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Guernsey doesn't take the plug shape on your hair straighteners. The Type G plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Guernsey simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type G plug adapter in the Guernsey power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by 3 vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guernsey power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Guernsey. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guernsey using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guernsey country page on wikipedia
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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..