How do I use hair straighteners in Tunisia?

Tunisian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Tunisia?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Tunisia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Tunisian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Tunisia, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Tunisia otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Tunisia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Tunisia

Will my hair straighteners work in Tunisia?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volts which are used in Tunisia. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Tunisia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with your hair straighteners in Tunisia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Tunisia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Tunisian power outlet?

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

What mains voltage is used in Tunisia?

Power outlets in Tunisia are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Tunisia?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Tunisia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet is recognised by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify this power socket by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangular configuration.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Tunisia - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a plug adapter for Tunisia. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Tunisia then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Tunisian 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 230 volts used in a Tunisian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Tunisia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Tunisia or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Tunisia with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

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 US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Tunisia 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 for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you 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 drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Tunisia as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Tunisian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Tunisia. Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Tunisia. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Tunisia could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant 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 immediately after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Tunisia

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Tunisia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Tunisia?

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Tunisian power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Tunisia. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Tunisia to use your hair straighteners?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tunisia. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [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 Tunisia using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Tunisia with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Tunisia you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Tunisia 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The power supply (known as the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tunisian power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners to use in Tunisia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Tunisia using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing you how to use hair straighteners in Tunisia with a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Tunisia doesn't take the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This Type E plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Tunisia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter into the Tunisian power outlet. The round plug outlet, also called the CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by two large adjacent holes next to each other plus one metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tunisian power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners to use in Tunisia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Tunisia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tunisian country 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..