Using hair straighteners in Cyprus

Cypriot power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Cyprus?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Cyprus:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Cypriot power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Cyprus, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Cyprus otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts used in Cyprus you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Cyprus please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Cyprus

Will my hair straighteners work in Cyprus?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Cyprus:

Cyprus power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Cyprus?

Power outlets in Cyprus are 240 volts.

What frequency is used in a Cypriot power outlet?

The frequency in a Cypriot power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Cyprus?

Type G power outlets are used in Cyprus. This plug outlet (also known as a type G power outlet) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangular shape. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Cyprus is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Cyprus. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need for using  hair straighteners in Cyprus?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Single voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Should I bring my domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Cyprus?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Cyprus as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Cypriot power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Cyprus. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Cyprus. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Cyprus could outweigh the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slot 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 also allows the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Cyprus?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Cyprus?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Cyprus 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 by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Cyprus

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Cyprus. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their own hair straighteners, however it can be less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Cyprus?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Cyprus?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Cyprus, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 240 volt Cypriot power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners. [5] [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.    [8] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Cyprus using a type G power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Cyprus with a Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts for use in Cyprus - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Cyprus. The Type G plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Cyprus 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 240 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the Cypriot power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three rectangular slots forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cypriot power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Cyprus. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Cyprus using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cypriot country page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..