How do I use my hair straighteners in Burkina Faso?

Burkinabe power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Burkina Faso?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Burkina Faso:

If not then either:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Burkina Faso
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Burkinabe power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Burkina Faso, therefore please check that the voltage transformer comes with the correct power adapter for Burkina Faso otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Burkina Faso please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Burkina Faso

Will my hair straighteners work in Burkina Faso?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Burkina Faso. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your hair straighteners in Burkina Faso. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your hair straighteners in Burkina Faso for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Burkina Faso power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a Burkinabe power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Burkinabe power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Burkina Faso?

The residential voltage in Burkina Faso is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Burkina Faso, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round plug outlet can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Burkina Faso is a Type E plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Burkina Faso

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Single voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Burkina Faso then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Burkinabe 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 220 volts used in a Burkinabe power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Burkina Faso.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Burkina Faso or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Burkina Faso 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 is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Burkina Faso 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 for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Burkina Faso?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Burkinabe power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Burkina Faso. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Burkina Faso could outweigh the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Burkina Faso

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Burkina Faso, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Burkinabe power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Can you use hair straighteners with a converter for Burkina Faso?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Burkina Faso. Travellers who wish to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [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 Burkina Faso using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Burkina Faso. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Burkina Faso simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Burkinabe power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso using a type E power adapter

A page showing how to use your hair straighteners in Burkina Faso with a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Some travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Burkina Faso, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Burkina Faso you will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Burkina Faso by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the Burkinabe power outlet. This recessed round plug supply, sometimes called the Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a single metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Burkinabe power outlet. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Burkina Faso using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Burkina Faso Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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..