How to use your hair straighteners in The Philippines

Filipino power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Philippines?

Check your hair straighteners can work in The Philippines:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Filipino power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The Philippines, so check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for The Philippines otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in The Philippines please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Philippines

Will my hair straighteners work in The Philippines?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in The Philippines:

The Philippines power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Filipino power outlet?

The frequency from a Filipino power outlet is 60Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in The Philippines?

The standard residential voltage used in The Philippines is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in The Philippines?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in The Philippines?

There are three different types of power outlets used in The Philippines, these are type C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type B - This wall outlet (called a type B power outlet) is recognised by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades sit with a single hole below for the ground pin.
  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power socket (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by two circular adjacent holes.

A Type C power adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in The Philippines, read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for The Philippines. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

One method to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to The Philippines?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Filipino power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Philippines. Note that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in The Philippines could overshadow the costs of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in your hand luggage to The Philippines?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your hand luggage to The Philippines?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners 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 The Philippines 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 when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for The Philippines

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Filipino power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in The Philippines. [9] [AD]

Do I need a converter in The Philippines to use hair straighteners?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in The Philippines. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to travel hair straighteners. [9] [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.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [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.
  [18] [20] [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 The Philippines using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in The Philippines with a three pinned Type B travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet used in The Philippines. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in The Philippines simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 thin slots parallel to each other with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin. Please note that power cords with type B sockets which are rated at 125 volts shouldn't be used in The Philippines so please check first.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Philippines using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Philippines using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in The Philippines by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in The Philippines; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in The Philippines you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [6]. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in The Philippines simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Filipino power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Philippines using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Philippines using a type A power adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to power your hair straighteners in The Philippines with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. Please check 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 you will still need to check that your hair straighteners will work with a 220 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The Philippines. This Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in The Philippines by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the Filipino power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type A power outlet [7]) can be identified by two thin slots adjacent to each other. Please note that power cords used with type A plugs which are rated at less that 240 volts shouldn't be used in The Philippines so please check prior to proceeding.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Philippines using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Philippines country page on wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..