Using your hair straighteners in Bermuda

Bermuda power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Bermuda?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Bermuda:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 120 volt Bermuda power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Bermuda, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Bermuda otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 120 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Bermuda check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Bermuda

Will my hair straighteners work in Bermuda?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 120 volts which are used in Bermuda:

Bermuda power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Bermuda power outlet?

The frequency used in a Bermuda power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Bermuda?

The normal residential voltage in Bermuda is 120 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Bermuda?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Bermuda?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 thin slots next to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the wall socket by the two slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle hole below for the longer grounded pin.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using 120 volt hair straighteners in Bermuda is a Type B power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Bermuda. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature 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 Bermuda then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Bermuda 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 Bermuda power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Bermuda.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Bermuda or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Bermuda with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

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 recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Bermuda 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Bermuda?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Bermuda as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Bermuda power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Bermuda. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Bermuda. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Bermuda could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Bermuda

Do I need a power converter to use hair straighteners in Bermuda?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in Bermuda. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Bermuda?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Bermuda?

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 120 volt Bermuda 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 fit into a power outlet in Bermuda. [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 Bermuda using a type B power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Bermuda using a three prong Type B power adapter.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting to use in Bermuda - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Bermuda won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners. The Type B plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Bermuda by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. The power supply (sometimes called the Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bermuda power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners to use in Bermuda. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bermuda using a type B power adapter

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

How to power hair straighteners in Bermuda using a three pronged Type A power adapter.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in Bermuda - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  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 outlet). So, if the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Bermuda you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Bermuda simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type A plug adapter into the Bermuda power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two thin slots parallel to each other.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bermuda power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Bermuda. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bermuda using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bermuda entry on wikipedia
  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..