How do I use my hair dryer in Wales?

Welsh power outlet

Will my hairdryer work in Wales?

Check that your hair dryer can work in Wales:

  • If your hair dryer can run using 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 dryer won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Welsh power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Wales, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Wales otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Before using your hair dryer in Wales check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Wales

Will my hair dryer work in Wales?

That will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Wales. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your hair dryer in Wales. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Read the section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic hair dryer for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for Wales

How to choose the best hair dryer for Wales

An ALCI safety plug

How to choose the best hair dryer for Wales

When choosing the best travel hair dryer look for a sturdy but lightweight dual-voltage dryer which operates with a 230 volt Welsh power outlet power outlet with ALCI safety plug, folding handle and a long cable. When drying thicker hair look for a model which includes a bundled diffuser that has a stronger 1600+ watt dryer.

What to look for when purchasing a hair dryer?

  1. Don't be tempted to go for the cheapest travel dryer on the market; as well as concerns with safety there is a greater chance that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a poor construction.
  2. The safest travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will reduce the risk of overloading the motor that could start electrical fires; you can recognise these by the the two reset and test switches on the plug.
  3. Thicker or curlier hair may require a travel hair dryer with a stronger motor - a high wattage ceramic model that includes a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby avoiding damage.
  4. To work in Wales your hair dryer has to be dual voltage.
  5. Modern hair dryers might feature a cool shot button for rapidly cooling down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this option could be missing in more compact models.
  6. Depending on the accommodation you could find a wall mirror installed some distance away from a convenient power outlet making it hard to dry hair, so when buying a travel blow dryer search for the unit with the lengthiest power cord available.
  7. Rather than scouring shops looking for expensive third party attachments to fit the unique barrel size securely it might be more convenient to buy a hair dryer that is supplied with a diffuser and a concentrator as these will fit perfectly.
  8. Try looking for a lightweight travel dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers with folding handles mean more room for packing other items.
  9. Ideal travel hair dryers should allow you to alter both speed and temperature with low and high options; a hotter faster speed will quickly dry wet hair whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures reduce damage to your hair.
What is the best travel hair dryer with a diffuser?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with folding handle

What is the best travel hair dryer with a diffuser?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65 metre electric power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however lacks cool shot.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a lengthy 1.82m power cable for greater freedom when styling with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter to clean easily. It also utilises a strong 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it ideal for drying thick hair.

Both ionic travel hair dryers feature both concentrator and diffuser attachments with strong enough motors to make them the most suitable blow dryers for thick hair. Both will require a suitable cheap power adapter for Wales to work with a Welsh power outlet, each dryer is lightweight and folds up to fit in carry-on baggage.  [6] [6] [7] [AD]

What is a good folding travel hair dryer with cool shot for Wales?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

What is a good folding travel hair dryer with cool shot for Wales?

  • The Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and features cool shot which can will rapidly cool hair down to give a long lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, a ceramic tourmaline outlet for negative ions meaning safer and faster drying, 2 heat options, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cord and also includes a concentrator attachment.

Each model folds, includes an ALCI plug which prevents overloading and support dual voltage making them perfect for travel to Wales in carry on luggage when used with a power adapter for a Welsh power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

What is the best mini travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Wales?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle

What is the best mini travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Wales?

  • The Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective mini ionic hairdryer available to buy, the 1200 watt ceramic dryer is suitable for quickly drying fine or thin hair whilst on the go.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is both lightweight and small enough to transport in a purse because of a 10.5 ounce body and folding handle that includes options found on larger dryers such as a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect against heat damage resulting in a shinier finish.

Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used along with a suitable plug adapter for a Welsh power outlet they will work in Wales and fold conveniently enough to be carried for drying on the go. They include a concentrator, have 1.5m power cables and a two speed motor.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

What is a good hair dryer for thick and curly hair?

Thicker hair takes much longer to dry and might be difficult to dry without your hair going frizzy, the best option will be an ionic dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly without frizz. Either the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers - avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [6] [7] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best hair dryer for Wales?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Wales Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Wales power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Wales?

The residential voltage in Wales is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Welsh power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Welsh power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter will you need when using a hair dryer in Wales?

The type of power outlet used in Wales is type G. You can identify the power outlet by the three rectangular slots containing shutters in a triangle shape. A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt hair dryer in Wales is a Type G power adapter; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in Wales. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need when using a hair dryer in Wales?

Dual voltage hair dryers

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your hair dryer. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair dryer, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically but other hair dryer models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Wales then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Welsh power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Welsh power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in Wales.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Wales or any other country.

How should you change the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have some type of dial which selects between two ranges of voltages however some models can automatically detect the voltage used in Wales.
  2. This dial or switch will normally require a small screwdriver or coin to set the dryer to the correct voltage between a 110v-120v range or a 220v-240v range.
  3. In addition to switching this it's worth making a note of the two switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to rubbing off on certain models.

How do you use your dual voltage hair dryer in Wales?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or it works with a 230 volt power socket.
  2. If your dryer supports dual voltage then make sure that it is set to operate within the 220-240 volt range. The switch is normally found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug your dryer into the correct power adapter for Wales and then plug in the power adapter into the Welsh power outlet.
  4. It is common on most travel hair dryer models operating within the 220-240V range to only work safely on a low speed setting - however this temperature and speed should be sufficient for drying hair. Please check the hair dryer guidelines to find out if this is applicable for your model of hair dryer to stop the risk of overheating.
  5. Your hair dryer can now be used in Wales.

Travelling to Wales with a hair dryer

Is a hairdryer allowed on a flight to Wales?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hairdryer allowed on a flight to Wales?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered blow dryer 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 Wales will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in Wales have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Wales have hair dryers?

It will all depend on the hotel or bed and breakfast and the quality of the accommodation. Hair dryers in hotel rooms are typically found on a bathroom wall unit, these could be a slower air hose variety, or could be located in the bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer. When staying in budget hostels, motels and hotels a shared hair dryer might be available at reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer availability then either telephone your hotel in Wales or look on the hotel web site to find out if a suitable hairdryer available for guests. Hotel hair dryers are adequate but are normally basic models lacking a diffuser, notorious for slower air speeds and low heat. Those concerned with hygiene should check for grime from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either telephone ahead to your hotel in Wales or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Is it better to bring a domestic hair dryer or a travel hair dryer to Wales?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair dryer to Wales as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Welsh power outlet (as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Wales). Some types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsing handle and will be lighter, this will help reduce the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic blow dryer might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler in Wales. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality blow dryer in Wales might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip .  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Wales

Do you need a power converter in Wales to use your hair dryer?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Wales. Travellers who wish to use their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also, a travel hair dryer can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet in Wales, but a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Welsh power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [5] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Wales using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use a hair dryer in Wales using a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Wales you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Wales by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. This power supply, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Welsh power outlet. The hair dryer can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Wales using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wales Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  7. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  8. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  9. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  10. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  11. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  15. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.