Which power adapter do I need when using hair straighteners in Anguilla?

Anguillan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Anguilla?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Anguilla:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Anguilla
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 110 volt Anguillan power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Anguilla, therefore check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Anguilla 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 110 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Anguilla please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Anguilla

Will my hair straighteners work in Anguilla?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 110 volt power outlets used in Anguilla. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Anguilla. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter to use your domestic hair straighteners in Anguilla for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Anguilla power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used with an Anguillan power outlet?

The frequency of the current from an Anguillan power outlet is 60 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Anguilla?

Power outlets in Anguilla are 110 volts.

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

Type A power outlet

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

The type of power outlet used in Anguilla is type A. The power outlet (technically called the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral blades. A recommended travel adapter to bring for using 110 volt hair straighteners in Anguilla is a Type A power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Anguilla. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Plug adapters for Anguilla

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual 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 plug. This location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models 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.

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

Travelling to Anguilla with hair straighteners

Should I bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Anguilla?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with an Anguillan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Anguilla. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Anguilla. The costs of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Anguilla might overshadow the cost of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on to Anguilla?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on to Anguilla?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Anguilla will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Anguilla

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Anguilla, but a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 110 volts from an Anguillan power outlet to work with non-110 volt hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Anguilla to use hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 110 volt power outlet used in Anguilla. Travellers who want to bring their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [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.    [8] [9] [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 Anguilla using a type A power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Anguilla by using a three blade Type A power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 110 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on 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 please check that your hair straighteners can work with a 110 volt power outlet). You'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Anguilla. This Type A plug adapter will help convert plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Anguilla by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. This plug outlet (technically known as the Type A power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the 2 slots parallel to each other.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Anguillan power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be used in Anguilla. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Anguilla using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Anguilla
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..