Using hair straighteners in Nauru

Nauruan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Nauru?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Nauru:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not 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 240 volt Nauruan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Nauru, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Nauru otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 240 volts used in Nauru you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Nauru read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Nauru

Will my hair straighteners work in Nauru?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 240 volts used in Nauru. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your hair straighteners in Nauru. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Nauru power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Nauru?

The typical voltage used in Nauru is 240 volts.

What frequency is used in Nauru?

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

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Nauru?

Type I power outlet

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Nauru?

Type I power outlets are used in Nauru. This plug outlet (technically called a type I power outlet) can be recognised by the 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. A Type I power adapter will allow you to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Nauru - read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Nauru using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to change 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 240 volts used in Nauru then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Nauruan 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 240 volts used in a Nauruan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Nauru.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Nauru or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Nauru with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Nauru?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Nauruan power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Nauru.

Be aware that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Nauru. The cost of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Nauru could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a boot or sneaker 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 transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in carry on 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 recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Nauru 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 when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Nauru

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Nauruan power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Nauru. [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use my hair straighteners in Nauru?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Nauru. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing. [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 Nauru using a type I power adapter

A guide on how to power your hair straighteners in Nauru using a Type I power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Nauru you'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4]. This Type I plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Nauru by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type I plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three slots in a triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the base and the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nauruan power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners in Nauru. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Nauru using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nauru page on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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..