Using your hair straighteners in India

Will my hair straighteners work in India?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in India:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for India but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for India

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 230 volt Indian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in India, so check that your voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for India otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your own existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in India check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

India power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in India?

Power outlets in India are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in India?

The frequency of the current from an Indian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

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

There are three different types of power outlets used in India, types D, C and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

• Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
• Plug Type D - The power socket (known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
• Plug Type M - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.

A Type D plug adapter will allow you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in India; read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in India using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for India

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

The method to tell if your hair straighteners can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

• A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in India then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Indian 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 230 volts used in an Indian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in India.
• A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in India or any other country.

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Travelling to India with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to India?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Indian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for India. Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in India could be higher than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, or use a heat resistant and shockproof 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to India 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for India

Can you use your hair straighteners with a converter for India?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in India. Travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing. [9] [AD]

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Indian power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in India. [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?

• 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?

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 India using a type C power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in India using a Type C travel charger.

1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter ^[4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in India won't accomodate the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in India by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply (sometimes called the Europlug or Type C power outlet ^[3]) can be recognised by the 2 round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Indian power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in India. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in India using a type D power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in India with a 3 pronged Type D power adapter.

1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in India - consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in India you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter ^[6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in India 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 230 volt supply.
3. Plug in the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type D power outlet ^[5]) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Indian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in India. [AD]

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

How to power your hair straighteners in India with a 3 pronged Type M power adapter.

1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in India won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to use a Type M plug adapter ^[8]. The Type M plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet used in India by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
3. Begin the process by plugging the Type M plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type M power outlet ^[7]) can be recognised by 3 large circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.
4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Indian power outlet.
6. Your hair straighteners should now be ready to use. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to an Indian power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.

1. Wikipedia - India Wikipedia 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 D power outlet
6. 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..
7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
8. 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..
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 - October 2017
11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
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 - October 2017
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..