How do I use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rican power outlet

Will my hair dryer work in Puerto Rico?

Check your hair dryer can work in Puerto Rico:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 120 volt Puerto Rican power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Puerto Rico, so please check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Puerto Rico otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your personal hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 120 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in Puerto Rico read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Puerto Rico

Will my hair dryer work in Puerto Rico?

This will depend on if your hair dryer can operate using the 120 volts as used in Puerto Rico:

Best travel hair dryers for Puerto Rico

Choosing the best hair dryer

A hair dryer cool shot button

Choosing the best hair dryer

When looking for the best hair dryer choose a sturdy but light dual voltage model which will work with a 120 volt Puerto Rican power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, long cord and a safety plug. For drying thicker hair buy a model with a bundled diffuser that uses a stronger 1600+ watt motor.

9 things to consider when buying a blow dryer

  1. Curlier or thicker hair might need a hair dryer which has a more powerful motor - a higher wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby preventing damage.
  2. Safe travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which reduces the risk of the motor overloading leading to starting an electrical fire, you can recognise these by the reset and test buttons on the plug.
  3. Some hotel rooms in Puerto Rico might have a fixed mirror positioned away from a convenient outlet making it awkward to style hair, therefore search for the model with the longest power cord available.
  4. It could be cheaper and more convenient to buy a new dryer that includes a diffuser and concentrator from the manufacturer rather than scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the dryer barrel size perfectly.
  5. Buying the cheapest dryer available might be risky, as well as safety issues there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a flimsy construction.
  6. The best travel hair dryers give control of the speed and temperature settings with high and low options, hotter faster speeds can dry thicker hair quickly whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures reduce damage to hair.
  7. To operate in Puerto Rico a travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
  8. Modern travel dryers could include a cool shot option for rapidly cooling down the hair after drying to hold a style but this option is lacking in cheaper models.
  9. Look for lighter travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers which have a folding handle mean more space for packing other items.
Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for Puerto Rico?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for Puerto Rico?

  • A Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot setting which can be used to rapidly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet meaning faster and safer styling, two heat options, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and includes a concentrator attachment.

Both models can fold, have an ALCI plug to prevent power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for visiting Puerto Rico in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for a Puerto Rican power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and can be difficult to do so without your hair going frizzy, so the best option is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic will be suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [10] [11] [AD]

What is a good dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with folding handle

What is a good dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a longer 1.82m electric power cable for greater flexibility when styling with an ALCI power plug and removable filter for easy cleaning. It utilises a powerful 1875 watt motor including a cool shot button making it perfect for drying thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator with strong motors to make them the best travel blow dryers suitable for thick hair. They are lightweight and fold up to fit into a carry-on bag and only require a suitable cheap plug adapter for Puerto Rico to fit into a Puerto Rican power outlet.  [10] [11] [11] [AD]

Which is the smallest dual voltage hair dryer for Puerto Rico?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium

Which is the smallest dual voltage hair dryer for Puerto Rico?

  • A Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective small ionic hair dryer available on the market, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer is best suited for quickly drying thin or fine hair on the go.
  • The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is small enough to transport in a handbag because of a 10.5 ounce body with folding handle that also includes options reserved for larger dryers including a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling which results in a shinier finish.

Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers when used along with the right plug adapter for a Puerto Rican power outlet they should work in Puerto Rico and fold conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. Both have a 1.5m electric power cable, have a 2 speed motor and include a concentrator.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel hair dryer for Puerto Rico?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Puerto Rico Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Puerto Rico power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Puerto Rico?

Power outlets in Puerto Rico are 120 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Puerto Rico?

The frequency from a Puerto Rican power outlet is 60 Hz. [14]

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico?

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

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall outlet, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet, also called a type B power outlet, is recognised by two thin slots parallel to each other with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 120 volt hair dryer in Puerto Rico is a Type B power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Puerto Rico. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to use a power converter.  [4] [15] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How do I switch a travel hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which selects between 2 types of voltages although some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage from a Puerto Rican power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch will typically require either a small coin or screwdriver to change the dryer to the right voltage between a 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also, it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers are prone to fading on some models of hair dryer.
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair dryer, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Puerto Rico then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Puerto Rican 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 120 volts used in a Puerto Rican power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Puerto Rico.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Puerto Rico or any other country if these numbers are shown.

How do I use a dual voltage blow dryer in Puerto Rico?

  1. First check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer and it will work with a 120 volt power socket.
  2. If the hair dryer supports dual voltage please ensure it is set to the 100-127 volt range. The switch is usually found on the handle or base of the hair dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug the dryer into the correct power adapter for Puerto Rico, then plug in the power adapter into the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  4. The hair dryer is now ready to operate in Puerto Rico.
  5. It's common on travel hair dryer models that came from a country that uses 220-240 volts to work slower than expected when plugged into a power outlet that supplies 100-127 volts.

Travelling to Puerto Rico with a hair dryer

Can I carry on a hair dryer to Puerto Rico in my hand luggage?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can I carry on a hair dryer to Puerto Rico in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Puerto Rico will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Puerto Rico?

Hotel hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Puerto Rico?

Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the room, either packed in a bedroom drawer, cupboard or wardrobe, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could be a slower air hose type. When staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer might be offered at reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer policy you could either call ahead to your hotel in Puerto Rico or check on the booking web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but are typically rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for slower air speeds and low heat. For those worried about hygiene should remove the burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Guests who don't want to take a chance that a suitable or hygienic hair dryer is readily available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer.  [2] [AD]

Is it better to bring a travel hair dryer or domestic blow dryer to Puerto Rico?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to bringing an existing blow dryer to Puerto Rico as it ensures that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Puerto Rican power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Puerto Rico). Travel hair dryers normally feature a collapsing handle and will be much lighter, this helps reduce the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in Puerto Rico could be more than buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [17] [AD]

Power converters for Puerto Rico

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair dryer in Puerto Rico?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in Puerto Rico. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in Puerto Rico, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 120 volt Puerto Rican power outlet to work with a non-120 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in Puerto Rico by using a Type B power charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 120 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Puerto Rico won't take the plug on your hair dryer you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Puerto Rico by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type B plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Puerto Rico. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico using a type B power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in Puerto Rico with a three blade Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair dryer can work with a 120 volt power outlet). If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Puerto Rico isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair dryer you will need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Puerto Rico simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter in the Puerto Rican power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Puerto Rico using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Puerto Rico country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  9. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  10. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  11. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  12. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  13. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  17. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.