How do I use my hair dryer in Jamaica?
Will my hairdryer work in Jamaica?
Check that your hair dryer can work in Jamaica:
- If your hair dryer can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) 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 dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Jamaica but these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travelling. Read nine tips for purchasing a travel hair dryer, the best dual voltage blow dryers in 2023 compared and guide to the best hair driers which are guaranteed to work in Jamaica.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 110 volt Jamaican power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the wall outlet used in Jamaica, therefore please check that the voltage transformer comes with the correct power adapter for Jamaica otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your domestic hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Jamaica
Will my hair dryer work in Jamaica?
That will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 110 volts as used in Jamaica:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to operate using 110 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use the hair dryer in Jamaica.
- If not then then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your hair dryer in Jamaica for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for Jamaica
Bundled diffuser and concentrator attachments
How to choose the best hair dryer for Jamaica
When choosing the best travel hair dryer look for a sturdy but lightweight dual-voltage model that works with a 110 volt Jamaican power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, an ALCI safety plug and a long cable. For drying thicker hair look for a model which includes a diffuser that uses a faster 1600+ watt motor.
What to look for when purchasing a hair dryer?
- Thicker or curlier hair may require a blow dryer with a stronger motor - a high wattage ceramic model that includes a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
- The safest travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will reduce the danger of overloading that could start electrical fires, you can recognise these by the two reset and test switches on the plug.
- Some hotel rooms might have a wall mirror installed away from a convenient power outlet making it hard to use the hair dryer, therefore find the unit with the lengthiest power cord available.
- It could be more convenient to buy a hair dryer that is supplied with a diffuser and concentrator rather than scouring stores to look for more expensive 3rd party attachments.
- Don't be tempted to go for the cheapest travel dryer on the market, as well as safety issues there is a greater chance that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a poor construction.
- Ideal travel hair dryers should allow you to control both speed and temperature with low and high options; a slower speed with a lower temperature will reduce damage to your hair and faster hotter speeds can dry wet hair quickly.
- To work in Jamaica your hair dryer has to be dual voltage.
- Modern hair dryers might feature a cool shot button for rapidly cooling down the hair after drying to hold in a style but this feature is lacking in smaller or cheaper models.
- Try looking for a lightweight travel dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers with a folding handle mean more room for packing other items.
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle
What is a good folding travel hair dryer with cool shot for Jamaica?
- The Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and includes a cool shot setting which can will rapidly cool hair down to give a long lasting hold.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, uses a tourmaline ceramic air outlet for negative ions meaning quicker and safer drying, two heat settings, a longer 1.8m power cable and comes with a concentrator.
Both models fold, include an ALCI safety plug to prevent power overloads and has dual voltage making both ideal for visiting Jamaica in carry on luggage if used along with a power adapter for a Jamaican power outlet. [8] [8] [9] [AD]
What is a good hair dryer for thick or curly hair?
Thicker hair will take much longer to dry and might be difficult to dry without your hair going frizzy. The best option for this type of hair is an ionic blow 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 are suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair. [10] [11] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle
What is the best mini travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Jamaica?
- To dry thin or fine hair on the go the ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the best value mini ionic hairdryer available to buy.
- For a blow dryer which is lightweight enough to carry in a purse then a 10.5 ounce 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 normally reserved for larger dryers.
Both of these mini hair dryers have dual voltage when used in combination with a suitable plug adapter for a Jamaican power outlet they will work in Jamaica folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried around during the day for styling on the go. They have a 1.5m power cable, a two speed motor and include a concentrator. [12] [12] [13] [AD]
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser
What is the best travel hair dryer with a diffuser?
- The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m electric power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however lacks cool shot.
- A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a long 1.82 metre electric power cable for greater freedom when styling with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter for easy cleaning. It has a powerful 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it perfect for styling thicker hair.
Each ionic hair dryer includes both diffuser and concentrator attachments with powerful motors to make them the best travel hair dryers suitable for thick hair. Each hair dryer is lightweight and folds up to fit in a carry-on bag and will only require a cheap power adapter for Jamaica to fit into a Jamaican power outlet. [10] [11] [11] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
Which is the best travel hair dryer for Jamaica?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Jamaica | 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.
Jamaica power outlets and plug sockets
What is the mains voltage in Jamaica?
