Using hair straighteners in Venezuela

Venezuelan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Venezuela?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Venezuela:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 120 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 straighteners will not fit.

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 120 volt Venezuelan power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Venezuela, so please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Venezuela otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [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 Venezuela please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Venezuela

Will my hair straighteners work in Venezuela?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 120 volt power outlets used in Venezuela. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 120 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Venezuela. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the section on will a voltage converter work with your domestic hair straighteners in Venezuela for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Venezuela power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Venezuela?

Power outlets in Venezuela are 120 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in a Venezuelan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Venezuelan power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Venezuela?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Venezuela?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Venezuela, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the wall socket by two adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the long grounded pin.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using 120 volt hair straighteners in Venezuela is a Type B power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Venezuela. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

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 will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Venezuela with hair straighteners

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Venezuela?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Venezuela as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Venezuelan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Venezuela. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Venezuela. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Venezuela could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage 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.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Venezuela?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Venezuela?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Venezuela will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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 avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Venezuela

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 120 volt Venezuelan power outlet to work with non-120 volt hair straighteners, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Venezuela. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in Venezuela. Travellers who want to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [16] [18] [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 Venezuela using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Venezuela using a three pronged Type B power 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 do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting to use in Venezuela - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Venezuela you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Venezuela 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. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Venezuelan power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Venezuela using a type B power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Venezuela with a Type A 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 not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in Venezuela, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. These instructions assume that you don't already own hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair straighteners will work with a 120 volt power outlet). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Venezuela. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Venezuela simply 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 outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type A power outlet [5]) is identified by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Venezuelan power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Venezuela. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Venezuela using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Venezuela 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 A power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. 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.
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..