How do I use my hair straighteners in The Bahamas?

Bahamas power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Bahamas?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in The Bahamas:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 120 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 120 volt Bahamas power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in The Bahamas, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for The Bahamas otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 120 volts used in The Bahamas 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 The Bahamas please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Bahamas

Will my hair straighteners work in The Bahamas?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 120 volt power outlets used in The Bahamas:

The Bahamas power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in The Bahamas?

The frequency of the current found in a Bahamas power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in The Bahamas?

Power outlets in The Bahamas are 120 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need for using  hair straighteners in The Bahamas?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in The Bahamas?

There are two different types of power outlets used in The Bahamas, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, technically known as a type A power outlet, can be identified by the two slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket (technically known as a type B power outlet) is recognised by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the long earth pin.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using 120 volt hair straighteners in The Bahamas is a Type B power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in The Bahamas. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [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 outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to The Bahamas with hair straighteners

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

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

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

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to The Bahamas will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack 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 bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should you bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to The Bahamas?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to The Bahamas as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Bahamas power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The Bahamas.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in The Bahamas. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in The Bahamas might outweigh the cost of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slot 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for The Bahamas

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?

An expensive and bulky power converter will transform a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet to work with non-120 volt hair straighteners, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in The Bahamas. [7] [AD]

Can I use hair straighteners with a power converter for The Bahamas?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in The Bahamas. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [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.    [11] [13] [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 The Bahamas using a type B power adapter

A guide showing how to power your hair straighteners in The Bahamas using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts for use in The Bahamas - 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 The Bahamas you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in The Bahamas simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer grounded pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bahamas power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Bahamas using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Bahamas using a type A power adapter

A guide on how to use your hair straighteners in The Bahamas by using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts for use in The Bahamas - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair straighteners will work with a 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in The Bahamas you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Bahamas by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bahamas power outlet. Your hair straighteners are now ready to be used in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Bahamas using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bahamas Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  13. 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.
  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..