Which plug adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Zimbabwe?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Zimbabwe:

If not then either:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Zimbabwe
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Zimbabwe power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Zimbabwe, so please check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Zimbabwe otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Zimbabwe you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Zimbabwe check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Zimbabwe

Will my hair straighteners work in Zimbabwe?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts used in Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Zimbabwe?

Power outlets in Zimbabwe are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Zimbabwe power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Zimbabwe?

Type D and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Zimbabwe?

There are two types of power outlets used in Zimbabwe, these are type G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - This power socket, also known as a type D power outlet, can be identified by 3 round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the power outlet by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Zimbabwe is a Type G power adapter, read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Zimbabwe. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Zimbabwe

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners 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 220 volts used in Zimbabwe then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Zimbabwe.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Zimbabwe or any other country.
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Travelling to Zimbabwe with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on hand 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 verify that your airline who is taking you to Zimbabwe will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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 will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Zimbabwe?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Zimbabwe power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe. The cost and inconvenience of repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Zimbabwe might be higher than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Zimbabwe

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

Voltage converter

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

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

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Zimbabwe. Travellers who want to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be a lot cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing in luggage. [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?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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 Zimbabwe using a type D power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Zimbabwe using a three pronged Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Zimbabwe you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. This Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Zimbabwe 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type D plug adapter and inserting it in the Zimbabwe power outlet. This power outlet (known as a Type D power outlet [3]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Zimbabwe power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Zimbabwe using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Zimbabwe using a type G power adapter

A guide showing how to use your hair straighteners in Zimbabwe with a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. Please check that your 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 do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Zimbabwe - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Zimbabwe doesn't take the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The Type G plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Zimbabwe simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three vertical holes with shutters in a triangular pattern.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Zimbabwe power outlet. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Zimbabwe using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Zimbabwe
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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..