Using hair straighteners in Macau

Will my hair straighteners work in Macau?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Macau:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter for Macau listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Macau however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Macau

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Macanese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, 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 power outlet used in Macau, therefore please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Macau otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [11] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Macau check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Macau power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Macau?

The typical voltage used in Macau is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in Macau?

The frequency used in a Macanese power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Macau?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Macau, types G, D, F and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

• Plug Type D - This power socket (technically known as a type D power outlet) can be identified by the three circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
• Plug Type F - You can recognise the wall outlet by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other and two grounding clips above and below.
• Plug Type G - You can recognise this power socket by three vertical slots in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
• Plug Type M - You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 large circular holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Macau is a Type G power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Macau. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Macau

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages 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 Macau then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Macanese 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 Macanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Macau.
• A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Macau or any other country.

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Travelling to Macau with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Macau?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Macanese power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Macau.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Macau might be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] before your trip. 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 right after use without waiting to cool down.   [14] [15] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in 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 suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Macau 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, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables 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] [14] [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Macau

Do you need a converter to use hair straighteners in Macau?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Macau. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive to purchase 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. [11] [AD]

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Macau, but an expensive and bulkier power converter will transform a 220 volt Macanese power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [11] [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?

• 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.    [14] [15] [18] [19] [20] [21] [AD]

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.

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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 Macau using a type D power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Macau with a 3 prong Type D travel charger.

1. Check that the 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 because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Macau, please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Macau you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter ^[4]. This Type D plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Macau 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 supply.
3. First plug in the Type D plug adapter in the Macanese power outlet. This power outlet, technically called a Type D power outlet ^[3], looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration.
4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Macanese power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Macau. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Macau using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use hair straighteners in Macau with a Type F travel adapter.

1. Please make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter ^[6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Macau isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Macau 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 220 volt outlet.
3. Begin by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The sunken round power outlet, also called the Schuko plug, can be identified by two holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
6. You can now switch on your straighteners in Macau. [AD]

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

How to use hair straighteners in Macau with a Type G travel adapter.

1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter ^[8] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Macau. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Macau 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 outlet.
3. Begin by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by three vertical slots in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Macau. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Macau using a type M power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Macau with a 3 prong Type M travel charger.

1. Ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Macau; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Macau you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter ^[10]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Macau simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
3. Firstly plug the Type M plug adapter into the Macanese power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type M power outlet ^[9]) looks like three circular holes forming a triangular configuration.
4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Macanese power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Macau. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Macanese power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

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1. Wikipedia - Macau page on Wikipedia.org
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 F power outlet
6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
8. 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..
9. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
10. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
11. 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..
12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country - October 2017
13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
15. 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.
16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners - October 2017
17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
18. 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.
19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
22. 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..