How to use a hair dryer in Greenland

Greenlandic power outlet

Can I use my hairdryer in Greenland?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Greenland:

  • If your hair dryer can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Greenland, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Greenland otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 220 volts used in Greenland you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Prior to using your hair dryer in Greenland read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Greenland

Will my hair dryer work in Greenland?

This will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Greenland:

Best travel hair dryers for Greenland

How to choose the best travel hair dryer for Greenland

An ALCI safety plug

How to choose the best travel hair dryer for Greenland

When looking for the best travel hair dryer for Greenland choose a sturdy but light dual voltage model which operates with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet power outlet, includes a safety plug, long power cable and a folding handle. If drying thicker hair look for a higher 1600+ watt dryer and bundled diffuser.

What to look for when purchasing a travel hair dryer?

  1. Look for a lightweight travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers which have a folding handle mean more space for packing other items.
  2. The 'cool shot' feature on a modern travel dryer will quickly cool hair down after drying which will hold in a style but this option might be lacking in smaller models.
  3. To operate with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet your travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
  4. The best hair dryers should give control of both temperature and speed settings with low and high options, hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker wet hair whereas a slower speed with a lower temperature can reduce damage to hair.
  5. Buying the cheapest hair dryer on the market might be risky, as well as safety concerns there is also a greater chance that the dryer could fail during your trip abroad due to a poor construction.
  6. It could be cheaper and more convenient to purchase a dryer which is supplied with a concentrator and diffuser rather than scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments which fit the unique dryer barrel securely.
  7. Some hotel rooms in Greenland could have a fixed mirror positioned too far away from a convenient power outlet which could make it hard to dry hair, therefore search for the model with the lengthiest power cord possible.
  8. Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the danger of the motor overloading leading to an electrical fire; models are identified with the 2 reset and test buttons found on the plug.
  9. If you have curlier or thicker hair then you might require a travel hair dryer which has a stronger motor - a higher wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster to avoid damage.
What is a good dual voltage travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser for Greenland?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser

What is a good dual voltage travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser for Greenland?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but it lacks a cool shot option.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82m electric power cable for greater flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean. With a strong 1875 watt motor it includes a cool shot button making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Each ionic hair dryer features both concentrator and diffuser with powerful enough motors to make them the most suitable travel hair dryers for thick hair. Both only require a suitable power adapter for Greenland to work with a Greenlandic power outlet, each hair dryer is light and folds up to pack into a carry-on bag.  [11] [11] [12] [AD]

Which is a good mini dual voltage travel hair dryer?

The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle

Which is a good mini dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  • For quickly drying fine and thin hair whilst on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic blow dryer available to buy.
  • For a folding blow dryer which is compact enough to carry in a purse then the 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that can emit infrared heat for a glossy finish this dryer has features which are typically reserved for larger blow dryers.

Both mini hair dryers are dual voltage and when used with a suitable plug adapter for a Greenlandic power outlet they should work in Greenland and fold conveniently enough to be carried for drying on the go. Both have a 1.5m electric power cable, a twin speed motor and include a concentrator attachment.  [13] [13] [14] [AD]

Which is the best hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thicker hair can take much longer to dry and might be hard to do so without your hair turning frizzy, so the best option for this type of hair will be an ionic hair dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are able to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [11] [12] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot?

  • A Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot button that can will quickly cool down hair.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot button, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions resulting in safer drying, two heat options, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and also comes with a concentrator attachment.

Each model folds, has an ALCI plug to prevent power overloads and support dual voltage making both ideal for travel to Greenland in carry on luggage if used along with a power adapter for a Greenlandic power outlet.  [15] [15] [16] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel blow dryer for Greenland?

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 Greenland 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.

Greenland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Greenlandic power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Greenlandic power outlet is 50Hz. [17]

What mains voltage is used in Greenland?

The voltage used in Greenland is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Greenland?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Greenland, types E, C, F and K with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This plug socket can be identified by the 2 holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round power socket (called the type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 socket) can be recognised by the two holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit and one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the plug outlet by two large circular adjacent holes along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type K - The power outlet (technically known as a type K power outlet) can be identified by the 3 holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 220 volt hair dryer in Greenland is a Type E plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in Greenland. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [18] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Greenland?

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I use a dual voltage blow dryer in Greenland?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and that it works with a 220 volt power socket.
  2. If the dryer supports dual voltage please ensure it is set to work in the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
  3. Plug the dryer into the correct power adapter for Greenland, also plug in the power adapter into the Greenlandic power outlet.
  4. It is normal for a majority of travel hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting; but this speed should still be sufficient for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers instructions to find out if this is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. Your dryer can now be used in Greenland.
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

The way to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of the hair dryer. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryer models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Greenland then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Greenlandic power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Greenlandic power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Greenland.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Greenland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

How should I change the voltage on a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  1. Most models of dual voltage hair dryers have a switch which selects between 2 types of voltages although some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage used in Greenland.
  2. The switch or dial requires either a small screwdriver or coin to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also, it is worth noting down the 2 switch positions as the painted numbers can sometimes fade on some models of dryer.

Travelling to Greenland with a hair dryer

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Greenland?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to packing an existing domestic blow dryer to Greenland (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Greenlandic power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Greenland). A travel hair dryer will normally feature a folding handle and are lighter which helps reduce the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to packing a domestic hair dryer.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Greenland. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic hair dryer in Greenland might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case .  [19] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Greenland?

Hotel hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Greenland?

It depends on the hotel or bed and breakfast and the class of the accommodation. Hotel hair dryers are typically found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or could be found in a bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer. If staying in budget hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer might be offered at reception but that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer policy then either look on the booking web site or telephone your hotel in Greenland to find out what is available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are usable but are typically rudimentary models lacking a diffuser, notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. For those concerned with hygiene should remove the burnt hair cuticles from other guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in Greenland or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Is a hair dryer allowed on a plane to Greenland?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hair dryer allowed on a plane to Greenland?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Greenland will allow a hair dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [19] [20] [21] [AD]

Power converters for Greenland

Do you need a power converter for Greenland to use your hair dryer?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Greenland. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own hair dryer, however it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel hair dryer can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing. [10] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Greenland, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Greenlandic power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [10] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type C power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair dryer in Greenland with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Greenland, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Greenland you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will adapt different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Greenlandic power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type E power adapter

A guide on how to power a hair dryer in Greenland with a Type E power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Some dual voltage travel blow dryers will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Greenland isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair dryer. This Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. This recessed circular power supply can be identified by two large round adjacent holes plus a metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the blow dryer to use in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type E power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type F power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland with a Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Greenland - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Greenland you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Greenlandic power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the plug outlet pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer should now be ready to be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type F power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type K power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Greenland with a two pin Type K power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Greenland - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Greenland you will need to bring a Type K plug adapter [9]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type K plug adapter and plugging it in the Greenlandic power outlet. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type K power outlet [8], looks like three large holes in an inverted triangular pattern with the bottom hole appearing semicircular in shape.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet. You can now switch on your hair dryer in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Greenland using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greenland Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  9. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. 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..
  15. 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..
  16. 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..
  17. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  18. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  19. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  20. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  21. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.