Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use hair straighteners in Saint Martin?

St Martins power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Martin?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Saint Martin:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt St Martins power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Martin, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Saint Martin otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Saint Martin check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Saint Martin

Will my hair straighteners work in Saint Martin?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volts which are used in Saint Martin:

Saint Martin power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Saint Martin?

The frequency of the current from a St Martins power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Saint Martin?

The standard voltage in Saint Martin is 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Saint Martin?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Saint Martin?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Saint Martin, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug outlet by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round plug outlet (also known as a Schuko socket or type F power outlet) can be recognised by two round holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into and a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Saint Martin; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Saint Martin with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but 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 230 volts used in Saint Martin then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a St Martins 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 a St Martins power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Saint Martin.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Saint Martin or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Saint Martin with hair straighteners

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on 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 the airline which is flying you to Saint Martin will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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 wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). 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 knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Saint Martin?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Martins power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Saint Martin.

Be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Saint Martin might be more than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively 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.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Martin

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Saint Martin, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt St Martins power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Saint Martin to use hair straighteners?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Martin. Travellers who wish to bring along their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [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?

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.
  [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 Saint Martin using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Saint Martin using a two pinned Type C 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 - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Martin - please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Saint Martin. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Saint Martin 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. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the St Martins power outlet. The power supply (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Martins power outlet. Your straighteners can now be used in Saint Martin. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Martin using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your hair straighteners in Saint Martin with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not continue because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Martin, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Saint Martin isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair straighteners. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Saint Martin 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. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the St Martins power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Martins power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Saint Martin using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - St Martins country entry on Wikipedia
  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 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. 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..