Using hair straighteners in American Samoa

American Samoan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in American Samoa?

First check your hair straighteners can work in American Samoa:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable 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 enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 120 volt American Samoan 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 American Samoa, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for American Samoa otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 120 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in American Samoa please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in American Samoa

Will my hair straighteners work in American Samoa?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 120 volt power outlets used in American Samoa. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 120 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in American Samoa. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the section on can you use a power converter with your domestic hair straighteners in American Samoa for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

American Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in American Samoa?

Power outlets in American Samoa are 120 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in an American Samoan power outlet?

The frequency in an American Samoan power outlet is 60Hz. [12]

Which power adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in American Samoa?

There are four types of power outlets used in American Samoa, these are type I, A, B and F with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the power outlet by the two adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the wall socket by the two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type F - The circular power outlet, technically called the type F power outlet or Schuko plug, can be identified by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify this plug outlet by the three thin slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using 120 volt hair straighteners in American Samoa is a Type I plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in American Samoa. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in American Samoa?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual 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 plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in American Samoa then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an American Samoan 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 120 volts used in an American Samoan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in American Samoa.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in American Samoa or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to American Samoa with hair straighteners

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to American Samoa will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). 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 provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to American Samoa?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to American Samoa as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with an American Samoan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for American Samoa. Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing or replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in American Samoa might be higher 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 shockproof and heat resistant 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.   [15] [17] [AD]

Power converters for American Samoa

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair straighteners in American Samoa?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in American Samoa. Travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might 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. [11] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for American Samoa?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for American Samoa?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in American Samoa, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 120 volt American Samoan power outlet to work with non-120 volt hair straighteners. [11] [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.    [15] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 American Samoa using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in American Samoa using a three pronged Type B power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in American Samoa - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in American Samoa you will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in American Samoa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type F power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in American Samoa with a 2 pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners make sure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in American Samoa - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in American Samoa isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners. The Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in American Samoa by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to plug the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. The sunken round plug supply (sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a pair of 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 American Samoan power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type I power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in American Samoa with a Type I travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 120 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in American Samoa doesn't take the plug shape of your hair straighteners. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in American Samoa 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 120 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the American Samoan power outlet. This plug supply, sometimes known as a Type I power outlet [7], can be identified by the 3 thin slots forming an upside-down triangular configuration with the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type I power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type A power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in American Samoa with a Type A travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet - 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 hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting to use in American Samoa - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your hair straighteners can work with a 120 volt power outlet). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [10] if the type of power outlet used in American Samoa doesn't take the plug shape of your hair straighteners. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in American Samoa 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 120 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the American Samoan power outlet. This plug supply, technically known as a Type A power outlet [9], can be recognised by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades go.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in American Samoa using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - American Samoan Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..