The residential voltage in Jamaica is 110 volts.
What is the electrical frequency used in Jamaica?
The frequency in a Jamaican power outlet is 50Hz. [14]
Type A and B power outlets
Which plug adapter will you need when using a hair dryer in Jamaica?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Jamaica, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:
- Plug Type A - You can recognise this power outlet by the two adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral.
- Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two thin slots next to each other where the plug socket blades sit with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 110 volt hair dryer in Jamaica is a Type B plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in Jamaica. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to bring a power converter. [4] [15] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
How should you change the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?
- Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch or dial which changes between two ranges of voltages however some models can automatically detect the voltage used in Jamaica.
- This switch or dial requires a small screwdriver or coin to set the dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
- Also it's worth noting down both switch positions because the painted numbers can sometimes rub off on some models of travel dryer.
Dual 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, handle or the base of your hair dryer. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair dryer and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically but other hair dryer models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.
- Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Jamaica then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Jamaican power outlet.
- Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 110 volts used in a Jamaican power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Jamaica.
- Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Jamaica or any other country if these numbers are shown.
How do you use your dual voltage hair dryer in Jamaica?
- Ensure that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer and that it will work with a 110 volt power outlet.
- If the dryer supports dual voltage then ensure it is switched to the 100-127v range. This is usually found on the base or handle of the hair dryer and may require a coin or screwdriver to switch.
- Plug the hair dryer into the power adapter for Jamaica, also plug in the power adapter into the Jamaican power outlet.
- The dryer can now be used in Jamaica.
- Expect travel hair dryer models which came from a country that operates with 220-240 volts to work slower when in a country which uses 100-127V electricity.
Travelling to Jamaica with a hair dryer
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Can you carry on a blow dryer to Jamaica?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Jamaica will allow blow dryers 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around blow dryers). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers 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. [16] [17] [18] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Do hotel rooms in Jamaica 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 in the bathroom, these could be of a slower air hose variety, or might be located in the bedroom cupboard, drawer or wardrobe. In budget hotels, hostels and motels a communal hair dryer could be offered at the reception but could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer availability you can either call ahead to the hotel in Jamaica or check on the booking web site to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hair dryers found in hotels are usable but typically rudimentary models with no diffuser and notorious for low heat and providing slower air speeds. For those worried about hygiene might want to remove any burnt hair from other guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.
Remember, if in doubt either telephone ahead to your hotel in Jamaica 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 Jamaica?
Bringing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing an existing hair dryer to Jamaica as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Jamaican power outlet (as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Jamaica). Travel hair dryers typically feature a folding handle and are much lighter, this will help reduce the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to packing a domestic hair dryer. Note that packing an expensive domestic hair dryer could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing an expensive specialised hair dryer in Jamaica could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip . [17] [AD]
Power converters for Jamaica
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Jamaica?
A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 110 volt Jamaican power outlet to work with a non-110 volt hair dryer, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Jamaica. [7] [AD]
Do I need a converter for Jamaica to use a hair dryer?
The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Jamaica. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own hair dryer, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing compared to a travel hair dryer. [7] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Jamaica using a type B power adapter
How to use a hair dryer in Jamaica using a Type B travel charger.
- Make sure that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting to use in Jamaica - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
- If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet used in Jamaica you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Jamaica by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 110 volt outlet.
- Insert the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the earth pin.
- Plug in the hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
- Switch on the Jamaican power outlet. The hair dryer is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Jamaica using a type A power adapter
A page showing how to use a hair dryer in Jamaica with a 2 pronged Type A power adapter.
- Please ensure that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Dual voltage hair dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure you have set it to the 110 volt setting to use in Jamaica - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
- Please check that you don't already own a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair dryer will work with a 110 volt power outlet). You will need to use a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Jamaica won't accomodate the plug shape of your hair dryer. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Jamaica by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 110 volt supply.
- Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. The power supply, technically called the Type A power outlet [5], can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades.
- After that plug in your hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
- Turn on the Jamaican power outlet.
- The hair dryer can now be powered on. [AD]
See also
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.
- Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Jamaica
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type B power outlet
- Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
- iec.ch - Type A power outlet
- Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
| 2 other devices in this category | |
| Connecting a Jamaican power outlet to: |
|